Truth Magazine

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

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