Truth Magazine

By Weldon E. Warnock 

After reading for a period of time the pompous pronouncements and diverted and deviate declarations of Ensign, a paper published in Huntsville, Alabama, I feel compelled to say a few things in defense of the truth of the gospel. I entitle this article, “A Short Jab,” because it does not require a “haymaker” to K.O. the wisdom of men.

The writers in Ensign, by and large, rationalize, theorize, opinionize, liberalize and nearly every other kind of “ize,” but never scripturalize their audacious assertions. They sound like a broken record that plays one tune over and over. They want to fellowship every digressive renegade and spiritual derelict regardless of what he believes or practices, just as long as he affirms that Jesus is the Christ. They do make reservations for immorality (except adulterous marriages, per Olan Hick’s position), but doctrine has no bounds. It is not the what but the who that really matters, they tell us.

But my Bible, their Bi6le, and your Bible, teaches differently, and it does not take an Einstein to see it, either. Jesus and doctrine go hand in hand. None of us can have a covenant relationship with Jesus while at the same time walking after the doctrines and commandments of men. Those who do not believe this do not believe the Bible or they are grossly ignorant of this fact.

Read, study and scrutinize the following Scriptures and see how clear, plain and explicit the Word of God is about the importance of doctrine. I am quoting from the King James Version. I trust this version is not too outdated for the “intelligentsia” among us.

1. Those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn. 9). God will not fellowship digressives, so why do the Ensign brethren want to fellowship them?

2. Doctrines of men make worship vain. “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). Instrumental music is a commandment of men, and those who use it are worshiping in vain. You Ensign brethren ought to know this, but do you believe it? Proponents of instrumental music are blind leaders of the blind, yet you want to fellowship them. Jesus said, “Let them alone” (Matt. 15:14).

3. No other doctrine is to be taught. “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:3). There is only one doctrine. However, men teach other doctrines that are false and destructive. They desire to be teachers of the law, but they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm (1 Tim. 6:7). Sounds like Paul had these ultraliberals in mind that are running to and fro, sowing doubt and discord among brethren.

4. We are saved through doctrine. “Take heed to thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16). Ensign tells us it does not make any difference about the doctrine, just the moral behavior. Wonder why Paul did not know that when he wrote Timothy? Paul said it takes both – both moral conduct and doctrine.

5. We are to continue in the apostles’ doctrine. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine… ” (Acts 2:42). Ensign teaches us that we do not have to continue in the apostles’ doctrine – that any doctrine will do if you are sincere and honest about what you believe and practice. Of course, I would like for them to pick out the sincere from the insincere. I have never seen a false teacher or a brother in error who claimed to be anything else but sincere. I can only extend fellowship to a brother on the basis of what he does, not by what he thinks. God knows his heart. I can know only his manner of life.

6. False doctrine is to be avoided. “(Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men” (Col. 2:21-22). Paul said to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). Ketcherside, Garrett and all of their persuasion fraternize every schism, party and heretical group in the country who claim to be the Lord’s church. Paul says, “mark and avoid them,” and Ensign says, “receive and fellowship them.” What an incongruity between these men and their pious platitudes and an inspired apostle.

Listen, Jesus said, “Any why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46). This verse certainly sounds like Jesus cannot be our Lord unless we do what He says. Again, Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). Jesus and His words go together. Jesus cannot be divorced from what He said.

Jesus is our Lord, Savior, Priest, and King. We trust in Him, depend on Him, live in Him, and walk in Him. But all of these are contingent upon our abiding in the truth He spoke. “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (Jn. 8:31).

In conclusion, may I ask, plead and beg the writers of Ensign to please give us biblical arguments, Scripture, book, chapter and verse instead of a verbosity of – human wisdom, trite sayings, and denominational jargon. Then, and only then, will you be contributing something worthwhile that will help bring brethren together in unity of doctrine and practice.

Do not tell us that doctrine cannot be understood, either. Paul said, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, pp. 691, continued on page 678
November 15, 1984

By Quentin McCay

God’s gracious plan for the redemption of sinful man includes a common precious faith, provisions for life and godliness, exceeding great and precious promises, partaking of the divine nature, escape from the corruption that is in the world through lust, conditions upon which all may build their hope of immortality, blessings to all who give diligence to make their calling and election sure, and the importance of keeping these things always in remembrance. All of this is revealed to us by the inspired apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:1-15.

Having escaped the “corruption that is in the world through lust,” one must add, or supply, those divine principles that create in the individual the divine nature.

It is not the purpose of this article to dwell on the meanings of these beautiful expressions which describe the fruitful life of the Christian (2 Pet. 1:4-7). It is enough to say that one must “give diligence” to add “these things” to one’s faith. To faith must be added virtue, or manliness and courage to do right in the midst of assaults of the tempter. To virtue must be added knowledge of that which is right, which directs the courage into proper channels. To knowledge must be added temperance, or self-control, which enables one to govern appetites. To temperance must be added patience, or endurance. One who controls his appetites will learn to patiently bear hardships. To patience must be added godliness or reverence, holy fear and respect for God. The thought of God controls the Christian’s whole being. Brotherly kindness must be added to godliness. From godliness flows love for God’s people. Peter says to godliness add brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness add love. Love is the adhesive that binds all of these beautiful traits of the Christian together into one fruitful being. These supplied to the faith of the Christian create in a person the divine nature and fit him for heaven. The Christian becomes more and more like Christ as he grows in these virtues. As the servant of Christ drinks more and more from the fountain of truth, he becomes more and more in the likeness of the Savior of men and is prepared for the eternal home.

Followers of Christ are urged to give “a diligence” to add “these things” to their faith (vv. 5, 10). The apostle promises four advantages that will attend those who diligently labor to possess these great truths and to abound in them. There is promised a fruitful life, eyes which will see the glories of God, guard against failing from God’s grace and that abundant entrance into God’s eternal kingdom. These are the blessings of diligence.

Not Barren But Fruitful

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 8). God demands a fruitful life (Jn. 15:1-8; Rom. 7:4; Phil. 1:11; Jas. 3:17). Have you ever wondered why your life is never able to touch another life for good? Do you ask, “Why can’t I be fruitful in leading people to Christ and encouraging them to live godly?” The answer to these questions is that virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love are not abounding in your life. Unless “these things” are made a part of one’s life, something is lacking, and life will be barren. The life that begins in faith and abounds in these characteristics will shine more and more unto the perfect day. If one wants life to be worthy, helpful, beneficial and fruitful, one must give all diligence, and to faith in God supply these components of the divine nature. This fruitful life is a blessing that attends diligence.

Not Blind But Seeing

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Pet. 1:9). The converse of this is that if one abounds in “these things,” he is not blind and can see afar off. He sees not only what is near. His vision grows wider and farther. He has insight into the glories of the celestial, which captivates the vision of the inward man. He sees the unseen (2 Cor. 4:18). He is mindful of his salvation from sin and the divine provisions for his redemption. He has a vision of his duty while here in the flesh, and his eyes being enlightened know, “what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18). But he that lacketh these things sees only what is near and has taken no heed to foster the light of the glorious gospel, within which kindles faith. Such a person sees only that which is near, and his eyes are blinded to heaven and its blessings. His awareness of present duties to God is blurred. Being able to see the unseen is a blessing obtained by those who “give all diligence to make their calling and election sure.”

Shall Never Fall

“If ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Pet. 1:10). The warnings of God found on every page of the Bible, the examples of those who have fallen from God’s grace and the law of pardon provided for those who fall teach us clearly the possibility of stumbling, failing and falling so as to be lost eternally (1 Cor. 9:24-10:12; Gal. 5:1-5; Heb. 12:14-16). Constant diligence must be given to adding “these things” to faith and making them a part of life and living. Giving diligence to abound in them strengthens one against temptations and makes his calling and election sure. Such is a guard against apostasy. “Ye shall never fall” is God’s promise and is a great blessing. It gives hope to those who make their calling sure by being diligent in adding “these things” to faith.

“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:11). The word “so” is an adverb of manner. In this manner, or by giving all diligence to add these traits to faith, one is prepared for heaven and will have richly supplied the entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God. The apostle exhorts believers to supply these virtues and promises that an entrance “shall be ministered” abundantly into the eternal kingdom. This will be richly supplied. What man bestows shall be returned to him manifold. In that eternal home, the faithful will gather to reap the rewards and share in the delights of immortality. In heaven the true believers will meet their God face to face, and with loved ones and friends live forever together. This is the ultimate blessing of giving all diligence in making our calling and election sure.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, pp. 686-687
November 15, 1984

By Donald Townsley

It is a well-known fact that a generation of people often inherit the good deeds and mistakes of a previous generation. This being true, each generation needs to be keenly aware of its responsibility. This is also true in the church. What the church tomorrow will be and accomplish depends, to a great degree, upon what we do and teach in this generation. Brethren, we all need to realize that just because we are sound in the faith is no guarantee that our children will be! If we fail to teach properly in our generation, our children may forsake the Lord!

My generation in the church inherited all the failures to properly teach concerning the mission of the church and the church working through human organizations. As a result of this failure to teach, a great percentage of the church has gone into digression. For over twenty-five years now, many of us have fought the tide of digression on the one hand, and on the other hand we have had to work hard to convert people to Christ that the church might continue to grow and reach the world with the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord has been with us and our number has increased. For the last ten years, however, materialism, division, worldliness, the false doctrine of Calvinism, ignorance and indifference has brought us to zero-growth in many places.

What does the future hold for churches of Christ that are striving to preach the gospel without addition or subtraction -churches that are striving to follow the New Testament pattern in all things? That future depends upon the kind of teaching we are now giving our children. If we take too much for granted and fail to teach and warn, the churches we have worked so hard to build may be lost to digression in the next generation! We must solve our problems and reverse the trends that we have allowed to come in our ranks in many places if we are to leave sound, growing congregations for the next generation.

Israel, in the days of Joshua, is a good example of this kind of failure. Judges 2:10 says, “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. ” After Joshua died and those who outlived him died (Judg. 2:7), “There arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.” We wonder how this could be The answer is that the succeeding generation had failed to teach. The next question on our minds is, “Who was responsible for teaching them?” The Bible reveals that the priests bore part of the responsibility. They were to read the law to the people every seven years (Deut. 31:9-13). This would mean that a boy of seven would hear the law again at 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, etc. It is hard to conceive of these people being ignorant of God’s law if this had been done. The elders of the people should have demanded that the law be read and observed as God commanded (Num. 11:16-17). The parents were to teach their children at home (Deut. 4:9,10; 6:7-12). A failure on the part of parents would produce ignorance. The people themselves should have desired that the Law of God be read. All these had failed in their responsibilities. As a result, Israel was ignorant of God’s ways (Judg. 2:10). They copied the gods of those round about them (Judg. 2:16-17), and did that which was right in their own eyes (Judg. 17:6; 21:25). They forsook the God who had saved them (Judg. 2:13), being unappreciative of His mercy. They did that which was evil in God’s sight and caused His wrath to be upon them (Judg. 2:11,14).

Who has the responsibility, under the authority of Christ, to teach in our generation? Preachers and teachers of the Word have responsibility. They are to be loyal to God and are not to be men-pleasers (Acts 20.26-27; Gal. 1:10). They have a responsibility to warn about departures from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1-6). They are to preach the word “in season ” and “out of season ” (2 Tim. 4:2). Elders of the church are watchmen – they are to teach and to warn (Acts 20:28-31). Woe to the shepherds in Israel who fail in their duty to teach and to warn! Parents must teach their children the word of God and warn them about departures from the faith (Eph. 6:14). Christians as a whole should demand that the truth be taught. They should shun evil and all that might bring apostasy.

Brethren, if we fail to properly teach and warn, the next generation will have to drink from the same bitter cup of sorrow that we have had to drink from in our generation! My hope and prayer is that the little boys and girls who are all around me when the saints assemble to worship will never have to know the sorrow and see the bitterness I have seen and known in Israel in my generation! I have seen churches divide, families divide, friendships broken, and sinners confused because of an untaught generation!

What’ll the church be in the next generation? Much of what it will be is in our hands today! If preachers, teachers, elders, and parents will fulfill their responsibility today, the church will be sound tomorrow!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, p. 681
November 15, 1984

By Larry Ray Hafley

The religious world thrives and derives its life from diversity-the plurality of creeds, doctrines, ceremonies and organizations is the blood that sanctifies the soul of denominationalism. It is presumed and assumed that all of the various varieties of church polity and policy are approved of God. Thus, spiritual governments and institutions continue to “abound yet more and more.” But are these innumerable ecclesiastical structures pleasing to God?

Jesus spoke of “the kingdom of heaven” and of “my church” (Matt. 4:17; 16:18). He mentioned “the gospel,” “the word of the kingdom.” He said, “I am the true vine.” “I am the door of the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “There shall be one fold and one shepherd. ” “I am the way, the truth, and the life. ” And who can ever forget the singular emphasis of Matthew 7:13,14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”? The Lord earnestly and ardently condemned human doctrines and “the commandments of men,” and said, “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:8,9,13). Does this imply that all the assorted plants in the garden of denominationalism are of God?

The New Testament speaks of “the faith,” “the way of truth,” “the gospel,” “the doctrine of the Lord.” It says Christ is the head of the church, “which is his body,” and there is “but one body” (1 Cor. 12:20; Eph. 1:22,23; 4:4). There are no references to separate and distinct religious organizations, except to reprove and rebuke them (1 Cor. 1:10-16; 3 Jn. 9; Acts 20:28-32; 2 Pet. 2:1,2). The emphasis of the Bible is oneness (Eph. 4:4-6). The singular thrust of scores of Scriptures refutes the plurality of modern day denominationalism.

But Consider The Reverse

Just suppose that the New Testament spoke of different gospels, doctrines, churches, ways of truth, and faiths of Christ. Imagine a passage which says,

“There are many bodies and many Spirits, even as ye are called in many hopes of your callings; many Lords, many faiths, many baptisms, many Gods and Fathers of us all who are above all and through all and in you all” (cf. Eph. 4:4-6).

If such a passage were in the Bible, what would you say if someone said, “I know it says that, but I believe we are limited to one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father” (Eph. 4:4-6)? Obviously, if the word of God directly specified a plurality of acceptable doctrines and churches, we could not contend for a single one alone. But the Bible does not so state! It says, “One.” Therefore, . . . well, you see the point, do you not?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 22, p. 687
November 15, 1984