We conclude this brief biography with the following and enduring quotations by J. Gresham Machen.
“Modern culture is a mighty force. It is either subservient to the gospel or else it is the deadliest enemy of the gospel” ~ John Gresham Machen
“Again, men tell us that our preaching should be positive and not negative, that we can preach the truth without attacking error. But if we follow that advice we shall have to close our Bible and desert its teachings. The New Testament is a polemic book almost from beginning to end … It is when men have felt compelled to take a stand against error that they have risen to the really great heights in the celebration of the truth” ~ John Gresham Machen
“Let us not fear the opposition of men; every great movement in the Church from Paul down to modern times has been criticized on the ground that it promoted scensoriousness and intolerance and disputing. Of course the gospel of Christ, in a world of sin and doubt will cause disputing; and if does not cause disputing and arrouse bitter opposition, that is a fairly sure sign that it is not being faithfully proclaimed.” ~ John Gresham Machen
“Place the lives of children in their formative years, despite the convictions of their parents, under the intimate control of experts appointed by the state, force them to attend schools where the higher aspirations of humanity are crushed out, and where the mind is filled with the materialism of the day, and it is difficult to see how even the remnants of liberty can subsist.” ~ John Gresham Machen
“Christianity is not engrossed by this transitory world, but measures all things by the thought of eternity.” ~ John Gresham Machen
“A Christian boy or girl can learn mathematics, for example, from a teacher who is not a Christian; and truth is truth however learned. But while truth is truth however learned, the bearing of truth, the meaning of truth, the purpose of truth, even in the sphere of mathematics, seem entirely different to the Christian from that which they seem to the non-Christian; and that is why a truly Christian education is possible only when Christian conviction underlies not a part but all, of the curriculum of the school.” ~ John Gresham Machen
“Christ died”–that is history; “Christ died for our sins”–that is doctrine. Without these two elements, joined in an absolutely indissoluble union, there is no Christianity.” ~ John Gresham Machen
If you’re interested in knowing more about J. Gresham Machen, I recommend you access the following books and resources.
- Monergism.com. This is a wonderful resource for Reformed Theology and contains numerous articles and sermons by Machen. Also available are several eBooks that are a free download.
- What is Faith? Machen addresses one of the most fundamental questions about the Christian gospel. In his graceful style he expounds the biblical teaching on faith.
- The Virgin Birth of Christ. Machen’s magnum opus.
- The Origin of Paul’s Religion. Machen’s lectures that are presented in this book were given at a time when Biblical criticism that rejected supernaturalism, Bible inspiration, and Biblical historicity.
- The Person of Jesus. Transcripts from radio messages Machen gave on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 