I confess that I avoid books that promise to reveal a “secret” about Christian life.  I’m afraid of them — afraid of being deceived — because I don’t read anything in the Bible that speaks of a “secret” to Christian life that is only revealed to an inner circle with special enlightenment.  In New Testament times this was called gnosticism and those who followed this path wandered off in many different paths of enlightenment that really led to darkness and confusion.

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein” (Isaiah 35:8).

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25).

Someone once said that Christianity has not been tried and found wanting: it has been found difficult and therefore not tried.  Solomon wrote: “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).  In other words we have a tendency to detour from the simplicity of the way that God has planned for us and invent a “secret” way that promises enlightenment and happiness, but avoids the cross.

The cross is central to Christian life.  We must flee evil, especially the evil within us, and the cross is the only way to do that.  “And he [Jesus] said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).  This is not a secret, but it means abandoning pride, carnal ambitions, self-righteousness and honour-seeking.  But the result is love, joy, peace and all the other good things promised to those who believe, obey and trust God.

“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11).

It is no secret what God can do.
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.
It is no secret what God can do.

© Stuart Hamblin, 1951