Truth Magazine

By Rick Billingsley

“I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil . . . “

The above quotation is taken from Revelation 2:2. Paul had foretold that grievous wolves would trouble the Ephesian church (Acts 20:29), and we see here a fulfillment. However, the Ephesians did not bear in their midst the company of evil men who were morally or ethically base in their character. This attitude toward evil men is most commendable; for they were and are unlike many congregations then and today. Today, many congregations are too tolerant toward their members who need to be disciplined.

“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7). “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which ye received of us” (2 Thess. 3:6). It is evident from these Scriptures that discipline is a Bible subject. Yet, it has been avoided, neglected, and even abandoned by many churches of the Lord. The root meaning of “discipline” comes from the Greek word dais, which means instruction, but in the course of time it came to be used for moral training, chastening, and punishment. The subject naturally divides itself into two parts: (1) the spiritual discipline of the soul, and (2) the congregational discipline of offenders. The latter subject will be discussed in this article.

Toleration

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27). For self-protection and self assertion the church has to exercise a strict discipline. Its well-being and very life depends upon the suppression of abuses and the expulsion of persistent and gross offenders. Toleration would mean unfaithfulness to Christ and degradation in example before the community. The duty of maintaining an adequate discipline is one of the most difficult and most important tasks confronting the church today.

Discipline

Discipline is two fold: instructive and corrective. Instructive discipline is positive and preventative in nature. It is primarily concerned with laying out the rules-training by education (Deut. 6:4-12; Prov. 22:6; Acts 20:38; and Heb. 13:7). Perhaps the problem of discipline that the church is facing today is due to the lack of teaching concerning the subject. For years, many of the Lord’s body have failed to provide proper teaching on discipline. It has been one of those negative “no-no” subjects that many avoid teaching. Education is necessary in all subjects including discipline.

Corrective discipline is both positive and negative. It is unpleasant but must be carried out for the good of the offender and the church. This discipline does not consist of corporal punishment, imprisonment, fines, or civil incapacities; but in the administration of admonitions and rebukes. When these are without effect, and the offender. continues impenitent, the Bible teaches that we are to mark them, avoid them, not to keep company with and not to eat with them (Rom. 16:17; Phil. 3: 17; 1 Cor. 5:5,9,11; 2 Thess. 3:14). All of the terms above express the idea of revealing the unruly one and not to have association or agreement with such a person.

Who?

This discipline is to be administered to: a brother who sins (Matt. 18:15-20), one whose heart is not right or filled with wickedness (Acts 8:18-24), one causing division or becoming a stumbling block before other fellow Christians (Rom. 16:7), a brother who is a fornicator, covetous, idolater reviler, drunkard, extortioner (1 Cor. 5:11), one who hath caused sorrow (2 Cor. 7:8-12), one who is overtaken in a fault-paraptomate-to fall away from the teaching of the apostles (Gal. 6:1-3), one who is unruly (1 Thess. 5:14), one who walked disorderly and keeps not the word or traditions of the apostles (2 Thess. 3:6,14,15), those who lose their faith and make shipwreck of their faith (1 Tim. 1:19-20), those that sin-the elders that sinned (1 Tim. 5:19-20), unruly men, vain talkers, those who teach error, those who deceive (Tit. 1:10-16), a man who is a heretic, schismatic, a follower of false doctrine (Tit. 3: 10), one who errs from the truth (Jas. 5:19-20).

It is obvious from the above description that any person who abides not by the principles of Christianity as given to man through the word of God is subject to instructive or corrective discipline. It is safe and justifiable to say that any brother or sister who refuses instructive discipline is subject to corrective discipline.

Conclusion

We can go beyond and say that any congregation of the Lord that does not administer discipline to an impenitent brother or sister in Christ, has erred from the truth, and therefore is in great need of discipline themselves. Our generation has witnessed a great threat to the church because of the legal incident that occurred out west, but who knows what the next generation will experience or what the future holds for the church? Should persecution stop the church from carrying out God’s will? God forbid! The Ephesian church was rare because they would not tolerate evil, and in this the Lord commended them. Brethren, let us be like the Ephesians and not tolerate such evil and let us not lose sight of the purpose of discipline; to restore the offender and to keep the church pure that we too can be of this rare breed-faithful to the Lord, not only in discipline, but in all aspects to Christian principles.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 19, pp. 595, 599
October 4, 1984

By Tom Wheeler

Any way we affirm the above title, we make the majority of our religious friends and neighbors angry. We must then explain to them that we believe basically the same thing they do, and that is, that one must please God to be saved. The problem then is a matter of understanding what pleasing God requires. Many people want God to be pleased with whatever they want to do.

We Must Obey God!

Adam and Eve didn’t obey God and brought physical death to mankind besides being driven from the Garden of Eden. The people of Noah’s day didn’t obey God and He sent the flood to destroy them. The cities of the plains were destroyed because of their ungodliness. Jesus Christ came and suffered the cruel death of the cross because people were lost – in need of salvation. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

Some will read Ephesians 2:8-9 and conclude that man has nothing to do to be saved. They should read the next verse very carefully. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8-10). We are created unto good works. Are we to ignore what we are created unto? Surely, we have something to do. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17-18). Why was God thanked? When were they made free from sin? When did they become servants of righteousness? Everything is dependent upon obedience. If they had not obeyed, would God have been thanked? If they had not obeyed, would they have been free from sin or servants of righteousness? If we refuse to do what God says, we refuse His grace and therefore cannot be saved. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Tit. 2:11-14).

How Many Churches Are There?

According to the federal government records, there are more than thirteen hundred (1,300) different religious groups in the United States of America. That simply means that there are more than thirteen hundred (1,300) different doctrines being taught in the United States of America. But God gave only one Bible which is His word unto man today.

How many churches does the Bible, the Word of God, authorize? Jesus said that He was going to build one. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). Jesus did not say “churches” but “church.” The body and the church are one-and-the-same-thing. “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18). There is one body. “But now are they many members, yet but one body” (1 Cor. 12:20). “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling” (Eph. 4:4). Since there is “one body” and the church and body are the same thing, then there is one church authorized of God. Men have many churches as is evidenced everywhere, but God has only one.

What Is The Purpose Of The One Church?

It is the blood purchased organization for the saving of souls. It was purchased by the blood of Christ. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Its purpose must be very important for it to be purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ Himself. The purpose is plainly set forth in Ephesians 5:23, 25-27, 29-30. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body . . . Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish . . . For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Christ is the head of the church. Christ is the Savior of the church. The church is subject to, or in subjection to Christ. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it: therefore one must be a part of the church in order for Christ to have given Himself for that individual. He did this that he might sanctify (set aside for a special purpose) and cleanse it to Himself, a glorious church without spot or wrinkle.

People continue to cry out: “I can be saved and not be a member of any church.” They certainly can be saved without being a member of any man made church. But the Bible says that God adds the saved to the church. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls . . . Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41, 47). God makes no,mistakes in record keeping; therefore if an individual is saved, he is in the church you read about in the Bible.

How Does One Become A Member Of That Blood Bought, Christ Saved, Sanctified Church?

Look at the cases of conversion in the book of Acts. People heard the gospel, believed the gospel, repented of their sins, made known their faith in Jesus Christ and were baptized in water as heaven commands, for the remission of sins. Those who were saved (those who obeyed from the heart, Rom. 6:17), were added to the Lord’s church.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:3-6). Notice that baptism is into Jesus Christ, that it is into His death; and then one is raised to walk in newness of life. The newness of life comes after one receives remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3;21). Being baptized into Jesus Christ or into his death (Rom. 6:3-6) is the same as being baptized into the one body. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many . . . But now are they many members, yet but one body” (1 Cor. 12:12-14, 20). Remember one body is the church (Eph. 1: 22-23; Col. 1:18).

God adds the saved to His church. One must do what God says in order to be saved. The church, that you read about in the Bible, and obedience are inseparable in God’s plan. Yes, one must be a member of the church of Christ in order to be saved.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, pp. 615-616
October 18, 1984

By Mike Willis

The Christian has been saved from his sins (Mk. 16:16). He wants to stay saved. The same desire which caused him to obey the gospel in the first place will motivate him to do what he can to stay saved.

A Subject Of Concern

This subject is important to a Christian. A person does not stay saved simply because he has obeyed the gospel. Doctrines which state that a Christian cannot fall from grace stand in opposition to the plain teaching of Scripture (Gal. 5:4; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). A Christian can fall from grace! Any doctrine which states that a Christian’s sins do not bring him into a state of condemnation stand in opposition to the word of God.

Paul wrote, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10: 12). A Christian can fall from grace unintentionally. That is why Paul warned that we should “take heed.” False teachers lead spiritually blind men into pernicious error (Matt. 15:13-14); sin blinds us and entraps us (2 Cor. 3:14; 4:4). Many people who once were saved from sin have fallen away from grace through following false teachers who led them into things such as mechanical instruments of music in worship, church sponsored recreation, church support of human institutions, and such like unauthorized things. Most of these brethren are conscientious brethren; they are brethren who “thinketh he standeth.”

Knowing the threat which sin poses to one’s soul, the weaknesses of the flesh, my own ignorances, and the existence of false teachers, I must be concerned about keeping my soul saved. What can I do to keep my soul saved?

Things Which I Can Do

Here are some things which a Christian should do to keep his soul saved from sin.

1. Study the word of God regularly. A Christian must grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). His knowledge of the Scriptures helps him to discriminate between truth and error, sin and righteousness (Heb. 5:11-14).

Not only do the Scriptures help a man discriminate between truth and error, they also build us up spiritually. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10: 17). Even as my initial faith in Jesus came through the study of God’s word, my faith is increased and sustained by the consistent and persistent study of God’s word.

Sometimes brethren try to live without studying the Scriptures. They go long periods of time without reading the Bible. Their faith is not increased; indeed, it is weakened by what they forget about God and His Son. A period of trial comes in life. Rather than persevering, they fall. They did not persevere because they had not been building and increasing their faith. One of the things which I can do to keep saved is to keep studying God’s word on a day-to-day basis.

2. Associate with Christians. The Lord has warned us not to run with the wicked. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Prov. 1:10). “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall” (Prov. 4:14-16).

If we are truly interested in keeping saved, we will make a conscientious effort to associate with other Christians. We will be encouraged, edified, and strengthened by such associations. By contrast, associations with unbelievers will tempt us to do things which our conscience condemns; we will be tempted to make small compromises and each compromise leads to another, bigger compromise later. To avoid this, a Christian needs to make his closest friends Christians.

3. Listen to rebukes. Spiritually-minded Christians are commanded to come to the aid of a brother who has fallen into sin (Gal. 6: 1; Jas. 5:1920). When I fall into sin, spiritually-minded brethren should come to me and talk to me about my sin.

My attitude toward such brethren must be correct to profit from their rebukes. I must realize that their rebukes are for my own good. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6). “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities” (Psa. 141:5). “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools” (Eccl. 7:5).

There may be times in the lives of a Christian when he heads down the wrong direction. When a brother comes to us to tell us of this error, will we be open-minded enough to listen to his rebukes? Though we should not be like a reed in the wind that is shaken by every little breeze (or wind of doctrine), we should listen to the rebukes of Christian friends who have our own good at heart.

Pray regularly. A Christian should develop a close communion with God. We should “walk with God” like Enoch (Gen. 5:22). When we study God’s word, God is speaking to us; in prayer, we can speak to God. Our communion must involve both God speaking to us and us speaking to God. That is the manner in which relationships are built between persons.

God cares for us. Peter writes, ” . . .casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). He is like our fleshly fathers in respect to hearing our petitions. Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him” (Matt. 7:7-11). We need enough faith to call upon God for the needs of our lives.

There is another aspect of prayer which needs comment. The relationship with God which is built through prayer, Bible study, and obedience is broken by sin. The more intimate our relationship with God is, the more devastated we are by the alienation which sin brings. Let me illustrate this. There are some people with whom one does not get along. Alienation occurs. This alienation is passed off with some passing comment such as “that is just his problem” or “let him go his way and I will go mine.” However, let alienation occur between a parent and his child and notice the difference which that alienation makes. The parent frets and agonizes over the alienation. Why is this so? The difference is that the parent-child relationship was closer than the other relationship. Now make the application. Some people are not bothered too much by the sin in their lives and the alienation which that sin creates because they have never been very close to God. On the other hand, one who has enjoyed close communion with God is deeply troubled when he stumbles into sin because he realizes that this sin has intruded itself to create alienation from God.’. He misses fellowship with God. The feeling of alienation and separation will itself work toward correction of the sin in those who have close communion with God.

One of the things which I can do to keep saved is build a close communion or fellowship with God. This will make me sensitive to sin and make a broken relationship with God more difficult for me to bear.

5. Attend worship services. The public worship of the. church is for our own good. It is designed to “provide unto love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). It is a time when we. collectively praise God in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19). We offer thanksgiving to God in our prayers and praise. We remember the death of Jesus in the Lord’s supper.

One of the marks of spiritual sickness is missing the opportunities for collective worship. It sometimes reflects a misplaced priority, a neglectful attitude, and an unwillingness to do what God commands. Those who begin neglecting worship are not those who are spiritual people; those who neglect worship generally become more and more worldly. Bible study, prayer, and worship become less and less important in their lives.

On the other hand, those who always place worship as a high priority in their lives tend to grow in Christ, to be spiritually minded, to support the work of the church, and otherwise stay faithful as Christians. Hence, if a person wants to stay faithful, he should not willfully absent himself from worship.

God’s Second Law Of Pardon

Even as there is a first law of pardon whereby an alien sinner can be reconciled to God, there is also a second law of pardon whereby God’s erring child can be reconciled to God. Whenever a Christian falls into sin, whether that sin is committed in high-handed rebellion, through ignorance or weakness, he comes under condemnation (Gal. 2:14). He needs forgiveness of his sin.

The Lord has provided forgiveness for the erring Christian. This forgiveness is available to every erring Christian in the same manner as forgiveness is available to every alien sinner. The forgiveness is given conditionally, just like forgiveness is given conditionally to the alien sinner. The conditions which an alien sinner must meet to receive forgiveness are faith, repentance, confession, and water baptism. The conditions which an erring Christian must meet to be forgiven are repentance, confession and prayer.

A New Testament example of a child of God who stumbled into sin and received forgiveness is Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:12-24). This new born Christian, like many other new born Christians, reverted to his sinful life after becoming a Christian. His sin brought him back into bondage to sin (Acts 8:23). It reflected that his heart was not right in the sight of God (Acts 8:21). The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to reveal the conditions for an erring Christian to receive forgiveness of his sins. Peter commanded Simon, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22).

In order for me to have an assurance of salvation, I must repent of my sins and seek God’s forgiveness whenever I transgress His word.

Conclusion

Perhaps others could suggest other things which will help a person stay saved. These are a few things which help me to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. Perhaps they will be helpful to others as well.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, pp. 610, 631-632
October 18, 1984

By Frank Jamerson

The answer you get to the above question depends on who you ask! The Universalist will tell you: “Everyone is going to be saved, because God is too good to let anyone be lost.” The Calvinist will say: “If you are predestinated to be saved, you will be, so just wait for the direct operation of the Holy Spirit.” The “faith only” advocate says: “Pray the sinner’s prayer and accept Christ into your heart as personal Savior.” In this article we will not review these incorrect answers, but the truth that will be presented will show that they are wrong.

First, let us notice that the question itself implies that there are two parties involved in salvation. The first half, “what must I do?”, shows that there is something the individual must do. The second half, “to be saved,” shows God’s part. It is not “what must I do to save myself?” but “to be saved. ” We are saved by God’s grace. “For the grace of God had appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit. 2:11) God is not “slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). He has revealed the gospel which is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1: 16). We know that God has done His part. This article is to discuss what “I” must do to receive the pardon provided by God, through Christ.

Second, we must point out that the answer to the question is not found in one verse. As with all subjects, we must take everything the Bible says on the subject in order to have the truth. Those who take one verse (such as John 3:16) and conclude that nothing else is necessary, are taking a partial view of the subject and are in error. The person who believes the Bible must accept every verse, not just the ones he prefers!

Three Changes Are Necessary

The Bible reveals that there are three changes that must take place in being saved. The first change is in the heart – from unbelief to faith. Jesus said: “Except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). W.E. Vine defines “faith” as “a firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing.” Paul said, “So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom. 10: 17). Though faith is necessary, and one cannot be saved without it, a person may believe and not be saved. When Jesus was on earth, “of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God” (Jn. 12:42,43). One who believes, but will not confess Christ, cannot be saved. The apostle Paul said that Agrippa “believed,” but he was not a Christian (Acts 26:27,28).

The second change involved in conversion is the will. The sinner must repent, turn from sin and to God, in order to be saved. “The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent. . .” (Acts 17:30). Jesus said, “Excep ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3). One who believes in Christ, but will not repent of his sins cannot be saved. The believing Jews on Pentecost (those who had been “pricked in their hearts,” Acts 2:37) were told to “repent and be baptized . . . for the remission of your sins. . .” (Act 2:38).

The third change is in relationship – from outside to inside Christ. The New Testament clearly says we are “baptized into Christ.” Before baptism, one is outside of Christ, but after he has believed in Christ, repented of his sins and been baptized for the remission of sins, he is “in Christ,” or saved. “Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Rom, 6:3). “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). One is not baptized “because he is in Christ,” but “into Christ.”

The Great Commission

The three changes can be seen in the synoptic account of the “great commission.” Matthew recorded: “Go Ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Mark stated: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned” (Mk 16:15,16). The parallel account in Luke says: “And th repentance and remission of sins should be preached in name unto all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Lk. 24:47). The sum of the three accounts is that the gospel w to be preached “to every creature,” and that they were to believe, repent and be baptized. This was to begin in Jerusalem, which was fulfilled in Acts two.

Acts Shows How To Be Saved

There are three times in the book of Acts where the question “What must I do?” is asked and answered. We will notice each of them and why the answer was given in each instance.

In Acts 16, the Philippian jailor, who was an unbeliever, cried out: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v. 30). He was told to “believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house” (v. 31). The next verse states that they “spake the word unto him, with all that were in his house.” He had to hear before he could believe (Rom. 10: 17). He then washed the stripes of Paul and Silas, indicating repentance, and “was baptized, he and all his immediately” (v. 33). He made all three changes involved in conversion.

The second example that we notice is found in Acts 2. The Jews on Pentecost had heard the preaching of the apostles concerning the crucified and risen Lord, and being “pricked in their hearts” asked, “Brethren, what shall we do?” (v.37). Peter’s reply was: “Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (v. 38). They were not told to “believe on the Lord,” because they already did! They were not told that they were already saved, because they were not! As believers, they needed to repent and be baptized “unto the remission of their sins.

The third example is Saul of Tarsus. Saul was persecuting the church and was on the way to Damascus to arrest brethren in that city. As he journeyed, a great light from heaven shined on him, and the Lord spoke to him. Saul said “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10). Three days later: the Lord sent Ananias to tell him what to do. Ananias told him: “And now, why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name” (v. 16). Saul was not told to believe on the Lord, for he already did! He was not told to repent, for he already had! He was not told that he was already saved, because he was not! He was told to “arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his, name.” This changed his relationship, from outside to inside of Christ. Paul later wrote: “All we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death” (Rom. 6:3).

But, someone says, “What about the thief on the cross?” No doubt, more people have been misled by the thief than by any other argument. The thief on the cross is not the answer to the question “What must I do?” for two reasons.

First, the testament of Christ went into effect after His death (Heb. 9:16,17). Jesus was not dead when He was talking to the thief. The teaching of Romans 6:1-5 did not apply to the thief; it does apply to us. Paul included himself among those who had been “buried with him through baptism into death” and “raised in the likeness of his resurrection.” Paul said that the “walking in newness of life” followed being buried in baptism. This did not apply to the thief, for Christ had neither died nor been raised when He was talking with the thief!

Second, the thief did not believe in the resurrected Lord. Paul said, “Because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9). The thief on the cross did not believe that God had raised Jesus from the dead, for He had not! If you can be saved like the thief, you can be saved without believing in the resurrection of Jesus.

There is something I must do in order to be saved! I must believe in Jesus Christ. That involves accepting His every claim, for they were proven by His resurrection from the dead. I must repent of my sins, because the Bible says so! I must be baptized into Christ to “wash away” my sins, because the Bible says so!

God wants you to be saved. He sent his Son to die for you and gave the Bible to reveal the conditions you must meet in order to obtain salvation. The way is plain. “Now, why tarriest thou?”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, pp. 614, 629
October 18, 1984