Truth Magazine

By Forrest D. Moyer

Dear Mr. Bakker:

Yours and your wife’s names have been headlines in the newspapers and on television for the past two weeks. The publicity has not been complimentary due to the fact of admitted sin and also concerning the huge financial empire that you have headed. Many different men have made varied pleas and challenges to you. Perhaps none has been made in the way that I want to make one. I want to plead with you to forsake all sin and become just a Christian after the New Testament order. When Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” Paul responded by saying, “I would to God that not only you but all who heard me this day were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (Acts 26:28-29). Paul was a Christian. No other descriptive terms were used. He was not “fundamentalist,” “charismatic,” “pentecostal,” “Baptist,” or any other kind of a Christian. Will you not consider my simple plea in the same spirit of love in which it is given?

When we read our New Testaments we see what people did to become Christians. They had to hear the word of truth, the gospel of salvation (Eph. 1:13; Rom. 10:17). They had to believe that Jesus was the Son of God (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37). They were taught to repent – turn from every sin and turn to the Lord in His appointed way (Acts 17:30). You have sinned. I know this not because of your confession of sin, but because God says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). 1 believe that you have not only sinned morally, but even religiously. Please let me tell you why I would make such a seemingly harsh statement. Jesus teaches that to go to Heaven, we must do the will of our Father who is in Heaven (Matt. 7:21). This involves doing our every religious act by the authority of God which is revealed in His word (1 Cor. 2:9-13; Eph. 3:35; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Unless I can turn to the Bible and read of a practice therein, then I dare not engage in that practice lest my worship should be in vain (Matt. 15:9). Throughout the denominations of our day, there are numerous practices that we read nothing about in the New Testament (please allow me to discuss some of these points a little later).

But the fact is that we have sinned and must turn from every sin of every kind. Our Lord Jesus also has prescribed a necessary action in order for us to have our sins forgiven. He says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved-, but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). In language as plain as could every be uttered, Jesus requires us to be baptized in order to be saved. This is His consistent teaching throughout His word. When the people in Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Pentecost cried out, “What shall we do?” Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). We can also read such Scriptures as Acts 22:16; Romans 6:1-6; Colossians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 3:21. The Scriptures are consistent: one must be baptized (immersed in water) in order to have his sins forgiven. Yes, we are saved by God’s grace, but it is not by grace only. Yes, we are saved by our faith, but not by faith only. Our faith takes God at His word (Gal. 5:6; James 2:17-26). It is a lack of faith to reject anything that He requires of us and the purpose for which it is required. Baptism is required for the remission of our sins. It is not “because we are saved.” It is not just an outward sign of an inward cleansing. May I plead with you to be baptized for the remission of your sins? And please don’t reason by saying, “Well., I have been baptized.” Both you and I know that the teaching of your denomination is that salvation (the remission of sins) precedes baptism. You cannot be baptized for the remission of sins if you believe that your sins have already been forgiven.

When you are baptized, not only is every sin forgiven you, but God Himself adds you to His church (Acts 2:47). This is not a denomination. It is simply His called out body. Those thus saved associate themselves together in a local congregation – a group of saved people who follow the Bible. We never read of any kind of organization larger or smaller than the local church. There were no denominations, no combine of churches, no earthly headquarters. There were just local churches totally autonomous under qualified overseers called elders, bishops or pastors (1 Tim. 3:1ff; Tit. 1:5ff; Phil. 1:1). Evangelists were simply preachers of the word. There was no “one man pastor system” in the New Testament churches. These early Christians met each “first day of the week” to partake of the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7). They prayed together, taught and studied together (Acts 2:42). They sang together (without any instrumental accompaniment). They loved God, they loved each other, and they loved the souls of fellow men. There was no pomp or pageantry. They worked to save the souls of people and to edify one another. Shouldn’t churches now strive to be just like that? But alas! People have added so much to what the Bible teaches. They have gotten farther and farther away from His simple plan. Thus, religious error has entered in and religion is not what God intended. Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10). Religious leaders have promoted division. Instead of one body (Eph. 4:4-5) we see many bodies teaching and practicing adverse doctrines. My plea to you is to forsake all these human practices and become just a Christian as we read in the New Testament. Not only will your sins be forgiven you, but you will find thousands of like-minded disciples striving to follow the Bible. Your potential in preaching the pure, simple gospel is great. Brethren will follow the divine injunction to forgive, comfort, and love (2 Cor. 2:6-8). You can serve the Lord Jesus Christ for the rest of your life as a Christian. It doesn’t promise you wealth, but it promises a home in Heaven. It doesn’t promise you popularity, but it promises that He “will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Dear friend, will you please consider this simple plea from a Christian who loves you and wants to see you serve in the greatest relationship there is – the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would delight in furthering this correspondence. May I hear from you?

In brotherly love,

Forrest D. Moyer

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, pp. 302-303
May 21, 1987

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: Does 666 in Revelation 13:18 refer to a future pope? Is “Babylon the Great” a clear, direct prophecy of the Roman Catholic Church?

Reply:. As to the identity of the number 666 in Revelation 13:18, many interpretations have been given. It has been identified with about every known sinister character in history, from Nero to Mussolini. Futurists see the number 666 as some wicked ruler who will appear just before the final return of Christ and the end of the world.

A method of solving the identity of the number 666 was used by later Jews and early Christians known as Gematria. It is described as “the use of letters of a word so as by means of their combined numerical value to express a name, or a witty association of ideas” (ISBE, Vol. IV, p. 2162). Men have been deciphering the name of the beast for centuries. One theory reduces “Nero Caesar” to the Hebrew consonant equivalent “Nron Ksr.” The Hebrew numerical equivalent is N = 50, R = 200, 0 = 6, N = 50, K = 100, S = 60, R = 200. The total is 666. So, many interpreters believe that the number 666 is Nero. It has been pointed out that “the recent discovery of an Aramaic illustration of Nero Caesar, spelled so as to equal 666 at Qumram gives credence to this as a solution” (J.W. Roberts, The Revelation to John, p. 116).

Irenaeus (120-202 A.D.) introduced the view that the first Roman ruler was named Latinus (spelled Lateinos in Greek). Using the Greek evaluation method, L = 30, A = 1, T = 300, E = 5, 1 = 10, N = 50, 0 = 70, S = 200. The total is 666. So, the number of the beast came to be identified later with the Roman Catholic Church because of its association with Rome and its use of Latin. This has been a very popular view, especially among older expositors. Alexander Campbell, in his debate with bishop Purcell (held in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1837), identified the number with papal Rome. (See Campbell-Purcell Debate, p. 287.) He affirmed that the Roman Catholic Church “is the Babylon of John, the Man of Sin of Paul, and the Empire of the Youngest Horn of Daniel’s Sea Monster” in the third proposition of the debate (Ibid., p. 281).

Systems have been worked out to identify the code 666 with Hitler, by giving numerical equivalents to the letters of our English alphabet. Many names in different languages have been deciphered to solve the code 666. These are but a few examples of these efforts.

We must bear in mind that the book of Revelation is an apocalypse; thus such writings is characterized by imagery, symbols and signs. For this reason, modern readers are in a more difficult position to positively identify codes which were most probably understood by the Christians who lived at that time. They were in peril, their lives being in jeopardy because of persecution; so most likely codes or symbols were used for their protection. The number “6” (Rev. 4:8) and “666” (Rev. 13:18) had significance. In oriental numerology the number “6” indicated doom when by itself. The number “666” denoted greater evil; it was evil intensified (see Pieters, Milligan, et al).

In chapter thirteen, John saw two beasts (one coming up out of the sea, v. 1, and the other coming up out of the earth, v. 11); both are allies of Satan. In harmony with the symbolic use of numbers in the book of Revelation, “six” represents that which is evil. Tripled it would be intensified evil, as we have seen. Being short of the number seven (a symbol of perfection), the number 666 also emphasizes failure or doom. It should be noted here that there is no definite article before man. Therefore, the idea is the number of man, not some specific man. Homer Hailey comments: “the number of the beast stands for the complete and total failure of all human systems and efforts antagonistic to God and His Christ” (Commentary on Revelation, p. 299). This is a reasonable conclusion in view of the context.

To suppose that the number 666 refers to some future pope would be of no significance to those Christians living in John’s day. The purpose of the Apocalypse was to comfort Christians. Portrayed for them is the defeat of their enemies and the ultimate victory of Christ (Rev. 17:14). Neither would “Babylon the Great,” being identified as the Roman Catholic Church, be of any significance or consolation to the saints at the time the book of Revelation was written.

It seems more in harmony with the context to conclude that human devices and systems which oppose Christ and His cause are symbolized by the cryptogram 666, rather than some specific man. “Babylon the Great” more logically refers to Jerusalem, if the Revelation was written before 70 A.D.; or to Rome, if the book was written at a later date, c. 96 A.D. In either case, “Babylon” symbolizes lust and seduction (17:3,4) rather than some specific institution such as the Roman Catholic Church.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 293
May 21, 1987

By Irven Lee

“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). In speaking of Christ it was said, “He needeth not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:25). There are some soul searching questions one might consider because God is not mocked. He knows our thoughts and motives, and He judges according to what He sees inside.

It is better that man not be left to handle this matter of trying to settle the question as to each man’s destiny. He would make many mistakes. Two older men were talking about whether it was best to withdraw from a certain man. They did not agree as to the guilt of the man in question. One said, “I would hate for one who was considered a member in good standing with this church to die and go to hell.” The other said, “I would hate for one who dies and goes to heaven to be one from whom we had just withdrawn.” Men should be very careful in obeying the command to withdraw from the disorderly (2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17, 18). Patience, love, and wisdom should be there to help us when we seek to use righteous judgment (John 7:24).

The hypocritical Pharisees and the unbelieving Sadducees did condemn the Christ and many saints to harsh persecution and death. When Stephen and other such people were condemned, their eternal destiny was not endangered. Heaven’s court is the supreme court and makes the final decisions. In our generation many of the supporters of institutionalism and church support of recreation have considered those who walked in the safe way to be unworthy of fellowship. I am glad that these bitter digressive preachers are not the ones to determine our final destiny.

For what will Christ, the great Judge, be looking when He separates the sheep from the goats? He will be looking for genuine love for God and men. The two greatest commandments are evidently very important * He will look for the love that will bring about obedience (read John 14:15, 21, 23; 1 John 2:4; 5:3). He will also look for the love that will properly regulate man’s behavior to his fellow man (Rom. 13:10; James 2). A little touch of emotionalism will not suffice as a substitute for loving obedience.

The Judge will be looking for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. (See Matt. 5:6; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:15, 16; Heb. 5: 12-14.) People perish through lack of knowledge. We speak as the oracles of God and we walk by faith. It is very important for us to be able to discern between good and evil. We are to be able to give a reason for the hope within us. We are to be apt to teach and to stop the mouths of gainsayers. Is the lack of knowledge and the lack of desire to learn about the greatest dangers facing us now? It is a noble spirit that searches the Scriptures daily to see what is true.

The Judge looks for those who grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. We never learn all there is to know, but we can grow in this precious knowledge. We are to go on unto perfection. We are to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling (2 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 6: 1; Phil. 3:14).

All men everywhere are commanded to repent. If we ever decide that we have graduated with the class that knows everything and has added all the faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love that can be added we are unprepared for judgment. We all will need to find mercy even when we have done our best.

That man who works out his salvation with fear and trembling and gives diligence to make his calling and election sure is the best man I can picture in my mind. That devout person who is in his Father’s kingdom contending for the faith needs to study and press on toward perfection, confessing his sins and his need of mercy along the way. This servant will make it to heaven, but only by grace. Christ died that people like this may enter in through the gate into the city. Now, at this time, if we truly set our affections on things above we may lay hold of the hope set before us.

The Philippian jailer and his family were babes in Christ the morning after they were baptized as penitent believers, but their sins had been washed away. If they lived for years but never walked in newness of life they would surely be lost. The Lord handles the final judgment as one who knows what is in man and He knows His Father’s will. Each will be judged fairly according to the deeds done in his body.

A first grade pupil at school may have high marks on his report card even though his big brother knows more than he does. The graduate student should know much more than that one in the first grade. The assignments given the graduate student will be much more difficult than that which is expected of the beginner. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 299
May 21, 1987

By Ronny Milliner

Introduction:

A. Text: 1 Cor. 15:52

B. Even those whose radios blast so loud that it can be heard for a country mile, will hear this trumpet.

C. What will happen when this trumpet sounds?

I. Time Will End.

A. While many think that Christ’s return will be the beginning of His kingdom, I Cor. 15:24 declares it to be the end of His reign.

B. It is the “last day” (Jn. 6:39-40, 44, 54).

II. The Resurrection of the Dead.

A. Our text declares this fact (1 Cor. 15:51-52).

B. There will not be a resurrection of the righteous and then 1,000 years later a resurrection of the wicked (Jn. 5:28-29).

C. All the dead will be raised (Rev. 20:13-14).

III. An Universal Judgment.

A. The small and great will be there (Rev. 20:12).

B. Each of us will be there to give an account to Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).

C. Knowing such should lead us to repentance (Acts 17:30-31).

D. The words of the Lord will be the standard of judgment (Jn. 12:48).

IV. The Material Universe Will Be Destroyed.

A. Jesus said it would pass away (Mt. 24:35).

B. Peter tells us how (2 Pet. 3:10-12).

V. Punishment For The Sinners.

A. For those who do not know God and for those who have not obeyed the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

B . Notice the terms used to describe what they will experience (Rom. 2:5-9).

C. Rev. 20:15; 21:8 tells of those who will be cast into the lake of fire.

VI. Eternity Will Continue.

A. While time as we know it will end (as discussed in point one), eternity goes on forever and ever and ever.

B. So the state of the wicked and righteous are both described as being forever and ever.

1. Wicked (Rev. 14:9-11; Mt. 25:46).

2. Righteous (Mt. 25:46; Rev. 22:5).

VII. The Triumph of the Saints.

A. Our hope will be realized (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

B. What a glorious experience (Rev. 21:1-4)!

Conclusion

A. If that trumpet were to sound now, would you be ready?

B. Song: “There’s a Great Day Coming.”

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 300
May 21, 1987