Daily Companion  |  19 April

THE DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY 

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!  - 1 Corinthians 9:16 (NKJV)

A 40 year old man had just been miraculously healed on a sabbath. Seeing the growing attention and popularity drawn by Christ name, the constituted religious council in Jerusalem met on the action of Peter and John. “They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them... “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20). Against the warning by the authority, the apostle upheld the doctrine of necessity. 

The doctrine of necessity is the basis for making things that are considered unlawful to be made lawful through exigencies. Doctrine of necessity upholds what is morally right as against what the law forbids or does not expressly specify. For instance, it was forbidden in Israel by the law to work on the sabbath. But our Lord Jesus Christ invoked the doctrine of necessity to heal a man on a sabbath and allow the hungry disciples to pluck corn to eat (Matthew). The doctrine of necessity in the gospel is fueled by passion for soul. Paul said, “The love of Christ constraineth us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14).  Souls are perishing and being destroyed under our civil extant law. The law will not save souls from hell, only Christ will. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). 

Beloved, with the growing civic hostility to the gospel but increasing doom on souls of men, necessity is hereby laid on us to declare liberty to the captives. There will be more need to invoke the doctrine of necessity as true Christians. Let us not be comfortable as souls perish but like Jeremiah, let God’s word be in our “heart as a burning fire shut up in our bones” (Jeremiah 20:9) ready to lighten up the dark world. In workplace, schools and public places, there may be need to introduce Christ to someone or pray for them in order to save them even if it is against ‘the policy’. However, we must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on anything or anyone but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as not to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel. But above all, when it comes to saving lives from the pit of hell or the brim of death, the doctrine of necessity may need be invoked to prioritize above all else.

Today’s Recite:  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29). 

Today’s Morning Prayers: Oh Lord I Thank You for Your challenging word to me this morning. I pray for more passion for souls. Help me, motivated by doctrine of necessity, rescue the perishing sinners. Grant the boldness and grace to be a winner of souls.

Today’s Hymn: Rescue the Perishing

Today’s ReadMe:  2 Kings 13 - 16