Truth Magazine

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

By Mark W. Moseley

The modernist says, “We need a changing religion to keep up with a changing world.” The humanist says, “The Bible cannot meet the needs of modern man. It is archaic and outdated. We need a new approach to solve the problems of a scientific age.” The moralist says, “The Bible is old-fashioned and steeped in backward, prejudicial ethics. The moral hang-ups and inhibitions of a 2000 + year old book cannot provide the moral standard for a progressive society.”

Certainly it must be admitted that books written by men quickly lose their relevancy to society. How keenly we are made aware of this fact by simply browsing through a science book that is twenty, ten, or even five years old. The only books that men have written ages ago that have much to offer are those that deal with the nature of man. Modern man is considered to be intellectual if he can recite the works of men like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. How can this be? Because such men grappled with the essential questions of life: What is my purpose? Where am I going? How can I find happiness?

The philosophies of man still intrigue us today. Why? Because they deal with the nature of man and that nature has not changed. Unfortunately, after studying both ancient and modern philosophies, we are still left in the dark. Man simply cannot find the answers to the questions of life by himself. “I know, 0 Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself; Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). A study of man’s history up to our present civilization clearly reveals this to be so. Whenever men have given up the knowledge of God in their quest for independence the result has been the same. Paul’s description of the wicked Gentile world in Romans I could easily be an excerpt from today’s newspaper editorial column.

Is the Bible relevant? How can it be? Let me suggest to you three points that demonstrate the relevancy of the Bible to modern man. (1) God is the author of the Bible. (2) It meets the needs of modern man. (3) It answers the problems of modern man.

The Bible is relevant because it is the word of God! The great Creator and designer of all things can alone open the door to the meaning and purpose of life. He alone holds the keys of wisdom and understanding. God made man in His own image (Gen. 1:24f). Who is better qualified to tell man the answers to the questions of life? No science book ever written can tell man where he came from, where he is going, or why he is here. But the Bible answers all these questions.

In fact, Paul answered them all in Acts 17:24-31. Man came from God. “The God who made the world and all things in it . . . He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things . . . in Him we live and move and exist For we also are His offspring.” Man is here to seek and serve God “. . . if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” And man is going to God where he will stand before Him in judgment. “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

Peter made this magnificent statement concerning the word of God in 1 Peter 1:22-25, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. For, all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord abides forever. And this is the word which was preached to you.”

The Word Of God Meets The Needs Of Modern Man

Space does not permit us to do much more than simply demonstrate that this is so. What are man’s basic needs and how does the Bible meet those needs?

Of course the Bible does not meet the physical needs of man. That is not its purpose. But as Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4) Man has a dual nature of body and spirit. When a man satisfies only the body and ignores the spirit, he is bound to be frustrated. He is bound to yearn for that which is still missing. That is why people who are rich, famous and popular are often still unhappy and unfulfilled. Only the Bible can truly satisfy the spiritual needs of man.

1. Man Needs To Be Loved. How does the Bible meet that need? By telling us that no matter who we are, what our station in life may be, or what others think about us, God loves us. (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8; Jn. 15:13). God has loved us with the greatest love ever known to man. With an unselfish, sacrificial love He gave Himself for us to save us from condemnation.

What is more, the Bible teaches us to love God with all ou, heart, soul, and mind (Mt. 22:37) and to love our neighbor as ourself (Mt. 22:39). Try as it might, we know that human wisdom has never been able to supply this kind of love “for all the world.”

Man Needs Peace. If there is anything the world longs for, it is peace. And yet the most important and valuable peace is available now through the gospel. Peace of mind, peace with self, and peace with God is found through Jesus Christ. Even if the world will not turn from selfishness and war, this peace can be ours (Jn. 14:27; Rom. 5:4, Gal. 3:15). And who can deny that if all men would live according to the teaching of the Prince of Peace there would be no more war of any kind.

3. Man Needs Important Work. He needs a reason for living. It seems that only a few people are destined to do anything that can be viewed as truly lasting and important. Not many of us will ever be a president, senator or even a town mayor. We will not likely be the head of some great company or find the cure to some dread disease. But if we are Christians, our work is of eternal importance. There is no greater work in all the world than that of serving God faithfully. Every Christian has an important mission in life to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mk. 16:15). Furthermore, Paul said in Ephesians 6:7, “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” With that view of life all work becomes important. Everything the Christian does, he does to please God. What could be more important?

The Bible Answers The Problems Of Modern Man

1. The Bible Answers Social And Moral Problems. Who can deny that if men lived according to the teaching of the Scriptures there would be no more lawlessness and rebellion (Rom. 13:1-7). If both citizens and government recognize that they will give an account before God as to how they execute their civil responsibilities, there would be no more injustice or anarchy.

If men lived according to Bible principles, there would not be one drunkard or dope addict (1 Cor. 6:19,20; Gal. 5:21). There would not be one prostitute, unwed mother, or case of venereal disease (Gal. 5:19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). There would not be one case of robbery or murder (1 Cor. 6: 10); Rom. 1:20). There would be no more problems in the home between husbands and wives or children and parents (Eph. 5:23-25; 6:14).

Racial prejudice would not be a problem if all men followed the golden rule and treated others as they would want to be treated (Mt. 7:12). If we would acknowledge that we really are “soul brothers” with all men, made in the image of God, we could hold no animosity toward one another. We would not see each other as unequal or less important.

2. The Bible Answers Ecological Problems. Surprised? It’s true. Would we have a pollution problem if all men recognized that the “earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains” (Psa. 24:1)? If we recognize that God is the owner of the universe and we are but caretakers and stewards of a small part of it, surely we will be more careful with our environment. And if I love my neighbor as myself I will not be dumping my garbage in his back yard.

3. The Bible Answers The Problem Of Sin. Of all the solutions and answers the Bible gives to the problems of life, none is more important than this – the Bible answers the spiritual problem of man, that being sin. The Scriptures provide the only viable solution to man’s guilt. It is the only answer that God will accept. The Bible is, above everything else, a story of redemption and salvation from sin. It provides an escape from our past failures, direction for the present in the path of righteousness, and a hope of eternal life in the future.

The gospel tells of God’s great sacrifice upon the cross to atone for the sins of the world (Isa. 54; Mt. 27; Eph. 2). It tells how men may be saved through the blood of Jesus by faith in Him and obedience to Him (Rom. 1:5, 16; 5:1; Acts 2:30; 22:16). Thus James proclaimed, “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21).

Is the Bible relevant? Indeed. Yes, even more than relevant. The Bible is essential.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, pp. 611-612, 632
October 18, 1984

By James D. Watts

The very idea of “God” is evidence of His existence. All peoples of the world have a concept of God or “gods,” a power outside themselves which is responsible for man’s being here and to whom man is ultimately responsible.

Where did man get this idea? Two possibilities seem apparent. One, God is a creation of man’s imagination. As someone aptly put it, “In the beginning God created man in his own image, and since then man has been returning the compliment.” The second is that the concept of God has its basis in reality. We must decide which is true.

The Bible begins with the assumption of God; nowhere does it set out to prove His existence. In the first place, one does not need to prove God, and secondly, one could not prove God – not concretely, as man would have it – if it were necessary. It is, and ever shall be, a matter of faith. Only in eternity, when we know as also we are known, will it be otherwise.

Faith is the belief of a proposition based upon testimony of witnesses. We must examine the evidence and consider the testimony, and then come to a conviction of faith.

Some approach the problem from a purely subjective point of view, which is completely unreliable. The lyrics of a song in a hymnal popular among brethren say, “He lives, You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart,” The Pentecostals, with their “feeling better felt than told,” could not say it better. However, the way a Christian knows God lives is by His Word. The word of the witnesses, Christ’s apostles, forms the testimony upon which our faith rests.

God Is Because We Are

Nature attests to the existence of an intelligent creator. Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” See also Psalm 139:14. The beauty and order that is characteristic of our world proclaims that God is. To say that it all happened by chance is to remove intelligence from the process of beginnings. When we allow intelligence to be behind the order of our universe, we have to acknowledge that intelligence is God.

Some have asked, “What if man eventually is able to produce life in the laboratory? What will that do to your faith in God?” It would only prove God’s existence all the more by demonstrating the role of intelligence in creation. It will show that man, using all his accumulated scientific knowledge, is finally able to do what God did in the beginning. I personally doubt that man will ever be able to produce a true life form. But should this happen – if man figures out how God did something in the beginning and then is able to duplicate it – to me it is only further evidence that man is indeed made in the image of God.

God Is Because The Bible Is

Revelation attests to the existence of God. The world of nature may give evidence of the fact that God is, but it is reserved for the realm of revelation to tell us about the character of God and His will for us.

The Bible is the most remarkable book in the world. It has done more for civilization than all of man’s books of philosophy. The Bible was written by about 40 men over a period of about 1,600 years. There was no possibility of collusion or conspiracy among them – yet there is unity from Genesis to Revelation.

The Bible claims to be the word of God. The expression “Thus saith the Lord” occurs about 2,600 times in the Old Testament. Jesus absolutely trusted the Scriptures to be the word of God. In Luke 24:44, He said, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, tht all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me.”

Jesus also based what He taught about marriage on what was written from the beginning (Matt. 19:4-8).

The Bible is not primarily a book of science, although it contains some scientific information. It also contains a considerable amount of history. These are two areas where we can test its truthfulness and find corroboration from secular sources. When the Bible says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved,” there is no way we can test that short of eternity – and then it will be too late. But if the Bible is without error in those areas where it can be checked (science and history), we can be sure it is likewise true in others.

God Is Because Jesus Is

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is at once the foundation and capstone of Christianity. It is the conclusive evidence that God is and that Jesus is His Son. Others have come – and others will come – who claim to be God’s Son. One of the most notorious is the Korean Sun Myung Moon, who claims he is the third Messiah, after John the Baptist and Jesus. But consider the title of a recent book on him: The Moon is Not the Son. “The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is at once the foundation and capstone of Christianity.

Jesus said He could lay down His life and take it up again (John 10:17-18). When God raised Him from the dead (Rom. 8:11), that proved the truthfulness of all that He taught. The false Christs cannot offer such demonstrations.

The point of the first sermons was the resurrection of Jesus. The apostles had only one message – Jesus Christ and Him crucified, who was raised to life again. They were willing to give their lives to preach that message, because they knew it to be true. They knew this message, the gospel, was the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). They knew that even if they lost their lives in the preaching of the gospel, He would give them eternal life. They were the witnesses of the resurrected body of Jesus. Would atheists be willing to give their lives for their non-faith?

God is! The Bible is His word and Jesus is His Son. The only thing that remains to be considered is what God is to you and me. What are we going to do about God? Are we going to love Him and obey Him? Or are we going to reject Him and neglect Him? He is the judge of the quick (living) and the dead. On the day of judgment every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess to God. We may entertain doubts and be a skeptic here, but there will be no question then that God is. Will you confess Him now?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, pp. 609, 633
October 18, 1984