Truth Magazine

By Johnie Edwards

The greatest question ever ask by man is, “What must I do to be saved?” It is a great question because it involves man’s greatest possession – his own soul! Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matt. 16:26)?

The Question

The question, “What must I do to be saved?”, is of great significance. A simple study of the words in the question will help us see the importance of the question.

1. What. The word what shows that one is inquiring about the value or nature of a matter.

2. Must. The word must means that a thing is necessary.

3. I. I points to the individual. It is not a question of what others must do, but what must I do?

4. Do. The word do indicates there is something to be carried out, or executed.

5. To be. To be shows there is something in the future.

6. Saved. To be saved is to be delivered from. So far as this study is concerned, we are looking at the idea of being delivered from sin. The word saved is used at least two ways in the Bible. There is salvation from past sins and salvation in eternity with God, after this life is over.Paul refers to “the remission of sins that are past” (Rom. 3:25) and Peter refers to “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:5).

A Bible Question

What must I do to be saved is a Bible question. Acts 16 contains the events of Paul and Silas being in Prison at Philippi. The jailor was prompted by an earthquake to ask, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

A Bible Answer

Bible questions demand Bible answers. A great majority of people have been taught and believe that one is saved at the point of faith without any other acts of obedience. Their false conclusion is based on the partial events of the conversion of the Philippian jailor in Acts 16. Many conclude that when Paul told the jailor to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shaft be saved” (Acts 16:31) that faith was the only condition of his salvation. But as one continues to read the story in Acts 16:32-34, he can easily see that the jailor repented and was baptized the same hour of the night!

Two Sides To Salvation

A failure to realize that there are two sides to salvation has caused some to conclude that God does it all and that man has nothing to do.

The Divine Side

There are some things God has already done to make salvation available to all. Let’s take a look at some of these.

1. God gave His Son. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

2. The grace of God has been bestowed. “For by a. ace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God – not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Paul told Titus, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Tit. 2:11). God has bestowed His divine favor upon men, making salvation possible.

3. Jesus shed His blood. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7). God’s love for man caused Him to send His Son to die for sinners. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

4. The Holy Spirit revealed the truth. The revelation of the saving gospel was made by the Holy Spirit. Paul said, “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words; whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) – as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit -” (Eph. 3:3-5). The Hebrew writer tells us that “God hath spoken unto us by his Son. . .” (Heb. 1:1-2) and we need to listen.

The Human Side

God has done His part and requires that man do his part to complete the process of salvation. Here are the essentials God requires of us in order to be saved.

1. Hear the Gospel. At the Mount of Transfiguration God said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5). In order for man to know what God wants him to do, he must first hear what He has to say.

2. Faith in Christ. Jesus said, “For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. . .” (Jn. 8:24). Some teach that man is saved by faith alone, but the New Testament does not teach that faith or anything else by itself will save us. James said, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Man cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6).

3. Repentence of sins. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). An example of repentance can be found in Matthew 21:28-31. In regard to working, one boy said, “I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.” What did he do when he repented? He changed his mind. So repentance is a change of one’s mind that results in a change of action or life.

4. The Confession. The confession is of one’s faith in Christ. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32). Paul said, “That if thou shalt confess the with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9-10). There is no better example of this confession than that of the eunuch when he said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. . .” (Acts 8:37). You will notice that this was not a confession of sins but a confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!

5. Baptism. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16). The very purpose of baptism is to wash away sin (Acts 22:16). Peter said that baptism is “for the’ remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). This baptism is a burial or immersion in water, not a pouring or sprinkling. The word baptism means immersion. In Romans 6:3-4, Paul calls it a “burial” and a “planting.” It is at this point that the blood of Christ washes away a man’s sins and we are “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:27).

6. Be Faithful. After one has obeyed the gospel, he then is added to the church (Acts 2:47). As a Christian and a member of the Lord’s church, one must then remain faithful in worshipping God, purity of life, and working for the Lord. It is summed up in these words, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. . .” (Rev. 2:10). One must “be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. . .” (1 Cor. 15:58).

“Salvation belongeth unto the Lord” (Psalm 3:8). Therefore, God has the right to tell us what He wants us to do to be saved. We bid you to hear and obey His will today.

Guardian of Truth XXV: 1, pp. 7-8
January 1, 1981

By Earl Robertson

John records the obtrusive conduct of Peter with Jesus. The lesson is one that needs to be learned by many disciples of the Lord today. But I find it to be one of the most difficult things to get some to accept without question. It was on this occasion that Jesus, for the third time, showed Himself to the disciples after His resurrection (John 21:14). After the conversation Jesus had with them and specifically telling Peter to “feed my sheep,” Peter wished to know what the Lord wanted John to do. The Lord responded to Peter, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me” (John 21:22).

Peter was too concerned with business that was the Lord’s personally. He is told that of which he inquires is none of his business, and what should deeply concern himself is “following” the Lord. To do the will of Christ was his business; however, he seemingly could satisfy himself by putting his nose into the Lord’s business and forget all about what really constituted his own responsibility. As long as Peter stayed busy trying to interfere with the Lord’s own plan, he had neither the disposition nor time to keep himself walking properly before God. How could he be satisfied so cheaply?

There are always some who like to live like Peter in this respect. Industriously and constructively they are pygmies as compared to those whose business they seek to run. If they knew all they try to obtain without common sense and manners, they would be no better off. This is the lesson which must be learned by all who would serve the Lord profitably. If God’s people so live as to have no saving influence, the Savior says they “are good for nothing” (Matt. 5:13).

The matter of trying to run someone else’s business is totally contrary to both the spirit and letter of Jesus’ teaching. Solomon wrote, “It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling” (Prov. 20:3). We are told to “do your own business” (1 Thess. 4:11), and not suffer “as a busybody in other men’s matters” (1 Pet. 4:15).

Guardian of Truth XXV: 1, p. 7
January 1, 1981

By Irven Lee

An elder is to be “one that ruleth well his own family, having his children in subjection with all gravity; for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (1 Tim. 3:4, 5). The elder wins the respect of his brethren in being the good husband and father to his family. The orderly family with well-behaved children and a loving wife is a tribute to a man, indicating that he has good judgment, courage, and traits of leadership. Our nation needs thousands of more fathers who have skill in guiding and training their children.

It is just as easy to show that wives are to be in subjection to their own husbands as it is to prove that fathers are to have their children in subjection. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything” (Eph. 5:22-24). The idea of the husband being the one in authority in the home could not be taught with more plainness of speech. A business needs a manager; a school needs a principal; a state needs a governor; and a home needs a head a decision maker with the power of oversight in a position of leadership.

The father is to love his children so that he will bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4; Prov. 22:6; Heb. 12:5-11). It is love that causes him to use the rod when needed (Prov. 13:24). The children are given a sense of security by his strong arm of protection and guidance. The little people need the love and chastening of a good father just as they need food and clothing for their bodies.

The wife is to obey her husband since he has been given the responsibility of leadership. The manager of a business and the principal of a school are in charge in their respective spheres. This position of leadership is not a pedestal for praise and special honor. It is rather a special responsibility to see that the business and the school operate properly. Neither is to have the unpleasant attitude that he is a lord over the teachers or the clerks. The workers are not at war with their leader, but they work as parts of the team under a captain whom they appreciate. They realize the need of a leader who can co-ordinate and systematize their work. Many teachers have no desire to be principal because they know the responsibility that comes with the position. Many good wives are very happy as worthy helpers of their husbands who have been so good to them.

We could read of the wives being in subjection to their husbands in Col. 3:18 and 1 Peter 3:1-6, as well as in Eph. 5:22-24. In each of these references, the very next verse teaches that husbands should love their wives. Love suffers long and is kind (1 Cor. 13:4-7). In finding a good wife a man is abundantly blessed (Gen. 2:18; Prov. 18:22: Prov. 31:10-31). Aged women are to teach young women to love their husbands and their children (Titus 2:3-5). The wife will find happiness in being in such intimate association with loved ones. The one true God asked that men serve as head of the house, and He insisted on the proper love that flows both ways. His plan offers a pleasant situation for all members of the family.

The leaders of the Women’s Liberation Movement are atheists and admit it. They seek woman’s liberation from the responsibilities of a wife and mother. To them the woman who is a home maker is a slave. They do not count that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:25). To them, Christ was only man and the Bible only a book to be rejected. They would give the children to the government to be cared for in communes. Women and men could live more like a herd of animals.

I am not ashamed to admit that I recognize Christ as having all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). We are to be judged by His word at the great day of reckoning. Any may deny these fundamental facts if he desires, but he will realize the error of his way when he finds his place outside the walls of the great city with his own kind from all ages (Rev. 22:15).

The Bible was given to the human race to give hope, instruction, and warnings so that we might find the abundant life now and in the world to come (1 Tim. 4:8; Mark 10:28-30). It was not God’s purpose to crush men or women nor to mistreat children. There is a God, and those who realize this should treasure His counsel and His exceeding great and precious promises (2 Pet. 1:1-4).

The leaders of the National Organization of Women (NOW) have many deceived followers who think that this well-financed political body is working toward women receiving fair salary in the industrial and business world through the ERA. Congress and the presidents have already put laws to this effect in the statute books, and the courts are going about to enforce them. The real effort of NOW is to bring honor to the homosexuals and lesbians. Their thrust is against marriage and the home.

When people follow the Bible they “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2). Those of us who visit one home of true Christians after another know that God’s law is best. One of the most effective proofs of the divine origin of the Bible is the evident blessedness of those who believe it and live by its precepts. A husband who is a Christian and a wife who is a Christian find great happiness in living with their obedient children. Truly the husband rules with love.

The church is subject to Christ. Wives are to be subject to their own husbands as the church is unto Christ. Christ and His apostles used the picture of the bride and groom to typify the church in its relationship to Christ. (Read Romans 7:1-4; Rev. 21:2; 2 Cor. 11:2; John 3:29.) It is wonderful that the church can be married to Christ who is head over all things to the church. The church needs His guidance, protection, and love. When is a more beautiful picture of happiness seen than in the picture of a happy bride who is glad to help make a stable home with the one she loves? Her husband has found a good thing and is happy, but she is just as happy.

Faithful servants of God are referred to as children of God (Rom. 8:16, 17; 1 John 3:1). Christians are subject to their heavenly Father. What more appropriate relationship could be found than a son to his father to typify the Christian’s relationship to God? The ideal father and a wonderful son give us a picture of genuine happiness when they walk down the street together. Oversight and authority in no way destroy love. God is love, but we are to obey Him. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Guardian of Truth XXV: 1, pp. 5-6
January 1, 1981

By Mike Willis

With this issue, we officially begin publication under our new banner Guardian of Truth. We also have added hundreds of new readers to our mailing list through the purchase of Gospel Guardian. That being the case, to write an article respective to our purposes and goals through Guardian of Truth seems appropriate. It should serve to introduce our new readers to this journal and acquaint them with what we intend to do through its pages. To the rest of our readers, this should serve as a reminder of our goals and as an opportunity to assess how well we have been doing in attaining them.

Our Twenty-fifth Year of Service: The Old and The New

We commence our twenty-fifth year of service with renewed determination embodied in our new name, Guardian of Truth. For twenty-four years, Truth Magazine has circulated among Christians; through its pages many people have been taught the truth on apostasies such as church support of human institutions, church sponsored recreation, and the sponsoring church arrangement. Numerous articles on good moral living, biblical studies, news of the brethren, etc. have been published which have encouraged and edified many faithful Christians.

Last year, after the Cogdill Foundation accepted Theron Bohannan’s sacrificial offer to sell the Gospel Guardian, our Board decided to simply merge the Gospel Guardian and Truth Magazine into one paper. This step unites in one journal the high standards of gospel journalism represented in the past two separate mediums of the same truth. Hence, Guardian of Truth is born. We have retained the volume number of Truth Magazine in order to remind brethren that we have been publishing for twenty-four years and to indicate that the thrust of Guardian of Truth will be the same as that of Truth Magazine. But we bring aboard part of the respected name of the Gospel Guardian to indicate that our thrust will be in the high tradition of Yater Tant during the years that Roy E. Cogdill and others stood at his side, the tradition continued by Eugene Britnell and James W. Adams more recently. In fact, we invited brother Adams to come onto our staff, but he preferred not to take on new obligations now and wished us well in our venture. Hence, we begin our twenty-fifth year of service – a full quarter of a century – with every intention of continuing the finest ideals in the militant propagation of New Testament Christianity. As I reflect upon the stand for truth which has been made in the past through the pages of these two gospel papers, I recognize the rich heritage which has been passed down to us. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

What do we hope to accomplish during 1981 through the pages of Guardian of truth? We certainly have some specific goals in mind, but let me address the general goal first of all. Our primary goal is to publish a paper which contains articles on Bible subjects which are true to the Book. We have no desire to see so much as one page or one line directed toward the teaching of falsehood; if we should deem it necessary to publish an article which defends a false position, we shall strive to be sure that it is answered and in the same issue, if possible. Hence, our foremost aim is to teach the word of God in its purity.

Though Guardian of Truth will continue to be largely addressed to the Christian, non-Christians can continue to read it with profit since the fundamentals of the gospel must be stressed and emphasized again and again on our pages. We have addressed topics of controversy among Christians on our pages, just as the New Testament itself does. When it is necessary to call attention to a false position held by a Christian, every attempt will be made to make sure that the discussion is held on an honorable level. Though no man is infallible in this regard and every writer views his own material subjectively, I shall strive to present controversial material in a manner which is as inoffensive as possible. But we are more concerned about the danger of offending the Lord and undermining the truth by failing to defend it than we are of offending the nicer-than-the-Lord sensitivities of some apostates.

Brethren should be mature enough to realize however, that there is no way to expose a man as a false teacher which will please that man. He will cry “foul” regardless of how careful his opponent is in trying to call attention to his false doctrines. Luther Blackmon used to say, “There is no way to skin a cat which the cat will like.” I have already found this to be so in my little experience as editor of Truth Magazine.

Guardian of Truth will be a militant journal. As editor, I have no interest in seeing us compromise with denominationalism either inside or outside of the Lord’s church, with worldliness, or with any of Satan’s disciples. The staff of writers whose names are assembled on our masthead feel exactly as I do in that regard. We shall not hesitate to call sin by its name. Neither shall we hesitate to expose a false teacher who is posing as a teacher of righteousness when he seeks to make inroads among the people of God.

We seek to be a Guardian of Truth. We do not seek to sit on the truth to keep others from sharing in it but we do seek to guard the purity of revealed truth. When the Judaizers tried to bind circumcision on the first century church as being essential for salvation, Paul said, “. . . to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Gal. 2:5). This expresses our attitude as a Guardian of Truth. We do not want to see the truth of God shackled by human tradition; we do not want the wisdom of God hidden beneath the philosophies of men. Consequently, we shall guard the precious truth to be sure that it is not tainted by human philosophies and traditions.

A second major goal of Guardian of Truth is to publish a balanced paper. There will be times when doctrinal errors’ must be dealt with; however, we shall attempt to publish articles on other subjects than these doctrinal issues in the same issue or in issues before and after that. We do not want to see the paper become obsessed with one issue. My idea of what a paper should be like is that it should contain material aimed at the new convert, the growing Christian, and the mature Christian; in that fashion, every Christian would find something which would be of interest to him.

A third major goal of Guardian of Truth will be to inform brethren of the news among brethren. We have invited and encouraged gospel preachers to send in field reports to keep brethren informed of the progress of the work in various parts of the country. Many have responded and we hope that many more will begin to send in their field reports.

Special Issues

In the past, Truth Magazine has published several special issues which have provided more in-depth studies of different topics. We have two specials planned for 1981 which will be multi-issue specials. The first special will be a study of 1, 2, 3 John. The material for this special is already in hand. I can assure you that this material is exceptionally good; the writers have provided questions with their articles. Hence, the material would make a very good class workbook. Those who might be interested in purchasing extra copies of these issues should send in their orders prior to publication so that enough can be printed for brethren to use them in their Bible classes as they desire.

The second special issue which is planned for 1981 is a special on the eldership. This will also be prepared with questions in case brethren desire to use it in an adult Bible class. Assignments for this material have not yet been made but we hope to have this available for publication by late summer or early fall.

Let’s Get Together!

If we sound excited about 1981, that is because we are. We are excited about hundreds of new readers, about the specials which we have planned, about the warm reception which we have been getting among brethren, and about the encouraging words which we have received regarding our labors. We are excited because all of this means more service and better service to you, the reader! Consequently, we are looking forward to another year of service through the printed page under our new masthead Guardian of Truth.

You are invited to be a part of this effort to preach the gospel of Christ in keeping with the highest ideals of the New Testament. Pray for us that we turn not to the right or to the left from that highway of holiness. Send us your suggestions for articles, special themes, workbooks, and other improvements. Your constructive criticisms are valuable to help us see ourselves as others see us and to help us make corrections where needed. We are always happy to consider for publication in Guardian of Truth your manuscripts which proclaim the gospel of Christ in its purity and simplicity.

Help us introduce the paper to new readers. Let us know if you can use a few sample copies of the paper. Why not personally subscribe for an individual ($11.50 per year) or a group (10 copies for $7.50 per month)? Would the church where you worship consider sending the paper to each family as an aid to enrich their Bible study, knowledge of current problems, and the positive application of spiritual principles to daily living? More churches are using this service and enjoying its benefits, but someone must make the suggestion – let it be you! Let’s get together to make the Guardian of Truth as effective as possible during 1981 in the spread and the defense of the gospel of Christ!

Guardian of Truth XXV: 1, pp. 2-5
January 1, 1981