We today are at the terminal period of the dispensation of grace. The hand of the clock is pointing at the midnight hour. Now is the darkest of the night. Soon, following the gloomiest hour, the day shall dawn. Meanwhile, the Church rushes swiftly towards apostasy, moving farther away from the power of darkness is unleashed; its evil influence is as damaging in the Church as in the world. The cross of Christ is the sole light that enlightens the current darkness. It is therefore time for the Church to go back to the cross, to the firm foundation of God. There, sins are cleansed and self is delivered. There, the redemptive facts of God are revealed for us to believe and enter in. There, the power of resurrection is experientially known so that the Church may once again be the true witness of Christ on earth. It is time for God's children to seek for higher life and service, time to review the past and rededicate themselves for the days ahead. At the closing of this age, the activities of Satan are intensified. How greatly are the children of God being attacked, oppressed and especially deceived. Now is the time for the saints to rise up and exercise the victory of the cross to resist and counterattack the Enemy. How fierce is the battle. Can the saints overcome without being fully armed? Saints of God, arise, stand on the victory of Calvary, and proclaim the victory of Christ. Your King is coming, and the days of the Enemy are numbered. This present volume is a compilation of various writings and addresses given by Watchman Nee in the early days of his ministry. The passage of time, however, only increases the urgency of these messages which are as relevant today, perhaps even more so, than at the time of their first delivery. Would that God's children might return to the cross and be true followers of Christ crucified. May the Church of God be re-awakened to her calling as the light in the world, holding forth the word of life. May she stand in the victory of Christ and bring back the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"
Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.
The cross signifies the death of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. A believer in Christ has accepted that Jesus died in his/her place.
In ‘Back to the Cross,’ Watchman Nee points out the difference between salvation from the penalty of sin and from the power of sin. He explains that while temptation comes from the outside, sin comes from the inside and we need saving, not only from the penalty of sin but from our own ‘self.’
The author says that the ‘old self’ inherited from Adam is ‘corrupted beyond repair or transformation. It cannot be remade or redeemed. God’s way of dealing with the old man is to put it to death.’ Cue in the death of Jesus on the cross. But ‘the blood of Jesus Christ washes away sins, not washes the old man.’
Mr Nee explains that the Bible is clear that Jesus’ death on the cross includes the death of the old man for everyone who accepts Jesus’ sacrifice. Such a person must reckon this death by faith. That is the only way to live above self.
However, if one is not watchful, the old man ‘will renew its activities and resume its office. The cross of Jesus makes victory over sin possible, but it is the Holy Spirit that substantiates this in the life of the believer.
The author further explains that the old self is intrinsically incapable of any good and should remain crucified. That is the basis of living a blameless life and serving God.
Every Christian that wants to live right with God and bear fruits in serving God should read this excellent book!