Truth Magazine

By Lynn Trapp

Recently, some preachers have tried to develop a system of justification in which faith is given preeminence over obedience to God’s revealed plan of salvation. Were these ideas coming from a Baptist or a Methodist preacher we would have no great cause for alarm. However, I am referring to men who call themselves gospel preachers, some who have been faithful preachers in years gone by.(1) Thus, brethren have reason to be concerned that souls will be deceived into believing error.

This new system is not entirely unique. It relies upon the rhetoric and vocabulary of Reformed Theologians such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Arthur W. Pink, and others.(2) Yet, many of these words and phrases are unique in that they are nothing more than borrowed terminology which have no basis in a correct understanding of their use in Reformed Doctrine. This is simply to say that these modern Reformers are not “classical” Calvinists or Lutherans, but accept the conclusions (faith only and imputed righteousness) without accepting the premises (unconditional election and imputed sin). Another unique feature of this new system is the attempt to include repentance, confession, and baptism in “faith” and to exclude them from “works.” This is done because these men cannot seem to understand how Paul could say that man is not “justified by the works of the law” and also say that a man must “do” something in order to be saved. Instead of the one offered by the New-Reformers, the solution to the supposed problem lies in a proper understanding of Bible language.

No Justification By Works Of The Law

When we read Paul’s statement “by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight” (Rom. 3:20), several facts ought to be kept in mind. (1) He is dealing with the fact of sin in all men (v. 10). (2) The law under consideration is the law of Moses.(3) (3) He is establishing the validity of a system of justification which has the “obedience of faith” as the means of procuring the benefits of the death of Christ, which is the ground of our justification. The apostle further establishes that justification by the Law of Moses would demand sinlessness (Gal. 3:10). Yet, “all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;” therefore, that law which brought the knowledge of sin could do nothing for the sinner but establish his sinful condition before God. (4) When Paul mentions faith in this passage he is not talking about “faith only” or what one chose to call the “principle of faith alone.”(4) A careful examination of Rom. 3 should show the reader that Paul is teaching that the sinner cannot be pronounced righteous by a law which demands sinlessness, but that we now have a law, “a law of faith,” which provides for the forgiveness of the obedient.

Not Of Works

In Eph. 2:8-9, the sugar-stick of Baptist preachers, Paul said, “for by grace have you been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man would glory.” This passage has been worked and overworked in an attempt to prove that we are saved by faith only. One even went so far as to suggest that the punctuation might be wrong in verse 9.(5) Examining the passage, the reader finds that Paul is dealing with a special kind of works, i.e., works about which one boasts or glories. In true obedience to the word of God there is no such glorying. The plan of salvation is God’s plan (1 Cor. 1:26-29) and by the good works contained therein we are made the “workmanship” of God (Eph. 2:10).(6) This is the same point as is made in Tit. 3:5 where man is taught to rely on the grace and mercy of the Lord and not his own plans and schemes.(7)

Repentance, Confession, And Baptism – Works

The effort to remove repentance, confession, and baptism from the realm of works in ludicrous at the very best and laughable at the very worst. It is somewhat like a math saying he is going to lift a box with his arms but he is not going to use his muscles. The concept is based on a purely subjective and arbitrary definition of the word works. It claims, in essence, that work must always be referring to the same thing and can never refer to repentance, confession, and baptism. Such reasoning could be used to show that no command of God, i.e. Lord’s Supper and attendance, is a work, thus reducing the entire system to the absurdity of saying, “You must obey God’s commands, just do not call it that. Call it faith.” The end result would be the same except that those who continue to refer to Bible things with Bible words would be called cold and unfeeling.

Someone might ask, then, “Is this all a battle of semantics?” The answer is a resounding, “No!” The concept I have exposed here is just the tip of the ice-berg. This is a whole new concept; not Calvinistic and not Biblical; but borrowing rhetoric from both, making it a hodge-podge of platitudes which are meaningless and, most importantly, unscriptural.

The Relationship Of Faith And Works

The relationship between faith and works is very important. Faith is the principle of the heart which produces proper action on the part of the believer.(8) The faith of the ancients, Heb. 11, is set forth as the basis of their doing. Any other kind of doing would be useless, nonetheless, the doing was an integral part of their obtaining the reward. To have faith without works is as useless as an impoverished man trying to consume the oral blessings of his friends. He is just as hungry as before. Specifically, James said, “Faith apart from works is dead” (Jas. 2:26).(9) There are multitudes of passages which establish the need for obedience (Mt. 7:21; Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 2:13; Heb. 5:8-9; etc.), but our point is that obedience must proceed from faith in order to be of any value. “Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to Him” (Heb. 11:6). Cold, unfeeling ceremonialism will not save anyone.

Conclusion

In closing we want to emphasize that the problem of ceremonialism will not be solved by telling people that baptism is not a work but is a natural part of faith. Formalism does not relate to doctrines, but to attitudes. The Baptists and Methodists have taught faith only for hundreds of years and, yet, many of their churches are as cold and formalistic as any Catholic church on earth. Only by instilling true faith in God based upon the true revelation of the scriptures can we turn men into vibrant and active servants of the Lord.

Endnotes:

1. Arnold Hardin, “It said we get wisdom through our own efforts in study and learning. The point being that since we obtain wisdom that way then we must obtain righteousness by our own efforts as well. These characteristics are not imputed to us! Such is absolutely nothing short of works righteousness by law-keeping instead of faith righteousness in Christ” (The Persuader, Vol. XIII, No. 4, Sept. 17, 1978, emphasis Hardin’s, LT). Billy Williams, “We are not saved by works (Eph. 2:8-10)., any work” (Truth Magazine, May 3, 1979, p. 9).

2. Brethren Hardin and Williams constantly use such unbiblical terms as “faith alone,” “imputed righteousness,” “forensic justification,” etc. These are Reformed concepts based upon an unscriptural doctrine of the sovereignty of God.

3. Some try to say that the absence of the definite article before the word “law” means that he is referring to any law. If there is any merit to the point, then the presence of the definite article in v. 19 shows that he has a specific law in mind, the Law of Moses. Also, if any law is under consideration then the law of Christ could justify no man. See also Gal. 3:11.

4. Billy Williams, Ibid., p. 10.

5. Bobby Sparks, a Baptist preacher, said, “. . . not of works period” (Trapp-Sparks Debate, 1975).

6. The word translated “unto” (KJV) and “for” (ASV) in Eph. 2:10 – “unto good works” – is from epi which means “that upon which any action, effect, condition, rests as a basis or support; -prop. upon the ground of (Thayer, p. 232). Hence, it is possible that the apostle is establishing good works as the basis of our being made the workmanship of God.

7. The contrast between “works of righteousness” and the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” ought to show the reader that the works of righteousness are not works of obedience to God.

8. K.C. Moser has chided this concept of faith, yet his own explanations of what faith is contradicts himself and leaves him guilty of the same position. See The Gist of Romans, pp. viii, 3, 24.

9. That there is no contradiction between James and Paul can be seen when we understand that they were dealing with the same thing from a different standpoint. Paul is emphasizing what God has done for man in giving the plan of salvation. James is emphasizing what man must do in order to receive the benefits of the plan of salvation.

Guardian of Truth XXV: 11, pp. 161, 171
March 12, 1981

By Luther Bolenbarker

Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). One of the saddest truths we must face is that some Christians will be lost eternally. This truth is not because God wills it, but rather because they (unfaithful Christians) will it to be so by ceasing to do God’s will for one reason or another. These developed reasons (weak excuses) when used often enough will cause “an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God” (Heb. 3:12).

Putting our hands to the plow is of the utmost importance to our becoming a Christian and working in the Lord’s vineyard. Some will quit working while others look back to the old ways of sin. Jesus said these were not fit for the kingdom any longer. Not fit equals lost!

This truth is hard to face, so hard in fact many refuse to face it or accept it. Some denominations have come up with the “impossibility of apostasy,” saying “God’s children cannot fall,” or “Once saved, always saved,” or “if they fall, they really weren’t Christians anyway.” All of these slogans are made in spite of the numerous examples to be found in the Bible showing children of God falling in all dispensations of time (i.e. Adam and Eve fell, King Saul fell, David fell, children of Israel fell, Ananias and Sapphira fell, Hymenaeus and Alexander fell, Demas fell). On and on the list could go. Perhaps you could add a name to the list: “___________ is an unfaithful Christian. I’m going to do what I can to bring them back and if I am successful and convert ____________ from the error of his/her way, then I shall have a part in saving a soul from death” (James 5:19, 20).

Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8) was a Christian (Mk. 16:15, 16, Acts 8:13); however, he erred from the truth through sin. Peter told him to repent and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22).

If your name could be written in the space above, will you not do as Simon: repent and become a “faithful child of God, with the hope of heaven?

Guardian of Truth XXV: 10, p. 157
March 5, 1981

By William C. Sexton

God, the Creator and Provider of man, provides peace for those who allow Him to rule in their hearts! He rules through His word which is understandable and practical. He has basic teachings relative to the various aspects of the Family, which is the basic unity in society and in the life and development of each person’s existence.

There are problems in the American family today, as there has always been problems in families; the solution is to be found in the scriptures, the New Testament in particular. We wish to examine three areas of trouble and make some suggestions relative to scriptural solutions.

Paul, writing to the church in Colosse, set forth some words worthy of our consideration relative to our duty in the family setting:

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teachings and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged (Col. 3:15-21).

The inspired writer, after instructing servants also, says:

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Jesus Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons (vs. 24-25).

“Peace” is a wonderful concept, a product that is desired by all. Such is man’s, to possess only as he participates in letting the word of Christ “dwell” in his heart “richly” in all wisdom.

The realistic observer will take seriously the promise and affirmation that the doer-of-wrong will not escape the consequences and/or fruit of his/her behavior. With that picture of suffering in one’s mind relative to the wrong-doer, one can appreciate the promise of “reward” to the Lord serving-person and, hopefully, such will motivate each to be careful that he/she is such a person. With faith in the accuracy of those statements, we encourage each to consider his/her role and performance in the family setting.

I. Disorientation: “lack or loss of ability to locate oneself.” Due to the many conflicting ideas advanced and practiced today in our society, as we listen and observe, many are faced with confusion, disorientation! They have no “clear-cut view” of what is right and/or wrong.

1. Roles of the husband and/or wife. What is right? At one time, the husband brought “home the bacon,” and the wife stayed “home and raised the kids.” Such was expected and most of the time each person felt that such was the way it was to be; he or she who did not “fit into” that role was an outcast. However, there is so much said and done about that way being oppressive to women and unproductive to all, that many who would “like” to perform the old role, feel guilty and/or confused attempting to do what the many seem to think is the modern way of freedom.

Scriptural Solution: God recognizes the head of the family to be man (1 Cor. 11:2-3). However, man need not be one who dominates his wife. To stay home, just for the sake of staying home, and feeling miserable and unproductive is not necessary! There is a need to recognize and appreciate God’s order, but it is not right for one to interpret His word one-sidedly, all in favor of man’s freedom and woman’s captivity; to recognize the order that the God of heaven has set and appreciate it is to position oneself so as to be happy in this life and productive at the same time.

2. Discipline of self and/or children. What is good and acceptable, to many is not clear. Many views have been advanced and the air is left filled with uncertainty.

Scriptural Solution: Hear the Lord: “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Cor. 9:27). “We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence” (Heb. 12:9). “If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons” (Heb. 12:8). Accordingly, observation of behavioral development manifest the necessity of discipline of self and those around us.

“Children obey” your parents, such is necessary for your benefit and those around you; so, the Lord has demanded it.

“Fathers, provoke not to anger,” because such brings discouragement and harms the child’s advancement; nevertheless, demonstrate the benefit of discipline in your own life and expect it from those under you.

Wives be faithful to your husbands, not giving yourselves to another, thereby breaking your bond with the one to whom God has joined you (Mt. 19:6-9).

Husbands love and protect your wives, be faithful to them, knowing that they are a part of you. The two of you became one, by God joining you together. To be unfaithful is to displease God and close the door to heaven (1 Cor. 6:9; Gal. 5:19-20; 1 Cor. 7:10-11).

If one is convinced that God’s word is true and the standard that will produce happiness, he/she will accept and apply it. Then problems are solved, not once for all, but every one is faced and overcome according to the wisdom from above (Jas. 3:17-18).

II. Disorganization: “lack of meaningful or orderly relations”! The home is where people share in affection, concern, responsibilities, etc. Today’s society has so many things going that the members in many families do not get together enough to share, exchange affections, and speak of their feelings toward each other.

1. Women are working and making more money, and issuing more demands. Often the husband develops interests which are not compatible with the partner. Consequently, hostility is more likely than mutual respect and honor in many homes today.

2. Children are sent off to schools where they are taught different ideas and God’s word is often mocked; the schools often insist that they – the children – participate in things that take them away from home-teachings. Some homes begin to accept the school’s and/or peer’s standard instead of the one the parents have taught and cried to follow.

Time spent together is limited; action together is almost none, while each member develops different interests (job, recreation, etc.).

The family-members develop interest in other people, wanting to “live” as some say. Many turn to drinking, parties, activities, associations which destroy the need. So family closeness and concern are neglected till it is too late.

Scriptural Solution: accept the primary responsibility, which is to serve God first. One cannot do that without providing for his own family (1 Tim. 5:8). He who fails at this level, denies the faith and, in comparison with infidels, is on the lower end. It means much, much more to provide for the family than just the financial necessities! It includes the spiritual, emotional, moral, and community qualities and attachments.

III. Disintegration: “disruption of an organized system.” Relationships established to be life-long-unions are being broken up at an alarming rate! Look at the listing in the local newspaper at the divorce cases filed and the marriage licenses issued; they often seem to be about the same in number. Why? There are many problems, perhaps. However, the lack of performance, wrong ideas as to what is to be expected, and unwillingness to be realistic and apply the scriptures stand high, I believe, in the list of causes.

Some Guideline Facts

1. God created man and woman for each other, and they are to stay together for life, once joined (Rom. 7:3-4; 1 Cor. 7:10-11)!

2. Expectations relative to romantic love, as being an everlasting high-pitched, continuous experience is unrealistic, unachievable! Yet, such seems to be expected by many. When something less is experienced, they are willing to give up and give in, running after the “impossible dream,” only to learn too late that such is unobtainable!

3. Failure to work out problems when they develop will lead to an unbearable situation. Every relationship will develop problems and, if not attended to, will lead to a disintegration of that relationship. So, it is happening in America, often among those who claim to be “Christians.” At times, the rationalization following the disintegration is to the end: God would not expect us to do the impossible – to live together or to live apart, without mates for a life-time (cf. Matt. 19:3-9; Rom. 7:3-4; 1 Cor. 7:10-11).

4. Love is essential to a happy marriage; but love alone is inadequate to hold such together successfully.

Scriptural Solution: Love and appreciation for God and faith that He has set forth a plan that is workable and desirable. Determine to make it work in your case; refuse to give up or in (cf. Psa. 19:8; Jas. 1:21-25)! When a problem arises, as such is sure to do, ask, “What is God’s will in this?” (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17; Mt. 7:21-27). When that will is determined from a study and search of the word, apply that immediately (Jn. 13:17; Eph. 6:10-18; Heb. 5:11-14; 6:lff)! Make any adjustments, not expecting the other to do all the changing and adjusting! Deal effectively and persistently, making your contribution to growth together in God’s way!

Beloved, problems will arise in your family relationship as well as in every other. Yet, such can be solved, when God’s word is examined, accepted, and applied (cf. Phil. 4:13; 3:13-16). Whatever your role in the family, it is to your advantage and benefit to make your contribution! Are you doing that?

Guardian of Truth XXV: 10, pp. 155-157
March 5, 1981

By Eugene Crawley

In writing to “them that have obtained like precious faith with us . . .” (2 Pet. 1:1), the apostle goes on in this epistle to these brethren to point out the condition of those who failed to add the Christian virtues (vs. 5-7). He said, “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (vs. 9). These were not, and are not, the only brethren who have forgotten their calling by the gospel and the obligations connected with discipleship. Certainly those who fail to add to their faith, to grow spiritually, will soon forget that they were purged (cleansed) from their old sins.

Such individuals lose interest in the “like precious faith”; they forget the responsibility they accepted in the kingdom of Christ by being purged (saved) from their old sins and being born into God’s family. By being baptized into Christ, where all spiritual blessings are to be enjoyed (Eph. 1:3), not only do we have access to these many blessings, we take upon us duties that must faithfully be discharged if we are to continue to be clean and pure in the sight of God. Remember, James said, as he wrote to Christians, ” . . .. receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21). Therefore, we must continue to apply (obey) the word of God to remain pure and justified in His sight. Truly we need His word daily to direct us in our life in Christ, and preparation for eternity.

There are a number of things forgotten by many brethren; at least they do not follow them, so surely they have forgotten. Shall we notice some of these:

Purging (Cleansing). This is said by Peter to have been forgotten by some of his brethren. If one rises from the waters of baptism a new creature, cleansed from sin, and makes no further progress – does not add to his faith, he is very likely to forget even the joy experienced when he was made a new creation in Christ. He will fail to remember that, as a new creature, he is expected by the Lord to “walk in the light as He is in the light” so as to have fellowship with Him and others of the like precious faith, and continue to have his sins cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 Jn. 1:7). How sad that the memory of some is so short; what a blessing it is to know that in Christ Jesus He provides for our every need spiritually and that we can go on unto perfection (maturity). Not a few, later in life begin to wonder if they ever really obeyed the Lord from the heart, and desire to be immersed again.

Zeal. This is another thing that is often forgotten. When one obeys the gospel, he usually does so with zeal and determination to accomplish great things in the service of the Master. Yet, if he fails to add these virtues, he soon forgets and loses his fervor; he is no longer “on fire” with zeal; he drifts back into the world and is overcome with sin; he is satisfied to feed upon the husks of the devil rather than the pure word of God.

Influence. Upon obedience to the gospel, one’s influence for good is increased. He may never know how many are encouraged by his obedience and will eventually do God’s will to save themselves. However, if he forgets about his influence, fails to appreciate the fact that he can be an instrument for good to be used by the Lord, and goes back into the world, those individuals may never be saved. What a pity that every Christian does not think more of his own soul and the souls of others whom he may influence, than to allow the devil to entice him and lure him back into the clutches of sin and servitude of Satan, the god of this world.

Importance Of Making The Calling Sure. “If ye do these things, ye shall never fall,” so Peter declared (v. 10) and said (v. 11) that “an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom”; this way we may ensure our eternal welfare. But if we forget its importance and become engrossed in the things of the world, we will soon be in worse condition than the beginning, for Peter so states in 2 Peter 2:20-22. Brethren who forsake the assembling, half-heartedly engage in worship to God when present, stand back while others bear the load and do the task, and are dilatory in service to God in general, will be shocked in judgment to learn that they have failed to make adequate preparation.

Indeed, many “hath forgotten” these responsibilities and, in their unfaithfulness, are influencing others either to remain in sin, or return to the world and the power of Satan. Have you forgotten? If so, bring to remembrance the blessings you once enjoyed, the hope you had as a faithful child of God, and the duties you have shirked and return to the Lord before it is too late!

Guardian of Truth XXV: 10, pp. 154-155
March 5, 1981