Truth Magazine

By Dick Blackford

The new morality may be a change from that of the former generation but it is not new. “The thing that has been, it is that which shall be. And that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us” (Eccl. 1:9, 10). The new morality was being practiced in Corinth 2000 years ago. It was practiced in Sodom and Gomorrah before that. The Israelites were practicing a 64new morality” when Moses came down from Mount Sinai. Today, we have an old idea renewed as this generation continues its search for truth apart from the Bible. This search has been indicated in the popular music of the day, “How Can I Be Sure In A World That Is Constantly Changing?” Everything has been made vague in the area of morals. The word “love” describes everything from a young boy’s fond affection for pizza to an older boy’s interest in premarital sex, neither of which is correct.

What Is Morality?

Morality is the system that distinguishes right and wrong. It is that sense of “oughtness” or “ought-notness” by which one decides things, depending upon his standard. The Bible contains a number of “shalts” and “shalt nots” as well as “oughts” and “ought nots” (Rom. 13:8,9; Mt. 23:23; Eccl. 2:3; 1 Tim. 3:15; etc.). Every man has a standard of morality, even if it is himself.

What Is Situation Ethics?

This is the popular view that there are no moral absolutes. Nothing is right or wrong; it just depends on the situation. “Circumstances alter cases” is a way of saying that stealing, lying, adultery, or any other thing may be right in a given situation. What is moral is “what you feel good after.” What is immoral is “what you feel bad after.”(1) Rules can be cast aside when love can be better served. Regardless of the rules, one should do the loving thing. One should love people and use things. “For the situationist there are no rules . . . none at all. . .”(2) “It means too, that there are no universals of any kind. . .”(3)

Joseph Fletcher, well known theologian, author and leader in trying to remove the ancient landmarks in the area of morality, has had a great impact on the thinking of religious leaders. Many have been influenced, especially in the field of sex, where the most damage has been done. The subject of sex perversion is somewhat taboo in most family circles and it’s not exactly one we like to discuss at the dinner table, especially in mixed company. But we may as well face it. Sex in its perverted forms has pressed itself into the daily lives of people of all ages. It’s not wrong to talk about when done respectably. We have to in order to deal with it. Many think nothing of having it piped into their living rooms in its perverted form but they don’t want the preacher to even hint at it. It is quite ironic that the people of Israel (male and female alike) stood from morning til midday before the water gate and listened to Ezra read the law (Neh. 8). If you have read the law you know it deals with sexual perversion in very explicit terms. We must be. careful in trying to improve on the manners of God, especially when it causes our children to suffer for lack of proper training. The Father knows best. It would shock most parents if they knew how much knowledge their children have gained about sex (unaccompanied by proper teaching on morality and responsibility). Parents often wonder where they went wrong and don’t know they did until they see the wild oats growing.

Fletcher’s Example of Situationism

Fletcher captures his readers’ emotions with a sad story about a woman who was separated from her family at the Battle of the Buldge and imprisoned in the Ukraine. During these months of captivity she learned that her husband, also a prisoner of war, had been released from another camp and had located their children in Berlin. There were two reasons why the Russians would release a prisoner: need for extensive medical treatment or pregnancy. The woman, Mrs. Bergmeier, persuaded a German guard to impregnate her and she was returned to Germany, as a liability. The family was reunited and they all loved her and the child born out of adultery for it. Keep this case in mind as we will discuss it more thoroughly in the third part of this series.

The Prevalence of Situationism

Remember the West Virginia textbook controversy? From a third grade text there was a discussion question to go with a story about a little boy who cheated and felt bad about it: “Most people think that cheating is wrong, even if it is only to get a penny, which is what Shan did. Do you think there is ever a time when it might be right? Tell when it is. Tell why you think it is right.”(4) A television program about Robin Hood “justified” his stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Defending the morality of the Watergate break-in (planned by G. Gordon Liddy) and other aborted 1972 campaign schemes to kidnap antiRepublican radicals and entice Democratic politicians with prostitutes, Liddy said, “If Watergate is all its alledged to be, it was an intelligence gathering operation of one group of persons who were seeking power … against another group of persons who were seeking to acquire power … It’s like brushing your teeth . . . It’s basic.”(5) Popular music: “If it feels good do it. Do it if it’s what you feel . . .” “We’re living in a,world of rules, breaking us down, when they all should let us be . . .”, etc. Popular expression: “Do your own thing.” The crime rate: Since 1968 violent crimes increased 47% and property crimes 28%. There is one violent crime every 36 seconds.(6)

Our second article will deal with attempts of situationists to justify their teaching from the Bible and some consequences of the new morality will be discussed.

Endnotes

1. Christianity and Hedonism, A Clash of Philosophies. Discussion between Anson Mount, religion editor for Playboy Magazine, and Dr. William S. Banowsky, minister of Broadway Church of Christ, Lubbock, Texas, published by Christian Chronicle, Austin, Texas.

2. Joseph Fletcher, Situation Ethics, p. 55. Fletcher is Professor of Social Ethics at Episcopal Theology School in Cambridge, Mass. Quoted here from The “New Morality ” Reviewed, a tract by Cecil Willis.

3. Ibid., p. 64.

4. Schoolbooks Stir A Storm,” U.S. News and World Report, Nov. 4, 1974, p. 61.

5. The Evansville Press (UPI), Evansville, IN, Jan. 5, 1975.

6. Clarence M. Kelley, Director FBI, Crime In The U.S., 1973 (released Sept. 6, 1974).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 37-38
January 19, 1984

By Hoyt Houchen

Question: What does Jesus mean in Matthew 23.24? How does this apply to us today?

Reply: In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounced a series of woes upon the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees. He gave them a scathing rebuke because they would “say, and do not” (v. 3). They would bind heavy burdens upon others, but they themselves would “not move them with their finger” (v. 4). Their works were done to be seen of men (v. 5) and Jesus gave some examples. They loved preeminence, so Jesus proceeded to teach them a lesson on humility (vv. 8-12). Beginning with verse 13, Jesus pointed out their inconsistencies and saying they were blind guides in verse 16. Then in verse 23 and 24 Jesus said to them, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone. Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel!”

Jesus was dealing with a group of men to whom religion had become merely a matter of outward observance. They were interested in many little rules of conduct, but were neglecting the chief things in the law (Matt. 23:23; Lk. 11:42). In doing this, they were straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel. The Greek word for “strain” (diulize) means “to filter through, strain thoroughly, pour through a filter” (Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon, p. 153). The expression used by Jesus was proverbial. It simply means that they were nice, scrupulous and zealous about the little things but unconcerned about the greater matters. They were stressing outward rites and ceremonies but neglecting a proper attitude af the heart. It is significant to note, that while they were meticulous in straining out a gnat (which was unclean, Lev. 11:42), they were gulping down a large animal, a camel (also unclean, Lev. 11:4). They did this by tithing mint, dill and cummin but ignoring justice, mercy and faith. Their time was utilized with what was less important, in contrast to the really important commands of God’s law. The Arabians have a similar proverb to the one Jesus used: “He swallowed an elephant, but was strangled by a flea.” The conduct of these scribes and Pharisees is well expressed by Lenski: “Could blindness go farther? To fail to pay the full tenth of tiny garden herbs a mortal crime! to disregard the heavenly virtues themselves – not a qualm, not even a thought” (The Interpretation of Matthew, p. 910). Jesus indeed used a very impressive image to illustrate how a set of men were so conscientious about small matters, and yet so careless about the more important.

Having interpreted the meaning of the passage, there are many examples of how some are doing what those rebuked by Jesus were doing. Many today are much more concerned about the material things of life rather than spiritual matters. This is true of the non-Christian, who is very scrupulous about making a living and providing physical needs for his family, yet neglects the soul (see Matt. 16:26). Too often brethren are more mindful of their businesses, pleasures and sports than they are in serving God. The things they are fervently zealous about are trivial when compared to the business of the Lord.

Brethren frequently become so absorbed in unrevealed matters that they spend more time speculating rather than giving attention to the salvation of their own soul and others. Much valuable time has been spent on arguing and speculating about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7) and other such passages, while giving little or no time to teaching the lost.

So many brethren are meticulous about how they dress, what they eat, what kind of house they live in and what kind of automobile they drive, but unmindful of their faithfulness to God. They will miss assembling with the saints for the most trivial excuses. Then there are others who would not think of missing any service, but they are penurious about their giving and they never think about talking to someone about his soul.

Too many of us are like Martha, who was “anxious and troubled about many things,” while neglecting the one thing that is needful (see Lk. 10:41,42). We become so absorbed with little things (those which are trivial) that we neglect our more important obligation – our duty to God. We misplace our priorities and become inconsistent like the scribes and Pharisees in this regard – we “strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel.” Many more examples could be given, but these are a few that illustrate how Matthew 23:24 applies to us today.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, p. 36
January 19, 1984

By Larry Ray Hafley

In the Firm Foundation (October 25, 1983), Fred Davis had an excellent outline entitled, “What Is The Church of Christ?” Section three of his sketch in defining and describing the, church was especially beneficial. Note it:

III. The Church of Christ Is God’s Missionary Society.

I . It has the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the lost (Mark 16:15; 1 Tim. 3:15).

2. Every member has a responsibility in this work (Matthew 28:19,20; Titus 3:1,3; Romans 7:4; John 15:1-19).

3. The church is all sufficient to do the work God has outlined – it needs no crutch to lean upon (Eph. 3:10; 3:21).

4. The church is God’s teaching institution and its success depends upon it (John 6:44,45; Romans 10:13-17; 1 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 4:15,16).

5. This teaching demands:

(1) Preparation (James 3:1,2; 2 Timothy 2:2,15; Eph. 5:17).

(2) It should be safe-guarded by the elders (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20;28; Titus 1:9).

(3) Going to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 20:20-27; Luke 15:8-10).

(4) Consecrated living (Romans 2:21,23; 2 Cor. 3:2; Matthew 5:16),

Now, observe, please, a sequel to the above material.

III. The Church Of Christ Is God’s Benevolent Society

1. It has the responsibility of helping certain needy ones (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 5:16).

2. Every member has a responsibility in this work (Acts 6:2-5; 11:29; 1 Tim. 5:16).

3. The church is all sufficient to do the work God has outlined – it needs no crutch to lean upon (Eph. 3:10; 3:21).

4. The church is God’s benevolent institution and its success depends upon it (1 Tim. 5:16; Acts 6:1,5; Rom. 15:27,31).

5. This teaching demands:

(1) Preparation (Acts 6:3,5; 11:29; 2 Cor. 8:10; 9:2).

(2) It should be safe-guarded by the elders (Acts 11:29; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Titus 1:9).

(3) Going to the needy saints (Acts 6:1; 11:29; Rom. 15:25,26; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1, 12, 13).

(4) Consecrated living (Rom. 2:21-23; 2 Cor. 3:2; Matt. 5:16).

Carefully examine the parallel outlines. The first one by Fred Davis shows that the church is God’s missionary society. The church is the organization God has provided to preach the gospel to the lost as brother Davis has so ably demonstrated. Human societies built, maintained and sustained by churches of Christ are unnecessary, unscriptural additions to do the work God assigned and designed the church to do. The second, parallel segment shows that the church is God’s benevolent society. The church is the organization God has provided to care for certain needy ones. Human societies built, maintained and sustained by churches of Christ are unnecessary, unscriptural additions to do the work God assigned and designed the church to do.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 35-36
January 19, 1984

By Mike Willis

The most important question which any man faces is the question pertaining to his eternal destiny, “What must I do to be saved?” Jesus has said, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). Hearing, believing, and obeying the truth will free one from the damnation of sin; hearing, believing, and obeying false doctrine will leave one in the damnation of sin (Matt. 7:21-23). Hence, knowing the correct answer to this question can make the difference in eternal damnation and eternal life.

Where Do I Find The Answer?

In order to find the correct answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” one must find the one who is qualified to answer the question. Sometimes I have automobile problems which I am unable to repair. I have found that some mechanics are not able to repair my automobile because of incompetence. In a similar fashion, many who claim to know the answer to the question relating to everlasting life are also unqualified to answer. They are spiritual quacks. Their cures are as useless as some of the cures sold at old-time medicine shows.

The only one properly qualified to tell us what to do to be saved is God, the one against whom we have sinned. He has the power to save and to destroy. He is the offended party, the only one able to pronounce us forgiven. He can forgive sins. Jesus Christ, who was God in the flesh, performed miracles to confirm that “the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins” (Mk. 2:10). Therefore, He is the one who “hast the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

All that we know about Jesus is revealed to us in the Bible. The things which were written in the Bible were recorded in order that we might have life (Jn. 20:30-31). The Bible is our all-sufficient guide to show us how to be saved from sin and how to live so as to stay saved (2 Pet. 1:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Hence, the answer to the question “What must I do to be saved?” should be found in the book of life, the Bible.

There Is Only One Way

Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible teaches that there is only one way to heaven. Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” No one can be saved without faith in God. Those who worship other gods (Buddha, Allah, Krishna, etc.) cannot be saved. Those who are atheists and agnostics cannot be saved. The God of heaven has spoken, teaching us that faith in God is essential to eternal salvation.

The Bible also affirms that faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God is essential for everlasting life. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). The apostles understood this message and preached it to all men. Peter applied the words of Deuteronomy 18:15 to Jesus as follows: “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people” (Acts 3:22-23). Later, he added, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Many have accepted the modern doctrine that there are many roads to salvation. The Lord did not accept that concept. He revealed that the only way to heaven was through Jesus Christ. Those who have not been saved through Christ are lost, doomed to eternal damnation (Jn. 3:16-18).

How To Be Saved Through Christ

Even as one can only be saved through Christ, one can only be saved in the way which Christ revealed. Many people who believe in Christ act as if there are hundreds of ways of being saved through Christ. Each particular denomination teaches a different way to be saved through Christ but believes that any of them will save the soul. Again, we emphasize that this is simply not true.

The gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached, believed, and obeyed in order for men to be saved from sin. Let us look at the three records of the Great Commission to see how men can be saved from sin through the blood of Jesus. These accounts supplement each other as the various witnesses relate what Jesus said was necessary to be saved.

1. Matthew’s account. Matthew’s record of the Great Commission is as follows:

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt. 28:16-20).

As one reads this, one can see that Jesus conditioned salvation upon one becoming His disciple. In order to be Jesus’ disciple, an individual had to be taught the gospel and be baptized. This new disciple was then to be taught all which Jesus had revealed.

2. Mark’s account. Mark’s account of the Great Commission is reproduced below:

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mk. 16:14-16).

Anyone reading this can perceive that salvation is conditioned upon hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, believing it, and being immersed (baptized) in water. The person who does these things “shall be saved.”

3. Luke’s account. Luke’s gospel records the Great Commission in these words:

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Lk. 24:45-47).

The gospel which is to be preached is explained to us in this account to apply to the vicarious death of Jesus in order that all men might be saved. Remission (or forgiveness) of sins is conditioned upon repentance – that change of mind which occurs when a person decides to quit serving self and the devil and to live pleasingly to God.

These three accounts of the Great Commission can be charted as follows:

Scripture	Conditions				Result
1. Matt. 28:16-20	Teach			Baptize
2. Mark 16:14-16	Preach	Believe		Baptize	Saved
3. Luke 24:45-57			Repent		Remission of sins
Total:	Teach	Believe	Repent	Baptize	Salvation

Jesus laid down these conditions for salvation.

Conclusion

My friend, are you saved? You do not need to “keep your fingers crossed and hope.” You can know whether or not you are saved. Have you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ? Have you believed in Him? Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized in water? If your answer is “no” to any of these questions, you are lost. The blood of Jesus has not cleansed you of y6ur sins. Why not be saved today?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 34, 55
January 19, 1984