Truth Magazine

By Weldon E. Warnock

The Bible says, “Confess your faults one to another….” (Jas. 5:16.) There are too many (one is too many) church members who sin and completely ignore the teaching of this scripture. The word “confess” in this passage comes from the Greek word, “exomologeo,” which means “a public acknowledgement or confession of sins.” (Vine’s Word Studies.) This word also conveys the idea of speaking freely, openly, and from the heart. Hence, when a child of God sins in a public manner, he ought to have the courage and humility publicly to acknowledge and openly and freely confess his sins.

But somebody says, “James is talking about those who have personally wronged another.” Friend, this text is broader than that. The phrase, “Confess your faults one to another” should not be restricted to personal offenses, but it also applies to any public sin. Certainly private offenses toward our fellowman should be righted but James enjoins upon US that we correct all manner of sin that brings reproach upon the church and shame upon its Head.

John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I Jn. 1:9.) The word “confess” in this verse comes from the Greek word, “homologeo,” and means, “to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one’s self guilty of what one is accused of.” (Thayer.) Vine says of the word, “to confess by way of admitting oneself guilty of what one is accused of, the result of inward conviction.” As you can see, Thayer and Vine give almost identical definitions. The passage under consideration shows that confession of sins is made also unto God, admitting guilt, and asking his forgiveness. Whether the sin is public or private, we are to confess it to God and he will cleanse us of it.

From the foregoing scriptures, we can clearly see that it is just not enough to quit a sin or sins, but a confession of the sins is necessitated. If the sin is public, we ought to confess our faults one to another” as well as to God, but if the sin is private or secret, then we ought to only confess it to God. As David said to Jehovah, “…cleanse thou me from secret faults.” (Psa. 19:12.)

Failing to Confess

One of the laxities today in the church is a failure on the part of erring brethren to confess their sins. Some church members will quit attending services for a period of time and then show up as though nothing had happened. If they are not called upon for something or other, they will feel hurt and mistreated. Others will be guilty of drinking, lying, cursing, fraud, etc., and come to worship expecting to be used in some capacity and treated like a faithful brother. These kinds of brethren need to be told in no uncertain terms that their hearts are not right in the sight of God, and that they need to repent and confess to God and to the church for such sins. Then they can be used.

Some say that there is nothing in the Bible about brethren coming before the church or assembly and making a confession of public sins… that confession of sins should be made just to God. Certainly God didn’t tell the erring that they had to come to the front pew during an assembly to make a confession, but he did tell them to confess their faults one to another. This command could be carried out different ways. Coming forward before the church during an invitation song is just one way that this command may be obeyed. The point that we are interested in is an open and public confession of sins… not the method that is to be employed.

When a confession has been made to the church, then the church can be assured that the erring brother has repented and therefore extend to him the right hand of fellowship. Otherwise, how would the church know just when to begin using a brother if he had to confess only to God and not let the church know that he had repented of his sins? For example, let’s say a brother gets drunk and “paints the town red” and that this incident is known by several people. . If he doesn’t have to confess to the church for his disgraceful act, when could the church use him again for prayer, to preside at the Lord’s Table, etc?

First Sunday? Second Sunday? A month? The answer would be, “As soon as he repents and confesses his sin.”

The Merits of Confession

The effects of confession of sins are many. First, God is obeyed. We should always obey God. Second, confession shows a conscience that is still sensitive to sin. Many have rebelled against God until their hearts are so hardened and calloused that the word of God has no longer any effect upon them. Third, confession is a safeguard against sin. Having openly made known our sins, we will not be as prone to commit the same sins again. Fourth, others will be in better position to help the erring brother. Somebody has said that “an honest confession is good for the soul.” How true this is.

Brother, have you sinned publicly? If you have, then confess it publicly. The blood of Christ will cleanse you from all sin and you can make a new start. Then live faithfully unto death.

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 12-13
August 1962

By Lloyd Barker 

One of the most sobering and yet neglected passages in the Bible is found in Luke 16:19-31. Many claim it is a parable. By so doing they hope to escape some of the plain teaching contained therein. Ly naming Lazarus personally, Jesus does not seem to be giving a parable. If it is a parable, it still has the same meaning. Jesus always took a well-known truth to teach any of His lessons. He never discussed what could not happen in His parables.

There are many great truths taught here and several false doctrines refuted. The doctrine of universal salvation is shown to be wrong. The fact that one was saved and one was lost clearly shows that not all people will he saved. (Also see Matt. 7:13. 14, 21-23.)

The false theory of materialism is exposed. The rich man’s ability to remember, cry, talk, lift up his eyes, thirst and be tormented plainly teaches he existed consciously after this physical death. (See also 2 Cor. 12: 1-3; 1 Cor 2:11; Matt. 10:28; Eccl. 12:7.) The Bible teaches that man has a spirit as well as a body.

Those who teach that the lost will have a second chance to be saved are clearly in conflict with Jesus. If there would be a second chance for the rich man, could Abraham have been so cruel as to not even mention it? Such hope would have been much more comforting than the mere drop of water requested for the parched tongue. Why have the warnings of the Judgment to come if all will have a chance to repent then?

The kindred Catholic doctrine of Purgatory is fully destroyed by the “great gulf fixed.” The silence of the Scriptures concerning Purgatory should be enough for the thinking person to know it is a vain doctrine of men. Notice that the great gulf cannot be crossed either way, except by vision. This warns that man’s destiny is “fixed” and all the money and praying that all the earth could offer will not change it.

Many people are like the Jews. (I Cor 1:22.) They want a “sign” or a “direct operation” of God’s Spirit to move them or the ones they are trying to convert. The fact that God would not perform a miracle by sending Lazarus from the dead to warn the rich man’s five brothers shows that He will not perform a miracle in any sense to convert unbelievers of that day or today. The brothers lived while Moses’ law was still in force and could hear it. (Verse 29.) Abraham reveals a truth that all need to learn. If people will not believe God’s word, they will not believe God’s miracles. We do not need miracles to convert people today. The gospel is the Lord’s power to save men and they must hear it. (See Rom. 1:16; 10:13-17; Jas. 1: 18, 21; 1 Pet. 1:22-23.)

There are many people who thoughtlessly say, “If my loved ones are lost, I want to be with them” or “If I go to hell, I’ll have plenty of company.” The rich man’s company in hell did not relieve any of his terrible pain. He certainly did not want any of his loved ones to come to “this place of torment.” My loved ones who are in hell do not want me to come there.

There are several things in hell that are needed in the church. The rich man cried. Tears are not shed often enough by Christians for the cause of Christ. The lost man saw a great need to teach the lost on earth. He was very humble and prayed fervently. This man teaches how foolish it is to trust in riches and the comforts of this life and how awful it is to be lost forever. The church needs to learn these lessons this side of hell. No doubt the rich man would give all he ever possessed and much more to have the chance to be faithful to God and walk on earth as we do today. He would no doubt make a fine preacher. If we do not live close to God, one day in hell we will wish we had. This should cause us to forgive those who sin against us, go to our brethren and correct any wrongs which we have committed, and do all things that we can and should before death. Could it be possible that some in hell have a greater desire to see the lost on earth saved than some preachers or Christians?

The picture in this passage is not all sad. Lazarus was faithful and was “carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom” to rest in joy until Christ comes. The fact that the five brothers could hear Moses shows that all may be saved. Jesus died for all and all should be saved. There is no good reason why any must be lost. God should not be blamed for the punishment of the lost.

Read Luke 16:19-31 again carefully and slowly. Jesus teaches us many great lessons here that should never be forgotten and should be taught to all men as His warning from hell. Many other individuals in hell could have been discussed and permitted to teach us but the Lord knew that one is enough to cause the sincere to think properly. A book could not hold all of the messages that those in torment would love to declare.

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp.11-12
August 1962

By O. C. Birdwell, Jr.

Most of the problems that exist in the religious world are with us as a result of people following after men. The practice is not new, nor confined to this century. Men in ages past have turned unto man for instruction and guidance even when God’s will was revealed and plain. One such individual was a young prophet (1 Kings 13) who came out of Judah unto Bethel and cried out against Jeroboam and the altar saying, “Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.” Later, when Jeroboam invited the prophet unto his house to refresh himself, we learn that God had commanded his servant saying, “Eat no bread, nor drink water nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.” Since the young prophet related this to Jeroboam, we know that he clearly understood God’s command; and that the command was explicit. Is it possible to disobey a command so simple and plain? Yes, it was then, and it is now. Especially is this true if we depend upon and follow the false instructions and leadership of man, as did this young prophet. After he left Jeroboam, and old prophet approached him with the impressive story that an angel appeared to him with instructions that would change God’s previous commands. The young prophet believed the old man was speaking the truth (possibly because the man was old, claimed to be an old prophet, and seemed pious and truthful), went back to Bethel with him, ate and drank there, and died as a result of following man and not God.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the apostle Paul admonishes, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Again he says, “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:9.) The gospel Paul preached was the gospel of Christ, and Paul would have man accept and follow that gospel although the one preaching it might be a castaway and lost. If Paul’s wishes were heeded there would be no splits and divisions in religion, but all would be able to understand and obey the Bible alike because they would follow no man but Jesus, and defend no doctrine except the doctrine of Christ. But Paul’s instructions have not been heeded; therefore many doctrines are preached, many men are followed in religious matters, and God is displeased.

Having seen that God is displeased when men reject His commands, and that the New Testament forbids our following after man, let us consider some men who have been followed and the resulting conditions.

The German Reformation of the sixteenth century was largely due to the work of one man–Martin Luther. Others of lesser repute played a tireless role, and much was done prior to Luther’s time that laid the groundwork for him and greatly aided his efforts. Yet, very little visible progress was made until ninety-five propositions for discussion were placed by Luther on the door of the church building in Wittenburg. All who oppose the dominance and false teaching of the Roman Catholic Church should appreciate Luther’s work. Indeed he was a great and noble character. But does this mean that Luther ought to be followed in religion? In rebellion against Catholic totalitarian power, many did not go back to the New Testament and follow Christ, but they concluded that Luther was such a great man and had done so much for them that they would follow him instead. Of course, in following Luther they thought they were following Christ; but apparently they did not take enough time thoroughly to examine the scriptures to see if such was the case. Even Luther, in formulating his belief, did not go directly to the scriptures, but he depended on Augustine (354-430 A.D.), an uninspired man, more than any other individual. This placed at least two men and their own private interpretations between followers of Luther and the teaching of Christ. The result has been that in our day millions, while protesting Catholic sin and corruption, are far from New Testament Christianity. Following Luther’s leadership they teach faith only, a doctrine that is foreign to the New Testament, and hold many other positions that are just as contrary to the scriptures. If men had looked beyond Luther to the inspired scriptures, this problem would not exist.

Another great man to whom we are much indebted is Alexander Campbell. Campbell lived in the nineteenth century and possibly as much or more, than any other man was responsible for the preaching of the pure gospel during the first half of that century. As was the case with Luther, many thought Campbell was so scholarly and such a Bible student that whatever position he took must be right. A case in point is the missionary society of 1849. At least on some occasions prior to the forming of this human organization to do the work of the church, Campbell had pleaded for the all-sufficiency of the church to do its work. This would, of course, exclude human organizations such as the missionary society. Campbell, nevertheless, accepted the presidency of the society and promoted its use and growth. That many accepted the society solely because Campbell thought it was right is not doubted. Where are the men today who have followed Campbell and his associates? After the missionary society came instrumental music, and the parade of one false practice after another, all introduced by the same authority–some man said. “I like this and if you follow me and have fellowship with me you must accept it.” Look at the liberal Christian churches of today and you will see the results.

It has already been suggested that the practice of following men is not confined to one century. The young prophet r ejected God and followed the old prophet; men followed Luther instead of Christ: Christians of the century just past depended on Campbell for guidance instead of the Word of God. The same thing is happening today with the same sad and lamented results. Men seem to hold positions on vital Bible subjects merely because some preacher, elder friend or relative happens to see it that way. God has ever been displeased with such and the results have always been chaotic. Examples that follow show this to be true.

Division exists among some churches of Christ today because of Carl Ketcherside’s new doctrine (many others are also teaching it) that there are Christians in all the denominational bodies, and that we should ‘fellowship” them all. If these brethren had not been following Ketcherside on other matters, and had not exalted him to a position of ruler and giver of the law, there would be no special problem with his liberalism. People would simply study the scriptures, see that what he is teaching is false, and reject it. The same would be true of others.

In 1938, E. R. Harper said: “A congregation has no right to build anything larger than it is able to support….” Many con1gregations that believed this then would under no circumstances allow it to be taught now. Why? Obviously because brother Harper has changed positions and they are followers of Harper. Consequently, they reject the truth that he taught in 1938 because he has rejected it, and freely accept false teaching for the same reason.

In 1939, Guy N. Woods said: “This writer has ever been unable to appreciate the logic of those who affect to see grave danger in Missionary Societies, but scruple not to form a similar organization for the purpose of caring for orphans and teaching young men to be gospel preachers. ” Some of the same people who believed this and allowed it to be taught then have spasms when the same thing is taught now. Why? Because Guy Woods and others teach exactly opposite to what was taught in 1939, and men are following Woods and other preachers rather than the Bible. The result has been contention, division, heartache, and possibly the loss of souls for eternity.

The only hope for man is to look beyond present day religious teachers. Campbell. Luther, and all other men who may have been great, unto Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith;” follow His New Testament, speak where it speaks, remain silent where it is silent, obey every command, and enjoy the blessed promises after awhile. This is my prayer for all people.

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 9-10
August 1962

By Johnie Edwards

“Now there was a God came to present day when the sons of themselves before the Lord, and Satan also a m o n g them.” (Job 1:6) Satan never passes up an opportunity to do his work. He came among the twelve apostles. “T h e n entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.” (Luke 22: 3.) Satan can do his work more effectively when he comes among people.

I would like for us to notice some instances when Satan came among people and to notice some applications.

(1) He Came Among Adam and Eve in the Garden:

After God had placed man in the Garden of Eden with the responsibility of dressing and keeping the garden and with the restriction of not eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil lest death come, Satan came among them and said, “Ye shall not surely die.” (Gen. 3:4.) Anytime God makes His will known to man, Satan is there to tell man the very opposite.

(2) Satan Came When Christ Was Baptized:

The baptism of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 3:13-16. “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (Matt. 4:1.) Surely the devil does not pass up the opportunity of coming among those who have just been baptized. He tries to make them concerned with the cares of this life. He sets them to criticizing instead of hearing to profit. He tries to cool down their ardor, abate their love, chill their praise, freeze their prayers and kill their zeal. Satan likes a “sleeping church.” It’s his business to rock the cradle, hush all noise and drive away even a fly which might light upon the sleeper’s face.

(3) When the Gospel of Christ Is Preached:

In the parable of the sower, Satan is pictured as coming among the wayside hearers. “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12.) Satan comes among people whenever the gospel is being preached and tries to steal the word away. He tries to get folks to question the word of God. For he knows that, “They that gladly received his word were baptized…” (Acts 2:41.)

(4) Satan Came Among Ananias and Sapphira:

Ananias with Sapphira sold a possession. Then Satan came among them. “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled shine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3.) When Christians get ready to give to the Lord’s work, what better time for Satan to come among them? If he can get us to think the Lord’s work is not very important and that we can get by without giving very much, then Satan has us going his way.

(5) When the Truth Is Preached About:

(a) The name we must wear. When it is pointed out that we must wear the name Christian, (Acts 11:26, 26:28; I Pet. 4:16), Satan comes among people and tells them, “There is nothing in a name.” Many believe him.(b) The church. When people are taught that they must be a member of the Lord’s church to be saved, (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23), Satan comes among them and says, “One church is just as good as another.” And many are deceived.(c) The Plan of Salvation. When men are taught to hear the word, have faith, repent of their sins, confess their faith, be baptized and live a faithful life, (Mark 16: 16, Acts 2:38), Satan comes among them and says, “You don’t have to be baptized to be saved.” Many take his advice.We need constantly be on guard against Satan. ” …for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. There it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness….” (2 Cor. 11:14-15)

Lest Satan come among us and deceive us, let’s remember the advice given by Peter, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Pet. 5:8.)

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 8-9
August 1962