"Memorial Service For Dr. Walter Martin"
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Copyright 1993 by the Christian Research Institute.
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"Memorial Service For Dr. Walter Martin" (articles from the
Christian Research Newsletter, Volume 2: Number 4, 1989).
The editor of the Christian Research Newsletter is Ron
Rhodes.
-------------
*Walter R. Martin -- September 10, 1928 - June 26, 1989*
A Personal Message from Darlene Martin
_On the morning of June 26, 1989, Dr. Walter R.
Martin -- founder and president of the Christian
Research Institute -- died peacefully at his home in San
Juan Capistrano, California._
_A memorial service was held for Dr. Martin at
Capistrano Valley Church on Thursday evening, June 29.
The service featured tributary comments from family,
friends, and CRI personnel. It was a service that
honored Walter, yet also brought great glory to his
beloved Savior._
_A highlight of the service was when Darlene Martin,
Walter's wife, shared her thoughts with the
congregation. Her comforting words are recorded below._
On behalf of my family and myself, I want to thank you all so
much for being here at the home going celebration of Walter
Martin. I awakened early Monday morning to find he was not in
bed. I went to the next room to see if all was okay, and found
Walt on his knees there. My first thoughts were, "Can you say
'Amen' now and come back to bed?" But after gently touching him
on his shoulder and calling his name, I realized he was no longer
here, but in the presence of the Lord.
Walt was often up in the middle of the night. And I was many
times awakened to the sounds of his praying quietly or reading
the scriptures in the next room, or jotting down notes for a
sermon or a new book he would like to write. His love of the Lord
was everything to him. It was his life. There were no gray areas
when it came to the truths of the gospel, a stance which cost him
much by earthly standards. But he did not live by earthly
standards. His role model was Jesus Christ, and his constant
desire was to be more like Him and to do his Father's will.
God put him where He wanted him to be, and took him home in
His time. Walt had been in the battle for almost 40 years. He had
fought the good fight. He had run the course. And now is laid up
for him the crown of glory.
We shall all miss him greatly. But his rest is well earned.
He is praising the Lord now in His presence, and I am sure the
Lord has taken him by the hand and said, "Well done, thou good
and faithful servant."
We who are left will continue to struggle, to win the fight,
to run the course. God has set before us to endure until He comes
again, or calls us home. We must continue to build on the
foundation Walt has laid, never wavering from the truth of the
gospel, and never compromising for the sake of popularity or
position.
Walt was constantly aware and grateful for what the Lord had
done for him and the avenues of service the Lord had made
available to him. My prayer is that we would all be inspired by
this man's life and ministry, to earnestly contend for the faith
as he had so vigorously done all the years the Lord had given to
him.
God's richest blessings on each of you! May He give us
strength to fight the good fight. And -- as Walt had said so
often -- "I've got good news for you. I've read the end of the
book, and we win."
Thank you again for all your love and prayers that have made
it physically possible for me to endure. Thanks also to the many
people who have prepared food and sent cards and flowers. I
deeply appreciate it all.
Walt and I talked often about who would take over for him at
CRI if the Lord were to ever take him home. Since last October,
Walter asked Hank Hanegraaff to work with him and to be that man.
Little did we know that it would come this soon. But Hank is the
man that Walter wanted to lead CRI, and I am eternally grateful
for this man, for the uplifting that he has done for me in these
past few days. He is a godsend, and I am grateful for him and his
family.
I know that the Lord is going to bless CRI and that the
ministry is going to flourish under Hank's direction. I thank the
Lord for him and for CRI and for all the staff who are going to
carry on, even in the midst of Walt's absence. And I just praise
the Lord for it. Thank you again.
=============
*Remembering a Soldier of the Cross*
Excerpts From Dr. Walter Martin's Memorial Service
_Dr. Martin's memorial service opened with the following
words from the Reverend John Ankerberg._
Tonight is going to be a time where we can cry and we can
laugh, because that's the way Walter Martin would want it to be.
And I think we're going to do a little bit of each.
You're going to meet the family. You're going to hear from
some of his closest board-member friends, as well as other
friends that are here. We're so glad that you came.
I'm going to ask that we stand to our feet and begin by
giving this service to the Lord. Let's pray. "Our great God, it's
a privilege to think about the man that you allowed us to know as
a friend and as a minister. What joy he brought into our lives.
Many people are here tonight because he preached. He dared to
tell the truth about Jesus Christ and as a result, people came to
know Christ as personal Lord and Savior. We thank you for that.
And tonight, as we celebrate his home going -- as well as console
each other with the pain of his leaving us -- we ask that your
Holy Spirit would deal with each one of us tenderly. We look to
you for this service, our dear God. And we thank you in Jesus'
name. Amen."
_John Ankerberg_
Monday morning, about 8:30, my precious friend Darlene called
me and said, "Lowell, I guess you were the last to speak to
Walter." I'd talked to him the night before. And I thought, 'what
in the world could she possibly mean?' And then she said Walter's
gone to be with his Lord....
Walter had so much love for his fellow man that it's hard to
explain.... I often accompanied Walter to autograph parties for
some of the books he wrote. And he sometimes had cultists
verbally attack him when they were in close range. And I used to
stand there in amazement at his total patience. He never got the
least little bit aroused, but would stand there and listen
patiently....
This happened in Long Beach once. Walter put his arm around
this Mormon who was furious at what he'd been saying. He put his
arm around him and said, "Brother, let's talk about what the
Scriptures say." And after a little while, the man quieted down
and fifteen minutes later dear precious Walter said, "Sir, would
you like to pray and accept Christ?" The man said "yes," as quick
as that. And in front of 100 people there in the middle of a
bookstore -- Walter didn't care where it was -- he prayed, and
the man accepted Jesus as his Lord. I saw that happen so many
times, I can't even begin to enumerate it. Walter truly lived
what he preached.
_Lowell Jones_
Let everyone here tonight understand that what we have here
tonight is a military ceremony. And Walter, we're here tonight to
offer you our twenty-one gun salute. For truly, you've been a
great warrior for the faith. And I'd like to reminisce for a
little bit, Walt, and talk about things that happened long ago
when we first met back in the fall of 1944 when we were cast
together at the Stony Brook School in New York.
You came from a Roman Catholic school; I came from a
Christian Science background. And neither one of us knew what it
meant to be a Christian. We were a couple of young boys cast
together. What we didn't reckon with was that we were to be put
under the teaching of Dr. Frank Gaebelein, the headmaster of the
school, a giant of a man.
Well, Walt, it didn't take too long under Dr. Gaebelein's
teaching before the Holy Spirit zapped both of us. Within a week
of one another, we both came to commit our lives to Jesus
Christ....
I also remember how we talked into the night about our
different religious backgrounds. You talked about Roman Catholic
beliefs, and I told you a little about Christian Science. I
didn't buy any of it, but I told you what they believed. You were
very much interested in the beliefs of Christian Science at that
time, and I believe you began your research right there, by
taking these questions to Dr. Gaebelein. I think those early
discussions that we had got you interested in the cults, and you
went on from there to write your first book, _The Christian
Science Myth._ And from there, you've taken the attack right to
Satan's stronghold. And we all here tonight, Walt, want to thank
you. We praise God for your ministry.
Walter, my personal tribute to you tonight is best expressed
by what the Psalmist had to say about that man of God, that
_tree_ that could not be moved. The Psalmist said, "Blessed is
the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the
scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His
law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in
his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he
doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the
chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall
not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the
righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the
way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1)
_Bill Seaver_
Walter Martin was special: his gift of recall, his dedication
to the cause of Christ, and his love for the people engulfed in
the cults and occult. All this was evident during the twenty-five
years I have had the privilege to serve behind the scenes on the
CRI Board of Directors.
What a joy it has been to see the growth of CRI from the
early days in Oakland, New Jersey, to seeing Walter's dream of
the new International Headquarters building come to fruition this
past year. Most thrilling are the thousands of people now living
for Christ as a result of Walter's honest and bold defense of
scriptural truths.
The CRI staff is committed to continue the fervor and the
excitement that Walter had. Walter's vision for the ministry was
clear. He believed the most loving thing he could do for people
was to defend the faith, conveying the truth from God's Word
whether they liked it or not. His open arms and his teddy bear
loving hugs will always be remembered.
Even though Walter was constantly attacked by Satan in many
areas of his life, Christ protected him and gave him victory. And
that victory sign is now portrayed by two tree trunks in a
V-shape reaching up to heaven right beside his grave site.
Yes, Walter Martin will always have a place in our hearts and
minds. He remains very special as we continue to serve the Lord,
seeking to accomplish His will like Walter endeavored to do
through the years.
His challenge tonight to us -- to each one of us -- would be
that we would continue to study to show ourselves approved unto
God, workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word
of truth.
_Stanley Tonnesen_
CRI Board of Directors
I count it a privilege to have known Walter for 39 years. As
a matter of fact, just three of our directors -- Stan Tonnesen,
Bill Seaver, and myself -- have spent a cummulative total of 104
years with Walter. We knew his heart and the direction he wanted
this ministry to go. We are grateful for Walter's choice of Hank
Hanegraaff to lead the ministry through the decade of the 1990's
and beyond.
Walter and I have been at numerous CRI board meetings
together and we've shared heartaches, we've shared victories,
we've shared joy, we've shared sorrow. And we had a closeness
that I'll never forget.
The most important thing in my life right now is to be a
witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and carry on Walter's work.
Thank you all for coming.
_Everett Jacobsen_
CRI Board of Directors
Good evening everyone. For those of you who don't know me,
I'm the eldest son, Bryan. On behalf of my family, I want to
thank each and every one of you for coming tonight. I know that
my dad's life and ministry touched many of you. He was given a
commission by God to go and preach the gospel and often said his
role was to give every man an answer, a reason for the hope that
lies within us with reverence and humility (1 Peter 3:15).
We viewed our dad as a spiritual warrior who was sent by God
to fulfill the calling of the scripture. Dad loved all of us very
much, and each of the members of my family felt that love. But he
also had a love and a burden for those who needed to know Christ
as their Lord and Savior. His life was dedicated to this task.
Each of us here will remember dad and the example he set for us.
I know many of you are here tonight as a direct result of his
ministry; from helping you in how to witness to the cults, to how
to defend the gospel, to maybe even coming to know Christ through
his ministry. That was dad's greatest joy, to know that there
would be souls saved and be in heaven as a result of his sharing
the gospel.
He would often tell us stories of people who would come up to
him at meetings or in his Bible class and share something with
him about his tapes and books, and how his teaching had a
tremendous impact on their lives. He was so excited about sharing
these stories with us. What I remember most was how he told me
that all the praise and glory would go to Jesus. He did not want
to take the credit. It is the Holy Spirit who brings people into
salvation, and he always emphasized this to me.
I want to personally thank all of you for your prayers and
support, for all of our family. We all deeply appreciate it.
Please continue to uplift in prayer the family and CRI and the
continuing work that needs to be done. Dad fought the good fight,
and we know he is at peace where he longed to be. As Paul, "I
long to be with Christ which is far better." All of us will miss
him and all the love and encouragement he brought to us. But I
know dad would want all of us to press on for the cause of the
gospel.
_Bryan Martin_
Danny Martin, Dr. Martin's youngest son, read the following
poem at the memorial service. It is entitled, "Safely Home."
I am home in heaven, dear ones.
All so happy and all so bright.
There's perfect joy and beauty
in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief are over,
every restless tossing past.
I am now at peace forever,
safely home in heaven at last.
Did you wonder, I so calmly
trod the valley of the shade?
Oh but Jesus' love illumined
every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
on the way so hard to tread.
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so early,
for I love you dearly still.
Try to look beyond earth's shadows.
Pray to trust our Father's will.
There is work still waiting for you,
so you must not idle stand.
Do your work while life remaineth.
You shall rest in Jesus' hand.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home.
Oh the rapture of the meeting.
Oh the joy to see you come.
=============
*A Brief Chronology of Walter R. Martin's Ministry*
*September 10, 1928*
Walter R. Martin was born in Brooklyn, New York.
*1949*
Was already speaking about (and self-publishing some small
pamphlets on) the cults as a freshman at Shelton College.
*1951*
Was ordained as a Baptist minister.
*1952*
Obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shelton College in New
York.
*1953*
Published _Jehovah of the Watchtower,_ a concise analysis of the
Jehovah's Witnesses.
*1953-1954*
Taught at Shelton College in New York.
*1954-1956*
Public Relations and Alumni Director at Stony Brook School.
1955
Founded the Division of Cult Apologetics at the Zondervan
Publishing House.
Published _The Christian Science Myth._
Published _The Rise of the Cults,_ a summary guide to the major
cults.
*1956*
Obtained a Master's degree from New York University and Biblical
Seminary.
*1956-1957*
Dr. Martin and Donald Grey Barnhouse engaged in a formal
conference with several major representatives of the General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventism. The purpose of the meeting
was to gather doctrinal information on this controversial group.
*1957*
_Questions on Doctrine_ was published by the Adventist
denomination largely in response to questions raised by Dr.
Martin.
*1957-1960*
Walter Martin and Donald Grey Barnhouse wrote a number of
important articles on Seventh-day Adventism for _Eternity_
magazine.
*1958*
Part of the Pastor's Conference Team of World Vision Inc.
Traveled some 25,000 miles and spoke to over 5,000 Christians
about the problem of non-Christian cults on the mission field.
Tour stops included Formosa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand,
Burma, India, and Ghana.
*1960 (October 1)*
Founded Christian Research Institute. Served as its President for
almost thirty years.
*1960*
Published _The Truth about Seventh-day Adventism._
*1960-1965*
Taught at King's College in New York.
*1961*
Returned to Europe to lecture on the cults, and interviewed
missionaries whose work ranged from Scandinavia through Germany,
Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Holland, and France.
*1961-1962*
The _Religious Research Digest_ was published by the Christian
Research Institute. This quarterly publication featured such
writers as Wilbur M. Smith and Donald Grey Barnhouse.
*1962*
Published _Essential Christianity,_ a handbook of basic Christian
doctrines.
Published _The Maze of Mormonism,_ a concise guide to the
confusing maze of Mormon doctrine and practice.
*1964*
First began appearing on the "Long John Nebel Show." Appeared
over 80 times on this popular NBC radio broadcast.
*1965*
Recipient of the "_Professor of the Year_" Award from King's
College.
Published the classic _The Kingdom of the Cults._ This book was
selected by both _Christianity Today_ and _Eternity_ magazines
as "one of the best" of the year in 1965. It has since been
revised and expanded. The July 1985 edition of _Newsweek_
magazine listed the book as "one of the 10 best selling spiritual
books in America." Approximately 500,000 copies have been
published to date.
Radio ministry expanded with the addition of "The Bible Answer
Man" program, a live telephone talk show in which Walter Martin
answered questions about the Bible and related subjects. The
program was recognized by the National Religious Broadcasters as
"one of the most controversially stimulating programs in
Christian radio!"
*1966-1973*
Took over the Bible Class of Donald Grey Barnhouse, held every
Monday evening in New York City.
*1967*
Debated Dr. Hugh J. Schonfield, controversial author of _The
Passover Plot._
*1968-1979*
Founding board member at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
*1974*
Walter Martin moved from New Jersey to California where he
eventually set up CRI's International Headquarters.
Began teaching "Cults and the Occult" at Melodyland School of
Theology. His class at Melodyland evolved into a regular Sunday
school class in Southern California.
*1975*
Published _Screwtape Writes Again,_ a book on some effective
strategies demons use with Christians.
Began broadcasting "The Bible Answer Man" in Southern California.
*1976*
Obtained a Ph.D. degree from California Western University.
Led a tour to the Holy Land.
*1978*
Interviewed on national television (NBC) following the Jonestown
tragedy.
Founded FORWARD magazine. This magazine evolved to the present
CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL.
*1980*
Defended the orthodox Christian position on "The Phil Donahue
Show" against two witches.
Published _The New Cults,_ a book which examines and evaluates
the newer cults infiltrating society.
Became the Director of the MA program at Simon Greenleaf School
of Law.
An Honor Citation was given to CRI by the National Religious
Broadcasters for "The Bible Answer Man" program.
An Award of Excellence was presented to CRI for "The Bible Answer
Man" by RIM (Religion In Media).
Traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, and delivered lectures to African
clergymen on the dangers of cultic and occultic movements
threatening Africa.
Published _Walter Martin's Cults Reference Bible._
*1981*
Returned to Africa to speak at the National Christian Council of
Kenya, a gathering of several hundred leading pastors and
educators in Nairobi.
*1983*
Spoke in Brazil, the spiritist capital of the world, and
established a CRI office there.
*1984*
Visited and spoke on the cults in Australia and New Zealand.
Visited and spoke on the cults in Canada.
*1985*
CRI opened an office in Canada.
*1987 (October 30)*
Discussed Satanism on the 700 Club with Pat Robertson.
*1987*
_Secret Power,_ written by D. L. Moody and first published in
1881, was edited by Walter Martin and republished. Dr. Martin
wanted to republish the book because it showed that Moody
subscribed to the Charismatic emphasis on the need for the power
of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.
*1988*
CRI moved into its new International Headquarters building in
Irvine, California.
*1989*
Published his last book, _The New Age Cult,_ which examines and
evaluates some of the major tenets of the New Age movement.
*1989 (June 17)*
Delivered his last seminar at Arrowhead Springs Christian
Conference Center for a small Pastor's Conference where Dr.
Martin preached on holiness.
*1989 (June 24)*
Debate with Bishop Spong on "The John Ankerberg Show," the
weekend prior to his death.
*1989 (June 26)*
Walter R. Martin died peacefully at his home in San Juan
Capistrano, California. He was 60 years old.
=============
*Personal Tributes*
of Christian Leaders
Walter Martin's insightful mind, his forceful logic, and his
dedication to orthodox Christianity were seldom, if ever, equaled
in the field of contemporary cults....Inspired by his example,
we renew our dedication to carry on the mission God so uniquely
equipped him to do....I trust that God will richly bless and
effectively use the excellent CRI staff to carry forward this
ministry for Christ in the memory of their mentor.
_Dr. Norman Geisler_
Quest Ministries
I've known Walter Martin for probably twenty-five years or
so, and had a deep appreciation for his tremendous grasp of the
Word of God and the contribution he's made to the whole
evangelical community. Dr. Martin is going to be greatly missed
by friends and those who just knew him by reputation. Heaven, of
course, is much richer because Walter is there now. But all of
us who are left behind are going to miss him greatly. We mourn
his passing, but rejoice that he is now in the presence of the
Lord whom he served and loved so very, very much.
_Ted Engstrom_
President Emeritus of World Vision
Walter Martin awakened the sleeping giant of the church to
the deadly dangers of deceptive doctrines. He understood the
cultic mentality, highlighted reason for the cults' magnetic
appeals, and challenged the church to consider neglected
doctrine. As a result of his motivating ministry, the evangelical
church is immeasurably more alert, discerning, and courageous
than it otherwise would have been.
_Gordon Lewis_
Professor of Theology and Apologetics
Denver Seminary
Dr. Walter Martin was a man of surpassing love for Christ,
His Word, and His people. He ever manifested unswerving fidelity
to the essentials of the Christian faith. He showed a unique
courage and ability in witnessing to that faith, not only on "The
Bible Answer Man" program, but in the printed page and in
personal presentations all around the world.
We served together, laughed together, and prayed together.
I long for the day when the friendship here will be continued in
our Father's house where there are many mansions. Meanwhile,
though we who knew and loved him sorrow deeply, we sorrow not as
those who have no hope, for Christians never say good-bye for the
last time.
_Dr. Desmond Ford_
Good News Unlimited
Walter Martin was a strong soldier of the cross, a clear
thinking defender of Christianity, and an able expositor of
scripture. We shall miss his unswerving, steadfast pursuit of the
truth. He was to many of us, however, more than a courageous
conqueror -- he was a loyal friend "in season and out of season."
_Chuck Swindoll_
Senior Pastor
First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton
Walter Martin was an intrepid warrior for the cause of
Christ. He was not afraid to take on any heretic or cultist of
any sort. I think it is significant that the night before his
death he was engaged in a debate for the cause of Jesus
Christ....His books and tapes will for many years be a resource
in battling the many cultists and heretics in the world.
_Dr. D. James Kennedy_
Senior Pastor
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
Walter Martin was a friend of every true believer in Jesus
Christ. He was a defender of the faith, a man of unswerving
integrity, and a man who was completely loyal to the gospel of
Christ. My prayer is that scores of individuals will pick up his
torch and run with it.
_Harold Sala_
Guidelines
Walter was always motivated by a deep love for people. When
my son, who is thirteen years old, heard that Walter had died,
he said: "You know what I remember about Walter is that he would
always give me a big hug and tell me how special I was in Jesus
Christ."
Walter was also a true encourager. He took me under his wings
-- almost like a Timothy-Paul relationship -- and helped me in
my own ministry. I cannot thank him enough for his inspiration,
love, and encouragement.
How great it must be for Walter in heaven right now. He's
probably in the presence, not only of Jesus Christ, but I can see
him sitting around right now discussing apologetics with C.S.
Lewis, Francis Shaeffer, Augustine, Luther, John Calvin, and all
the other great defenders of the Christian faith. Walter Martin
will certainly be remembered throughout Church history in that
category of great saints who lead the fight and who stood firm
in the faith.
_Ron Carlson_
President
Christian Ministries International
A true champion of the orthodox faith, Dr. Martin was
thorough in battling the occult and the growing number of cults
in our generation. He dealt with people of various faiths in a
truthful manner, pointing out their logical and spiritual errors
with a pastor's heart.
In an era of diluted faith and obscured thinking, Dr. Martin
was a voice constantly calling us back to the bedrock of Christ
and the holiness of the scriptures. He will be sorely missed, but
we know we will see him again. May God give each of us the grace
to follow in his footsteps.
_Dr. James C. Dobson_
President
Focus on the Family
Whereas most people remember Walter Martin, I suppose, as a
result of his dynamic speaking and his books, I came to know him
as a fellow cult watchman, and I remember him best as one who
encouraged and supported his fellow cult watchers. He was always
very sensitive to the needs of other ministries. And he was
always ready and willing to assist the lesser-known ones.
He represented for all of us an exemplary model of
scholarship, fairness, and biblically-based analysis, and it was
a great privilege to have known him.
_Ron Enroth_
Professor of Sociology
Westmont College
Dr. Walter Martin served the body of Christ in a most unique
and exemplary way as one of the world's foremost authorities on
apologetics and cults. Though we shall miss him, his vital
contribution to the Christian cause will continue to influence
generations yet unborn.
_Dr. Bill Bright_
President
Campus Crusade for Christ International
=============
I SAW THE HOLY CITY, THE NEW JERUSALEM, COMING DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN
FROM GOD, PREPARED AS A BRIDE BEAUTIFULLY DRESSED FOR HER
HUSBAND. AND I HEARD A LOUD VOICE FROM THE THRONE SAYING, "NOW
THE DWELLING OF GOD IS WITH MEN, AND HE WILL LIVE WITH THEM. THEY
WILL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND GOD HIMSELF WILL BE WITH THEM AND BE
THEIR GOD. HE WILL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES. THERE WILL
BE NO MORE DEATH OR MOURNING OR CRYING OR PAIN, FOR THE OLD ORDER
OF THINGS HAS PASSED AWAY."
REVELATION 21:1-4
What was the central truth of the early apostles' preaching?
What was the stimulus to the miraculous growth of the early
church? What was the energizing force which spread the gospel
across the face of the earth? The answer to all these questions
is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. "He is risen!" was the
victorious cry of the early Christians, and they spread it to the
ends of the earth.
Unless we accept what the Scriptures teach about the
Resurrection, the entire Christian message virtually
disintegrates. The whole preaching thrust of the apostolic age
was based upon the fact that one quiet morning in an obscure
garden man had vanquished his most feared enemy, the vaunted dark
angel of death. Satan had defeated the first Adam in a garden
ages before, and with his victory there commenced the reign of
sin and death over mankind. But now in God's appointed time and
plan Satan met the last Adam in still another garden, and death
was "swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54).
Walter R. Martin
_Essential Christianity,_ page 63
Our Lord's Resurrection is far more than just a doctrinal
proposition. It is the basic pillar upon which rests the hope of
all Christians. Paul wrote, "And if Christ be not raised, your
faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Walter R. Martin
_Essential Christianity,_ page 68
The resurrection of Christ is not just an Easter-time
phenomena to be celebrated in song and service, but the
resurrection is literally the dawn of every new day of our lives
and of our witness. Because Christ lives, the Scripture says, we
will live also.
Walter R. Martin
From his tape, "The Gospel of the Resurrection"
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End of document, CRN0010A.TXT (original CRI file name),
"Memorial Service For Dr. Walter Martin"
release A, August 25, 1993
R. Poll, CRI
(A special note of thanks to Bob and Pat Hunter for their help
in the preparation of this ASCII file for BBS circulation.)
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End of file.
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