Truth Magazine

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

By Herschel E. Patton

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him” (1 Jn. 5:13-15).

According to this text, John wrote to induce, or beget, faith and to give assurance or confidence to the believer. Webster defines confidence as “state of feeling sure assurance.” In I John, the apostle lists a number of things that, if observed, enables one to know – have assurance – confidence of his standing with God. Without this assurance or confidence, doubts exist and faith falters. It is of the utmost importance that the Christian know, have confidence, of his standing with God. The Hebrew writer tells us that with “boldness” we can “enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” because of His sacrifice and priesthood, and “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19-22).

God’s grace in the sacrifice of Christ has made it possible for believers to have confidence and act with boldness but this is conditioned upon the “will” of man. Thus, the New Testament contains the exhortation, “Let us draw near” (man is not drawn contrary to his own will) and the warning, “cast not away therefore your confidence” (Heb. 10:35).

There has been, and is, much human speculation and wishful thinking in the religious world concerning this question. Let us observe some erroneous concepts before looking at the question from a positive standpoint.

Errors

Some say confidence comes and is maintained by trusting God’s grace, that God is love, merciful, and holy and will “keep” those who are His, allowing nothing to separate one from his love (Rom. 8:35-39; 1 Pet. 1:5). They conclude there is no need for one to doubt his standing with God because of human weaknesses and transgressions. God’s grace, we are told, will cover all these so long as one does not abandon God in mind, intent, and purpose. Of course, this theory ignores the conditions and warnings stated by God and the personal responsibility one has to “keep himself.” The same position. is taken regarding salvation from sins, that it is by the miraculous grace of God apart from any response on man’s part.

Others base their confidence on what they call “the imputed righteousness of Christ.” It is claimed that being considered righteous in the eyes of God is not based upon anything that man does or fails to do, but rather upon the righteousness of Christ being imputed to the believer. The only thing, therefore, that would make one unrighteous in God’s sight would be to abandon faith. The error in this Calvinistic concept is in considering the word “impute” (Rom. 4:8-12) to mean “to attribute or ascribe vicariously.” The word may have this meaning, but it also means “to set to the account of; to ascribe; to charge to credit; to reckon, consider, regard.” The sense of the word is determined by the context and it’s harmony with other revealed truth. The Scriptures clearly teach that Christ’s shed blood. was vicarious (shedding our own blood would not suffice), but they do not teach that Christ’s righteousness – His perfect life – is credited to us vicariously. It is true that righteousness is imputed-credited-to us as a gift on the condition or basis of an obedient faith – the very condition on which righteousness was imputed to Abraham (Rom. 4:3-12, 20-25; 5:1; Jas. 2:1924). The Calvinistic concept ignores this obedient faith (doing just what God requires), contending Christ’s righteousness is vicariously imputed to the believer without regard to his weaknesses, failures, or disobedience.

The advocates of the Grace-Unity Movement teach a more limited view of this Calvinistic concept. They make a distinction between gospel and doctrine, associating gospel with essentials to becoming a child of God and doctrine with nourishment of the already born (saved) person. Failing to obey the gospel (become a child) results in damnation, but failures in nourishment due to human weakness and ignorance will not damn. The believer, because he is a child, we are told, is free from condemnation for such sins by God’s grace, enjoying continual cleansing because of his relationship and intent. This belief demands fellowship with all who have obeyed the gospel and are sincerely striving to serve God, including those in the Christian Church, Premillennialists, Institutionalists, etc. According to this concept, one may be confident of his salvation (standing with God), if he has truly obeyed the gospel and is sincerely endeavoring to please God.

The Scriptures do not make a distinction between gospel and doctrine and clearly teach that sins of the flesh and mind will damn. The theory gives a feeling of security (false) and confidence to people who transgress the law of God.

Some brethren today teach an even more limited form of God’s grace by saying that it cleanses Christians even while they sin. They deny and oppose the distinction between gospel and doctrine made by the Grace-Unity leaders, but contend that there is constant cleansing for sins of weakness and ignorance for the believer whose intent is to do God’s will and who humbly and penitently strives to so do. The logical end of this teaching would give confidence to the sincere Christian Church brother who worships with an instrument and the brother, who under great temptation, curses or commits adultery and dies before repenting.

Every one of these theories are designed to give confidence to brethren concerning their standing with God even though, and while, they sin. Those of us who contend that all sins must be confessed and repented of are accused of preaching a “no confidence” doctrine.

The Christian’s Ground For Confidence – Grace and Blood

One can have no confidence of acceptance with God apart from the grace of God, manifested in the shed blood of Christ (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 3:21-25; 5:6-9; Heb. 9:11-12,22; 1 Jn. 1:7). These verses simply tell us the provision made for our salvation and hope by God’s grace. Yet, no one has received the benefits of the provision simply because it was made. Yet, no one has received the benefits of the provision simply because it was made. No confidence can be had until one believes the facts of the gospel and humbly submits to its commands (Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; 1 Jn. 2:3).

Calvinistic philosophy rebels at the idea of men having the responsibility of obeying. To those of this ‘ persuasion, the necessity of complete obedience makes one’s salvation by works rather than by grace and faith. The word “only” has been attached to grace and faith by man. The Scriptures no where so teach. Scriptures such as Romans 4:1-5 and Titus 3:4-7, which teach our confidence comes not by works of the Law of Moses or of our own doing or devices, but by God’s grace and obedient faith, are perverted, misapplied, and made to contradict such passages as James 2:1425, 1 John 2:3, and Hebrews 5:8-9.

Emotional appeals are often made in asking, “What about the heathen who has never had an opportunity to hear and obey?” “What about the man on his way to be baptized and is killed before getting to the water?” The conclusion is drawn that demanding complete obedience negates the grace of God. Any confidence one has because of such reasoning rests, not upon the revealed word of God, but on the sand of human reasoning and emotions. The preacher of the word is not to put himself in the place of God at the judgment, but faithfully declares what God has done and demands in order to have confidence. Any confidence given on any other basis is of man and is an empty cistern.

Confidence because of the grace of God and the shed blood of Christ is conditioned upon man’s response and obedience. In the next lesson we will look at the conditions which man must meet before he can have confidence.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 33, 52
January 19, 1984

By Anonymous

I sat there motionless with my head buried in my hands. My body was numb. My mind was in a stupor. No -tears remained to be shed. No wail was left to escape my lips. Only silence prevailed. Despair began to take hold. I had almost lost contact with reality. That which I had feared f6r years had finally occurred. She had told me that she did not love me. She wanted a divorce.

Deep down I had known for a long time that she did not care for me. After all, it had been fifteen years since I had heard those three precious words. Even in the early years of our marriage she had spoken them sparingly. I kept praying that in time she would learn to love me.

We had grown, as she often put it, “poles apart.” Communication had become almost non-existent. As our children matured and left home she moved into a separate bedroom. We became strangers imprisoned in the same house.

When we married I wanted a helper suitable for the work of gospel preaching to which I had already committed my life. This is what I had sought. I really believed at that time I had found such a mate.

Above all material things, I wanted a good home. One where love would permeate every thought, every utterance every deed. I longed for a relationship where the word oi God would be read, reverenced and obeyed. I am persuaded that I tried to make such a home.

Now I knew, even as I had known for some time, that this was actually the primary problem in our marriage. She did not believe what I believed and preached. She did not see wrong in many things that I was convinced were wrong. She did not want for our family what I wanted.

There were early signs that she was not fully supportive of my work. As time went on this became more apparent. She would often complain to others about the poor plight of the preacher’s family. The lack of money and material security caused her great anxiety. She resented “living in a fish bowl.”

She let it be known that she was not happy as a preacher’s wife. For years she tried to dissuade me from full-time preaching. She finally took no interest in my work and gave me no encouragement. I went everywhere alone.

As our children approached their teens she became ambitious for them to be popular. She encouraged them to go, do, and dress as their peers. This created considerable conflict between us. In time they began to defy my authority. My voice became as “a clanging cymbal” to their ears.

When their public behavior became more questionable, some brethren, including elders, began to criticize me and find fault with my preaching. Although I continued to speak out against those things practiced by my family even more frequently and with greater emphasis, some were unsympathetic to my dilemma. To my knowledge, no one appealed to them with tears “to walk worthily of their calling.”

As our children gradually turned away from the Lord to the world and/or liberalism, she followed. She copied their dress, speech and actions. Her attendance for Bible study and worship soon became irregular. Before long she began to visit liberal churches. She later placed her membership with the most liberal group in town.

All along I plead with tears for her to be a dutiful loving wife, a worthy mother, and above all a faithful servant of God. All such pleadings were spurned with scorn. She stubbornly persisted on her destructive course.

Divorce! How could it be? For nearly thirty years I had preached against it. I had warned our girls that marriage was for life, that divorce should not be considered as a viable alternative. And now the vows of their parents were about to be broken.

“What an embarrassment this will be to my family,” I mused. I then thought, “What a disgrace to the cause of Christ to which I have devoted most of my life.” I considered how many looked up to me as an example, and now some of the weaker ones might be caused to stumble. I even imagined the secret glee of those with whom I had crossed swords in the past.

I felt like a miserable failure. “I have failed as a husband, as a father, and as a gospel preacher,” I whimpered. “Please Lord,” I cried, “don’t let me fail as a servant of thine!”

There had been times when I had almost given up. On numerous occasions I had stood in the pulpit when I actually wanted to run. Preaching, so long my joy, my life, my everything, had become almost an unbearable burden. I often wondered, “What right do I have trying to tell people how to live when I can’t even lead my own family in the right way?”

As you may suppose, I experienced severe depression. I became withdrawn, cried often and for no apparent reason. I could not concentrate. I kept all of my hurt bottled up inside. At times it seemed that I would explode from within. Even suicide appeared as an appealing escape.

As I later learned, many brethren saw what was happening but were afraid to interfere. Oh, how I now wish that they had! I was so ashamed that I would not confide in anyone. Perhaps it was partly my vain pride. “After all, this just could not happen to a preacher of my reputation,” I rationalized.

I picked up my Bible and opened it to the book of Job. I read the entire story without stopping. In that hour I felt myself sitting on the very same ash heap with him. I asked, as oft before, “Why?” Like Job, prior to his latter experience, I found no answer.

I read some of David’s psalms and meditated upon his troubles and faithfulness. I then recalled how Paul spoke of many afflictions as “light” and “for the moment.” When I considered the sufferings of my blessed Savior I became ashamed and begged forgiveness.

I prayed. Oh, how I prayed. I prayed as I had never prayed before. As the morning light began to flicker across my desk I continued to implore our merciful Father for strength that my faith not fail, that I might be able to keep on preaching his word.

It was then that I pledged, that with the help of God, I would not give up. I determined to continue the good fight. I would now be free to preach Christ with less restraint than before. I would probably have to move to another area, but I was willing to do that.

I picked up the telephone and called a long time preacher friend. He was away from home. He never returned my call. I contacted others who expressed their condolence and wished me well. It was obvious that they did not want to get involved.

I contacted churches who were looking for a preacher, some where I had preached in the past. They felt that with my present situation it was not best for me to preach there. Others never did reply.

Again I began to have doubts. “Why are brethren, who have for years accepted my preaching gladly, now treating me as if I was tainted?” I asked. I was still the same man as before. I believed the same gospel, loved the Lord even more and agonized for lost souls. I just couldn’t understand it.

A few caring saints came to my aid. They showed their love by their deeds. Some stuck their necks out for me. One preacher, a dear friend from my youth, recommended me to a small congregation in a region with few Christians. I readily accepted their invitation to preach there. I did not foresee any problems in raising support. I called upon churches where I had preached locally and in meetings. To my dismay some turned me down because of my martial condition. Yet others quickly responded with promise of sufficient wages. One congregation and an individual even contacted me asking to be allowed to have a part in my work. All of this lifted my spirits.

Things are not altogether good for me now, but they are certainly not as bad as they have been. Believers with whom I am associated love me and appreciate me for my works sake. I am busy preaching on the radio, from the pulpit, in meetings and teaching classes. I write a weekly newspaper article. I am so thankful that I can be busy in the Master’s vineyard.

As a result of my heart-rending experience I am perhaps better able to succor my fellows in the time of their need. I feel that I am now more longsuffering with the infirmities of others. In the past some would say, “You don’t know how it is. ” Now they listen more freely to what I say. Some have told me that my faith and steadfastness have been a source of strength to them. For this I am grateful.

I would that the redeemed everywhere would be less critical and more compassionate. That they would truly love one another, show it, and say it. That all will turn to, not away from, those who struggle under a heavy load. That they will reach down to lift them up.

I also desire that preachers, elders, teachers, etc. be recognized as being susceptible to the same problems as others. They need encouragement, sympathy, love, and forgiveness just like all other saints. There should be no double standard.

In far too many places, good men and women, potential teachers and capable workers, are being driven away from the church by self righteous, unmerciful, unforgiving brethren. What a tragedy as both will be lost eternally. “Beloved, let us love one another.”

It is with great difficulty that I have written this assigned article. If someone finds in it strength to keep on under trying circumstances, then this revealing of my hidden sorrow will be worthwhile. Brethren, pray for me, though you may not know me, that “I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. “

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 23-24
January 5, 1984

By O. C. Birdwell, Jr.

David lamented the fall in battle of king Saul and his son Jonathan and taught Israel a lamentation which three times said, “How are the mighty fallen! ” (2 Sam. 1: 19,25,27). Later, speaking of the untimely death of Abner, he said, “Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?” (2 Sam. 3:38).

These great and mighty men of Israel fell through physical death. That is not, however, the only way the mighty have fallen, or can fall. David himself is a good example of this, as we shall show, and he should serve as an example and warning to men of God in our generation.

An abbreviated account of David’s sins in the Bathsheba, Uriah affair is given as follows:

And it came to pass, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him. . . . But David tarried at Jerusalem . . . . David arose from his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon . . . . And David sent messengers, and took her: . . . And the woman conceived . . . . And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite . . . . And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet . . . . But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house . . . . And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him, and he made him drunk; and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house . . . . David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die (2 Sam. 11:1-21).

One might ask, “What in the world got into David to cause him to do what he did?” The answer could correctly be given in the words of Luke when he said, “And Satan entered into Judas” (Lk. 22:3). Satan seeks to influence and destroy. He will use his subtly to cause the fall of kings, apostles, elders, preachers, and all others who are not constantly on guard. Seemingly, with him, the greater and mightier, the better. No wonder Peter admonishes, “Be sober, be watchful” (1 Pet. 5:8).

Paul wrote, “Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come” (1 Cor. 10: 11). This statement might also serve to encourage us to learn a lesson from David’s sad and sordid affair. Since it is recorded, let us use it to help us avoid some of the problems in our society. The following are just a few instructions we may receive from this account.

(1) Anyone can fall. A young, good to look upon, eighth son of Jesse the Bethlehemite was searched out by Samuel. When David was found, Jehovah said unto Samuel, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” He was anointed, and “the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward” (I Sam. 16). When David faced Goliath his attitude was, “for the battle is Jehovah’s and he will give you into our hands” (I Sam. 17:47). Due to his success against the Philestines, David became an honored hero in Israel. The woman sang, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7). He became king over all Israel and successfully led Israel against her enemies. Then, at the height of his glory, and pinnacle of his power, and at a time when he may have felt he could do no wrong, he sinned against God and man. “How are the mighty fallen!” If one so great could fall into so obvious a sin, surely no one today is exempt from the possibility. Paul gave us some pointed warning that should be heeded when he said, “Be not high minded, but fear” (Rom. 11:20), and “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).

(2) One needs to stay busy with his work and family duties. The following is said of David:

And it came to pass, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem (2 Sam. 11:11).

Does this statement indicate that David was not where he should have been? Many feel that it does, and that his sin was, at least in part, caused by his failure to be busy at his work. In times past he would have been with his army. He now tarries at Jerusalem. The kingdom has been stabilized and fortified. Responsibilities are delegated to others. In the evening David sleeps and walks on the roof. He has time to let his eyes rove and his mind wonder. This is the ideal time and place for Satan to do his work.

Christians need to avoid idleness, and be busy doing the right things. One of the requirements for being a “good minister of Christ Jesus” is to “exercise thyself unto godliness” (1 Tim. 5:6,7). This means that we are to not only preach godliness, but are also to put it into practice in our own lives. Just recently, in South Carolina, a Baptist preacher was convicted of assault with a baseball bat, and sentenced to three years in prison. A rather lengthy list of names might be made of gospel preachers, elders, deacons, and other members of the church, who in the past few years have been guilty of shady and sinful business dealing, stealing, fornication, and other forms of immorality. This can be avoided if Christians will exercise themselves unto godliness. Be busy at study, teaching others, worship, and be ready unto every good work.

Preacher brother, if you are married, give attention to your wife and her needs and desires. Spend much time with your children and maybe your grandchildren. You are charged to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. If you entertain the idea that to be a preacher and do the Lord’s bidding you must neglect your wife and children, you are sadly mistaken. In fact, through such neglect you disqualify yourself from serving as an elder or deacon, and also from being an effective evangelist. Who wants to hear a preacher who neglects his family and cannot get along with his wife? Through family neglect and failure to be busy in spiritual and secular work, one puts himself into a position where he may be more easily enticed to sin. Such, it seems, was the case with David.

(3) Man cannot successfully cover his sins. Obviously, David’s servants and guards must have known about his sin. If Uriah did not know, he would have, had he been permitted to live. Joab knew about the death plan for Uriah. It is near impossible to cover sins from our associates, friends, and neighbors. There is no way sin can be hidden from God. More than anyone else, David should have known this. During his period of success and greatness, could he have just overlooked this fact? Or, is it possible that because of his prosperity and position he thought that both man and God would overlook his sin and not take it into account?

it is disturbing that in our society so many people in high position and with great authority and power readily violate the laws of our land and the laws of God. It disturbs still more that in the church there are respected and highly regarded brethren who will engage in immoral acts, try to cover them up, and become rather indignant when the sin is uncovered. Friend, be sure that your sin will be revealed. God knows even if no one else does. Remember too, that one’s position or greatness will have no influence on God’s judgment.

(4) Consequences of sin are real and will remain. Seemingly, some people who have good eyes are not able to see beyond the end of the nose, and cannot think beyond the present in order to weigh the consequences of their actions. Especially is this so when it comes to their own lusts and camal desires. Esau thought he was about to die from hunger and, for a mess of pottage, sold his birthright to Jacob. The Israelites cried, “give us a king,” and until it was too late, completely disregarded the consequences of having a king. Judas, who loved money, betrayed his Lord for thirty pieces of silver, giving no thought to the consequences of so vile a deed. Why can we not learn a lesson from David and all these other Biblical examples? Let us awake and take warning. Sin, unrepented of, will bring eternal condemnation. Sin, even when there is repentance with many tears, will.often bring dire consequences to our lives. David said, “I have sinned against Jehovah.” Nathan responded, “Jehovah also hath put away thy sin.” David was forgiven. Yet, he suffered many consequences. He said, “My wounds are loathsome and corrupt, because of my foolishness,” and “my sorrow is continually before me” (Ps. 38:5,17). God told David that the sword would never pass from his house and from his own house evil would be raised up against him.

Conclusion

There is a concluding point and lesson we need to learn from David. When his sin was vividly pictured unto him by Nathan, he responded by saying, “I have sinned.” He said that one who would be so guilty was worthy of death. By God’s grace, however, he was permitted to live and was able to render useful service for God and his people.

Christians today who succumb to camal desire and worldly lust should repent and confess their sins as did David. God will forgive. Their brethren should also forgive and help restore them to a useful place in the Lord’s service. Surely a faithful preacher or elder should not forever be placed on the shelf because he has made a mistake from which he-has turned with sorrow and a contrite heart.

My friend in Christ, do all you can to avoid sin. If sin is committed, however, repent of it and make all possible correction. Then, do not live in the past. Start from where you are to again render faithful and diligent service for God.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 21-22
January 5, 1984