Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the fight of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:13-16).

Jesus used many common illustrations to teach important spiritual lessons. In this text, He compared the Christian to salt and light. Salt preserves food from spoiling and seasons it. Light dispels darkness.

The Christian Is The Salt and The Light

Some people act like they think the Christian is the “sugar” of the earth. They imagine that Christianity demands some kind of artificial, syrupy, and phony form of “love” which never confronts a person directly with his sins. Back slapping, ear-to-ear grins, and other traits of the Dale Carnegie “How To Win Friends and Influence People” character are their stock in trade.

Christians are not the “sugar,” they are the salt. They have learned the valuable lesson taught in Proverbs: “He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue” (28:23). Consequently, with kindness and gentleness, they rebuke the sinner in the hope of leading him to everlasting life.

For want of ten righteous souls, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed (Gen. 18-19). We who are Christians do more to preserve this nation of ours than all of the missiles in our national arsenals.

If The Salt Has Lost Is Savor

Salt can lose its savor! Christians can fall from grace and become worthless to the Lord. “It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matt. 5:13). Surely such a comparison cannot be descriptive of eternal life! Like so many other passages, this passage teaches the possibility of apostasy and damnation in hell of one who once was saved (cf. 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Heb. 6:4-6; Gal. 5:4).

What are some things which might cause the salt to lose its savor? I would like to suggest the following as a partial of list of things which can cause the salt to lose its savor:

1. Impurity in life. When Christians fail to maintain their moral purity, they lose their savor. They become indistinguishable from the world. Their conduct does not set an example before the world and their lives are not a moral rebuke to the world around them. Indeed, worldliness causes the salt to lose its savor.

We see failures in these areas: (a) Divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19:9). God’s laws governing the marriage relationship are cast aside in order that men can put away their mates and remarry for reasons other than adultery. Many churches use men in unscriptural marriages in their teaching programs, to serve the Lord’s supper, and to take other public parts in worship. When this happens, the world is unable to distinguish themselves from Christians. In this way, the salt loses is savor.

(b) Fornication (1 Cor. 6:18). Sometimes Christians engage in premarital and extra-martial affairs. Not a few preachers, elders, deacons, and Bible class teachers have been exposed as being guilty. Their impurity in life suppresses the truth (Rom. 1:8). In this way, the salt loses it savor.

(c) Immodest dress (1 Tim. 2:9,10). The manner in which some Christians dress makes Christians indistinguishable from the world. They go to the public beaches and swimming pools in immodest attire; they wear their shorts in public. In the clothing that they wear, they are indistinguishable from the ungodly world. In this way, the salt loses it savor.

(d) Dancing (Gal. 5:19-21). Some Christians engage in the revelry of the world, participating in their lascivious acts. Few teenagers go through their high school years without attending the prom and joining with their classmates in dancing. Unfortunately, they are encouraged in their decision by parents who don’t want their children to miss this “once-in-a-lifetime” event. In this way, the salt loses it savor.

(e) Drinking (1 Pet. 4:1-3). Some Christians participate in social drinking and in having a couple of beers at home while they watch the ball game on TV. The world sees them purchase their beer at the grocery, their children watch them drink it at home, and the garbage men sees their cans in the trash. In this way, the salt loses it savor.

(f) Factionalism and division (Gal. 5:19-21). In many areas of the country, the people of God can have such little influence on the world because of their inability to get along with one another. They fuss and fight until they divide into two small, quarreling groups. Their influence is destroyed in the community for many years to come as their neighbors hear of the division in the Church of Christ. In this way, the salt loses its savor.

2. Apathy and indifference. All over this country, the churches are unable to accomplish much of any work because the members do not care enough about the Lord to give sacrificially, attend regularly, and generally support the work which is being done. Members have become lukewarm (Rev. 3:15-17), having lost their first love (Rev. 2:4-5).

These members do not have enough interest in the Lord to motivate themselves to attend. How much less will they be able to encourage someone else to obey the gospel and join in the worship of God? In this way, the salt loses its savor!

3. Toleration of sin. Some congregations are like the church at Corinth which tolerated the incestuous man (1 Cor. 5). The church could not influence the community when the community would not tolerate that kind of moral indecency. When congregations close their eyes to the immorality of their membership, never rebuking the sinful member and withdrawing from the impenitent, they become filled with ungodly, worldly church members. In time, their influence in the community is destroyed. In this way, the salt loses its savor!

No doubt there are other ways in which Christians can destroy their influence. However, these should suffice to warn us to be sure that we let our lights shine by living the godly life. We need to let the light shine in our speech, our homes, our work on the job, and every other relationship we sustain in life.

Wherewith Shall It Be Salted?

The influence of the gospel is the only power which God has to save men from their sins (Rom. 1:16). There is no power for salvation from sin in atheism, the world religions (Buddhism, Islam, etc.), and denominationalism. Only the blood of Jesus can save men from sin. We have been charged with the responsibility of taking the saving gospel to the lost world.

What happens if “the salt has lost its savor”? “Wherewith shall it be salted?” If we who are Christians do not take the gospel to the world, saving souls from sin and calling men to righteous living, who will? We cannot expect the pornographers to spread the gospel. We cannot expect the television producers to spread the gospel. We cannot expect the humanists to spread the gospel. If we don’t do it, “wherewith shall it be salted?”

The Power of the Salt and Light

Salt will do its work. So will light. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matt. 5:14). We need to have confidence in the power of the gospel and its influence on the lives of men to accomplish its task of saving the world.

The light of a life lived in obedience to God will cause others “to see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We need to have confidence in this power. Resorting to carnal appeals to win the lost for Christ is a confession that we have lost confidence in the power of the gospel and its influence on the lives of men to do its work of leading others to salvation.

The Motive Of Letting One’s Light Shine

Sometimes men want to let their light shine that others may see them. The Pharisees of Matthew 6 did their righteousness in a public way in order to have the glory of men (6:2,5,16). The motivation should not be to display one’s acts of righteousness; indeed, our left hand should not know what our right hand does (6:3). Rather, our motive should be to glorify God. When men turn to Christ in obedience to His word as a result of this teaching and life, the Christian rejoices that God has been glorified.

Conclusion

You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world! Has your salt lost its savor? Is your light shining brightly? What would non-Christians with whom you associate say about you? Do they say, “If that is a Christian, I don’t want to be one”? Or, do they say, “That man is a Christian”?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 17, pp. 514, 534-535
September 4, 1986

By Larry Ray Hafley

In discussions with Baptist preachers on the possibility of apostasy, they often flee and flock to 1 John 2:1,2, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” Their argument runs something like this, “If I sin as a child of God, I have Jesus Christ, the righteous, as my atonement. His blood forgives and cleanses me from all sin. Therefore, I cannot be lost. If so, then the promise of Jesus as my Advocate means nothing.”

Reply To The Argument

First, one should never reply to an argument in such a way as to convey the idea that he is answering Scripture. No one should appear to void the promise and hope of I John 2:1,2 or any other passage. No one denies that Jesus is our advocate, our propitiation. No one doubts that the blood of the Son of God cleanses the child of God “from all sin” (1 Jn. 1:7). Let that be clear.

Second, is the cleansing, the forgiveness, the advocacy, the propitiation, conditional or unconditional? Must the erring child of God respond to his sin in repentance, confession and prayer, or is he automatically forgiven? This question must be addressed. Of course, the Bible teaches that the erring child of God must be restored and converted (Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19,20). He must repent, confess and pray in order to be given life (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9; 5:16).

Third, it may be objected that the sin discussed does not condemn the sinner; it does not cause him to be in a state of spiritual death. If not, then why use a passage that refers to our advocate, propitiation? If the sin does not cause one to be separated from God, do the “sins of the whole world” cause them to be separated from God?

Fourth, is the alien sinner, one who has never named the name of Christ, saved conditionally or unconditionally by the propitiation? Observe that the passage says that Christ is the propitiation for “the sins of the whole world.” Is that propitiation conditional or unconditional? “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9). Even our Baptist opponents believe that the alien sinner is saved conditionally by the atonement of Christ. If the alien is cleansed and forgiven conditionally, then why is the child of God who sins cleansed unconditionally? Yes, Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, but not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. If the child of God is unconditionally forgiven, why is not the alien unconditionally forgiven? If the sins of the child of God do not cause him to be lost, why do the sins of the aliens cause them to be lost?

Finally, no one questions the perfect efficacy, the complete atonement of the blood of the Son of God, but that is not the issue regarding the possibility of apostasy. The question is, “Are there any steps, terms or conditions that one must obey in order to be cleansed and forgiven?” And, further, if one ignores or fails to comply with these conditions, is he forgiven anyway? If so, what about the alien sinner? By answering the questions, you can answer the Baptist argument.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 16, p. 498
August 21, 1986

By Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

Introduction:

A. 1 Peter was written to help Christians in a time of severe suffering and abuse (4:12-19).

B. 1 Peter reminds us of the transient nature of life on earth.

1. “Sojourning here” (1:17).

2. “Sojourners and pilgrims” (2:11).

3. “All flesh is as grass. . . ” (1:24).

C. 1 Peter outlines three basic ways that Christians are to spend their time on earth.

Discussion:

I. In Hopefulness.

A. Good reason to hope (3:15).

1. The resurrection of Jesus (1:3-9).

2. The testimony of the prophets (1:10-12).

3. The incorruptible and eternal word (1:18-25).

B. Hope of inheritance in heaven (1:3,4).

1. Sojourning here.

2. Citizens of heaven, going home (cf. Phil. 3:20).

II. In Humbleness.

A. Humble obedience to God (1:13,14; 5:6).

B. Humble submission to all legitimate authority.

1. Citizens to government (3:13-17).

2. Servants to masters (3:18).

3. Wives to husbands (3:1-7).

4. Flock to elders (5:1-5).

C. Humble submission to abuse (2:18-25).

1. By unjust critics (2:12).

2. By harsh masters (2:18-25).

3. By persecutors (4:14-16).

4. Will do more good in long run than returning in kind.

D. Even Christians with authority must be humble (5:5-7).

1. Masters are subject to higher authority.

2. Governing officials are subject to higher power.

3. Husbands are subject to higher authority.

4. Elders are subject to higher authority (5:3-5).

5. Christians in these positions of authority are careful not to abuse it, because they are also under authority (cf. 1 Pet. 3:7; 5:3,4).

E. Even Christ submitted to unjust treatment. Look what it accomplished (3:17-22).

III. In Holiness.

A. In order to be obedient children (1:13-15).

B. In order to grow (2:1-3).

C. In order to proclaim His praises (2:1-10).

D. In order to silence the enemies of the Lord (2:11,12).

E. In order to put our critics to shame (3:15,16).

Conclusion:

A. “This world is not my home, I am just passing through.”

B. A temptation to demand our dues in this life.

1. Human nature says, “I don’t have to take anything off anybody.”

2. Human nature says, “You are stepping on my rights, I don’t intend to allow it.”

C. Christian realizes that what we suffer here will not hinder his hope.

D. Christian realizes that a proper reaction to mistreatment can be a testimony to his faith and may even have a positive effect on those who mistreat him.

E. Christian realizes that a submissive, holy and hopeful life will bring him more lasting protection from real harm.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 16, p. 495
August 21, 1986

By Johnie Edwards

The command to “rejoice with those who rejoice” is a neglected command. Paul said, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15).

Some To Rejoice With

(1) When One First Becomes A Christian. When the Ethiopian eunuch obeyed the gospel, the Bible says that “he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). What a shame that more do not wait around until one has dressed from the waters of baptism to rejoice with the new convert.

(2) When Your Friends Rejoice. Too often we are jealous of those who have occasion to rejoice. Jealousy is sometimes the cause of sinful actions; the actions of Joseph’s brethren are a good example of this. The Bible says for us to “rejoice with them that do rejoice” (Rom. 12:15).

(3) When Folks Walk In The Truth. John said, “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth as we have received a commandment from the Father” (2 Jn. 4). How long has it been since you told a fellow-member, “I am glad that you are a Christian and that you are walking in the truth”?

(4) When The Gospel Is Preached. We need more people who are glad to see the gospel being preached. Remember the results of Philip going down to the city of Samaria and preaching Christ? The comment was, “there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:8). Sowing the seed of the gospel and reaping souls ought to be a joy. The Psalmist said, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psa. 126:5-6). The apostle Paul said, “What then, not withstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Phil. 1:18).

(5) When The Lost Are Found. I am often saddened by the lack of care and concern when the lost return to the fold. One need only read the story of the lost in Luke 15 to see the attitude needed regarding the lost. When the lost sheep was found the text says, “And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Lk. 15:5). He encouraged others to “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost” (Lk. 15:6). There was rejoicing at the finding of the lost coin and the father was glad to see his lost son return. “But when he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Lk. 15:20). A lot of my brethren would never think of treating such a sinner with such love and kindness. No wonder we restore such few who leave the fold! The Bible says, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Lk. 15:10).

(6) When There Is Unity Among Brethren. There is entirely too much discord among brethren and God hates it (Prov. 6:19). Paul wrote the Philippians, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Phil. 2:2). What a joy to find brethren who are of one accord and one mind. Paul urged the Corinthians to “speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you” but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). One thing that is hindering our growth in a lot of places today is brethren fussing and fighting among themselves. Paul warned the Galatians, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal. 5:15). We all need to be reminded, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psa. 133:1).

(7) When Your Name Is Enrolled In Heaven. The apostles of Christ had lots of powers but the greatest thing they had to rejoice over was their names were enrolled in heaven. Jesus told them, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Lk. 10:19-20). You will be among the rejoicing at judgment to find your name written in heaven.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 17, pp. 513, 535
September 4, 1986