Truth Magazine

By Ramon A. Madrigal

God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by diverse portions and in diverse manners, has at the end of these days spoken unto us in his son . . .

God has spoken. The significance of this fact cannot be overestimated. It demonstrates Divine interest in human affairs, and reveals the Creator as a personal God. Indeed, it is to man that God has spoken. Neil Lightfoot maintains that “a God who speaks to men His will is the distinguishing mark of true religion.”(1) The author of the book of Hebrews presupposes God’s revelation to mankind and through this affirmation seeks to establish the absolute supremacy of the Christian system. In truth, the entire history of salvation can be seen in terms of God speaking to His people. That this Divine communication was (is) absolutely essential and necessary is relatively undisputed. The very salvation of man depends on it. And although the various humanisms and philosophical ideologies have sought to transcend to the Divine and spiritual realm, such attempts fail at the very outset. The attractiveness of such experiments as transcendental meditation and Zen (Buddhism) is firmly grounded in the elementary principles of the world and after the traditions of men. Pure religion is the sincere recognition of and respect for God’s self-disclosure to humankind.

The revelation of God came in a gradual and progressive way. The Lord Yahweh conveyed portions of truth to Abraham, Moses, David, and to the prophets; but these truths were never complete and full in and of themselves. It was only in the manifestation of the Son of God that revelation became perfected. Indeed, all things written in the Law, and in the prophets, and in the psalms were fulfilled in Christ (see Luke 24).

Yet how did this preparatory stage in God’s revelation develop? How was -His message made known? By whom? And for what reason? It is the purpose of this essay to briefly discuss these questions as they are introduced in the opening verses of the book of Hebrews and to contrast the Old Testament prophets with Jesus Christ, the Perfect Prophet.

The Hebrew writer states clearly that God first revealed himself to mankind through the prophets. Yet the word “prophets” (prophetais) is not meant here to be understood in any exclusive sense. The term refers to all those who had spoken for God, especially to Moses and those who succeeded him. The term is thus of wide application and, in effect, stands for the contents of the entire Old Testament canon.(2)

If the prophetic institution in ancient Israel be of Divine origin, appeal must be made to Deuteronomy 18:9-22; for no other passage of Scripture gives prophecy the right to exist as a legitimate phenomenon. Although God had spoken and revealed His great plan as early as Genesis 3:15 where He indirectly promised Eve that through her seed the old serpent would be destroyed; and, more directly in the promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3) that through his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, His announcements of the prophetic institution originates in the Deuteronomy passage. Here God promises the children of Israel that He would raise up to them, from among themselves, a Prophet like unto Moses, to whom he would require all to hearken.

Who is this prophet? Edward J. Young, late Old Testament Professor at Westminster, declares that the use of the singular (nabhi’), “whatever else its force may be, does not permit us to understand that only one individual is in view.”(3) I Such an interpretation gives careless consideration to Deuteronomy 18:21-22 which presents criteria whereby the children of Israel might distinguish between true and false prophets. Young goes on to observe that the word “prophet” does not solely refer to a group of prophets or to the “prophetic institution” as such; for this interpretation pays no attention whatever to the use of the singular. Through careful analysis of the text, we must conclude that the “prophet” refers to a body of prophets (Joshua, Elijah, Amos, Jeremiah, et. al.) which was to find its supreme expression in one great prophet, the Son of God Himself.

The question now arises as to the relationship between these two emphases. Some have held that we are to understand a collection or group of prophets to which Christ would also belong, as the perfect realization of the prophetic body. This, however, is not a legitimate thought to derive from the words. It is far better, because more faithful to the text, to regard the prophet as an ideal person in whom are comprehended all true prophets. The prophetical order is thus an ideal unity, which is to rind its focus point in the historic Christ. For the Spirit of Christ was in all true prophets. When finally Christ appeared on earth, the promise was fulfilled in its highest and fullest sense. It is, therefore, a Messianic promise.(4)

It is also important to note that Jesus considered Himself as the fulfillment of this Deuteronomic passage (see John 5:45-47).

A popular misconception of the function of the Old Testament prophet is his designation as “predictor.” The Prophetic office consisted in “foretelling” to be sure, yet this was not the main function. A prophet was a “forth-teller,” one who spoke the Word of God. Indeed, the prophets were inspired preachers. That which was given by the Spirit to the prophets referred to the past and to the present as well as to the future. Homer Hailey observes that the uniform teaching of the Bible reveals the prophet as a spokesman of God: a Divinely commissioned representative. “The prophet of Jehovah would be the mouth of Jehovah.”(5) Hence it was always God who did the speaking through His servants the prophets. In his second letter, the apostle Peter declares that “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy spirit” (1:20-21).

With these thoughts in mind we may now proceed to discuss the distinctive characteristics of Old Testament prophecy, and give attention to the profound contrast revealed in the prophet par excellence. First of all, the Hebrew writer asserts, the message delivered by God’s spokesman in the Old Testament was an ancient communication (“of old time spoken”), as far as the Christian dispensation is concerned. God had begun to speak at least 4000 years before the “fullness of time” when His Son would appear. Jesus’ message is superior to the message of old in that His revelation (the New Testament) is recent and final. Truly, God speaks to us in these last days by One who has the high rank of Son! This refers, obviously, to the close of the Mosaic economy. The “last days” signify for the author of Hebrews the finality of God’s revelation to mankind. Christ has appeared “once for all at the end of the age” (9:26). The revelation of God through the Son is greater because it is final as well as complete.

Secondly, the revelation given in the Old Testament came through human agency, the prophets. However inspired the writers of the Old Testament were, they remained mere men. God has now spoken to us in His Son. The contrast is profound. Divine revelation comes directly through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The prophets were only inspired men – this is a divine Person. The prophets were only servants – this is the Son. The prophets were only God’s spokesmen – this is God Himself speaking. The Son is the Logos – the veritable Word – the manifested God!

In the third instance, the Old Testament message was fragmentary, progressive, and preparatory. God gave messages piece by piece. He delivered it in connection with temporary dispensations – the Adamic, the Abrahamic, and the Mosaic. In this fashion the promise of redemption was progressively revealed truth upon truth through prophet after prophet (see Isa. 28:10-13). Hebrews informs us that God spoke “in diverse manners” through the prophets of old. The former revelation was therefore multiform in nature, indicating the various ways in which God made His will known to the ancients. He did this through visions and dreams, by voices, symbols and similitudes, Urim and Thummim, and perhaps, even by ecstasy. All of this serves to mark, in some measure, the comparative imperfection of the Old Economy. Yet the revelation give in the New Covenant is complete and perfect. The truth presented in the New Testament is finished and full. Written in a generation’s time by eight or nine inspired evangelists and apostles, the New Testament revelation contains a richer and more fully developed truth than does the Old Testament Scriptures. Jude 3 declares that the faith was “once for all delivered to the saints.” This not only informs us of the all-sufficiency of the Biblical canon, but also quickly exposes the falsehood and deception of modem, self-ordained prophets.

The book of Hebrews is an eloquent manifesto of the superiority of the Christian religion over the Judaism of the Old Testament. The shadows and types of the old system come to life in the manifestation of truth in the Son of God. Through this greater prophet, God can now speak more directly and freely to man, and man may come boldly unto the throne of grace.

Yes, God has truly spoken to man. The Creator is not silent. He has communicated to man necessarily (how else could we know Truth?) and progressively. He has demonstrated His love for man in that He revealed Himself at first through the prophets of old, and then more perfectly in His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds. This is Christ Jesus, the Prophet of prophets.

References

1. Neil R. Lightfoot, Jesus Christ Today (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1976), p. 53.

2. Ibid., p. 54.

3. Edward J. Young, My Servants The Prophets (Grand Rapids: Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1952), p. 29.

4. Ibid., p. 35.

5. Homer Hailey, A Commentary On The Minor Prophets (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1972), p. 15.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 19, pp. 593-594
October 6, 1983

By Earl E. Robertson

The field of writing and preaching, discussing and debating, “What must I do to be saved” is most preponderant. The creeds of men covering this subject have beclouded rather than given light. The doctrines of men cause misunderstanding of truth. The world is not divided over what the Bible says, the division exists over what. it does not say! This fact is easily observed in every religious division.

In the early part of the 16th century, John Calvin wrote a very definitive work, Institutes of The Christian Religion, which was presented to the Monarch Francis, King of France. In this work, he established the rive fundamental erroneous doctrines which today permeate nearly every denomination. Many other errors in denominational religion stern from these five cardinal doctrines. When one’s course is cast on a false premise his conclusions necessarily will be false, too. Any proposition, therefore, not antecedently proved, being used as the basis of a religious position, must lead to a false conclusion. Calvin is the father of these doctrines: (1) Total inherited depravity; (2) Unconditional election; (3) Limited atonement; (4) Irresistible grace; (5) Perseverance of the saints. The denominational manuals, disciplines, and articles of faith all teach these doctrines, plus others which stem from these.

These doctrines were embraced in the Philadelphia Confession Of Faith, and accepted by the Baptists in September 1742. These doctrines have often been restated in the later manuals and disciplines – even to the present. There was a time in the last century and the first part of this one that the proponents of these doctrines would affirm and defend them in public debate. But defeat after defeat caused retreat. The Methodist Discipline reversed its position in 1910. Its position until that date was “all men are conceived and born in sin” (Discipline, 1894, p. 200, Article 439). But the Discipline for 1910 says, “‘All men are heirs of life eternal.” Others have made no doctrinal change and, in their own way, continue to teach inherited depravity, total in its nature and concept. This obnoxious doctrine, thrust into the lime-light by Calvin, originated perhaps in the fourth century with Augustine. The old confession basically states it this way: “From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions.”

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 19, p. 592
October 6, 1983

By James R. Cope

About 7:45 Sunday morning, August 28, the spirit of the beloved Paul Andrews took its flight from time to eternity. He was 62. For several years Paul had not been in the robust health characterizing his earlier life. A few months ago phlebitis gave him considerable trouble but he seemingly pulled out of that bout, went back to the pulpit, class work, and his incessant personal work program. Near midnight of the 24th he returned to the hospital but gradually his heart signaled that it could carry its burden no longer. He fell asleep in Jesus. Some months ago the North Boulevard church asked him to serve as an elder. In many ways he had been one of the shepherds of this flock from its beginning fourteen years ago. He never knew what it was not to try to do more if he thought it would advance the kingdom.

To know Paul Andrews was not only to love him; it was to respect and admire him. Evidence of the esteem in which he was held in the Tampa area was seen the evening before his burial when more than 600 people passed his casket in a Tampa funeral home – a far-and-away record for this home, one of the oldest and most popular in Tampa. The large North Boulevard church building was overflowing for the service the afternoon of August 30. Following the services, not less than 250 persons drove some 15 miles to Garden of Memories, for the burial service conducted by Tommy Andrews, the son of Frank, Paul’s brother.

In the meeting house assembly the arrangement was for Sewell Hall to lead the congregation in singing -spiritual songs at the beginning and ending of the service and between the remarks made in order by me, Harry Johnson and Ed Harrell. Roland H. Lewis led in prayer. Harry Johnson, very close personal friend, spoke of Paul’s influence over him as representative of the great number Paul worked with and encouraged in their lives for Jesus. Ed Harrell used several verses from Hebrews 11 and 12 as reflecting the life of our departed brother to motivate those present to “run with patience the race that is set before us.” My efforts were reflective of Paul’s wide influence in Hillsborough County over thousands during the 40 years he spent here.

Nom in Hazel Green, Alabama, Paul was one of twelve children, divided equally among girls and boys, and each of the males become a gospel preacher. At Dasher, (Ga.) Bible School he met Doris Copeland, a Tampa girl. Tampa soon became their home and, since Paul had earlier lost his father, Lloyd Copeland became a father to his new son-in-law. It was a Ruth – Naomi relationship between two men and continued with a growing devotion.

When Florida College opened its first session in the fall of 1946 Paul Andrews was the first to enroll. He later served in and for awhile voluntarily supervised the physical education program. He promoted and for many years directed the summer camp. Each of his children grew up in the school.

The College was not Paul’s first love. He knew the difference between the role of a Christian as a parent and his role as a simple teacher of God’s word in every relationship of life. He was foremost a preacher and teacher of that word and spent the greater portions of his life-span in advancing the kingdom of God.

For just over forty years Paul Andrews lived and labored in Hillsborough County, Florida. He worked on a regular basis with eight different churches and was instrumental in starting others including Drew Park, North Street and North Boulevard. If Tampa had a John T. Lewis within the last 25 years Paul Andrews was that man. In his four decades here, in addition to his labors with Sulphur Springs, Antioch and Dover, he spent six years with Belmont, six with McDill, one with Florence Villa, 14 with North Street and 13 with North Boulevard.

Paul’s success in personal work was remarkable. Actually, it was astounding! Shortly before he left North Street he told me that he had baptized more than 600 people while there. It is estimated that he baptized some 300 at North Boulevard. I doubt not that in his years in Hillsborough County Paul Andrews baptized more people into Christ than all of the other preachers combined. Some of these converts fell from grace but not because Paul fail ed to put forth a determined effort to save them if he knew of their departure. It should be remembered that many of those he baptized moved to other areas, taking with them the gospel learned at Paul’s feet and have become forces of spiritual strength in their newly found communities.

Today there are 28 churches in Hillsborough County standing for the simple gospel and the simple organization, work and worship of God’s people, free from the innovations and, digressive teachings which have turned multitudes from the New Testament pattern in the last 30 years. There is not one of these churches which has not felt the constructive influence of Paul Andrews in the 40-year period he has lived and loved and labored in this area.

This man was careful to make everything according to the New Testament pattern. He wanted it all straight down the line without compromise in any point. Kind to the core, he was at the same time firm from center to circumferance. He was a builder, not a wrecker of God’s work; a healer of wounds, not a trouble maker. He knew how to motivate babes in Christ and succeeded unbelievably. He was not a “meddler in other men’s matters”; no “gossip.” He tended to his work in the church employing him as an evangelist and expected every other church and preacher to do the same. The Lord’s business was his business and he was a busy man. His results prove him no sluggard. Withal, the night was never too dark nor the hour too late for his time and attention to be shared with any person needing his consideration and counsel.

Truly, “There is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.” The number of Paul’s generation is lessening, the ranks are thinning. His example of quiet but effective labors should challenge all ages to a life of unreserved commitment in work and his pure life should motivate all to holiness of conduct. As we observe his large footprints upon the sands of time we can profitably reflect that a giant walked here!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 19, pp. 591-592
October 6, 1983

By Dudley Ross Spears

If you can stretch your imagination for a second or SO, try to imagine that you believe the Lord will soon come secretly and steal His saints out of the world in a mysterious and miraculous way. Here you are, a faithful saint and suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, you are changed and transported into all the happiness you can imagine. You are in the glorious rapture. You have an immortal body.

Now, you learn that after seven years, you have to go back to the earth with the Lord to stop a great, bloody war that covers the earth. Not only that, but you must be again a mortal if you go into the millennium with Christ after He wins the war. Can you imagine the confusion you will experience. “But, Lord, I like it here,” you say – and why not tell the Lord that? But the Lord says, “Well, you have to march right back down to earth so that we can the win war and let the Jewish nation have another crack at accepting the kingdom.” “Well, how long will it be before we can get back into this place of happiness and back into this body that is immortal?” you might ask. “A thousand years,” the Lord replies. What a disappointment! You were headed in the right direction, nearly got what you had worked for all your life on earth, only to have to come back again. Such, my friends is an insult to the Lord and His purpose for man. But it is the consequence of a foolish speculation based on obscure passages by, unstable interpreters of the Bible.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 19, p. 590
October 6, 1983