Truth Magazine

By Don Martin

Who made the statement, “I am come to give division?” Was it Karl Marx, Adolf Hitler, or some infamous anarchist seeking to overthrow our government? Who would be so bold as to openly reveal that he had come to divide families and set men at variance? Would you believe me if I told you Jesus Christ is the author of the statement “I am come to give division?”

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law (Lk. 12:51-53, cf. Matt. 10:34-37).

“But I thought Jesus and his gospel produces peace and harmony among men and unites families,” we frequently hear. Beloved, Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6); His gospel is referred to as the “gospel of peace” (Rom. 10:15); Jesus effected peace between the alienated Jew and Gentile (Eph. 2:14); and He extends peace to all men which peace is incomparable to the peace man offers (John 14:27); (all emphasis throughout mine, dm). Concerned reader, Jesus’ statement, “I am come to give division” is another aspect and facet of Jesus and Christianity which is often forgotten in our permissive, principleless, political age.

The enunciation, “I am come to give division,” is considered by some scholars to be a marshal. That is, a statement which is designed to be shocking and startling and seemingly contradictory, one that sounds unbelievable! Such language has the purpose of attracting and arresting our attention (see discussion in New Testament Commentary, by William Hendriksen, Vol. 2, pp. 682, 683). Jesus’ declaration would appear paradoxical for at least two often related reasons: (1) Christ’s declared purpose, if you will, was contrary to the prevailing, common understanding of the Messiah’s advent. Hence, the language, “Suppose ye . . ..? ” (Lk. 12:51). The design assigned to Jesus’ coming and the real purpose were often contradictory (He had not come to unite the world and become a world monarch). (2) The arrival of the Lord, upon cursory. examination, would also appear to contradict the many prophecies of His being the Prince of Peace, etc. Think about it, the Prince of Peace came to give division!

Beloved, most realize that “peace” and “unity” are features of the gospel but few fully realize that division is also a feature of the Jerusalem gospel. Allow me to inject this thought for your consideration at this point: In order for any system to be considered divisive, in our case, it must be able to be defined and interpreted (either have an oral or written creed which can be understood by man) and it must be radically different from its environs. I submit that the gospel satisfies both requirements – the New Testament constitutes the embodiment of truth or creed, the gospel which can be understood and defined by man (2 Jn. 9-11) and the gospel is radically different from the religious (denominational) and secular climates in which it finds itself (cf. 2 Cor. 6:17).

Illustration Of The Principle “I Am Come To Give Division.”

Too many times we are excessively discouraged when division, as a result of the gospel, takes place. “I just can not understand why the world seems to hate me now that I am a Christian,” some are heard saying (see Matt. 10:22). Immature Christians are perplexed and dejected over the division in the Lord’s church. “Why is there so much division in the church?” they complain, “such is discouraging. ” As such false doctrines as unity-in-diversity and grace-fellowship find acceptance among preachers and members of the church, Jesus’ statement is becoming more paradoxical and irreconcilable! Permit me to hurriedly insert that division is sinful and its existence indicates some are displeasing to the Lord! When there is opposition and averse reaction to the gospel (division), those who are thus reacting are in a state of rebellion to God (cf. Lk. 10:16; Prov. 6:19; Rom. 16:17).

Division in the world over the gospel. When one becomes a Christian, one becomes different from the world. They do not talk the way the world talks (Eph. 4:29); they do not dress immodestly (1 Tim. 2:9); they choose friends who will not spiritually drag them down (1 Cor. 15:33); they do not engage in the “unfruitful works of darkness” but “rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). Hence, this often radical difference and nonconformity result in division (cf. Jas. 4:4).

Division in the denominational world over the gospel. There are people in the denominational world whom we can teach; they are open minded. However, there are also those in the religious world whom we can not reach. It is with this second class that we often experience division (that is, opposition, etc.). It is this group that learn to “hate us” when we tell them of the one church (Eph. 4:4), baptism for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and other Bible truths.

Division in the Lord’s church. “For there must be also factions among you, ” Paul explains to the Corinthians, “that they that are approved may be made manifest among you” (1 Cor. 11:19 ASV, see also v. 18). Brethren, division is a characteristic, if you please, of Christianity! Division and factionalism within the body of Christ have the positive effect of testing us and revealing those who will stand for truth. No, we do not “desire” it and we endeavor to avoid it – but division will, from time to time, inevitably characterize the people of God because there will be individuals in the church who will not have the truth and who will actively oppose the truth to the point of division.

Christian and concerned friend, what is your reaction to Jesus’ statement, “I am come to give division”? Do you understand it, do you appreciate it, and do you accept it? Jesus’ nature is not contentious and His teaching is not by nature divisive; however, Jesus knew there would be resistance and bitter rejection of His teaching; hence, division would come. Do not allow division to crush or cause you to despair. Do everything you can to avoid it and not unnecessarily create it but understand division will be experienced in the secular world, the religious world, and even in the Lord’s church. Standfor truth regardless of the consequences that you might be among those “approved” and made “manifest!”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 12, pp. 367-368
June 21, 1984

By J.B. Patton

When God’s people walked in His commands, doing what He told them to do, He spoke of them as a virtuous woman; but when they refused to obey His commands and would not walk with Him, He spoke of them as harlots. In Hosea 2:2,3, Israel is represented as a corrupt woman.

In Romans 7, we read the discussion of the question as to how the Jews could be married to Christ under His law. They (the Jews) reasoned that it was contrary to their teaching to be married to more than one husband at a time. But, Paul takes up this position and explains beyond a doubt that the old law to which they had been married was dead, and as the death of the husband gave the woman the right to marry again, so this would give them the right to marry the One who was raised from the dead.

Wherefore my brethren, ye also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God (Rom. 7:4).

Christians are married to Christ and as a wife is subject to her husband, so Christians must be to Christ (Eph. 5:22-24). When we are buried in the waters of baptism, we have gone through the ceremony that marries us to Christ. To be in Christ is to be in the body of Christ. Inasmuch as the body is the church, when we are in Christ we are in His body which is His Church. We want you to remember that baptism brings us into Christ (Gal. 3:27). It brings us into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12,13); and the body is the Church (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22,23).

When a woman is married to a man and they become bride and groom, she becomes subject to him and will show that by carrying out her duty as a wife. One of the ways she does this is by wearing her husband’s name. She does not wear the name of a friend of the groom. It would not be right for a bride to wear any other name but the name of her husband. Can those who are married to Christ wear another name, and yet be faithful to their husband?

Will Christ, as a Bridegroom, ask His wife to submit to Him in false teaching since He is not a false teacher and everything He says is based upon the truth? The wife (the bride – church) is to submit to Him in what He (Christ) teaches. Christ has left instructions for the Church to carry out, and His Bride must do what He says in order to be faithful. If the church does not carry out Christ’s instructions, she has committed spiritual adultery. If Christ wants His Bride to be a praying, studying and worshiping church, she must be that to remain faithful. If Christ has given instructions on the Lord’s Supper, music, contribution, organization, and terms to be saved, then the church should love Him enough to obey those instructions.

Many claim to be faithful wives to Jesus Christ; however, the true test is in the lives and teaching of the claimants. It takes more than “lip service”, or going through a form of doctrine, to really be a dedicated member of the body of Christ (church). The church must abide in the doctrine of Christ only; in order to make certain of this, Christians are encouraged to “believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 12, p. 373
June 21, 1984

By Bob Baston

The need for encouragement is not foreign to anyone. Sometimes though, that encouragement comes in very different ways. Having available to me several tapes of congregational singing has been a blessing. They are not for entertainment, but for edification. Sitting and listening to the singing at the recent Florida College Lectures on tape brings back the good feeling I had as we joined in singing praises to God. Truly it was an edifying experience! The beauty and value of words used to praise our God (some taken from the text of God’s will), can serve as many purposes as mentioned in passages such as Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3.

The Christian who looks upon the singing of praises to God in the local church as a chore is missing the true value of these praises. I certainly recommend that he or she attend such a singing as previously mentioned (with the largest crowd exceeding 1,500) and partake in singing as I believe God intended it to be. Yet, I have personally felt the same edifying experience when meeting with but twenty of my brethren. If purpose, intent, and effort are right before God, numbers will matter very little.

Choose Your Songs Wisely

Careful consideration of the songs chosen and the words involved is a must for any son g leader as he prepares the group of songs to be used in any particular worship service. One of my most embarrassing moments came during a Sunday morning worship when I stood to lead the invitation song and realized my mistake as I approached the chorus of the song. The words “are you coming to Jesus tonight?” stuck out like a sore thumb. Some would think that this is a very minor infraction, after all we were trying to encourage the lost to heed the Gospel call. But even this seemingly innocuous mistake could have distracted someone from the purpose of the song.

Worship In Song

Songs such as “Our God, He Is Alive,” “Higher Ground,” and “When All of God’s Singers Get Home” suggest the praises of God to be sung forever in Heaven. How can one sing “What A Song of Delight” and either refuse to raise his voice in unison with other Christians or not enjoy singing? When we raise our voices in spiritual song with other brethren, regardless of lack of musical ability, God is pleased. Christ said that I must “worship God in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). This is the condition for all worship to be acceptable.

Praise, Teach and Admonish

Paul writes to the brethren at Colosse to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16). The unmistakeable riches of this truth are found in the closeness one has with God. Being a gospel preacher brings me into contact with the problems of my brethren which are brought about by sin. Without exception, the answer lies in the person forsaking the word of God. In considering my own problems in remaining faithful in the twenty (20) years since obeying the gospel, I know this is true. The need to know God’s word is still fundamental to the foundation of faithfulness (2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 1: 3). Paul also tells me that not only do we praise God, we teach and admonish one another. Can we sing “You Never Mentioned Him To Me” without remorse in our hearts due to lost occasions to teach God’s word? “How Are You Using God’s Golden Moments”? Many of our brethren must shudder when the song leader calls out number 93, “A Soul Winner For Jesus.” We sing:

“A soul winner for Jesus, A soul winner for Jesus,

O let me be each day; A soul winner for Jesus,

A soul winner for Jesus, He’s done so much for me.”

Brethren, let us sing the praises to God out of conviction and love, and to the best of our abilities. But let us also purpose in our hearts to understand what we sing and live out these encouragements and admonitions.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 12, pp. 369-370
June 21, 1984

By Daniel H. King

One of the first things the new alien-resident of Florida is forced to accommodate himself to is the hot weather. There are some early moments in one’s sojourn here when he feels as if it is so oppressive as to be unbearable. Really it isn’t, but it feels that way.

What helps him to endure this unpleasantness is the realization that refreshment and relief are available and that the unpleasantness is but for a moment. It is temporary. A good shower will wash the sweat away. A big icy glass of water will quench the thirst. A few moments beneath a gargantuan oak or inside an air-conditioned dwelling will shortly render the heat a forgotten threat. Scripture promises that in the Heavenly City “they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them or any heat” (Rev. 7:16). The land of the Bible was a place much like Florida!

But think with me for a moment about a place (if we may refer to it as a “place”) where the heat is so intense as to compare not to any atmospheric temperature, but to a lake of burning fire: “This is the second death, even the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:14).

Next, imagine that human beings will have their ultimate destiny in such a situation. Think of men and women enduring such intensity of heat: “And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:15); “there shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth”(Matt. 8:12).

Imagine this place also as being a place of incomparable darkness, unfathomable and oppressive. No glint of light can penetrate its gloom: “and cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30).

If this were not incomprehensible enough, venture also to imagine that this condition of human souls, once begun, will never cease: “and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10); “and these shall go away into eternal punishment” (Matt. 25:46). Its fire does not consume in a moment, as does the fire of earth. This infernal blaze is different in more ways than one. Men endure this ordeal in a state of full consciousness: “And the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24).

If you have been able to imagine the above then you have captured in your mind’s eye what hell is like. It is awful, is it not? Perhaps too awful for some people to believe. But think again. Consider that the punishment must fit the crime. The crime is rebellion against the goodness and mercy of God, against His love and longsuffering, against the tender sacrifice of His beloved Son on Calvary, against the salvation He died to purchase. And consider also that men who end up in that place have chosen to be there. Oh, they have not literally bought a ticket to that destination. But they have ignored the stern warnings of God’s word. They have placed no trust in His promises. They have made no plans or preparations to go anywhere else. They belong there. It is their place. They chose to be there.

As God’s faithful children let us put men on alert to the awful end of those who deny or ignore our Lord. There may be some connection between hell and hot weather in the vocabulary of cursing, but nothing in this world can really compare with this terrible spiritual reality: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 12, p. 359
June 21, 1984