Truth Magazine

By Earl E. Robertson

Much has been said and written about salvation by grace and faith. Some of it has been true to the word of God and some of it untrue. Some preachers holding the doctrine of dispensationalism have contended that the Jews are saved one way and the Gentiles another. However, the speech the apostle Peter made in Jerusalem easily settles the problems raised and promoted by false teachers to all who love the truth. The prevailing prejudice and consequent misunderstanding on the part of the Jew toward the Gentile thinking he could not be saved without the circumcision of Moses’ law caused this meeting in Jerusalem. Luke records the happenings transpiring in this meeting. He says, “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:7-11).

God put no difference between Jews and Gentiles in the plan of salvation. He saves one and all alike. This truth is contrary to the contentions of all who teach salvation is a miracle. They all have one saved one way and another saved in a different way. But God put no difference! Peter emphatically states- all must hear the gospel and believe (15:7). But he says the Gentiles were saved by faith while stating the Jew would, through the grace of the Lord, be saved even as they. If it required grace to save the Jew but he was to be saved the same way as the Gentile, then it necessitated grace to save the Gentile; and since the Gentile was saved by faith, but the Jew was to be saved “even as they,” then it required the Jews to believe to be saved. Peter said they should “hear the word of the gospel, and believe.” The word of this gospel is the word of God’s grace (Acts 143; 20:24), and it instructs (Tit. 2:11, 12). But this gospel demands that man believe it (cf. Mk. 16:15, 16). Briefly, this is God’s grace and man’s faith. No, it is not a fifty-fifty proposition! It is not Gods grace and God’s faith; it is God’s grace and man’s faith. Acts 2 and 10 show what is involved in the salvation of both. It was evidence presented through gospel preaching; faith in the heart of the hearers; repentance – a change in mind as a result of having heard the gospel, which also changes the way of life; and baptism into Christ for the remission of sins. Read Acts 2 and 10 along with Acts 15 and see for yourself that all are saved alike, that God reveals His grace through the gospel and man accepts the terms or conditions stated therein to the saving of his soul.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 6, pp. 174-175
March 15, 1984

By Bobby Witherington

Men, how would you react if the elders of the local church should compose the following guidelines with regards to your appearance in worship?: (1) Men . . . must wear dress shirts, ties, dress slacks, and dress shoes. (2) Jeans are not allowed . . . (3) Tennis shoes are not acceptable dress. (4) Shirts with writing and cartoons on them are not appropriate dress. (5) Hair styles must be neat, trim, and clean.

Ladies, how would you react if the elders of the local church should compose the following guidelines with regards to your appearance in worship?: (1) Women . . . are required to wear dresses, skirts, and blouses, or pant outfits, and all must be coordinated and conservative in style. (2) Strapless or spaghetti strap dresses and bare midriffs are not acceptable. (3) Dress shoes and hosiery are required with every outfit. (4) Tennis shoes are not appropriate dress. (5) Jeans are not allowed . . . (6) Shirts with writing and cartoons on them are not appropriate dress. (7) Hair styles must be neat, trim, and clean.

Most brethren would resent receiving from the elders a published set of dress guidelines. “They are over stepping their bounds,” many would say. Others would say, “they are binding what God has not bound.” And many would go on wearing what they wanted to wear, however inappropriate for the occasion.

However, the preceding “Dress and Grooming Code” has been composed and imposed! Not by the elders of this church. Nor by the elders of any congregation that I know of. But by Sears, Roebuck & Co. for its sales persons in the “Los Angeles Group.” Amazingly enough, they make no apology for their “dress and grooming code.” They do, however, offer this explanation: “There is no substitute for good judgment in appropriate dress. Our customers deserve and expect to shop in a pleasant, professional-appearing, courteous environment. Our employment relies on our ability to attract and retain the business of our customers.

Observation

Jesus, on one occasion, said, “the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (Luke 16:8). Could it be that, with regards to the items herein under consideration, the officials in charge at Sears, Roebuck “are in their generation wiser than the children of light”? Of course, the Sears, Roebuck “dress and grooming code” was designed with one main objective in mind – the desire “to attract and retain the business” of their customers. But our desire “to attract and retain” the approval of God and the interest of others ought to be at least as great as is the desire of Sears, Roebuck for the “business” of others! When Joseph was called from prison to meet with Pharaoh “he shaved himself, and changed his raiment” and then “came in unto Pharaoh” (Gen. 41:14). As we would say, he “put his best foot forward.” Appearance-wise, he showed respect for the king of Egypt. When a smelly, long-haired, bearded, ragged, and filthy hoodlum is apprehended for a crime, and later appears in court because of his crime, what preparation does he make for his court appearance? Among other things, he takes a bath, cuts his hair, trims his beard, and wears a nice suit. Why? Because he wants to make a good impression on the judge and jury. In so doing, he has a better chance of getting a light sentence or perhaps (as conditions now are) no sentence at all.

Conclusion

To my knowledge, the elders here have never even discussed imposing on the members here a “dress and grooming code.” And I am not suggesting that they either compose or impose such a code. But I do concur with the officials at Sears, Roebuck, “there is no substitute for good judgment in appropriate dress.” Especially when we assemble together to worship God! And when we, in these assemblies, “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24). Whether or not we care to admit it, our dress and appearance reflect our respect for the occasion. Frankly, I believe some of our brothers (and sisters) in Christ could well afford to show more respect for the worship occasion!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 6, p. 175
March 15, 1984

By Dick Blackford

My teachers always told me that a preposition was something you should never end a sentence with. I plead guilty in this narrative, and now that you know it let’s talk about something more profitable.

I remember a time when my wife and I drove 35 miles in a blinding storm to baptize a lady into Christ. It was inconvenient but we were happy to do it. However, that was not the most inconvenient baptism of which I speak.

Another occasion comes to remembrance when I baptized a lady in the hospital. She was dying of cancer. A tub was prepared for the baptizing. It was among the inconvenient baptisms I recall, but not the most inconvenient.

When I was in college the family I lived with showed me an old, worn black and white photograph made on their farm in the wintertime. Ice had to be broken on the pond so a baptism could take place. These incidents tell of the importance these folks attached to baptism. They must have believed it was necessary. Still, none of these is the baptism of which I am thinking.

Acts 16:16-34

The most inconvenient baptism known to me is this one. Paul and Silas had false charges made against them. Their clothes were torn off. They were imprisoned, beaten, and their feet were fastened tight in the stocks. All of these were unjust actions. The Philippian jailer was impressed with the behavior of Paul and Silas. They had been singing hymns instead of complaining. They had a chance to escape but did not. They even saved his life for he almost committed suicide when he thought they had vanished after the earthquake. Having already been mistreated why would they expect justice to prevail by remaining? He represented the government that was responsible for all of this. Here was a crucial moment that became the turning point in his life. Paul and Silas had something he needed and wanted, so he asked the most intelligent question a person can ask “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v. 30). They said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved . . .” (v. 31).

Don’t Stop!

Now, most denominational preachers stop right here. These men say the jailer was saved at verse 31 and then don’t bother to tell the rest of the story. They remind me of the atheist who threw his Bible away because the hero got killed right in the middle and he saw no point in finishing the book! The next verse (v. 32) says they “spake unto him the word of the Lord.” In v. 31 they told him to believe and in v. 32 they told him what to believe. By having him “saved” at v. 31 these preachers have him saved before he heard the gospel! If one can be saved before he hears the gospel then Jesus’ death is worthless (Rom. 1: 16; 1 Cor. 15:1-5). It is one thing to tell a person to believe and quite another to tell him what to believe. After speaking “the word of the Lord” to him, he “took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes (indicating his repentance)” and was baptized immediately (v. 33).

Why Baptism?

How did he know to be baptized? It is part of the “word of the Lord.” Jesus had said “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. . . ” (Mk. 16:16). In speaking unto him “the word of the Lord” is it likely that they would not even mention the last thing our Lord said about salvation before he left the earth – never to return again until judgment day? Notice also that the rejoicing came after the baptism (v. 34).

The Inconvenience

They had just been through a severe earthquake; a near suicide, the wounds of Paul and Silas needed attention; it was after midnight; they had to go elsewhere for the baptizing, plus other possible inconveniences regarding safety from the earthquake and the Roman government. They must have taught him and he must have believed baptism to be absolutely necessary. It couldn’t even wait til morning! Why didn’t they stop him? Strange, if baptism is not essential. Some churches store up baptismal candidates for several weeks until they have enough to justify getting the preacher wet. Prior to this point it is “too inconvenient.” The real truth is they don’t believe (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). Which way does your church teach it?

In all of my life this, my friends, is the most inconvenient baptism I ever heard of. And now you know the rest of the story.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 6, pp. 182-183
March 15, 1984

By Ron Halbrook

This is not an article promoting any one gospel paper, but is a discussion of how to make such journals profitable and enjoyable. Two years ago, a couple who were very close to our family told us why they had quit “reading the papers.” We told them why we had not. It was a healthy exchange. They said that our reasons for reading them were better than theirs for not reading, so they began (cautiously) reading again. At the time, they asked us to write an article to help other people who might have the same experience they had. We promised to do so, but got busy. A recent visit confirms that this couple has indeed found gospel papers profitable and enjoyable again. How?

Clear Purposes and Advantages

1. Clarify purposes and advantages. Some people begin taking a paper because a friend – usually a preacher recommended it. They may have no clear concept of why such a paper exists or-what it hopes to accomplish. Above all, a gospel paper should proclaim the gospel and stimulate study of God’s Word. This does not mean a steady diet of milk, a constant repetition on the earthly life of Jesus or the primary steps in conversion. There will be meat-upon which to grow, articles which challenge a person to struggle in thought over unfamiliar topics or points. Expect to put out some mental energy and effort at times. Papers stimulate study just as do commentaries, Bible classes, and personal discussions. By the written word, we have the advantage of studying with men who have spent years meditating on God’s Word, preaching it, and seeing its practical application.

In addition to making us more familiar with biblical material, papers offer many kinds of related information. What are some practical problems, issues, and temptations that brethren are facing in many places? How can we better prepare ourselves and our children to recognize present day dangers? How does modern society hinder the gospel and how can we overcome these hindrances so as to spread the Good News of Christ? What are some good Bible reference books to help in study? Where can we attend debates or find information on specific forms of denominational error which may help us to convert our friends? Where are new churches being formed? Where do special needs exist? What new methods are proving successful? All of these and many more questions are answered in the journals. News columns and reports of many kinds appear regularly. Some brethren read these before anything else because of the encouragement gained from learning about the faithful labors of saints in other places.

Scan And Read

2. Scan and read. None of us should feel enslaved to a page-by-page, line-by-line approach to reading th~ journals. Make the journals a servant, not the master of our limit time. We may not have time to read a single article in some issues – but the same thing happens with the newspaper, too. Even. a minute or two of scanning is profitable. Glancing through an issue of the paper exposes us to titles and headings, to which we may wish to refer later.

For instance, a question or assignment in Bible class can ring a bell, “I remember there was an article on that subject in a recent issue of the paper.” Now that we have a more pressing reason to read that particular article, we can find it and take the time to read it. The point is, we have exposed ourselves to large amounts of resource material on a wide variety of subjects.

More Than One

3. Take more than one paper. Take at least two. This provides exposure to a wider range of writers and subject matter. Some writers prefer to write in only one paper; we may miss the advantage of learning from some excellent student of the Word because the one paper we take is not the one in which he writes. At times, almost every paper publishes a special series of an expanded issue on a given subject. The more papers we take, the more of these concentrated studies we have for resource study.

Taking more than one paper provides a crucial safeguard. Just as with individuals, so with papers there may be a subtle shift from soundness in the faith to softness and compromise. We may fail to notice the shift in a paper if we are reading that one alone, but it is likely that other papers will be sounding a warning. Or, if a paper openly introduces error, it is certain that other papers will present a challenge by giving the other side. Even in matters of judgment that involve no doctrinal error, there is safety in a multitude of counselors. Even two is better than one.

Feedback

4. Offer some feedback. When we feel the urge, we should pick up our pen or phone to register a compliment or a complaint. Writing is one of the most difficult jobs. Some articles represent many hours of research – even days, weeks, months, or years. A writer may spend several minutes trying to decide on just one word! He appreciates someone saying, “That article helped me.” This encourages him to write again.

Our complaint need not be harsh to be helpful. The writer may be able to correct a false impression, retract his error, or improve his word choice because we took time to communicate with him. An editor spends a great deal of time on his work, which is not only writing but also selecting, arranging, and correcting articles. Compliments and complaints help him to improve his work. Whether we submit a positive or negative comment at a given time, understanding the privilege of feedback helps us to enjoy and profit from reading journals.

Keep It Going

5. Two ways to perpetuate profit and enjoyment. If we save each issue of the journals we take, we build a reference library for our own future use or the future use of our children. Do not minimize the influence of journals in the home on children. If they are accustomed to seeing them in the home, they are much more likely to have religious papers in their homes. Selected articles can be pointed out to teenagers for their reading. It is profitable to save papers.

It is profitable to pass them along to other Christians, to people in the world, or to people in foreign lands. Gospel preachers can help us find Christians overseas who have precious little reading material available and who would be thrilled to receive a box full. We often throw away these papers. Some of our brethren in foreign countries pass such literature around until it literally wears out from use!

We at our house enjoy both saving and passing on the papers. We take advantage of reduced rates for multiple subscriptions so as to have papers sent directly into the homes of Christians and other friends. When we find someone taking papers but not wanting them, we obtain the papers to box them up and send them overseas.

Don’t Cancel Because . . .

When tempted to cancel our subscription to a paper, or to let our sub run out rather than renewing it, we should take a close look at the reason (?). Are we acting on impulse? Would the same reason (?) be sufficient for cancelling our sub to a local newspaper or news magazine? Avoid these pitfalls:

1. “My wife (or husband) doesn’t read it.” If either one reads it, even the one who does not should encourage the presence of the paper. It is likely that more men than women use commentaries and read gospel journals (judging from discussions I have had with brethren), but that is a poor reason to quit using either. Even the one who “doesn’t read it” is likely to pick it up occasionally if it keeps coming.

2. “I get behind on my reading. ” This discouragement should not stop the journals. The money is well spent if the papers are there to read when we do get time. Everyone gets behind at times. Do not feel burdened by the necessity to go back and read everything that was missed. Pick up again when time allows.

Don’t Like Controversies?

3. “I don’t like controversies. ” Yes, they are painful, but necessary. They are necessary to open study, to spiritual growth, and to the defense of the truth. The only two excuses for avoiding controversy on a given subject are, “It is not a problem here,” and, “It is a problem here.” In either case, only the Devil can benefit from closing the door to controversy. The person who quits reading papers because of the controversies will have to quit reading the Bible every page contains some point of controversy.

It will not do to plead, “Well, at least I don’t want to read about the persons involved if there must be controversy. ” The inspired writers and the Son of God himself could not meet this test. Controversy has a proper place in all gospel preaching and is profitable. If a paper declares itself opposed to controversy, cancel that paper! Renew every paper that follows the example of Jesus by challenging sin and error of all kinds to a fight to the death!

4. “I saw some things I disagreed with. ” Any responsible, discerning Christian will find things of this kind. He should disagree with some things that uninspired people say. Only the Bible is infallible. Remember the privilege of feedback when tempted over disagreements. Constructive criticism is more likely to bring a change than cancellation.

Can’t Afford It?

5. “I can’t afford it. ” Stop and think! We pay far more for newspapers, magazines, radios, and TVs to hear about things that are mostly degrading and depressing, than we pay for gospel papers that offer spiritual encouragement and strength. No, the Bible does not require us to take a gospel paper to go to heaven. Much less does it require a newspaper. So as a matter of simple choice, which of the two we would prefer in a crunch tells a lot about our sense of values. We can’t afford it? For the price of a newspaper for a year, we could take 10 or 12 gospel papers. For the price of a TV, or even just one payment on a TV, we could take . . . . get the point?

Do cancel if the paper becomes an enemy to the gospel, whether by direct attack upon its facts, commands, and promises, or by compromise with false doctrine. Even in the event of such a tragedy, it may be useful to read the paper to better understand the development of error and how to meet it. Here the safeguard of reading at least two papers is apparent. Read both sides of the question as an aid to searching and guarding the truth.

Ask someone who takes papers to share a few samples. Examine several. Subscribe to at least two. Then, stay with it. Profit and enjoy!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 6, pp. 178-179
March 15, 1984