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WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
February 05, 2012
Number 75
≈
The Great Commission
The Limited Commission
Mat. 10:5-6: “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying,
Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans
enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
In the foregoing Jesus circumscribed the preaching of the apostles. They
were not allowed to preach to the Gentiles nor to the Samaritans. They
were commanded to preach to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel”
only. For this reason, this is called “the Limited Commission.”
After his resurrection Jesus gave what is called “the Great Commission,”
the World-Wide Commission, the Last Commission to proclaim the Gospel
to the whole world.
The Great Commission
Mat. 28:19-20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Mark 16:15-16: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Luke 24:46-49: “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved
Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that
repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in
the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
From these three records of the Great Commission, it is learned that the
following items are mentioned:
(1) Preaching;
(2) Believing;
(3) Repentance;
(4) Baptism;
(5) Salvation (the forgiveness of sins).
There has been much disputing as to the orders in which these items
should come: i.e., do people “believe” before they “repent,” or does “repentance”
come before “faith?” Does salvation come before baptism, or
must one be baptized to be saved?
With all the disputing about the order in which the acts must come, there
is agreement that the Commission mentioned Preaching, Repentance,
Baptism, and Salvation (the forgiveness of sins).
The Great Commission Was Executed
The apostles began work under this commission on the first Pentecost
after the resurrection of Christ. They were guided by the Holy Spirit in
their work. The history of their preaching and the obedience rendered to
their preaching is recorded in the book of Acts. The record as found in
this book will certainly give us the Divine interpretation of the Great
Commission. Notice the conversions mentioned in the following passages,
just what occurred, and you will find that it is in perfect harmony
with the Commission. Also, it will be learned in what order the items
mentioned came.
Acts 2:14-38: (1) Preaching, (2) Repentance, (3) Baptism, (4) Remission of Sins.
Acts 8:5-12: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 8:26-38: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 10 and Acts 11: (1) Preaching, (2) Repentance, (3) Baptism.
Acts 16:14-15: (1) Preaching, (2) Baptism.
Acts 16:25-33: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 18:8: (1) Hearing, (2) Believed, (3) Baptism.
Acts 19:1-5: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 22:12-16: (1) Preaching, (2) Baptism, (3) Wash Away Sins.
– Adapted from C.R. Nichol’s Pocket Bible Encyclopedia
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 29, 2012
Number 74
≈
The Holy Spirit and Revelation
A. Introductory remarks.
1. We are concerned in this study with the role of the Holy Spirit
in the revelation of the Word of God. We will consider
how the Word came in both the Old and New Testaments!
2. 2 Peter 1:20-21.
B. [Inspiration of God.]
1. All Scripture came from God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). theopneustos
– “inspired of God.” Thayer. Literally, “God breathed.”
2. God spake and men copied God’s Word (Heb. 1:1).
3. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (ASV) (This is inspiration’s own explanation
of how revelation came about.)
C. God spake in times past by the prophets.
1. The prophets were borne or moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet.
1:21). “Moved” “To be converted or borne, of persons
borne in a ship over the sea (Acts 27:17) to be moved
inwardly, prompted.” “The word literally means to pick
up or bear along to a goal of the bearer’s own choosing.”
2. God’s standard of a true prophet (Deu. 18:18-19) – “I will put
MY WORDS in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them
all that I shall command him.” God was the originator of
the Words which He would speak through His servants,
the prophets.
3. A scriptural definition of the word prophet.
a. Exodus 7:1 – Aaron is called the prophet of Moses.
b. Exodus 4:16 – Aaron is called the spokesman and
mouth of Moses.
c. We conclude: A prophet is God’s mouth or spokesman.
One who spoke as God directed.
4. The prophet was a FORETELLER and a FORTHTELLER.
a. Foreteller – Tell of things to happen in the future.
b. Forthteller – A preacher or herald. One who speaks.
Primary mission was a forthteller. A preacher or spokesman
for God.
5. The Spirit of Christ was in the prophets as they spoke (1 Pet.
1:10-12).
a. They claimed God spake what they delivered.
(1) David (2 Sam. 23:1-2).
(2) Isaiah (Isa. 1:1-2).
(3) Jeremiah (Jer. 10:1-2).
(4) Ezekiel (Eze. 1:3).
b. A most important message (Zec. 7:12).
D. God speaks now through His Son (Heb. 1:1-3).
1. Jesus is the revelation of the Father.
2. He revealed the Father (John 1:1-3, 14, 18).
3. He is the very image of His substance (Heb. 1:3).
4. “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:6-11).
E. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus from the Father. He gave the completed
revelation.
1. He was sent by Jesus to guide the apostles (John 14:16-17).
a. Not speak of Himself (John 16:13).
b. He glorified Jesus (John 16:14-15). His out-pouring on
Pentecost proved Jesus was glorified and seated
on David’s throne (Acts 2:33-35).
2. The work of the Holy Spirit.
a. Teach you all things (John 14:26).
b. Bring to remembrance all things (John 14:26).
c. Guide in all truth (John 16:12-14).
d. Declare things to come (John 16:13).
e. Bear witness of Christ (John 15:26-27).
f. Convict the world of sin (John 16:8-11).
F. The apostles were given the Words of the Spirit.
1. The Holy Spirit combined spiritual things with spiritual words
and taught them to the apostles (1 Cor. 2:9-13; v. 10 –
“God…revealed…us [apostles]… Spirit.”
2. Paul received the Gospel by revelation (Gal. 1:11-12).
3. That which is revealed is plain enough to be understood by
those who read (Eph. 3:1-7).
G. Concluding remarks.
1. The Bible is verbally inspired. It is perfect and complete (Jam.
1:25; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
2. It has been delivered (Jude 3) once, for all time.
3. ITS MESSAGE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED (Heb. 2:3-4).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 22, 2012
Number 73
≈
A Valuable Basic Outline Of The Bible Part 2
V. AND FOUR SUB-DIVISIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
There are the 4 books commonly called “the gospel” – Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John, written to convince. There is the book
of Acts, written to convert men to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There
are the 21 epistles (Romans through Jude) written to confirm. And,
there is the Revelation, written to console.
VI. AND WITH FIFTEEN NATURAL PERIODS
1. The ante-diluvian, from the creation to the flood.
2. The post-diluvian, from the flood to the call of Abram, l921 B.C.
3. The patriarchal, from the call of Abram (l921 B.C.) to
the descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt (1706 B.C.).
4. The Egyptian period, from the descent into Egypt (1706
B.C.) to the crossing of the Red Sea (the Exodus, 1491 B.C.).
5. The period of Wandering, from the crossing of the Red
Sea to the crossing of the Jordan River (in 1451 B.C.).
6. The period of Conquest, from the crossing of the Jordan
to the appointment of the first Judge (1431 B.C.).
7. The period of the Judges, from the appointment of the
first Judge to the establishment of the Kingdom (in l095 B.C.).
8. The period of the United Kingdom, from the establishment
of the Kingdom (1095 B.C.) to the division of
the Kingdom (in 975 B.C.).
9. The Divided Kingdom, from the division of the Kingdom
(975 B.C.) to the fall of Samaria (in 722 B.C.)
10. The period of Judah Alone, from the fall of Samaria
(722 B.C.) to the fall of Jerusalem (in 586 B.C.).
11. The period of the Captivity, from the fall of Jerusalem
(in 586 B.C.) to the decree of Cyrus the Great (in
536 B.C.). [The captivity proper began in 606 B.C.
with the first carrying away, notice the “seventy
years of Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer. 29:10; Dan. 9:2). – Editor]
12. The period of Restoration, from the decree of Cyrus (in
536 B.C.) to the end of Nehemiah’s great career (in 432 B.C.).
13. The period Between the Testaments, from the end of
Nehemiah’s career (432 B.C.) to the coming of John
the Baptizer (A.D. 26).
14. The Period of the Christ, from the coming of John the
Baptizer, to Pentecost of Acts 2.
15. The Period of the Church, from Pentecost of Acts 2 to
the close of the Revelation (perhaps A.D. 96).
This is the great basic outline of the Bible, upon which is
fastened every person and every event dealt in the Bible. How important
it is for us to know this outline!
We have sought to emphasize (as a basic tool in our studying
and learning and living and teaching the Bible) : that the Bible
is one book, made up of two major divisions, and three dispensations,
with four subdivisions in the Old Testament, and four subdivisions
in the New Testament, and with fifteen distinct, natural divisions
or periods. This we submit as a “Skeleton Outline of the Bible.”
– Roy Deaver, “How Effective Proper Bible Study Promotes
And Prevents Change” in Changes In The Church Of Christ,
Bellview Church of Christ, 1994, pg. 53-56.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 15, 2012
Number 72
≈
A Valuable Basic Outline Of The Bible Part 1
Numerous are the passages which emphasize our obligation
(and privilege) to be diligent students of the word of God (2 Tim.
2:15; Mat. 7:7; John 7:17; Acts 17:11; Psa. 1).
One of the most powerful tools you can possibly have in effective
study is a good overall picture of the entire Bible. It is essential
that you have in mind – as a vital part of your mental equipment
– this outline of the Bible.
I. THE BIBLE IS ONE BOOK
It is made up of many books: 39 books in the Old Testament;
27 books in the New Testament; thus, 66 books total. Hence,
a situation to which the Latin phrase e pluribus unum is definitely
appropriate.
It is one in purpose – as God, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit
are one; and as husband and wife are one. The Bible is not a textbook
in history, science, geography, ethnology, psychology,
physiology, sociology, etc. It is the textbook in religion. Its theme
is redemption; its purpose is the glory of God and the salvation of
men, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
II. WHICH HAS TWO MAJOR DIVISIONS
These are: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The
Old Testament is made up of the books of Genesis through Malachi.
It was written for our learning, our exhortation, our warning
(Rom. 15:4). It was (is) type, shadow, copy, and figure.
The New Testament is made up of the books of Matthew through the Revelation. It is clearly distinguished from the Old
Testament (as is emphasized in such passages as Matthew 26:28;
Hebrews 9:16-17; 8:8-13. It is anti-type, substance, original, and real.
III. AND THREE DISPENSATIONS
The Bible sets before us three different and distinct systems
of religion. In discussing these, we generally use the term dispensations.
These dispensations are: Patriarchy—embracing all the
events and all the persons from Adam to the giving of the Law of
Moses (and, as I firmly believe, continuing on for the Gentile all
the way to the conversion of Cornelius); Judaism – embracing all
the events and all the persons from the giving of the law (at Sinai)
to Pentecost of Acts 2 (it ended legally at the Cross, but its benefits
would continue, for those under it, to Pentecost); and Christianity
– embracing all the events and persons from Pentecost to the Judgment
to come. We live in the time of this third system, and there
will not be a number four system.
IV. WITH FOUR SUB-DIVISIONS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
There are the 5 books of law (Genesis through Deuteronomy);
the 12 books of history (Joshua thorough Nehemiah, understanding
that Esther needs to be studied at the end of Ezra 6); 5
books of poetry (Job through the Song of Solomon); and prophecy.
The prophecy books are divided into: the 5 books of the major
prophets (Isaiah through Daniel), and the 12 books of the minor
prophets (Hosea through Malachi).
– Roy Deaver, “How Effective Proper Bible Study Promotes
And Prevents Change” in Changes In The Church Of Christ,
Bellview Church of Christ, 1994, pg. 54-56.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 08, 2012
Number 71
≈
Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?
Correctly answering this question means the difference
between an eternity in Heaven or an eternity in Hell. One’s
salvation hangs in the balance. Therefore, one cannot be undecided
about this issue. Some in this world say that baptism is not
necessary for salvation, others say that it is altogether necessary.
The rules of logic demand that one side or the other be correct and
not both, that rule being the law of excluded middle. This rule
states that every precisely stated proposition is either true or false.
Any middle ground is excluded, there is no maybe. So, the
question as to whether baptism is necessary for salvation or not can
be precisely answered. And it is to that answer, that this article
shall be devoted.
First of all the word baptize needs to be defined. The Greek
root word “βαπτίζω” or “baptizō” can be defined in the following
way: “1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels
sunk) 2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make
clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe 3) to overwhelm.” The
above definition is from Thayer’s Greek lexicon as found on the
computer program E-sword. Lexicons and dictionaries only give
the usage or usages of a word. The context where a word is found
reveals its intended meaning. In order that the Biblical meaning of
baptize/baptism (particularly as it refers to salvation) can be found,
the Scriptures must be consulted. “Know ye not, that so many of us
as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like
as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been
planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also
in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man
is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that
henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:3-6). Paul relates
baptism to a burial, the burial of the Lord after His crucifixion.
Jesus said that His burial would be in the “heart of the earth”(Mat.
12:40). The Gospel accounts confirm that Jesus was buried (Mat.
27:59-60). Paul’s comparison must fit, therefore, the only way that
can happen is that baptism is an immersion; because, it is factual
that all of Jesus’ body was laid in the tomb. If baptism is not
immersion then it must logically follow that not all of the Lord’s
body was put into the tomb. One may categorically say that
baptism is not sprinkling or pouring, but rather an immersing or
burial in water.
Now that baptism has been defined, the question as to
whether it is necessary for salvation shall be answered. “He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Jesus gave this command just
prior to His ascension to Heaven. He was giving the conditions that
every accountable person must meet in order to be saved. Within
this statement by the Lord the word “and” is very important. “And”
is a coordinating conjunction. “Coordinating conjunctions join
words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank.” Chapman’s
handbook of grammar gives the above definition, therefore, one
may correctly conclude that believing and being baptized are equal
in the Lord’s statement. Both are equally necessary for salvation.
Peter made the following statement concerning baptism, “The like
figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good
conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1
Peter 3:21). One should answer the question of what is “saving
us.” It is certainly baptism. Peter is illustrating the likeness of
Noah and his family being saved by the Flood and the salvation
which comes through being immersed or baptized in water.
The foregoing passages of Scripture are plainly given statements.
If one will accept these for what they are, then the message
is certain. Salvation depends on baptism. Walking in newness of
life depends on baptism. The crucifixion of your old sinful way of
life depends on baptism. Can one be saved without baptism? No.
Therefore baptism is necessary for salvation. – John, Dalton Defender, 2008.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 01, 2012
Number 70
≈
What is the Real Tragedy?
I was in a gospel meeting. On Tuesday morning, immediately
preceding the morning service, one of the elders made an announcement
that copies of brother Ira Rice’s paper – Contending For The Faith –
were available in the vestibule of the building, and encouraged all
present to get a copy and to study it carefully. On the previous night I had
made reference to the fact that there were some among us who seemed
determined to try to destroy the church.
There were two young people present who immediately got
copies of the paper, read it, and asked to talk with the local preacher. The
preacher talked with them at length and asked me to plan to talk with
them the next day. The preacher and I met with them in the preacher’s
office, and talked with them for two hours.
These young people were definitely and vehemently opposed to
the exposé of two persons highly esteemed by young people in the
church. It was evident that their feelings for the two men discussed were
very deep. They repeatedly stressed that brother Rice had no right to
print such material, and that all such was contrary to the spirit of
Christianity. They insisted that Christian “love” would preclude the
printing of such material. They even sought to explain the motives of
brother Rice in printing this material.
I proceeded to point out that in making their attack upon brother
Rice, that they were doing the same thing as that for which they were
condemning him.
I sought also to emphasize that brother Rice did not write on the
“spur of the moment,” but that these things had been going on for years –
that brother Rice had been concerned about these matters for many years,
had dealt with these brethren directly, and knew whereof he spake. I
stressed to these young people that they did not have the background
information and did not know of all that has taken place over a period of
many years.
I carefully and purposely turned the conversation to some other
(but related) matters. We talked about Christian “love.” They thought of
love as being some sort of a cover-all blanket which causes the Christian
to accept (this is their word) anything and everything, to overlook faults
and imperfections (“nobody is perfect”), and to refrain from pointing out
errors in others. They insisted that – because of love – the Lord
“accepted” the adulterous woman.
I tried to help them understand Biblical love, and the fact that it
was because of love (for the two men under consideration, and
especially, for the church) that brother Rice had written in the first place.
They had some questions about inspiration. I had preached on
inspiration the night before, and had stressed that the original words were
words selected by the Holy Spirit. The young man didn’t seem to be
willing to accept this. He stated that he did not agree with what I had
said, but that he didn’t mean that he “disagreed.” He was very vague, and
seemed to lean to the “thought” idea of inspiration.
We talked about the church. Several statements led me to
conclude that they were using the word “church” in a sense foreign to the
Bible. He was critical of our talking about the “Church of Christ.” I
asked him: “Is this (the local congregation) a church of Christ?” He was
real indefinite and evasive for a time, but finally admitted that “it might
be.” I asked him about the Baptist church down the road: “Is it a church
of Christ?” He allowed that it might be. It developed that he was thinking
of the “Church of Christ” as consisting of all the saved in all the
denominations and religions of the world.
We talked about salvation. We discussed what God required of
one in order for that one to be saved. On this point they were equally
uncertain and indefinite.
When these involved themselves in difficulties and
contradictions, and when these were pointed out, the repeated cry was:
“We’re just not communicating.”
These young people requested to talk with me again the next day.
They evidenced a better attitude, but it was the same song. They wanted
me to read a sermon on love. I explained again that love doesn’t keep one
from opposing the wrong and pointing out sin and marking the sinner –
that, rather, it compels it. They were concerned about our “legalism” and
our “phariseeism” in the church.
Near the close of the first session with these young people, the
young man referred to the “tragedy” of a publication like Contending
For The Faith, and “tragedy” of criticizing the men discussed in the paper.
Whereupon I emphasized to them: “The real tragedy is that you
have been in a Christian College for three years and haven’t learned the
meaning of love, the church, inspiration, or salvation.”
– Roy Deaver, (deceased), Defender, June, 1973.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 25, 2011
Number 69
≈
Does the Bible Authorize Christmas to be Celebrated as a Religious Holiday?
Paul commanded that all things must be done by the authority of
God, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17). To
do something in the name of the Lord is to act by His authority. When
one is commanded to, “Stop in the name of the law,” he is commanded to
stop his activities based upon the authority of the law. Therefore, all
things that all men do must be authorized by God. That is, men must do
only that which God’s Word authorizes him to do and men must not take
it upon themselves to do those things which God’s Word does not authorize.
Bible authorization is the key to answering the above question.
As it has already been established that all things must be done by God’s
authority, one must regulate his actions regarding Christmas as a religious
holiday based upon the sanction of God’s Word.
To begin, one should understand how God’s Word authorizes.
The Bible authorizes by: direct statements, implication, and accounts of
action. Mark sixteen furnishes an example of both direct statements and
implication, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). This command was directed
to the eleven apostles (Mark 16:14; Judas was dead and Matthias had not
yet been selected to replace Judas). The command to preach the Gospel
was a direct command and explicitly stated. Implication must be used to
determine if any man now living is also commanded to preach the Gospel
(to all the world). Since no man now living is explicitly addressed by
any passage in the Bible, if the Bible commands anything of any man
now living it must be by implication. Since only the one true Gospel of
the Christ can save men (Gal. 1:6-9), and the Christ is the one and only
mediator between man and God (1 Tim. 2:5), and the Christ’s mediatorial
work is ever abiding (Heb. 7:25-28); all men for all time (that is up to the time of the Judgment) must obey the Gospel to be saved. If all men in all
times – after the Cross and until the Judgment – must obey the Gospel;
the Gospel must be preached in all places until the Judgment. Therefore,
all men now living are to preach the Gospel unto all the world.
An account of action, concerning preaching the Gospel, can be
found in Acts 18: 24-28. A certain Jew named Apollos (living and acting
after the institution of the Great Commission – Mark 16:15-16; et al.)
was preaching the baptism of John which was in force only until the
Cross (Acts 19:1-5). Apollos was obligated to preach the preaching of the
Great Commission, therefore, he was taught “the way of God more perfectly.”
Since Apollos was required to preach only the preaching of the
Great Commission he was required (by the Law of God) to cease preaching
the baptism of John. Thus, Acts 18:24-28 involves an account of action
which is prohibited by God’s Word concerning all living in the
Christian age. (It should be noted that accounts of action recorded by the
explicit statements of the Bible can be either positive or negative in authorization.)
Returning to the subject of Christmas, there are no direct statements
that authorize the institution of a celebrated memorial of the
Lord’s birth. Further, there are no passages which authorize, by implication
or account of action, a celebrated memorial of the Lord’s birth.
There is, however, authorization to observe a memorial of the Lord’s death.
Jesus directly commanded that the Lord’s Supper be observed in
memory of His death, “…This is my body which is given for you: this do
in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Accounts of (approved) action
are recorded in Acts: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine
and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (2:42),
and, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together
to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the
morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (20:7). By implication
one may deduce that this is to be a memorial observed weekly by the
church in all places in all times from Pentecost until the Lord returns
(Acts 2; 20:1-7; 1 Corinthians 11:20-34).
Notice now how the New Testament writers have remembered
the birth of the Lord: “…God sent forth his Son, made of a woman…”
(Gal. 4:4); “…our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according
to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3); “And the Word was made flesh…” (John 1:14);
and “…but a body hast thou prepared me” (Heb. 10:5). Each writer
simply shows how the birth of the Christ was a fulfillment of Old Testament
prophecies and/or part of the scheme of redemption and eternal
purpose of God (Eph. 3:11; the same could be said about the details of
Jesus’ birth found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke). They did not institute a
celebrated memorial of Jesus’ birth, but recognized it as a necessary plan
of God to reconcile men unto Himself – so also must men today.
No passage of Scripture authorizes any man to establish a memorial
of the birth of Jesus, therefore, Christmas must not be celebrated
as a religious holiday.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 18, 2011
Number 68
≈
Is It Enough Just To Be A Good Person? (Part 2)
Paul, was once righteous in his own eyes (this was before
he became a Christian), “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who
hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into
the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and
injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief”
and “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of
whom I am chief” (1 Tim. 1:12-13, 15). What had Paul done to become
“chief of sinners?” He had persecuted the church, “And Saul,
yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of
the Lord, went unto the high priest…And he fell to the earth, and
heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou
me” (Acts 9:1, 4). Had Paul thought himself righteous all the time
he was persecuting the church? Yes. Paul declared before the Jewish
council, “…Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience
before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Paul thought of
himself as a good man while he was persecuting the church, but
this glory was only in his own eyes – the God of Heaven declared
that Paul was yet a sinner (Acts 9:6, 22:10-16).
As Paul had considered himself to be righteous so had
others of the Jews, “And the Pharisees also, who were covetous,
heard all these things: and they derided him. And he [Jesus, Ed.]
said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men;
but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed
among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:14-15).
Those who cried “Lord, Lord;” the Jews who tried to
establish their own righteousness or “goodness;” and even Paul who
considered himself righteous [and no doubt considered so by
his peers (Gal. 1:14)] all fell short of God’s standard of “good.”
Those who cried “Lord, Lord” defined “good” as – acting
according to their own law of righteousness. The Pharisees defined
“good” as – following the traditions of the fathers (Mark 7:1-13).
Paul once defined “good” as – persecuting the church. When one is
not “good” according to God’s definition of “good” he cannot and
will not obtain to Heaven.
Finally there is Cornelius. Cornelius was a Gentile military
commander over 100 soldiers. He was, “A devout man, and one
that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the
people, and prayed to God always”…“a just man, and one that
feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews
…” (Acts 10:2, 22). Cornelius was a Gentile living faithfully under
the Law of Patriarchy (this law began with Adam, ended for the
Jews at Sinai, and continued to the Cross for the Gentiles); but yet
he was required, by God, to do more. Why? Because Cornelius
was living on “this side” of the Cross; thus, he was amenable to the
Law of Christ and required to obey the Gospel (2 The. 1:7-9).
“Goodness” was not enough – obedience was required, complete
obedience. An abundance of godly works and piety is truly
commendable, but until one humbles himself and obediently
comes to God on His terms one cannot be saved no matter how
“good” he may be.
One may say, “Well, he doesn’t lie, cheat, or steal. He
doesn’t smoke, drink or do drugs. He is kind to all. He is faithful to
his wife and provides for his family. He obeys the law. He does all
these good things!” Does this mean he is saved? The Scriptures
say, No. The Bible does teach that all these are good things [Eph.
4:28; Rom. 12:17; 1 Cor. 4:2 (good stewards of our bodies); Gal.
6:10; Eph. 5:25, 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:8; Rom. 13:1-2]; but the Bible also
teaches that salvation is only in the Christ (1 Tim. 2:10) one gets
into the Christ through baptism (Gal. 3:26-27) and that the saved
are in the one church which belongs to the Christ (Acts 2:47; Mat.
16:18). In short, one must obey the Gospel to be saved.
One must conclude that to be “good” in one’s own eyes, the
eyes of family or friends, or even the eyes of peers or religious
comrades will ultimately avail nothing. One simply must be obedient
to God’s Word to be good in the eyes of the Lord and find
Heaven after a while (Psa. 34:11-22). – John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 11, 2011
Number 67
≈
Is It Enough Just To Be A Good Person? (Part 1)
The question above is certainly a provocative one. A question
this author hopes will make each person who reads it consider what God,
and not society, demands that men be and do to have eternal life in Heaven.
The world often says, “…but he is such a good person” or, “…he
is such a good person – if any one will make to Heaven it must be him.”
What do men mean when they say, “…he is such a good person”?
One encounters a grave difficulty and fatal error when one attempts to
answer this question. Wherein lies the difficulty and the error? The problem
lies in the statement’s subjectivity. When “good” is divorced from
the context and connotation given it by God’s Word, its meaning is determined
by the opinion of the person using the term.
In contrast, Jesus said this about the term “good,” “And he said
unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is,
God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (Mat.
19:17). By these words, Jesus taught – among other things – that goodness
is an attribute of God. Every attribute which God possesses is standardized
in perfection in Him (Mat. 5:48); therefore, God is the standard of goodness.
Can any man rightly be called “good?” Yes. “For he was a good
man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added
unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24). About whom was this said? This was said
about Barnabas, “…and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far
as Antioch” (Acts 11:22). Why was he rightly called “good?” He was a
faithful servant of God, “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of
God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they
would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy
Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts
11:23-24). Being a faithful servant is to be Christ-like, “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my
Father’s business” (Luke 2:49; cf. John 4:34, 6:38, 9:4). A faithful servant
of God obeys all that God has set before him to do, “And he that sent me
is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things
that please him” (John 8:29).
Can one be a good man and please God and be ready for Heaven
by obeying some of God’s commands? No. Jesus said, “Not every one
that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Mat. 7:21).
Those who had cried, “Lord, Lord,” said, “…have we not prophesied in
thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
many wonderful works” (Mat. 7:22). Are these not the works of God?
Yes. Jesus commanded the twelve (apostles) to do those very things;
when they were sent forth in Israel (before the giving of the Great
Commission, Mat. 28:18-20), “And as ye go, preach, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the
dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Mat. 10:7-8).
They preached of things yet to come (prophesying); they cast out devils;
and they healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, and raised the dead (all
wonderful works). This they did in the name of Jesus, or by His
authority, “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them,
saying…” (Mat. 10:5). The difference between those who hopelessly
cried, “Lord, Lord,” and the twelve was that the latter had not become a
law unto themselves as had the former. The former were righteous in
their own eyes and the twelve were righteous in the eyes of the Lord.
Paul spoke of some who were righteous in their own eyes,
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they
might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but
not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s
righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have
not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the
end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom. 10:1-
4). Self-righteousness could not save the Jews who held to the Law of
Moses after the Cross and neither can it save those today who believe
they can serve God according to their own rules.
Establishing a standard of “good” apart from the standard God
has supplied is wearisome treachery to God, “Ye have wearied the LORD
with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye
say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he
delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment” (Mal. 2:17). This
treachery is hated by God (Mal. 2:15-16)! – John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 04, 2011
Number 66
≈
The Most Basic Requirement
It can certainly be helpful to reduce any situation to its most basic
components. Such endeavor affords one focus and concentration upon
the most vital and urgent requirements and allows clarity of recognition
which might otherwise be elusive.
The magnitude of the situation determines the value of the reductive
efforts. The greatest value is assigned to that which has the
greatest importance.
What is of more value to a man than his soul? And what is of
more value to the soul than salvation? Notice Jesus’ words, “For what is
a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Mat. 16:26). The
highest priority of every man is his soul’s salvation. Therefore, knowing
the most basic requirement for salvation is every man’s greatest need.
The foundational source of salvation (its chief cornerstone being
the Christ; Eph. 2:20) is the Word of God. Paul wrote, “For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation
to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”
(Rom. 1:16). Also, notice the words of James, “Wherefore lay apart all
filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Notice
once again the apostle Paul, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation
hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11; all emphasis, JR).
From the three passages of Scripture given above, one may deduce
that: 1) the Gospel is God’s power to save men; 2) one must receive
the Gospel (that is, believe God’s Word and obey It, 2 The. 1:7-9) in order
to be saved; and 3) all men – everywhere – must obey the Gospel to
be saved.
Therefore, one would understand that there are two principle
parts involved in the salvation of souls – the Gospel and the man: specifically the heart of man that enables him to believe the Word and produces the willingness to obey It.
The Gospel is complete and has been laid before mankind to
either accept and obey or reject and disobey (Jude 3). The Word of God
is the constant in the above salvation equation. The variables are the
hearts of men. This fundamental fact is the subject of the parable of the
soils (Luke 8:4-15).
This parable describes four types of soils or hearts – 1) the wayside
soil represents the heart that hears the Word but rejects It; 2) the
rocky soil, that had no depth, represents the heart that hears the Word, accepts
It eagerly, but has no inner fortitude or substance and soon falls
back into sin; 3) the thorny soil represents the heart that hears the Word
and accepts It, but becomes entangled in worldly pleasures and withers in
atrophy; finally, 4) the good soil represents the heart that receives and
obeys the Gospel and grows and brings forth much good by faithful service
to God.
The key verse of the parable is: “Now the parable is this: The
seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). As each soil came into contact
with the seed it reacted a certain way to the seed. So it is with every heart
that hears the Word of God: that heart reacts to the Word with either acceptance
and loving obedience, or disbelief and hateful disobedience.
It is simply a fact, that every time any man hears the Word of
God, he reacts to it by accepting It or rejecting It. The way of salvation
begins with the decision each person makes regarding the Word of God.
The first step – through the strait gate and along the narrow path that
leads to eternal life or through the wide gate and along the broad path
that leads to eternal condemnation – is made by the decision one makes
in his heart about God’s Word.
Therefore, the the most basic requirement – but not the only requirement
– to be saved is a heart that receives, “with meekness the engrafted
word, which is able to save your souls.” – John
[Note: It must be understood that just because something is a basic
requirement to achieve a particular goal does not exclude other requirements
also being necessary. A believing heart, that has heard the
saving Gospel, is but one prerequisite to salvation. One must also: repent
of past sins (Acts 17:30); confess their faith in the Christ (Acts 8:37); and
be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). However, without a believing
heart, no man can perform any of the other necessary acts of salvation.]
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 20, 2011
Number 64
≈
Marriage – Why Study It? Part 2
Another thing that is happening in this country is that of allowing
other institutions to take over the functions of the home. The church
should do all of the teaching it can do, but it is still the function of the
home – not of the church – to rear children. God has given parents the job
of raising the children. God expects parents to bring up their children in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4). When two people
fall in love, get married, and bring children into the world – as they certainly
should do – then they have automatically brought upon
themselves a tremendous responsibility, a responsibility for which God
Himself shall hold them accountable (2 Cor. 5:10)…
Again, I suggest that marriage should be studied because so
many couples fail to go to the right source for information on how to
form, and build or continue their marriage. Many times couples planning
to marry go to uninformed people, people who claim to know – but do
not. Sometimes they go to magazines, or to newspapers. They use the
lives of people. Sometimes they draw their conclusions about marriage
from what they see in the movies. They use the lives of people whose
lives are rotten to the core. Young people, old people, let us hearken
ourselves back to the sacred will of Almighty God as the source of information
as to how to form and how to build our marriages. In our nation
today one out of every three marriages ends in divorce. Now this is
not as bad as it appears on the surface. It is terrible, but only one out of
every 14 women in this nation has been divorced and remarried. This indicates
that many of these divorces are occurring among those who have
already been divorced and remarried [as of 1962; Ed.]. This should serve
as a warning: when a person divorces once, he is likely to do so again
and again. We need to come back to the sacred scriptures to find the answer
to this problem: Who is eligible to be married? And to this problem:
after we are married, how should we live with one another? We must realize what was involved in the commitment we made when we said “I
do promise to do thus and so.” We must realize that it is not a temporary
arrangement to fit the whims and fancies of people who have never
grown up, but that it is a serious and solemn covenant made in the sight of God.
We need to study this subject because: there are such distorted
views as to how to choose a companion. Today, Hollywood seems to be
setting the standards for our nation to such an extent that our boys and
girls confuse mere physical attraction with being truly in love. If one
“loves” another only for the purpose of gaining purely selfish goals, this
is not the love which should motivate one to be married. Unselfish love
is the love that should develop and grow down through the years of every
married couple (1 Cor. 13). Some people marry for social advantage.
Others marry for financial advantage. There is a great need today for
people to go back to the Bible and study what it has to say about choosing
a companion and what it says about how husbands and wives should
live with one another.
Again, I suggest that we need to study this subject because: our
spiritual development depends upon it. The Apostle Peter taught that husbands
should dwell with their wives according to knowledge to the end
that their prayers be not hindered (1 Pet. 3:7). I am certain that one of
the greatest hindrances to spiritual development would be a marriage that
isn’t working out as God would have it work out. Can you picture a man
or woman whose companion is constantly criticizing, disgruntled, unhappy,
full of self pity, mistrust, jealousy and envy trying to develop
spiritually in that kind of atmosphere? It is possible, but highly improbable.
It is clear that Peter taught that the way we live with one another as
husband and wife has a great deal to do with the way we develop spiritually.
It has a great deal to do with how closely we can walk with God.
Young people, although I will say a lot more about it later in this series,
may I emphasize to you this morning that your choice of a life’s companion
may be the choice of a destiny. It will likely be the choice of a happy
life or an unhappy life here in this world. It may be the choice of an
eternity – whether you will spend it with God in heaven, or in hell prepared
for the devil and his angels.
This subject is important. It is worthy of most serious consideration
not only by these youngsters who are looking forward to being married,
not only by young people who have not been married very long, but
by those of us who have been married a long time. Some who are older
need help with their marriage. They are not happy in their marriage, and
they ought to be. God shows us how to be. I believe the Bible teaches
that they can be. I believe the Bible gives the answer as to how our marriage
can be an instrument to bring us happiness and joy, how it can be a
profound experience which is beyond adequate description, how it can
help us not only to be closer to one another but how it can help to draw
us closer to God. God intends for marriage to do that very thing. He intends
for us to learn in this relationship more of His love for us and of
our relationship to Him (Eph. 5:22-23).
– Thomas B. Warren. Marriage Is For Those Who Love God –
And One Another. Ramer, TN : National Christian Press, 1962. PDF file.
25-26, 30-32.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 06, 2011
Number 62
≈
The Attributes of God (Part 3)
The Moral Attributes
The Righteousness and Justice of God.
1. In one sense these are manifestations of the holiness of God.
2. Righteousness is that attribute which leads God to always do right.
3. Justice, as an attribute of God, is devoid of all passion; it is vindicative not vindictive.
4. Scriptural teaching.
A. Psa. 116:5
B. Ezra 9:15 (righteous in the punishment of Israel)
C. Psa. 145:17
5. The revelation of the righteousness and justness of God.
A. In punishment of the wicked.
a. Psa. 11:4-7
b. Exo. 9:23-27
c. Rev. 16:5-6
B. In forgiving the sins of the penitent.
a. 1 John 1:9
b. Heb. 5:8-9
C. In keeping His word and promise to His children.
D. In showing Himself to be the vindicator of His
people from their enemies (Psa. 129:1-4).
E. In rewarding the righteous.
a. Heb. 6:10
b. 2 Tim. 4:8
The Mercy and Loving-kindness of God.
1. We are here speaking of the kindness, goodness, compassion, and love of God.
2. Mercy, more specifically, is often connected with guilt; it is
the attribute of God which leads Him to seek the welfare of sinners, even
though it cost great sacrifice on His part (cf. Eph. 2:4; Rom. 5:8).
3. Loving-kindness is that attribute of God which leads Him to
bestow upon His obedient children His constant blessings (Rom. 8:32).
4. Scriptural teaching.
A. Psa. 103:8
B. Deu. 4:31
C. Psa. 86:15
D. Luke 15:11-32
5. The manifesting of the mercy and loving-kindness of God (cf.,
Rom. 9:18; Psa. 86:5).
A. Mercy towards sinners.
a. Mat. 5:45
b. 2 Peter 3:9 (cf. Isa. 55:7)
B. Loving-kindness towards saints.
a. Psa. 32:10
b. Phi. 2:27
The Love of God.
1. Christianity is really the only religion that sets forth the
Supreme Being as love. The gods of the heathen are angry, hateful
beings, constantly in need of appeasement.
2. Scriptural teaching.
A. 1 John 4:8-16.
B. John 3:16.
3. The objects of God’s love.
A. Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son (Mat. 3:17).
The Christ is “My Chosen.” “The one in whom my soul
delighteth.” “My beloved Son.”
B. Believers in His Son (John 16:27; 14:21-23).
C. The world of sinners (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).
4. How the love of God reveals itself.
A. By making infinite sacrifice for the salvation of men
(1 John 4:9-10).
B. By bestowing full pardon on the obedient (Isa. 38:17;
Isa. 1:18; Rev. 1:5; Heb. 5:8-9).
C. By remembering His children in all the varying
circumstances of life (Isa. 49:15; 63:9; 1 Peter 3:12).
– Adapted from: William S. Cline. Studies In Christian Doctrine
And Practical Christian Living. 1977. 110-112.
Passages to Ponder
“Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church
which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as
far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was
glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave
unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of
faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:22-24).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 16, 2011
Number 59
≈
Is it sinful for members of the church of Christ to
fellowship denominations?
Our society is saturated with the idea that one is alright, so far as
his salvation is concerned, as long he is religious. Any religious affiliation
is acceptable. It is thought that there are many roads to Heaven, and
simply being spiritual or religious is enough to put one on his or her way
to eternal life. Therefore, all believers in Jesus are united as brethren: in
their eyes, that is!
The Bible does not teach the above false doctrine: namely, all believers
in Jesus are united as brethren. The Bible teaches that faithful
members of the Lord’s church are in fellowship one with another and
with the Lord.
In order to appropriately answer the opening question: “is it sinful
for members of the church of Christ to fellowship denominations,”
the terms used in said question should be defined. First John chapter
three defines sin as the transgression of the Law of God, “Whosoever
committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of
the law,” (1 John 3:4). To transgress the law of God is to violate His
rules. His rules are contained in His Holy Word, therefore, sin is not
keeping the commands found in the Gospel of Christ. The person who is
a breaker of God’s commandments is a sinful person.
Who are members of the church of Christ? Please note these
verses from the pen of the apostle Paul, “So we, being many, are one
body in Christ, and every one members one of another,” (Rom.12:5) and,
“But now are they many members, yet but one body…Now ye are the
body of Christ, and members in particular, (1 Cor. 12:20, 27). These
verses plainly state that every “member” is a member of one body: the
body of Christ. The body of Christ is the church, “And hath put all things
under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all,” (Eph. 1:22-23).
To be in the body of Christ one must be in the church and to be in
the church one must be numbered with the saved, “Praising God, and
having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved,” (Acts 2:47). In order to be saved, one must
obey the commands of the Lord, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned,”
(Mark 16:15-16).
The next term to understand is fellowship. The word fellowship
is used in the following verse, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness, but rather reprove them,” (Eph. 5:11). The word
fellowship here indicates, a participation in or a partnership with, something
else. The fellowship of the things of darkness is condemned by God.
The last term is denomination. A denomination is a group or
party of individuals that differ from another in practice and belief. The
word “sect” describes correctly the use of the word denomination. Please
note these verses, “Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were
with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,”
and “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees
which believed, saying,
That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command
them to keep the law of Moses,” finally, “Which knew me
from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect
of our religion I lived a Pharisee,” (Acts 5:17, 15:5, 26:5). The Pharisees
and the Sadducees were both groups of Jews who had devised their own
religious practices and were not worshiping or living according to the
commandments of God (Matt. 15:1-3). That, dear reader, is exactly what
those in the denominational bodies are doing.
Now to put together what has been learned so far. The question
that is being asked is: is it a transgression of God’s Law to, participate in,
or have partnership with, any religious body that has devised its own
practices and beliefs? The answer is a very obvious, Yes!
Please notice again the verse from Ephesians, “And have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them,”
(Eph. 5:11). What are these “works of darkness?” Consider what is being
said in this chapter. These works of darkness are the works of the children
of disobedience (v.6). The opposite of darkness is light and the
Christ is that Light (v.14). Therefore, we are commanded not to fellowship
anything that is contrary to the Gospel of Christ. The denominational
practices are in opposition to the Gospel. The answer to our question is
still, Yes. – John
Passages to Ponder
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that
which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the
hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto
the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind
one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s
sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:29-32).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 27, 2011
Number 65
≈
Almost all Protestant denominations teach that the alien
sinner is saved (becomes a child of God) at the point of faith in Jesus
Christ before and without any further act(s) of obedience. The
Bible makes clear that this is false doctrine. It can be seen to be
false, for a number of reasons.
1. It is false because Jesus said, “…Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”
(John 3:5). This means that no one can enter into the kingdom of
God without being baptized in the name of Christ (cf. Acts 2:38;
Rom. 6:3-5; Mark 16:15-16; et al.) If one is “baptized” (undergoes
some religious acts involving water) without understanding that
being baptized in the name of Christ is an act of faith which is essential
to salvation, then he is not saved, because he has obeyed a
mere human doctrine and not the doctrine of Christ. But one must
obey Christ in order to be saved (Heb. 5:8-9; Mat. 7:21-23).
2. It is false because it affirms (by implication) that the alien
sinner is saved (becomes a child of God) by a dead faith. Yet
James 2:24-26 teaches that faith without works is dead. Since
whatever is dead is powerless, inoperative, unable to accomplish
anything, then obviously no one can be saved by faith only (a dead
faith). One is saved only when – because of living faith – as penitent
believer in Jesus Christ, he is baptized in the name (by the authority
of) Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).
3. It s false because it affirms that one can be saved without
doing the will of God. Yet, Jesus said, “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he
that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Mat. 7:21).
One is not saved merely by (1) being religious, (2) being sincere in
religion or by (3) crying out, “Lord, Lord.” While all of the above
matters are necessary, they are not sufficient.
One is saved either (1) before he is baptized or (2) when he
is baptized or (3) after he is baptized. These are the only possibilities.
The truth of the matter is: one is saved when (as a penitent believer)
he is baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal. 3:26-27; et al.)
The other two possibilities are false.
So, no matter how religious, how sincere, how zealous, and
so on a person may be, if he has not been baptized into Christ, then
he is not a child of God, he is not a Christian.
Every child of God (that is, every Christian) is a member of
the church of Christ (the church described on the pages of the New
Testament, the church which Jesus bought with His own blood).
There is not one Christian living on earth today who is not a member
of that church. Every other “church” is of human origin and,
thus, is not authorized by God. Salvation is only in the church
which Jesus bought with His blood (Acts 20:28).
May every person deny himself, take up his cross daily and
follow Jesus – not men or the doctrines of men (Luke 9:23).
– Thomas B. Warren. The Bible Only Makes Christians
Only and the Only Christians. Moore, OK : National Christian
Press, Inc. 1986. 100-101.
The Bible plainly teaches that one cannot be taught incorrectly
and baptized Scripturally. Only the pure unadulterated Gospel
and belief and obedience to the same can save. – Editor
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 13, 2011
Number 63
≈
In our own great nation, there is no deliberate, ideological, or
concerted attack on marriage and the family [as of 1962, but not so in
2011; Ed.], but the crumbling of marriage and the family is there nevertheless.
The foundations of the family are being destroyed as the result of
the combination of a number of factors. And, I am afraid, there is a very
close analogy between what is happening to our nation and what was
happening to the great Empire of Rome, just before its fall. Note, if you
please, the following things which are happening in America – perhaps I
should have said to America.
For one thing, people do not believe that they must obey God.
Oh, I suppose most of them think it is all right if you do obey God, but
comparatively few feel that one really must obey God. “The Bible is a
back-number,” is the cry of the multitudes. Very few people feel that men
have to pay any attention to the Bible. No religion or just any religion is
just as good as the religion of Christ in the minds of most. Modernism,
which denies the basic fundamentals of Christianity, is rampant on every hand.
In the next place, I suggest that you consider the ease with which
divorce is obtained and how often the ease of the thing is exercised in
this nation. A glance at your newspaper will show that almost as many
people get divorces each day as obtain licenses to marry. Many of the
people who divorce do so over and over. But men and women now obtain
divorces for almost any trifling reason you can think of. Just so long
as they do not want to live together any longer, our civil courts are usually
open to quickly and easily provide them a way out of their marriage.
Another very disturbing thing which has happened to this nation
is the lowering of the standards of sexual morality. Most people in this
nation are no longer shocked by extremely immodest dress. Women
parade the streets in attire which is perhaps best described as being “next
to nothing.” The men are not shocked and the women are not shamefaced
about it. The Bible teaches that women ought to be able to blush when
their bodies are exposed to anyone except their own husbands, but I am
afraid that this nation is far beyond that point. The people are no longer
shocked by pre-marital sexual relationship nor by marital infidelity.
Youngsters who engage in such are given, as it were, a slight slap on the
wrist, and sent merrily on their way. The magazine racks of our nation
are filled with magazines which can be described accurately as just plain
lewd! A few years ago in this nation, it was a disgrace to be forced into
marriage or to be divorced for any reason other than the infidelity of
one’s marriage partner. But such is not now the case. It would be difficult
today to imagine what one would have to do to be disgraced in the average community.
This moral break-down is further seen in the fact that the “heroes”
of the people of this nation are, many times, people whose morals
with the opposite sex are hardly above those of the animals of the barnyard.
Prominent leaders, even religious leaders, urge the people to accept
the idea that there is no such thing as right and wrong. One widely-acclaimed
philosopher, Bertrand Russell, declared that sin is not a useful
notion; that is, it is not a useful notion to hold to the idea that some
things are right and other things are wrong. Nothing is white or black; all
is gray. Not long ago, a prominent preacher was quoted as saying that
there are not enough divorces. He claimed that because so many people
do not get along, they ought to divorce. No, what they should do is to get
right with God, learn how to get along with one another, and help one another
to so live in this life that they will both go to heaven when this life is over.
The leading “slick” magazines of this nation are almost constantly
barraging the people with articles which tend to undermine the
moral fibre of this nation. Only recently one magazine featured an article
entitled, “Do We Need a New Sex Code?” The writer of the article maintained
that we did. Some of the things which he said should be in this
new code are shocking indeed. Such men look upon the moral code upheld
by the Bible as being out of date, not suited for “moderns.” They reject
the idea that when one gets out beyond the limits set by the Bible in
the relations between men and women he has committed sin. This is why
some of them say that sin is “not a useful notion.” But we must stand up
and cry aloud that violations of the moral code as set forth in the Bible is
sin – S-I-N – sin! (I John 3 :4). Sin is the transgression of the law of God.
– Thomas B. Warren. Marriage Is For Those Who Love God –
And One Another.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 30, 2011
Number 61
≈
The Natural Attributes
The Omnipresence of God.
1. By this it is meant that God is everywhere present. Thus, it is closely
connected with the above [The omniscience and omnipotence of God,
“Words of Faith,” 60, Ed.].
2. Here we must guard against the pantheistic doctrine that God is everything.
3. Scriptural statements of the doctrine.
▪ Jer. 23:23-24
▪ Psa. 139:7-12 (In vs. 13-19 the Psalmist discusses the omnipotence of God.)
▪ Acts 17:24-28
4. This does not mean that God is everywhere present in the same sense.
A. He is in Heaven, His dwelling place (1 Kings 8:30).
B. Christ is at His right hand in Heaven (Eph. 1:20).
C. God’s throne is in Heaven (Isa. 66:1).
5. The omnipresence of God should be one of –
A. Comfort; and
B. Warning.
The Eternality and Immutability of God.
1. By eternal we mean no beginning, no end. By immutability we
mean God’s nature is unchangeable. It is not possible that He possesses
one attribute at one time that He does not possess at another.
2. God is the “I am.” He remains the same. 3. Scriptural teaching on the eternality of God.
▪ Heb. 1:12
▪ Psa. 90:2
▪ Psa. 102:24-27
▪ Exo. 3:14
▪ Rev. 1:8
4. Scriptural teaching on the immutability of God.
▪ Mal. 3:6
▪ James 1:17
▪ 1 Sam. 15:29
Note: God’s character does not change but His dealings
with men do change.
The Moral Attributes
The Holiness of God.
1. Throughout the Old Testament, He is referred to or [spoken]
about as “the Holy One.” The holiness of God is a theme which runs
throughout the Old Testament.
2. Scriptural teaching.
▪ Isa. 57:15
▪ Psa. 99:9
▪ 1 Peter 1:15-16
▪ John 17:11
3. God is the Holy One of Israel (Isa. 41:14). God the Son is the
Holy One (Acts 3:14). God the Spirit is the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30).
4. Manifestations of God’s holiness.
▪ Pro. 15:9, 26
▪ Isa. 59:1-2
▪ John 3:16
5. Practical deductions.
A. [We] should approach God with “reverence and fear” (Heb. 12:28; cf. Ecc. 5:1-3).
B. We will only have the right view of sin when we have the right view of God’s holiness.
a. Isaiah, [a holy man of] Israel was cast down at
the sight of his own sin after he had the vision of God’s
holiness (Isa. 6:1-7).
b. The same was true of Job (Job 40:3-5; 42:4-5).
c. Our approach to God must be through the merits of
Christ, thus the need for atonement.
– Adapted from: William S. Cline. Studies In Christian
Doctrine And Practical Christian Living. 1977. 107-109.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 22, 2011
Number 60
≈
The Natural Attributes
The Omniscience of God.
1. God is a spirit. He is a perfect being and has perfect
knowledge. By omniscience it is meant that God knows all things
and is absolutely perfect in knowledge.
2. Scriptures that teach such:
▪ Job 37:16
▪ Psa. 147:5
▪ 1 John 3:20
▪ Rom. 11:33
3. God’s knowledge is absolutely comprehensive.
▪ Pro. 15:3
▪ Pro. 5:21
4. God has perfect knowledge of all that is in nature.
▪ Psa. 147:4
▪ Mat. 10:29-30
5. God has perfect knowledge of all human experience.
▪ Pro. 5:21
▪ Psa. 139:2-4
▪ Exo. 3:19
6. God has perfect knowledge of all that transpires in human history.
▪ Acts 15:18
7. God knows from eternity to eternity what will take place.
▪ Isa. 48:5-8
▪ Isa. 46:9-10
8. Problems in connection with the doctrine of the omniscience of of God.
A. Some argue from the standpoint of their limited
abilities that such knowledge is impossible. They should
read Rom. 11:33 and Isa. 40:28.
B. Others would assert that foreknowledge produces
foreordination thus they confound the two which in a definite
sense are distinct.
a. Pharaoh was responsible for the hardening
of his own heart even though it was foreknown and
foretold by God [Exo. 4:21; 7:3, 13-14, 22; 8:15, 19,
32 (the phrase “this time also” is key); 9:7, 12, 34;
10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4-5, 8].
b. God foreknew the death of Christ (Acts
2:23). Yet, Christ said he gave His life freely, no one
was going to take from Him (John 10:17-18; cf.
John 15:13; Heb. 5:8-9).
The Omnipotence of God.
1. That attribute by which He can bring to pass everything
which He wills.
2. Scriptural declarations of the power of God.
▪ Job 42:2 (ASV)
▪ Gen. 18:14
A. In the world of nature.
▪ Gen. 1:1-3
▪ Psa. 107:25-29
▪ Nahum 1:5-6
B. In the experience of mankind.
▪ Nebuchadnezzar, Dan. 4
▪ Jam. 4:12-15
C. The heavenly inhabitants are subject to Him.
▪ Dan. 4:35
▪ Heb. 1:14
D. Satan is under the control of God.
▪ Job 1:12; 2:6
▪ Luke 22:31-32
– Adapted from: William S. Cline. Studies In Christian
Doctrine And Practical Christian Living. 1977. 105-107.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 09, 2011
Number 58
≈
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man
should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
(Gen. 2:18)
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall
upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and
closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the
LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and
brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now
bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called
Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall
a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto
his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Gen. 2:21-24)
Here is the basis of marriage and the marriage relationship.
Jesus refers to this in Matthew 19:9. Theses passages need to be
underscored today, in view of the fact that many think marriage is
simply based on some man-made laws. It is unfortunate that many
have decided that marriage rests upon the laws men have made,
rather than Divine Revelation. “God said” is the basis of marriage.
When men reject this, the breakdown of the home results. The
home is the basic unit of society. When the home deteriorates and
decays, the nation and the church suffer. Both the nation and the
church are suffering today as a result of men who fail to recognize
and accept what God says about marriage.
“God Said” Is the Basis of Hope
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I
will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow
thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be
to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (Gen. 3:15-16)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were
written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort
of the scriptures might have hope. (Rom. 15:4)
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from
the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God
in the world: (Eph. 2:12)
“God Said” Is the Basis of Judgment
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I
have created from the face of the earth; both man, and
beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it
repenteth me that I have made them. (Gen. 6:7)
“God Said” Will Be the Basis of Judgment
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words,
hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the
same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:48)
“God Said” Will Be the Basis of the Resurrection
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the
which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And
shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection
of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection
of damnation. (John 5:28-29)
This is speaking of the resurrection of the bodies. It is not
speaking of the spiritual resurrection.
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life. Editor,
Franklin Camp. Vol. 1. Memphis, TN : Proclamation Press,
n.d. 116-118.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 02, 2011
Number 57
≈
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we
worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh,
and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to
worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:22-24).
Truth is essential for all acceptable worship. “God said” is
the basis of the Truth that must direct all acceptable worship (John
17: 17). If one cannot know God without revelation, and he cannot
[Psalm 19 speaks of God’s revelation to man. Verses 1-6 describe
general revelation (nature) and verses 7-11 describe specific revelation
(God’s Word), both are necessary for men to know God – Editor],
then it also follows that one cannot worship God acceptably
without the truth that comes by revelation. The Samaritans worshiped
God, but it was not acceptable, because it was based on partial
revelation. One’s worship must be spiritual, from man’s own
spirit, and it must be as the truth of the Gospel directs. “God said”
is the basis of all acceptable worship. Some brethren today need to
re-consider this fundamental truth. This will stop some of the foolish
and hurtful things that are taking place in worship today.
“God Said” Is the Basis of All Acceptable Religious Experience
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you
of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3).
Jude speaks of “contending for the faith” – that is, objective
faith (the Gospel, Ed.), written revelation, upon which one’s faith
must rest. Any religious experience not based upon what God has
said is false. One’s religious experience must be tested by what
“God said,” not by what one thinks God says through a religious
experience. Testing what God says by one’s religious experience
today is the basis of false religion. Abraham had a religious experience,
but it was based upon what “God said” (Gen. 22: 1-13). Salvation
is a religious experience, but it must be based upon what
God says. Worship is a religious experience, but it must be based
upon what God says (Acts 17). The Athenians were having a religious
experience, but it was not acceptable unto God, because it
was not based upon revelation. One can find people gathered
everywhere in worship going through some kind of experience, but
this does not mean that experience is acceptable to God. Every religious
experience one has must be in harmony with what the Bible
teaches and must rest upon what God says. When one has some
kind of experience unknown to the Bible, that experience is false
and deceptive and not accepted by God. It is time for men to turn
back to the Bible and to find out what It teaches and then act upon
it. The action then will be an experience which harmonizes with
what “God said.” This will acceptable unto God. Nothing else is or
can be.
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life. Editor,
Franklin Camp. Vol. 1. Memphis, TN : Proclamation Press, n.d. 115-116.
Passages to Ponder
“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed
thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers
know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by
bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
the LORD doth man live” (Deu. 8:3).