What’s different about McKinlay is what each one of us can say about ourselves: he has a very specific testimony, one peculiar to him and something no one can deny.

McKinlay began his pursuit of God by taking an unlikely path — by studying Freemasonry, a much misunderstood and often derided fraternal organization with its roots dating as far back as the late medieval times in Scotland.

Exploring Freemasonry

Yes, Freemasonry has been criticized for its supposed relationship with occultism, mysticism and as some would say, satanism. In reality, this fraternal organization is based upon following a moral code, using biblically-derived symbols and allegories to frame its beliefs. Godly values are taught, but God is missing from the equation.

For McKinlay, his brief stint as a Mason revealed to him that there was something more than a moral code to live by and that what was obscured could only be revealed by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Later, McKinlay abandons freemasonry for what he and the Bible calls, “…a still more excellent way.”

“From Mason to Minister” is McKinlay’s book (Nordskog Publishing | 2011), a story which carries the subtitle “Through the Lattice.” The subtitle is from Song of Solomon 2:9 which reads, “My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he is standing behind our wall, He is looking through the windows, He is peering through the lattice.” That’s how McKinlay understood his journey to faith in Christ — God has always been watching him.

Scottish Narrative

McKinlay’s narrative is one-part personal testimony and another part Scottish anecdote. We learn so much about his personal likes and desires including his love of nature, his poetic gifting as well as his desire to follow Christ, and eventually his ordination as a minister in the Presbyterian Church of Australia.

What is most important about McKinlay’s chronology is that he shows that God is so very much interested in the person and that our “life story” is the means by which God draws us to Him no matter where we’re at. The seeking heart will always find God and there isn’t a place we can go or be where He won’t come searching for us.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7-10)

This should encourage each of us — God knows those who are His and will provide a way for us to find Him. McKinlay, a Calvanist, may also believe that he could not resist the call of salvation.  In his book, he made no mention of TULIP, the five points of Calvinism, particularly the fourth point — Irresistible Grace. What is apparent is that McKinlay was being prepared for many years to have an encounter with Jesus Christ and when God fully revealed Himself to him, he surrendered all.

Golden Age

One area of personal belief espoused by McKinlay may surprise the reader, and that is a belief held by some in the body of Christ: that before Jesus returns, there will be worldwide peace. In his “Reconciliation” section (pp. 170-173), Mc Kinlay says, “I believe in a future Golden Age before the Lord’s return — an age of peace and harmony among the nations.”

McKinlay doesn’t believe that this Golden Age will mean that everyone on earth will be a follower of Jesus Christ, but he does believe that the earth will one day be fully Christianized and that this period will take place before Jesus sets up His kingdom.

I have two problems with this thinking and they are:

1. Such a belief dismisses the possibility that Jesus can and will return at any time. With this thinking, the supposed “Golden Age” would have to take place first, and then the Lord will appear. Personally, I believe that the Lord will come at any time, although I believe that any delay is for the benefit of those who still don’t know Him. The age of peace will come, but only during a one thousand year reign of Christ following His return.

2. The Bible clearly says that in the last days that some will depart from the faith and “…follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:11) This verse seems to indicate a general falling away, not some age of peace.

No, I’m NOT suggesting that McKinlay is deceived and I won’t insist that he is wrong, especially when it pertains to his relationship with Jesus Christ. Every one of us sees through the mirror dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12) and beyond the essentials of our faith (doctrine), some of our beliefs may diverge. I can accept that and believe that McKinlay’s narrative is interesting and can be of benefit to the reader regardless of my personal thinking or understanding.

Resources

Neil Cullan McKinlay: Demystifying the Gospel

Neil Cullan McKinlay: Snow Off the Ben

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