Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

The expression, “the beauty of holiness,” appears several times in the Bible (1 Chron. 16:29; 2 Chron. 20:21; Psa. 29:2). Though the meaning may not be the same, there is beauty in holiness. There is ugliness in unrighteousness.

Our world sees no evil in alluring apparel. Television advertisements are notorious for dressing up ungodliness and making it appear appealing. The liquor industry is especially adept at camouflaging the monster of alcohol and making it seem harmless and desirable. Sin does not cavort in nakedness. No, it wears a fine dress. Sin does not frown and snarl. Rather, it smiles and laughs and promises you joy and happiness. Sin does not mention tomorrow. It only thinks of today, of this moment. Sin does not regard consequences. It sees only the pleasure of the moment. Sin does not make its entrance with flashing lights and a siren. It comes in with candlelight and soft music. Sin does not shout and order you to act. It whispers and reassures. Sin does not introduce itself. It never tells you its real name. It gives you an alias. It wears a nickname. Drug addiction and alcoholic sins are merely “chemical dependency problems.” Whores are never, named; they simply had an affair.

The nature of sin could not be otherwise. Eve saw that the tree in the garden was good for food and pleasant to the eyes. She did not pause, reflect or think beyond the enticement. And that is the way of sin.

Joseph exemplified the beauty of holiness. Yes, he was tempted. But he regarded consequences. Strictly speaking, the consequences for doing right went against him on earth, but the beauty of holiness has blossoms that never fade in heaven (Gen. 39).

Moses is another in whom we may see the beauty of holiness. “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:24-27).

There is pleasure in sin. Moses knew it. You and I know it. But Moses knew that the pleasures of sin are temporary. They cannot last. Sometimes, you and I do not recognize that fact. Moses considered the consequences, the reward. Again, from an earthly standpoint, Moses suffered. He rejected the pleasures and treasures of Egypt for the beauty of holiness. There is nothing that the world and the devil can give you that will not be taken from you the second you die. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb. 10:35,36).

Sin and unrighteousness pay wages (Rom. 6:23; 2 Pet. 2:15). They have never missed a pay day. They always deliver. Of course, they do not pay off as expected. They offer sugar, but. you must eat ashes. They promise sighs of comfort, but they bring cries of pain. When one reaches for the soft bunny rabbit of temptation, he grabs the porcupine of sin.

The beauty of holiness is beneath the skin. It abides and resides within. “But though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). Are the ornaments of your heart those of a meek and quiet spirit which, in the sight of God, are of great price? Or are you dressed in the filthy rags of ungodliness? Are you an old hag of unrighteousness or are you a picture of the beauty of holiness? Inquire within.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 557
September 17, 1987

By Ron Halbrook

Religious liberals won another victory in September 1985 with the election of E.L. Browning as Presiding Bishop of the 2.8 million-member Episcopal denomination. He holds the post through 1997. His liberalism is typical of the disregard for God’s Word which has caused so much moral and spiritual decay in our world. His views throw the Bible out the window. The news is filled with reports of religious leaders upholding theories directly opposed to Scripture.

1. “I would hope we are not frozen in any kind of set belief about homosexuality,” says Browning, who believes that practicing homosexuals may serve as ministers (Time Magazine, 23 Sept. 1985, p. 67). God rained fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah in order to teach all mankind of “the vengeance of eternal fire” against homosexuality (Jude 7). Men who practice this sin put God out of their mind and God gives them up to suffer a horrible fate – “that recompense of their error which was meet” (Rom. 1:26-27). Such sin can be forgiven if we obey the gospel of Christ if we truly repent and are baptized so that his blood can cleanse us (Acts 2:23; 22:16).

2. Browning believes that women can be public ministers of the Word. But God said concerning the assembly of men and women before Him, “I suffer not a women to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (I Tim. 2:9). Men are to lead all phases and activities of the worship assembly. The liberal attitude pays no attention to such instructions from God. If what God said about homosexuality can be thrown out the window, why not throw out what he said about men rather than women leading in worship?

3. Browning wants passages of Scripture which speak of God as our Father to be rewritten and read publicly in “non-sexist” language. God chose to reveal himself in the figure of a “Father,” and his beloved Son taught men to pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matt. 6:9). It is silliness gone to seed when people accuse God’s Word of demeaning women – and arrogance gone to seed when people change God’s Word to fit their theories! Revelation 22:18-19 warns us not to add anything to or take anything away from the Word of God. When liberals throw the Bible out the window, Revelation 22:18-19 has to go out too.

The root of all these problems is that men have taken the sinful liberty to make their own religions, churches, and doctrines rather than following what the Bible teaches. The bad news is that many people, even religious people, reject the Good News of Christ in favor of their own opinions and theories. The Good News is that Jesus will save us if we turn to him and turn away from the opinions and theories of men.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 548
September 17, 1987

By T. Doy Moyer

There always stands a challenge for the child of God to manifest a correct attitude toward truth. Sometimes it is difficult because we are used to certain things being the way they are, and despise any thought of change. Then there are others who do not like tradition of any kind, and they would always like to see “new things.” However, when we look at teachings or practices in terms of “old” or “new,” we miss the point. Acceptance of any practice or teaching ought not to be on the grounds of “old” or “new,” but whether or not it be true! Consider these three attitudes found in Acts 17.

Shortly after Paul and Silas were preaching in Philippi, they came to Thessalonica where, as usual, they stirred up the crowds. Many of the Jews became jealous and began to seek Paul and Silas. Notice what they said in v. 6, “These men who have upset the world have come here also” (NAS). It does not seem like it occurred to the Jews to think about why they turned the world upside down. They weren’t very interested in considering Jesus. To them, He was “new” and they wanted to stick with “the old paths.” They did not want to see change at all. If only they would have “searched the scriptures,” they would have found that Jesus was not “new.” In fact, he had been prophesied about hundreds of years before!

Unhappily, this very same attitude characterizes many today. When something “new” is introduced, they immediately move into an uproar and condemn anything that moves. If only they would take the time to search the Scriptures, perhaps they would find that a particular “new” concept really isn’t “new after all. Perhaps we have just neglected something for all these years (perish the thought). Or many will disguise it all by saying, “We’ve already tried that!” and keep others from trying. Let’s be careful to search for truth and not for “tradition” (Col. 2:8).

Then, there is the other extreme. Later in Acts 17, we find Paul in Athens where he was provoked to preach to these idolaters. Evidently, it was not too difficult at first because we find them saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee” (ASV). Then, Luke records in v. 21, “now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.” This is an extremely dangerous attitude! They only cared to hear something if it was new. If it had any hint of “tradition” to it, they did not want it.

Is this not reminiscent Of those today who are “carried to and fro by every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14)? They are unstable, without enough faith to keep anchored (cf. Jas. 1:6); and this puts one in a perilous position because of the likelihood that he will teach error (2 Pet. 3:16). They oppose tradition of any kind and therefore are constantly trying to introduce “new things.” People like this are not content to stay within the doctrine of Christ. They want to progress to keep up with the times. Thus, they come up with their “accommodative religion.” Brethren, let us keep from adopting this attitude wherein we become unstable and carried by “new things.” (Read Proverbs 24:21-22.)

We have seen two extremes that are still quite common today; and, as is so often the case, truth lies in the balance between the extremes. Let us examine the correct attitude. After Paul and Silas left Thessalonica, they went to Berea. Notice the first observation concerning the Bereans, “Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so” (Acts 17: 11). They did not accept the truth because it was new or old, nor because the “preacher said so.” They searched for themselves and asked the question, “is it true?” This is the way we must think! Yes, times change and people change, but the truth never changes! What was truth in the first century is still truth today. We must hold on to the traditions delivered by God (2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6). It does not matter how “old” they are. And if we find some truth that we have neglected, we need to obey it, regardless of how “new” it might be to us (Jas. 4:17). Let us not go to either extreme. Examine everything “old” or “new” to find out if it is true. If it is, let’s do it; if it’s not, let’s cast it away so that our life and worship will not be vain. Which attitude most characterizes you?

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, p. 553
September 17, 1987

By S. Leonard Tyler

Life’s greatest challenge today is just as it was in the days which mark the epochs of the history of God’s people. The changing of situations, circumstances and social evaluations do not and cannot set aside or his challenge. It shall stand throughout the ages. Your decision to reject or accept it will mean more to you in this fife than any other determination you shall ever make and in the life to come, it determines your salvation, eternal life or eternal separation from God. This is not a question like, “Is Santa Claus real?” “Should one have a Christmas tree or give gifts?” “Should one eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day?” “Or should one hide and hunt eggs on Easter?” It is not like, what kind of a car should we own, or house we should live in, or manner of clothes we should purchase (so long as they are decent)? It is not determined by the things which we possess or places of recognitions we hold in society! It is not who knows us or who we know? This is a matter of life and death both in the physical and spiritual worlds. The greatest concern upon earth should be your life. It is not something which one might destroy and forget. It is eternal.

What is life all about anyway? Is it just getting up, looking around in every direction and jumping at the first glimpse of something entertaining, exciting or thrilling and seeking greater and more exotic and exploiting involvements? Surely, there is more to life than just “eat, drink and be merry.” Life is real and is of the greatest importance. So great is life, as Jesus evaluated it, that if a man should gain the whole world and lose his own soul, what should it profit him? Saying, “I just do not understand,” does not solve the problem. Explaining, “I just do not know who I am, where I am going or what I am here for does not dissolve the complications or minimize its importance. In fact, such complicates, rather than simplifying or solving, the mystery. Your life is what you think and how you live.

What is the challenge? The challenge is to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world (Tit. 2:11-12). This challenge was given by our blessed Lord to his beloved apostles with the commission to go into an the whole wide world proclaiming this challenge. Jesus not only gave the challenge but he gave the most comforting and desirable promise that one could ever ask for, “and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Pet. 1:3-9). Would you like to accept the challenge and receive the blessings?

He said, “If any one desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24, NKJB). The choice is yours and you must respond. If you refuse to accept Jesus’ invitation “to come unto me,” you reject him and every spiritual, blessing afforded in Christ. We frankly admit, this challenge requires, and always has, and always will, every fiber and molecule of strength, faith, conviction, determination, deepest love, purpose of heart and fondest hope which lies within our being. We are free moral agents and one should never forget it. However, the challenge is to our own intellect to consider the information regarding this proposition and wisely render and exercise rational judgment. Making the proper decision and choice after considering all the ideas and results of each choice: to reject or accept Jesus’ invitation, “come and follow me. ” Your decision, choice, must be made in this present world. You make choices each day that you live. Your life tells the story. You are responsible!

What Is Your Choice?

The choice is really yours. No one can make it for you. Your fife’s story is telling the world what choice you have made. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” One cannot justify his life by saying, “when times get better or after I settle down a little, when I have finished thus and so, I will obey my Lord.” Neither can one say, “This old world is so wicked, materialistic, feministic, atheistic, and troublesome (or however you choose to describe it) that I just cannot seem to make up my mind. It is different today from times past.” Whatever the response may be – you are the one that is doing it all. You are in control. You are making the choices. You are living your own life. You are responsible for it all. You must, inspite of peer pressure, material reality, lustful immoral desires and appealing temptation of our self-gratifying society, make up your own mind, “I am going to accept Jesus’ invitation and follow him today, in this present world,” or you will never be a Christian. “Today is the day of salvation.”

Your faith, conviction, and love for the Lord must determine the course of life you live. Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-15). Paul attributes his life in Christ to his faith in Christ. He said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

This is the determination which prepares the heart to meet the challenge of the day and live for the Lord. Being a child of God is not over simplified when one expresses it thusly, “Being a Christian is predetermining with a firm conviction to seek a true understanding of God’s word, believe it contents, faithfully live by its direction and confidently trust in God’s eternal promises, that all is well with my soul.” For, “If God be for you, who can be against you.”

We should be moved to recognize the brevity of life upon this earth and eternal, never-ending life in the world to come. Surely, as those of ages past said, “we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. . . But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (Heb. 11: 13-14,16). Jesus told his apostles, “Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn. 14:1-3). “Receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:9).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 18, pp. 556-557
September 17, 1987