Truth Magazine

By Raymond E. Harris

Did you know that the Bible continues to be the world’s best selling book? In countries where the sale of Bibles is banned, it is the most sought after book.

Yet, in America, where Bibles are readily available and where most everyone can read, the Bible may be the most abused and neglected book of all. Thousands of people from time to time will read a page here and a page there and then declare that the Bible is just too hard and beyond their understanding. We suggest the problem Res with the haphazard approach to the book and not with the book itself.

One could not read the first, middle and last chapter of any book and expect to learn a great deal. We would not think of approaching a book of history, mathematics or science in such a way. We all realize that our understanding of such matters depends upon our beginning at the beginning and progressing page by page.

Also, we must realize that the Bible is not one book but rather a collection of 66 books. Every serious. student of the Bible realizes that the Bible must be “rightly divided.” It, in fact, contains three laws: (1) the Patriarchal – for all non-Jews from Adam till the death of Jesus. (2) The Mosaic – for all Jews from Moses till the death of Jesus. (3) The law of Christ – for all mankind from the death of Jesus till He comes again.

In Acts 8:30, the preacher Philip asked a man who was reading the book of Isaiah, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” In turn the man replied, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” Hence, this serious student of God’s Word realized that a little guidance can be helpful.

Why Bible Study Is Important

Why is Bible study so important? Why do preachers and church leaders seem to stress it so much? Let’s see if the Bible itself will not give us the answer.

In Romans 1:16, Paul said,”. . .I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” And in John 8:32, Jesus said:”. . . ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

These two comments by Jesus and His great Apostle Paul should help us to see the essentiality of a knowledge of God’s word. No one can be free from the awful consequences of sin until he knows the truth about who and what Jesus really is! No one can be saved from the consequences of his sins until and unless he obeys the Gospel of Christ.

The word Gospel means “Good News” and everyone needs to understand the good news of how Jesus died, was buried and resurrected that mankind might be saved (see 1 Cor. 15:1-4). In various Scriptures, those seeking salvation were told to: believe (in Jesus), repent (turn from their sins), confess (that Jesus is the Son of God) and be baptized (for the remission of sins).

Do you know where the verses are that teach the foregoing? If not and especially if you have never obeyed God’s command you are in a most serious condition. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Paul explains that when Jesus returns He will take vengeance on them that “. . . know not God, and that obey not the Gospel. . . .”

The Word Will Save Your Soul

In James 1:21 the inspired man wrote: “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (N.A.S.B.).

Please notice that one cannot be helped spiritually until he puts aside all filthiness and wickedness! God cannot and will not save those that will not quit their wickedness. However, if we are sincere, if we really want to please God and go to heaven, if we will turn from iniquity and humbly receive and submit to God’s Word, we can be savedl Notice James says the word of God is able to save your souls.”

But you say how? How can the word of God save me? We can all enjoy the remission of past sins and become the children of God by submitting to or obeying the Bible terms that God has revealed in the Scriptures.

We must realize that we are the sinners and that God is the one who has been sinned against. Therefore it is God who must set the terms of forgiveness. We can never expect to be redeemed on our own terms.

Rightly Dividing The Word

In 2 Timothy 2:15 the Apostle Paul instructs the younger preacher Timothy: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Earlier I mentioned the essentiality of “rightly dividing” God’s Word. Hence, the portion of the Bible commonly known as the Old Testament plus the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, contain laws to both Jews and non-Jews that are no longer in force and binding upon mankind.

Beginning with Acts 2 and continuing on through Revelation 22 we have that part of the Scriptures applicable to all mankind today. This is known as the Truth, the Gospel, the Will of Jesus. This is the part of the Scriptures that we must obey to become Christians and members of Christ’s Church!

As Jesus contemplated the coming of His Gospel after His death, He said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31).

As we consider 2 Timothy 2:15 further, we notice that we must “study” to be “approved unto God.” As one studies God’s Word and attains the approval of God by obeying that Word, he then becomes a “workman” of God. And we must study and be knowledgeable of God’s Word in order to live, labor and love as God would have us. Otherwise the ignorance and disobedience of a professed Christian will result in shame, and the stigma of hypocrisy. Are you a Christian? Are you a workman for God? Can you rightly divide the word of Truth? Bible study is the answer!

Persevere in Bible Study

I want to emphasize the importance of continued Bible study on the part of Christians. The Scriptures make it clear that Christians must continue to study to maintain their spiritual health. In 1 Peter 2:2, Peter urges, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” Hence, we see that God’s Word is likened unto food that develops and sustains the children of God. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” And in Acts 20:32, the Apostle Paul exhorted the elders from the church at Ephesus, “And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”

Please notice that Paul appeals even to elders of the church. He reminds them that even the spiritual leaders of God’s people need to continually be “built up.” He links the word of God to continued spiritual up-building and to receiving the inheritance of eternal life.

So we see that: (1) The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation; (2) A study of God’s Word will bring God’s approval; (3) The truth can make us free; (4) Christians grow and are sustained by the Word; (5) Mature Christians continue to be built up by the Word; and (6) As Christians continue in the Word they steadfastly look forward to the inheritance that is in Christ Jesus.

Truly God’s Word is the “Road Map” that leads through this life and on into an eternity with the sanctified.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 21, pp. 652-653
November 6, 1986

By Robert F. Turner

The “authority of the church” is undoubtedly the basic point of difference between Roman Catholicism and classic Protestantism, with both Luther and Calvin agreeing that God rests His authority in His Word. But both theologians had accepted another basic tenet which cast doubt upon their “authority.” In his book, “Pattern of Authority,” Bernard Ramm discusses this matter in great detail, and explains: “(1) The human reason had come under certain darkening effects from sin; and (2) being fully persuaded by human reason the believer would still have but human faith.” Ramm says, “The truer Protestant principle is that there is an external principle (the inspired Scripture) and an internal principle (the witness of the Holy Spirit).” This allows their principle of authority to fit their concept of inherited depravity and its solution, the direct operation of the Holy Spirit. But it argues that the Word given by the Holy Spirit was meaningless unless the hearer or reader also had the indwelling Spirit to enlighten and enable one to understand truth.

Ramm quotes James Orr as “I believe the Holy Spirit in the community of God’s people (to interpret truth, rt) may fitly be described as the primal heresy — the heresy of all heresies — in the Christian Church.” In that case, I must be one great heretic, for I believe the Holy Spirit’s initial work in inspiring chosen messengers was adequate, and that the inspired word is understandable to all who will search the Scriptures, desiring truth. Most of my brethren believe this also, but it may be that we do not sufficiently grasp the significance of this great truth, and how it sets us apart from the greater part of our Protestant neighbors. For that reason, we need to consider Scriptures used to justify the position they have taken on this subject.

Almost all who argue the case begin with 1 Corinthians 2:14, “Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.” They say, “There it is, as you can see. ” But I must reply, “If I can see that passage, I can see others, and your proposition fails.” There is no way the evangelical can logically offer scriptural proof for anything, for if one does not have this “spiritual enlightenment” he cannot understand God’s word, and all who do have it must “see” alike if God’s truth is indeed unified. On the other hand, if we are to look at this passage in its context — letting the Scriptures explain the Scriptures — we will come up with a very different conclusion.

The context for this matter begins in chapter one. “For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God” (v. 18). Here, two classes of people hear the same message. One treats it as foolishness, for “the world through its wisdom knew not God” (1:21). When the message of the cross is measured by human wisdom, judged on the basis of what conforms to human wisdom, it is rejected. Another class, just as human, believes the message and is saved. For details, follow the context into the second chapter. Paul says he came not with worldly wisdom, but “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (2:4-5). Notice it is “your faith,” the faith of humans. Faith is the acceptance of evidence, an action on man’s part. But some men believe, some do not The difference is not that God gives “faith” to some, and withholds it from others. The difference is in man’s attitude and standards of judgment.

Paul came “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” “confirming the word by the signs that followed” (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:4). He proved the source of his message to be from heaven, by miraculous sings of confirmation. We no more need further confirmation of the message, than we do of the fact of Christ’s resurrection. These things are written that we may believe (Jn. 20:30-31), and when we read we can perceive Paul’s understanding received by inspiration (Eph. 3:2f). The believers are those who accept the message on the bassi of its divine source; while the disbelievers, trusting only human wisdom for confirmation, call the gospel foolishness.

Now, continue to follow Paul’s message to the Corinthians. He says God must reveal His truth (the things of God) by the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:11). But he does not say all hearers (or readers) must have the Holy Spirit. The “we” and “us” of verse 12, are seen to be the speakers (or writers) of verse 13. “We” (the apostles, inspired men) received, and so speak. Compare the Ephesians passage, “as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” (3:5); or “that ye should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Pet.3:2). There is nothing here to suggest the hearer must have the Holy Spirit, but one who would claim to be a messenger from God must obtain heaven’s truths by inspiration, not by human wisdom. It is well, at this point, to note that today’s teachers only pass on that which the apostles and prophets had revealed unto them (2 Tim.2:2).

The context of the disputed passage clearly distinguishes the “natural” man from the spiritual, on the basis of the standard he trusts for judgment. If Paul is referring to would be “speakers” he says those who trust in worldly wisdom can not be true spokesmen for the things of God. Things of God can come only by inspiration, and that eliminates all but the Apostles and Prophets. If he refers to hearers who can not know things of God, it is because they will accept only that which their worldly wisdom approves hence, the gospel is foolishness to them. In both cases, spiritual truths transcend the physical realm, and must come from God by way of revelation. The so called “Protestant Principle” and those who accept it make a big mistake, here and in John 14, 15, 16 relative to the Comforter, by assuming or applying generally, that which was a specific promise made to Apostles and Prophets of the first century (cf. Luke 24:48-49).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 21, pp. 647-648
November 6, 1986

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: Does 2 Corinthians 3:17,18 teach that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are identical in some way? Is “the Spirit” directly referring to Jesus or the Holy Spirit? Are Jesus and the Holy Spirit so closely related in work that one can be put for the other?

Reply: The passage inquired about reads: “Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord of the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:17,18).

It is true that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one. This is not to say that they are one and the same person, but they are one in the same sense that the Father and the Son are one (Jn. 10:30). The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are separate persons but they are deity. They compose the Godhead. They are God in three persons. They are one in purpose, each performing and functioning in harmony with the other. It is questionable, however, that “the Lord is the Spirit” has reference here to Jesus being identified in some way with the Holy Spirit.

In order to have a clearer understanding of this difficult passage, we should notice verse 6. Here Paul had declared that God had made him and the other apostles sufficient as “ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” The old covenant was given in letters engraven on stone; it was a law of letters. The new covenant, though also written, is a spiritual law (Rom. 8:2). Paul is contrasting the law of letters which could only bring condemnation and death (Rom. 7:7-11; 1 Cor. 15:56), with the”new covenant which gives us life (Rom. 2:27-29; 6:4,11; 8:2, 10,11; 1 Cor. 15:45; Gal. 5:18). It was the former that was being enforced by Paul’s opponents. This being the case, it seems more in harmony with the context, that as Moses stood for the “letter” of the old covenant which he gave, “the Lord” (Christ) is the spirit of the new covenant of which He is the author. It gives us liberty. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). Three laws are mentioned in Romans 8:1-4: the law of the Spirit of life, the law of sin and death and the law of Moses. The law of the Spirit of life (the gospel, or the new covenant) makes men free from the law of sin and death. The law of sin and death is set forth in 7:23. To be a captive of this law is to be dead spiritually; therefore, it is the law of sin and death. Sin reigns and the inevitable result is death (Ezek. 18:20; Rom. 6:23). The law of Moses (the third law, Rom. 8:3) could not free men from the law of sin and death because its sacrifices could not take away sin (Heb. 10:4). The spirit that gives life is Christ (2 Cor. 3:17). He sets men at liberty (Lk. 4:18), and this He does by the truth (Jn. 8:32).

There is no doubt that “the Lord” is Christ Jesus in this passage. He was declared to be both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:37) and from that time on it is probable that every mention of the term “Lord” refers to Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:5; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:7 etc.)

In view of the context, it is more plausible that “the Spirit” in 2 Corinthians 3:17,18 refers to Jesus rather than the Holy Spirit.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 21, p. 645
November 6, 1986

By S. Leonard Tyler

To be prepared for marriage one must be willing to accept another into his life as a vital and essential part of his life. This must be done upon right principles of truth and love, right purpose of sharing and producing, and right design of peace, good-will, happiness, accomplishment in this life and in the life to come eternal salvation for us and our children and all whom we can influence.

To be prepared for children, we must be willing to (1) give room in our lives for a baby, another human being, a real person. We must accept him as a real human being and extend our love and care. We must accept the responsibility for this person he is not a toy, a play thing, but a real person developing into his own life. Physically superintend the proper foods, exercises and profession for his life. Spiritually and morally superintend his concepts, attitudes, loves, desires and disposition. The proper knowledge and appreciation of right things to want, treasure, love, seek and work for upon the basis of what is right and best for all concerned – unselfish but with purpose of heart – for the good of all must be taught and established in his own heart. He must make the choices you cannot make them for him. Yes, you must give to him the fundamentals, the foundation for life. This is the responsibility of parents. The consequences of your labors and their following must be, of necessity, accepted to your joy or sorrow. The training of your boys and girls results in the life that he lives. This is the fruit of your labors, love and life giving efforts and will produce in this relationship an earthly harvest perhaps, and in my judgment, more than any other field in which you function.

This is the most important place you will ever fill or greatest work that you will ever do. The fruits, as a rule, are produced according to the effort spent while the opportunities are yours – not as a choice but of necessity. Your choice should be to accept this awesome responsibility wisely, use it fully and treasure the opportunity of sharing in giving to another life and purpose in Jesus Christ.

“Where there is life there is hope.” This is just as applicable to spiritual life as it is to physical life. So hang in there with all your knowledge, ability, courage, faith and pray fervently, for you will need all these things and more. But consider the worth of the person(s) you gave birth to or fathered, what shall they be come? Yes, they are worth every ounce of energy, penny of money and extended effort or sacrifice you will ever make. This man or woman, now in the making, and you are a very vital part of his making, will be your greatest treasure upon this earth to your delight or your sorrow. The only profitable time to recognize and come to grips with this fact is now, while this man or woman is in the making, a child today but tomorrow, a full grown adult. This, my brother and sister, is your joy or sorrow or whatever it may be through your effort and its action. But you are responsible to keep the effort going. “Don’t give up the ship,” no, not the ship – but the person. Remember the prodigal of Luke 15:11-32. He came back. We are trying to help people to learn the truth, turn to the Lord, and be saved. Then let us act like it, be like it and keep on acting and being like it. The Lord gives the increase. Let us keep working – the harvest is yet to come. “Your labors are not in vain in the Lord. . . the end is not yet. ” Where there is life, there is hope. But life keeps striving by faith for victory.

Negatively speaking, don’t allow problems to become the building stones but rather allow the solutions to become the building blocks and use them. Easy problems solve immediately, hard ones work hard to solve and impossible ones, it takes a little longer. Be careful how you build for every man’s work shall be tried as by fire.

The Changing Epochs In A Child’s Life

1. Infancy. Dressing, feeding milk to solid food, crawling, walking, talking, and playing with others (but he is the cutest thing ever): understanding, righting, picking-up strange words and actions (where did he hear that?).

2. School Years. Gone from home all day (oh, what shall I do?), visiting their friends in the day, then all night (Did you miss your mother?). They must be taught to act upon their own understanding, thinking and reasoning. (Well, you know that they are the smartest anywhere. They know more about “Star Wars” than the president. They watch TV. I have never seen children advance so rapidly. It just staggers me and his daddy.) This time is coming. Allow them the right and teach the responsibility that goes with the right to make their choices. Conduct your own life so you will be wanted – and then you will be asked to help and give your advice. Keep communication lines open. This is your job and you had better do it.

3. Recognizing The Different Sexes. Make a difference between boys and girls. You must help them understand the real differences and how to accept those differences wisely. Don’t leave it to chance nor the school nor the group with whom they run or associate. We are living in a “progressive,” modern, feministic, atheistic and sex-perverted society. If you leave it to “chance” they will not have a chance, a real opportunity, to understand and appreciate the true value in the difference nor the purpose for marriage and clean moral living. You better teach them. Society is fighting against the difference. The Equal Rights Movement is really not for the rights for women, although some may be ignorant of this fact, notwithstanding it is diabolically opposed to the biblical teachings respecting moral living, especially sex – homosexuality, fornication, adultery and actually “freedom of sex” is basic and vital to their movement. Teach your boys and girls to be clean physically and morally, to live clean up-right lives and maintain respect in all the affairs of life. The Equal Rights Movement is against the God-ordained rights for women and the good of all society. Teach your boys and girls to respect womanhood, honor, protect, love and appreciate the God planned place for woman and man (Gen. 1:27-28; 2:21-25; Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Pet. 3:1-7; 1 Cor. 7:1-5). Fornication, adultery and/or illicit, perverted sexual relationships are just as sinful and damnable as ever in the history of man (Acts 15:20; 21:25; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:13-20; Gal. 5:19; Matt. 5:32; 19:1-9).

Let your boys and girls understand, recognize and respect the gravity of immorality. As Paul wrote (taken from the New King James version), “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18). God gave the freedom of sex to marriage, love and the home. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4; see 1 Cor. 7:1-2). Teach them in preparation for marriage; both girls and boys need it.

4. Marriage. Parents should teach their boys and girls (and I mean boys as well as girls) that marriage is ordained of God for the good, pleasure and productivity of man, contentment and happiness of all. Purity must be sustained in marriage, each committing himself to the other (1 Cor. 7:1-5). Teach them their place as well as responsibility to one another. Boys, men need this understanding as well as girls, young ladies. This is a unit of one man and one woman in anticipation of children to follow. It takes both to make a marriage work as God ordains. So teach and so practice. God’s plan will work and is best always.

When They Marry

Parents must teach and practice that when young men and women are married they belong to one another and are to treasure and prefer one another above anybody else on earth. They are one in God’s sight in the marriage relationship. Mother and father must respect and honor their independence. I know, they need your motherly and fatherly advice but allow them the opportunity to make it on their own, if you can. But if they really need you, offer and give your help as advice and not commands or force. Your teaching will now serve them. But again, we say, keep the communication lines open. There is joy in recognizing them as capable to live and establish their own homes. The future looks brighter.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 21, 641, 661
November 6, 1986