Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

The morning paper announced that the Indianapolis laity would meet with the Roman Catholic pope during his visit to the United States. Separated in a box for emphasis was this quotation from Valerie Dillon, director for the archdiocese’s Family Life Office: “Lay people are interested in a church that’s honest but still is adapting to a changing culture. ” The quotation pinpoints the conflict between the Papacy and American Catholics. American Catholics include many who are calling for change in the Catholic Church’s stance on birth control, ordination of women, and divorce whereas the Papacy is trying to maintain its doctrinal adherence to historic positions.

The conflict brings to the forefront the issue of how one determines what doctrines and practices shall be accepted by a church. There have been a number of answers given to this question through the years.

The Authority For Roman Catholicism

In Catholic doctrine, the authority for the church has been systematically developed through the centuries. Catholics believe that one determines right and wrong based on these evidences: (a) The Bible as translated in the Latin Vulgate; (b) The Apocryphal Books; (c) The living voice of the church as manifested through the various church councils; (d) Tradition from the fathers as depicted in the writings of the church fathers; (e) The voice of the pope when he speaks ex cathedra. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia contains this expression of the Catholic position:

We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is essential to salvation that every human creature subject himself to the Roman Pontif . . . . The Roman Pontiff, when he speaks ex cathedra. . . has that infallibility, with which the Divine Redeemer endowed His church, in defining a doctrine of faith and morals. . . . This authority of the pope extends over all questions of knowledge and conduct, of discipline and government in the whole church (p. 338).

Based on this concept, the church has authority to pronounce that eating of meats on Friday is sinful or not sinful and, whatever is decided becomes binding upon every Catholic.

The Protestant Concept of Authority

Expressing the concept of authority which Protestants hold is more difficult because of the greater diversity in Protestantism. Early reformation churches posited authority in the Bible rather than in the pope.

When Protestants sought an external authority, they posited the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible, and the whole Christian faith was founded upon that dogma. . . . Protestants found it necessary to interpret Scripture, and to define doctrines in synods and councils, but their decisions had authority only because they were supposed to be exposition of Scripture, and in that sense, the expressions of God’s mind (ISBE, p. 339).

Nevertheless in nineteenth century thought, the creed became as authoritative as the Bible.

Gospel preachers opposed the creeds of Protestantism saying, “If a creed contains more than the Bible, it contains too much (1 Cor. 4:6). If it contains less than the Bible, it does not contain enough (Rev. 22:18-19). If the creed contains the same as the Bible it is not needed because we already have the Bible.” Surely fallible man could not expect to speak more plainly than the infallible Bible! Proof that the creeds were no more easily understood than the Bible was evident by the commentaries which were written to explain the creeds. Only the more conservative, fundamental Protestants give much allegiance to creeds today.

The Modernist Concept of Authority

Within the framework of the Protestant denominations a movement grew which denied the inspiration of the Bible. Modernism rejected the miracles of the Bible. (Such a generalization does not take into account those modernists who pick and choose which miracles to reject.) As the modernists rejected the Bible and the papacy as their standard of authority, they were left without a chart or compass to direct their course. Subjectivism ruled. The quest for the historic Jesus resulted in making Jesus in the image of the modernist concepts in vogue at that period of time. The modernists began teaching, “It doesn’t matter what doctrine you believe so long as you believe the gospel.” Soon the “gospel” became too confining, so modernists recognized the validity of the common religious experience of all religions. In the realm of morality, an absolute standard of right and wrong was rejected. The result is a church which must adjust and adapt itself to the culture in which it exists. Such denominations meet to decide by popular vote whether or not to ordain women, homosexuals, etc. Belief and practice depend upon the vote of the latest session of the heirarchy of the denomination.

The Pentecostal Concept of Authority

Early in the twentieth century, the Pentecostal movement blossomed in America. Whereas the Pentecostals can be characterized as “Bible-believing” in contrast to the modernists who deny the inspiration of the Bible, they cannot be described as men who confine the word of God to the Bible. They believe that God speaks directly to man separate and apart from the Bible. The modern Pentecostal preacher relates his experience in which God communicated directly to him, which communication he passes down, as the prophets of the Bible, to the congregation. Oral Roberts has stated that God expressly told him to build the City of Faith hospital. Jim Bakker related that God wanted him to build Heritage, U.S.A. Jimmy Swaggart reveals God’s special word to his audience. None of these men confine God’s word to the Bible. Consequently, Pentecostalism is full of latterday revelations, women preachers, and unique beliefs contrary to the Bible.

A Biblical View of Authority?

Does the Bible direct us in how to determine right and wrong? What is the standard by which the church is to determine morality, dogma, and practice?

The Bible begins with the statement that God is the Lord of all because he is the Creator (Jn. 10:29; 14:28). Even the incarnate Son of God submitted himself to the Father’s will (Jn. 4:34). Consequently, every man must submit himself to the authority God the Creator.

The Father committed all authority to the hands of the resurrected Christ (Matt. 28:18). To him every knee shall bow (Phil. 2:8-9). He is the head over all things to the church (Eph. 1:21-23).

The will of the Lord Jesus Christ was revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). Because they were the instruments through whom the will of God was revealed to men, whatever they bound on earth would be bound in heaven and whatever they loosed on earth would be loosed in heaven (Matt. 16:18; 18:18). The revelation which God gave to men through the apostles and prophets was communicated both orally and in writing. The written word was as much the voice of God speaking to man as was the oral word (1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:14). This revelation was completely communicated to man and confirmed by miracles (Mk. 16:20). Through reading the certified word of God, one can know what God wants him to do in order to obtain life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3-4). The Scriptures are adequate and all-sufficient to reveal God’s will to mankind (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Conclusion

Consequently, the church looks to the inspired word of God as its standard by which to determine right and wrong. What is approved by God in the Bible is right and what is disapproved by him is wrong. The church is not an organization which should be changed and shaped to fit the mold of the culture in which it lives; rather, the church is to conform itself to the revelation given by God in the Bible. The Bible – not the church Fathers, church councils, papacy, creed book, subjective judgment, or later revelation – is the authority for the church.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 19, pp. 578, 598
October 1, 1987

By Carl Curry

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common (Acts 2:44).

The above passage portrays a most blissful scene of the early church. This peacefulness was soon to be interrupted by internal commotion and external persecution. This turmoil demanded more than ever that the Christians come together for periods of mutual exhortation.

Do you ever stop and ask yourself why you assemble with Christians? What can you do to make your presence in worship more meaningful for yourself and others? I intend to suggest one determination that you can make which will multiply many fold the benefit you receive from attending Bible studies and other worship assemblies.

How much time does the church spend each week in worship and edification? A time analysis demonstrates that at most the church comes together in a normal week only four hours out of a possible 168. This is less than 2.4 percent of the hours available in a week. Some are only able to take advantage of one of these hours, while others choose to do so. A simple analogy may shed new light on the importance of these hours.

What would you do if your doctor informed you that you have developed a very serious medical disorder? He indicates that there is an effective treatment which if followed precisely will arrest the illness. His treatment plan includes a change in diet; sugar, coffee, salt, and greasy foods are to be eliminated from your diet. A change in your behavior is necessary; you must get at least eight hours of sleep and thirty minutes of exercise everyday. Finally, you must receive three shots a week. He sternly warns that any departure from this treatment plan may result in serious physical problems and possibly premature death.

The assemblies of the saints are analogous to the three shots required each week. There are many teachings of Jesus which combined together form parallels with the change of diet and the modifications in behavior. Jesus has also issued the same warnings as the physician. Failure to comply with his instructions places your spiritual well-being in jeopardy and may cost you eternal life. Assembling with the saints is as necessary to your salvation as is putting on the new man.

What can you do to increase the value you derive from assemblies? For too many saints, worship has been reduced to nothing more than a mental exercise or a psychological game. Like many Athenians they spend their time “in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). The Greeks boasted of their ability to participate in the lengthy philosophical discussions. They appreciated the intellectual stimulation. Jesus died leaving his last will and testament for much more than a topic for mind games. Although the Greeks were impressed by such, Jesus never reduced himself to that level.

The game proceeds something like this. The preacher rants and raves thoroughly raking those in the assembly over the coals. After letting loose with both barrels, he concludes his address feeling great because he really gave it to them today. The listeners feel good also because they really had it given to them today. Somehow, the ranting and raving exercises all shortcomings out of the speaker and the hearers. Then, all involved gear up to do it again next week.

A major problem with this scenario is that no one has experienced lasting benefits. Even though a biblical lesson may have been presented, it was delivered in the wrong spirit, and the listeners likewise received it in the wrong manner. The whole process was exercised in the mind, and the message never left the pew.

True religion according to the gospel of Christ is not a psychological game. True religion is characterized by action (Jas. 1:27). Jesus intended that his audience would take his message home with them. Certainly, they were to think about it and try it (Acts 17:11), but, as soon as it was established in the heart and mind as the truth, it was to be manifested in the speaking and the doing of the hearer.

The single most important change that you can make in your current practice of worshiping with the saints is to take what you learned and put it to good use in your life. This will change your whole attitude towards worship. You will arrive expecting to learn something that will be of use to you, and you will be amazed at how this expectation can change the entire appearance of the assembly. Your zealousness will have a profound effect on the others in attendance and also will make an impression upon those who witness your changed manner of life. You will be surprised at the response you will receive from your peers.

Now, all of this may sound too good to be true, but it comes with a divine guarantee. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. . . But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (Jas. 1:22,25).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 562
September 17, 1987

By Don R. Hastings

Like so many other Americans, I have heard some of the testimony given by Lt. Col. Oliver North. He is answering questions asked by an Iran-Contra Committee. Among other things, these Congressmen are trying to find out what role Mr. North had in supplying military aid to the Nicaraguan rebels.

What I have heard greatly disturbs me. Mr. North has stated that he has lied over and over again in an effort to keep Congress and others from finding out what he was doing. He shredded incriminating documents and fabricated others. In spite of all this deception, he maintains vehemently, “I have done nothing wrong.” He also said, “I want you to know that lying does not come easy to me . . . I think we all had to weigh in the balance the differences between lives and lies.”

Mr. North assured the committee that he was not lying to them because he was under oath. Is it right to lie if you haven’t taken an oath? Is it right to lie to protect others? The answers to both questions is – No!

I have heard people, who knew Mr. North when he was growing up, say that he was an honest boy. What a shame that he has learned to be a very convincing liar. What a shame that he no longer views lying as wrong under many circumstances. What a shame that our government has encouraged him to change his values. What a shame that many Americans would encourage him to keep his present values by telling him how proud they are of him. Haven’t we called “evil good” (Isa. 5:20)?

Many people believe that if you are told to lie by someone in authority over you, then it is not wrong. Even if the President of the United States had told Mr. North to lie, he should have refused. We all must obey a higher authority than man and that is God! We must have the courage to follow the example and belief of the inspired apostles. They said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Not only does Mr. North think that his lying was justified, so do a lot of Americans. Mr. North showed some of the telegrams he has received which praised him for his work over the last five years. The Bradenton Herald (Friday, July 10, 1987 edition) has in bold print, “Floridians Rallying in Praise of North. ” This is one Floridian who does not praise him.

Someone prepared a sign which read, “Col. North Is A Hero.” If Mr. North is a model for our young people to idolize and imitate, then our nation must consider deception to be honorable. Does this concern, sadden or upset you?

I know of one Christian, who said that if she had been in Mr. North’s place, she would have acted as he did. She justified his lying because she said he was doing it to protect lives. There may be many other Christians who agree with her.

Like Jeremiah, I weep for my nation (Jer. 9:1). I believe that many people, both in and out of the government, are very careless with the truth. How can we trust officials in government when they lie to us and lie again to cover up other lies? How long can a government stand when her foundation is not truth and righteousness, but dishonesty and moral corruption? How long will God spare a nation which praises the things which he abhors? How can children of the Most High praise wickedness?

One of the things that the Bible has impressed upon my mind is that God hates lying! “There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven, which are an abomination unto him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue . . . a false witness that uttereth lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19). “Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight” (Prov. 12:22). Jesus said of the devil, “When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father thereof” (Jn. 8:44). Jesus is “full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1: 14). There was “no guile found in his mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22).

Do you think God’s attitude toward lying has changed? If you do, you are in for a great surprise at the judgment day. “But for the fearful, and unbelieving. . . and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Did you notice that “all liars” are going to be in a lake of “fire and brimstone”? That includes those who tell “white lies” and any other kind of a lie. “Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie” (Rev. 22:15).

Honesty is the best policy because it is God’s policy! Lying destroys our trustworthiness, credibility, faithfulness, respect, reputation, and our soulsl Be not deceived, lying is not honorable. “Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 13:34). Tell the truth all the time.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 558
September 17, 1987

By Raymond E. Harris

An instance of reconciliation always brings joy to the heart of the godly. The terms “reconcile,” “reconciled,” seed of “reconciliation” and “reconciling” are found a total of 13 times in the New Testament. The passages speak of four areas of reconciliation.

Brother To Brother

In Matthew 5:24, Jesus explained that it was futile to attempt to worship God if we were at enmity with a brother, Hence, he stresses the importance of being reconciled immediately. If there arises dissension between two brethren, both have a responsibility, and should desire, to achieve reconciliation at the earliest moment. In the passage mentioned above Jesus is simply saying, they must “make up.” There had been mutual hostility. Now there must be concession on the part of each, that they might be reconciled and at peace again.

It should be noted that this is the only passage in the New Testament using a term denoting mutual hostility and mutual concession. In every other passage dealing with reconciliation, a term is used denoting one-sided hostility, demanding one-sided change. In other words, in such a dispute the innocent party has nothing to repent of and need not make concessions. Only the guilty has to adjust his course of action!

Wife To Husband

In 1 Corinthians 7:11, Paul explains that a woman who departs from her husband (when he has not committed adultery) has but two choices. She must remain unmarried or “be reconciled” to her husband. The word “reconciled” in that passage is used as a verb denoting action. The very nature of the term here indicates that the woman having departed, must make the concession or adjustment and come back.

Jew And Gentile

In Ephesians 2, Paul explains that by abolishing the law of Moses, the wall between the Jews and the Gentiles had been broken down. Hence, for the first time in 1,500 years, there could be a reconciliation between the seed of Abraham and other people. In Ephesians 2:16, we learn that this reconciliation was made possible by the cross of Christ. As Jews and Gentiles obeyed the gospel and were baptized into Christ, they adjusted their lives, came into fellowship with God and so in the one body, the church, they had fellowship one with another.

Man To God

Even though we are pleased to see brethren, marriage partners and nations reconciled, it is infinitely more important to see people reconciled to God. The person who has never been a Christian, and unfaithful church members, need to be reconciled to God. Until our sins are removed, we are separated from God. In Isaiah 59:2, the prophet explains, “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” We remind you that God has never sinned against man. God has never separated himself and left man. No, God is not at fault. The problem is always with man. Man sins, he departs, he alienates himself from his Creator, the loving heavenly Father. It is not up to God to make concessions to bring about a reconciliation.

However, the Bible makes it plain that our heavenly Parent so desired a reconciliation that he went to great lengths to work out a system whereby peace could be restored and there could be an honorable reconciliation. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, the apostle Paul wrote, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us (Christians R.E.H.) to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Yes, dear friend, God so wants you to be reconciled! He allowed Jesus to die in your stead. He has given mankind the gospel and the church. God has done his part – won’t you do yours?

If you have never been a Christian, believe in God and Jesus (Heb. 11:6), repent or turn from your sins (Acts 17:30), confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Matt. 10:32), and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38). These are God’s terms of reconciliation for you. God loves you! He calls you in this way! Won’t you come?

If you are a child of God, but have become unfaithful, and drifted back into the world, God also wants you to be reconciled. How is this effected? You must consider the goodness of God, be sorry for past sins, and truly repent of them (Acts 8;22). You must confess your sins to God and to your brethren, and pray earnestly for God’s forgiveness (Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9).

Brethren and friends, life is short and judgment is certain – “Be ye reconciled to God.”

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 559
September 17, 1987