Taken from the Introduction by Amanda Martin

You are holding a piece of history—a book written more than sixty years ago by a man who had a passion to see justice done in the world, and particularly in the United States of America. At that time, many white Christians promoted the separation of the races and tried to defend it as compatible with Christian ethics. Interracial marriage was viewed as a sin. For some, even the casual or friendly association of Black and white people was suspect. A grievous embrace of worldly racial ideology made this book necessary, and Rev. C. Herbert Oliver, with bold commitment to biblical truth, rose to meet that need. He did more than write. In 1959, the year this book was originally published, he moved from Maine back to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, to participate as an activist in the civil rights movement.

Is there need for this book today? We believe that there is. Rev. Oliver’s reliance on the Word of God fills his writing with enduring wisdom as he speaks of the complex nature of humankind. He writes as one of God’s champions of truth, graciously and firmly, and so we can learn from both his message and the way in which he conveys it.

The need for this book, however, goes deeper than this. When truths about human beings are exchanged for lies, the damage is profound. Worldly racial ideologies remain with us to this day, often in new forms. As the world and the church continue to grapple with racism and related issues, we would do well to listen to the insights of a man who took up the fight in decades past. We are grateful to Rev. Oliver for his bold commitment to this cause.

We are also grateful to Mr. Charles H. Craig, who in the 1950s helped to promote a message so controversial in its day. Mr. Craig had headed Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company for only two years when he published No Flesh Shall Glory. He had an interest in social causes—having formerly been involved with Big Brothers of New York City—and a desire to promote biblical understanding on a wide range of issues.

Rev. Oliver writes as a graduate of Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary and as a pastor in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church—in a style both pastoral and academic. Thus, although No Flesh Shall Glory has some technical elements, it is broadly accessible. We have made very few changes to the text. His 1964 paper “The Church and Social Change” has immediate application for discussions today and is a good starting point for those getting acquainted with his work. We are delighted to be able to include it in this volume as well.

No Flesh Shall Glory: $14.99 $11.25

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1. Money is the root of all evil. It is the love of money that which is the root of every kind of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Sadly, people have violated every commandment of God because of money love. Paul identifies greed as idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Money (and sex) are like fire which can be a powerful force for good when in its proper place, and can be exceedingly destructive when misused. Money can be very good as we use it to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), help those in need (Proverbs 19:17), and support faithful Christian ministry (Philippians 4:10). Elevating money to be your god will lead to ruin.

2. Ministry is the highest calling for Christians. On a few occasions I have had wealthy friends tell me that they were considering quitting their high paying jobs in order to go into ministry. While that is a noble desire and may well be the right thing for them to do, I encourage them to consider the possibility that they may be able to do more for the kingdom of God by using their exceptional God-given ability to create wealth and thus support the ministries of others. Jesus, was supported by wealthy women whose help was integral to his work (Luke 8:3). I dedicated my recent book, Money, Debt and Finances – Critical Questions and Answers, to the men and women whose generous giving has enabled me to labor full time in the ministry of God’s Word for over thirty years. The reformers recovered the truth that the gospel redeems every form of legitimate work by which every Christian can labor to the glory of God (Ephesians 6:6-8).

3. The early church practiced communism. Many have misunderstood the experience of the early church in sharing their material possessions with those in need (Acts 2:44-45) as a form of communism. Their generosity, however, was not under compulsion as in communism (and socialism), but was voluntary. When Peter admonished Ananias for withholding proceeds from the sale of his land, he affirmed that Ananias had every right to keep the land and the money. Ananias’ great sin was lying. “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control… You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4). Scripture through the eighth commandment (against stealing) affirms the right of private property (Exodus 20:15). God’s Word also affirms that there will be inequality for several reasons including the fact that some will work harder or will be more skilled and should enjoy the fruits of their labors (Proverbs 10:4 22:29). Those who have more will have the privilege of being good stewards of the wealth which God gives them (1 Timothy 6:17-19). 

4. The financial principles in the Bible were primarily suited for the pre-modern world. Some wrongfully assume that because Scripture was written thousands of years ago that it wouldn’t have much to say to a world with cryptocurrencies, complex worldwide banking systems, fiat money, sophisticated investment products, etc. God’s Word speaks wisely and comprehensively to modern financial matters. The truth of Scripture is timeless (Isaiah 40:8) and equips us for every good work, including money matters (2 Timothy 3:17). The Bible helps us to understand how to wisely acquire money, spend money, avoid debt, and prepare for the future. Those who arrogantly ignore godly wisdom usually suffer the consequences (Galatians 6:7). Most importantly, God’s Word helps us to have a proper attitude toward our finances (Matthew 6:19-24).

5. Those who trust God don’t need to worry about planning for their financial future. Some wrongly claim that Christian believers don’t need to save for the future or to purchase insurance. Actually, God’s Word encourages us to plan for our future financial responsibilities (Proverbs 21:5). It is wise to be prepared for likely future expenses — which I believe would include retirement and major purchases. It also is wise to be prepared for possible catastrophic events – which I believe justifies the purchase of insurance (Proverbs 27:12). Building savings and purchasing insurance can be a way of showing love to others so that you will not be dependent upon them in your old age or in desperate need in case of major medical expenses.

Conclusion: Jesus made what many would regard as the worst financial mistake. Proverbs teaches that it is very foolish to make yourself liable for the debts of others (Proverbs 22:26-27). Yet that is exactly what Jesus did for us as he willingly became surety for the debt of our sin. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Praise God that he not only paid off our infinite debt, but also makes us rich with His perfect righteousness.

Money, Debt, and Finances: Critical Questions and Answers: $19.99 $15.00

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