Truth Magazine

By Donald Willis

The central theme of the Bible is salvation from sins through the blood of Christ. There are none who are totally righteous. Thus, one cannot claim heaven by virtue of his own merit. Each needs one to save or redeem him.

One is ” . . .justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. . .” (Rom. 3:24-25). Jesus Christ is the world’s only Savior. The blood of Jesus is the only redemption price. God’s supreme love is clearly manifested in that one great sacrifice for lost mankind! Oh, how He loved me!

Now, by the blood, one understands the following premises:

(1) The New Testament is dedicated by the blood of Christ. The Hebrew writer speaks of the “blood of the everlasting covenant” (Heb. 13:20). It is only after one is dead that the testament (will) becomes effective (Heb. 9:17). Therefore, Christ had to die on the cross before His will, the New Testament, would become operative over the lives of men and women. We do not live under the Old Testament laws, but under the blood-dedicated law of Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1: 16). The law made no one perfect (Heb. 7:19).

(2) Sins are cleansed by the blood of Christ. “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. . .” (Rev. 1:5). “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. . .” (1 Cor. 15:3). The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Christ loved mankind so much that He died in our stead. He is the propitiation for our sins; i.e., He perfectly satisfies God’s demands and atones for our sins. Now, through His blood, God is both just and the justifier.

(3) The church is purchased by the blood of Christ. Jesus’ people are called ” . . .the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts. 20:28). The importance of Christ’s church is evidenced in the price that Christ paid. It does make a difference to which church one belongs! Christ’s blood was paid only for His church. Churches with human heads, human origin, and human laws are not the Lord’s church. The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23); therefore, since Christ is the head of the church, and the church is the body, He thusly has only one body governed by the one head (cf. Eph. 4:4).

(4) Inner peace comes through the blood of the cross! “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross. . .” (Col. 1:20). The world searches for inner peace. But, one cannot have lasting peace until he accepts the atoning sacrifice of the blood of Christ. In Christ’s death, His blood was shed. One who loves God, repents of his sins, is then “buried with him by baptism into death” (Rom 6:3-4). Then the blood cleanses him, and he can have the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 716
December 6, 1984

By O.C. Birdwell, Jr.

On the next page in this magazine on the “Letters” page there is printed a response to my article “How To, in Administering Church Discipline” (Vol. XXVIII, wish to No. 19). I read the letter before its publication and make a few observations concerning the letter and my article.

I welcome constructive criticism, and stand ready to make correction anytime I have misused Scripture or have contrary New Testament teaching. On the other hand, I do not delight in being accused of misapplying Scripture in order to make a point. Especially is this so when such is clearly not the truth. I am accused of misapplying Acts 9:26. I am charged as follows: “He implies that the decision to be ‘joined’ to a church rests solely in the will Of the individual seeking membership.” I did not imply any such thing. Here is what I wrote. “The local church may accept, or reject, such a person. The account in Acts 9 shows both actions.” Does that sound like I taught that membership rests solely in the will of the individual seeking membership”?

I believe, and taught, that either can terminate the member ship without agreement from the other party. In the I which disagrees with my article, disappointment is expressed that “voluntary rescission of membership” was not discussed in the special issue. Concerning this question I forthrightly state that I believe anyone can, of his own free will, sever his relationship with a church. I do not have to have the church’s permission before I can have my membership from that church. Rescission of membership may be honorably or dishonorably done, but in either case, it may be done! I want no part with any group, in any fashion, anywhere, from whom I cannot separate myself if I so desire. I simply reject on its face, and also as being false and dangerous, the doctrine of “you cannot leave until or unless we say you may leave. ” How in the world is this kind of teaching “hamstringing churches in their efforts to those who have erred and have even caused divisions in some places”? Do you want these people, unrepented, in your fellowship? If one leaves, goes into worldliness, into denominationalism, or denies the faith, what are you going to do to him? You say “discipline him,” but I again ask what are you going to do to him? Are you going to have an inquisition and burn him at the stake? If he says, “I am sick of you people, stay away from me” (this has been said) what are you going to do? Refuse to have fellowship with him? This is foolishness. There is no fellowship to withdraw. He wants nothing to do with you, and is saying “stay out of my sight.” One was recently overheard to say, “I have difficulty withdrawing fellowship from someone with who I have no fellowship.”

Good brethren, let me tell you something. If anything is “hamstringing churches” relative to this subject, it is the teaching and practice of “discipline” that has no basis in Scripture.

Concerning those who leave a congregation, I wrote the following: “Should there be those who ask to be no longer a part of the congregation, make a public congregation announcement to that effect. If they go back to the world or into denominationalism, let everyone do all within their power to teach and convert the sinner from the error of his way (James 5:19). If they go to a faithful church, bid the God’s speed, and wish them well.” Thus, when one leaves and goes into sin, brethren are so informed and understand that he is no longer a part of the congregation. Such an announcement serves every purpose which the Bible demands and probably is all that brother Asher practices he “withdraws” from those who have quit attending. Effort is made to convert the lost brother (this is discipline.) This is what I said in my article. What else does Scripture teach must be done? Please, my friend, cite me the book, and verse.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 726
December 6, 1984

By Raymond Harris

According to a recent article, since the 17th century about 120 forms of birds have become extinct. Another 500 are said to be critically threatened. Additionally, various groups have formed to save seals, whales, the square-lipped rhinoceros of Africa, the monkey-eating eagle of the Philippines . . . and on and on.

Now, within reason, I have no quarrel with environmentalists-but it seems we have much more pressing problems that could have a much greater effect upon world conditions. I marvel when some get so excited about protecting the snail-darter and the mating ground of some diminishing species of moth and have so little concern for the current deterioration of the home – the human mating ground.

It seems that we humans need to become concerned about our environment and our own ecology. We are told that, in America, a minimum of 100,000 children are physically abused each year. Recently I read that 2,000,000 American couples have used lethal weapons on each other during their marriage. The same article noted that 20% of all police officers killed in the line of duty were killed while answering calls involving family conflict. And, it is now confirmed that, on the average, 13 teenagers kill themselves every day in this country.

And the statistics go on: (1) Fifteen million wives are “battered” by their husbands each year; (2) since 1973 there have been over 15,000,000 (yes, that’s 15 million) abortions; (3) it is reported that in 1982 there were more abortions than births in this country; (4) 38% of all first time marriages fail, and (5) the overall divorce rate is 50%.

Never in our history has our nation faced such dangerous and trying times.

Again, I say, I have no quarrel with nature lovers who want to protect all of God’s creatures. And, I have no quarrel with those who are very, very concerned about nuclear catastrophe.

However, if the current rate of self-destruction continues in American homes, hospitals, highways, and courts, there will be little, if any thing, here if and when the bombs fall.

If we are to save ourselves and our environment, we must turn back to God!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 715
December 6, 1984

By Titus C. Edwards

“A farmer posted a ‘no trespassing’ sign to keep the neighborhood boys from crossing his property. One embittered lad vowed he would get even. One night he stole onto the farm with a sack of Johnson Grass seed and sowed it generously in every field. (Johnson Grass spreads rapidly and is a weed that is almost impossible to destroy.) A few years later the boy married the farmer’s only daughter. In a short time the old man died, and the boy inherited the farm. He spent the rest of his life fighting Johnson Grass.” -Anonymous

I really believe that if we would concentrate on the consequences of our actions, instead of the possible pleasure to be derived from them, it would be very easy to say “no” to temptation. We normally try to block out the consequences of sin while we contemplate committing it. We somehow talk ourselves into believing that maybe it really is not as bad a we have heard or thought before. We convince ourselves that we are different. We can handle it better than others and there will be no problems associated with it. How foolish we are!

We need to learn the valuable lesson well illustrated in the story above. Sin has its consequences! Our sins may well come back to haunt us. The most important consequence of sin is that it separates us from God and will cause us to be lost (Isa. 59:2; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23). Thankfully our sins will be forgiven as we meet God’s conditions of salvation.

But recognize that some things you do might have consequences associated with them that you have to live with, whether forgiven or not! Mom struck the rock and was not allowed to enter the promised land. I am sure he asked for and received God’s forgiveness for that, but he still had to bear the consequence of that sin. David committed adultery with Bathsheba. I am sure he begged God’s forgiveness for such and will be in heaven, but the child still died and tragedy followed his family just as Nathan said. He had to live with the consequences of his actions!

You can be forgiven of fornication, but you still may have to deal with a child born into this world out of wedlock! You can be forgiven of stealing or vandalism, etc., but may have to serve a prison sentence! You can be forgiven for using drugs or drinking, but you cannot change ruining your mind and body by such, nor bring back the person you killed by drunken driving! (Stories about such could be multiplied, like the 16-year-old boy who was driving while intoxicated, had a wreck and killed his best friend”something you have to live with the rest of your life.”)

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7-8). “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. . .” (Hos. 8.7). “Who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:6). “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

Look up and ahead. Do not be blinded by sin. Think of the consequences of your actions and say no to sin!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 23, p. 712
December 6, 1984