Truth Magazine

By Jerry Fite

Do you want to be liked by the majority? Do you desire to be known by others as sophisticated and broad-minding? Is “doing your own thing” without condemnation from others your utopia? If so, you probably have already seen the assets of the “I’m OK – you’re OK” philosophy. Experience teaches us early that the less severe we are in judging others, the more we are liked. The critical, fault-finding grouch heads few lists of ideal companions. Expediency seems to dictate that we never condemn the actions of others. Is not such silence the best way to insure the acceptance of our own ways? “Live and let live,” or “I’m OK – you’re OK” is the modern “golden rule.”

The problem is that such philosophy will not hold up in all situations. Our sense of right and wrong cannot tolerate those who beat up their spouse and abuse their children, regardless of the personal pressures provoking such harm. A stealing employee is condemned first by the employer’s conscience before civil law is appealed to in order to fire him. Hitler murdering innocent Jews incenses us. In such cases, where is the “you’ve OK” spirit?

Many like the “I’m OK – you’re OK” approach because it allows man to be his own standard. His subjective feelings determine truth. If man is his own standard, how can one condemn the feelings of Hitler’s subordinates who felt it was right to eliminate an entire race. Who is so bold to enter the unseen recesses of the conscience, and call these men liars? In condemning conscientious actions, one becomes inconsistent with his philosophy. Because the freedom from hiving to submit to a divine standard is so attractive, many tolerate the inconsistency.

Many who acknowledge God also advocate the “I’m OK – you’re OK” lifestyle. Did not Jesus say, “Judge not that ye be not Judged” (Matt. 7:1)? Jesus rebuked the practice of condemning others by one’s own arbitrary opinion and judging others while living hypocritical lives. The Lord condemned supplanting God’s law (therefore speaking evil of the law) with one’s own by which he condemns his brother (Jas. 4:11). Jesus taught that in correcting others, one would first apply the divine standard to himself. “Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye: and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:5).

Living according to the gospel will demand that we make moral judgments. Appealing to the New Testament standard, we must “Prove all thing; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22). We cannot fellowship darkness, but most reprove darkness (Eph. 5:1). We do this by living according to the inspired Scriptures which provide the standard of righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rom. 1:16-17). Sometimes reproving darkness will demand that we withdraw our social contact from a member of the church who persists in living sin. We are to “judge them that are within” (1 Cor. 5:11-12). Living according to the teachings of Christ, we must not eliminate judging, but make sure we are judging righteously (John 7:24).

Living lives which encourage peaceful relationships is commanded by our God (Heb. 12:14). Making peace is imitating our Father (Matt. 5:9). But we cannot have pace if the truth of the gospel is to be forfeited. This is why Paul said, “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men” (Rom. 12:18).

I believe that we both can be “OK”. But we must first submit to a third party – God. Let us not be upset when error is exposed to His Truth. Determining to submit to God in all things, we can initiate true progress. By proceeding with the uncomfortable and demanding process of self-examination and correction, we can know for sure if we are “OK.” “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (2 Cor. 10:18).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, p. 524
September 6, 1984

By Robert Walters

This article is a response to an article by Larry Hafley that appeared in the June 7th issue of Guardian of Truth. The article was entitled, “The Yo-Yo Syndrome.” This brother had some things to say about an article that appeared in Vanguard (March ’84). First, I want it to be understood that I do not believe that, “I have eternal life right now,” as was quoted from Barney Cargile. We can have confidence that we are in a saved condition and can have “hope” of eternal life, but we do not yet have it in “fact.” Aside from this one point, the article in Vanguard has some things to say worthy of our serious consideration.

I believe that there are two extreme positions on this security issue. One is that a child of God cannot commit sin unto death (fall from grace). The other is the idea that every sin is unto death (spiritual separation from God). I believe the truth is between these extreme views, and I see no reason to be afraid of teaching what the Bible clearly teaches.

The place to begin in studying this subject is 1 John 1:7. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”. I verily believe that a child of God can “walk in the light” even though he has not reached the point of perfection. I stress the word walk as opposed to Yo-Yo. I believe that children of God can and do fall, but I believe that the “Yo-Yo Syndrome” doctrine is opposed to the biblical phrase “walk in the light.” It upholds the idea that every time a Christian sins (misses the mark), he goes down, and then at the very instant he confesses it, the “Yo-Yo” is back in the hand again.

Before you can accept what I’m trying to set forth, you must be able to see that God considers some sins to be greater than others. This deduction is obvious when we consider the consequences of various examples of transgressions given in the Old Testament. Perhaps many have already come to your mind if you are a veteran Bible student. One such example is found in Numbers 15:27-30. “And if any should sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering . . . But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously . . . shall be cut off from among his people.” This passage leaves no doubt that a “presumptuous” sin is greater, in the eyes of God, than a “sin of ignorance. ” The only point that I’m making here is that God recognizes a difference in sins. You can see that He does.

John says,”. . there is sin not leading to death” (1 Jn.5:17, NKJB). This is sin that does not result in spiritual death. The “Yo-Yo syndrome” doctrine is the idea that, every time a Christian sins, he dies or that it is “unto death.” This is opposed to what John said and it is not taught in the Bible. The Bible teaches that “sin” causes death but some “Church of Christ preachers” add the word “every.” It reminds me of what the Baptists do to the word “faith.”

If brother Hafley had upheld the Bible doctrine that a child of God can “walk in the light” and be cleansed of all sin by the blood of Christ, his Baptist friend, who he debated, would likely not have called him a “Yo-Yo.” Furthermore, he might have avoided the humiliation of being called a “Yo-Yo” and, who knows, he might even have been able to teach him. But they can’t and won’t believe the “Yo-Yo” doctrine. Why ask them to? Brethren talk about the consequences of my position. The argument goes both ways.

Brethren, Let’s leave the Yo-Yo’s to the kids and do our best to walk (not Yo-Yo) in the light.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, p. 518
September 6, 1984

By Titus Edwards

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!” We all recognize the need for recreation and entertainment. We need the diversion from our normal routines; the refreshment and relaxation that recreation provides. And to be honest about it, we all enjoy recreation and entertainment! With a good standard of living prevalent and much free time to spend, more and more time is being spent on leisurely activities.

What do we do for entertainment? Most young people decide that question on the basis of whatever they enjoy doing. If it is sports, or bowling, or going to a movie, then so be it. If it ig going to wild parties, dancing, drinking, or speeding around town showing off, then so be it. Let me suggest that much of the recreation of young people is ungodly. We, as God’s children, hopefully concerned about right and wrong, need to be a little more discriminating in the kinds of leisurely activities that we engage in. The philosophy of, “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we get older and can’t have any more fun” certainly misleads us into worldly amusements.

How can we decide what forms of recreation and entertainment we should and should not do? Easy! Just let the Bible be your guide! If you think that sounds a little simplistic, then I agree with you! It is not that easy! Indeed the Bible must be our guide in this matter (2 Tim.3:16-17), but the answers are not always so clear cut and easy. Oh, there are some things that the Bible specifically condemns, like unmarried sex, drinking, using drugs, etc. (Gal.5:19-21). But most of you would recognize that these things are wrong. If you do them, it is in willful violation of God’s word, and you knew that at the time.

But let us remember that the Bible is a book of principles. Everything is not spelled out in “thou shalt nots. ” Specifics of sin may change with different cultures, but principles can always apply. The key is getting your heart right! Be truly concerned about righteousness and serving God. If you do, then you can take the principles of the Scriptures and have little trouble in determining what you should and should not do. Here are some guidelines to help you.

Is it a form of evil? (1 Thess.5:22)

Is it illegal? (Rom.13:1-7)

Is it physically harmful? (1 Cor.6:19-20)

Will it hurt my Influence? (Rom.14:21; 1 Tim.4:12)

Does it gain control of me? (1 Cor.6:12)

Will it create lust? (James 1:14; 1 Jn.2:16)

Will it violate my conscience? (Rom.14:23)

Will it associate me with evil? (Eph.5:11)

Young people, don’t play with fire! Much recreation is really “wreck-reation” for it wrecks and ruins the lives of those who involve themselves in it. Learn these principles. Seek to apply them. The key is in recognizing that Christianity effects every phase of your life, right down to what you do for recreation and entertainment. Be concerned enough about going to heaven to let the principles of God guide you, not just “whatever feels good, do it!”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, p. 520
September 6, 1984

By Hoyt Houchen

Question: Would you please explain Mark 9:38-40 and Luke 9:49,50? Christ said “not to hinder” yet many denominations do and claim many things in the name of Christ.

Reply: The account in Mark 9:38-40 is as follows: “John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man who shall do a mighty work in my name, and be able to speak evil of me.” The incident as recorded by Mark is developed a little more fully than that of Luke; but they are parallel accounts, so the wording is about the same.

Neither this passage nor any other Bible passage justifies denominationalism. In our text, we see a man who was casting out demons in the name of Christ. John and the other disciples had forbidden him because he was not following with them, but was independent of the group. However, Jesus said, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you” (Lk.9:50).

The explanation of this passage is found in the expression “in thy name.” This man was casting out demons in the name of Jesus. He was doing what Jesus authorized; thus, this was not the reason that John and the other disciples forbade the man. They did not forbid him because he was casting out demons in the name of Christ, but because “he followeth not with us.” This was their reason. Simply because this man was working apart from the disciples did not make his work unauthorized. His work was sanctioned, even though he was unknown to John and the other disciples. This is why Jesus encouraged the man’s work. Brethren today may be separated by thousands of miles and may be unknown to one another; but if they are all doing the Lord’s work, the Lord endorses them. It is refreshing to meet brethren in distant fields who are doing what the New Testament authorizes them to do.

“In the name of the Lord” means by the Lord’s authority but we should carefully note that all who claim to be doing their work in the name of the Lord are not doing so. The Scriptures alone must determine this. Those who sprinkle and pour water, claiming it to be baptism, or who use mechanical instruments in worship, are not doing these things in the name of the Lord even though they claim to be. The man whom John was forbidding was not in that category; he was working in harmony with the Lord’s will. Anyone should be encouraged to do this.

It is only right and proper to forbid a person to act if his action is wrong. For instance, the mouths of false teachers should be stopped (Tit. 1:10, 11). But on the other hand, if we find those who are acting in accord with the teaching of God’s word, they should be encouraged. We are not to forbid people’s actions only upon the basis that they are unknown to us and not in our own particular circle of activity. This is the mistake John and the other disciples made – “he followeth not with us.” Although denominationalism may teach and practice some things which are scriptural, it promotes division and its very existence is the antithesis of the unity for which Jesus prayed (Jn.17:20,21) and for which Paul wrote (1 Cor. 1:10). Denominationalism does not exist “in the name of Christ,” and therefore it is without divine sanction.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 17, p. 522
September 6, 1984