Truth Magazine

By Mackey W. Harden

One of the five basic tenets of fatalistic Calvinism is the doctrine of the Final Perseverance of the Saints. Most people recognize it better by the slogans “Once Saved, Always Saved” or “Can’t Fall From Grace.” Basically it means that once a person is saved, it is impossible to ever be lost. This doctrine is totally foreign to Holy Writ. In fact, if this doctrine were true, many passages of Scripture in the New Testament would be meaningless to the Christian. The simple fact that God’s word contains repeated warnings to mankind should point out to anyone who is desirous of truth, that this Calvinistic theory is totally without foundation. If a person never has to worry about being lost, then why all these warnings from God? The answer is simple: man can sin and lose his soul, therefore God has given warnings to help us avoid the danger and folly of certain situations.

The countless warnings that we find in the Bible are of great significance. W.E. Vine defines the word warn as follows: “to put in mind, warn, is translated to warn in the A. V.; to teach, make known.” The Random House Dictionary defines it as: 1. to inform plainly and strongly of possible trouble. 2. to advise (a person) that a certain act, negligence, etc., on his part will lead to opposition or reprisal.” Some interesting synonyms are also given. “Forewarn, Caution, Admonish – these imply attempting to prevent another from running into danger or getting into unpleasant or undesirable circumstances.” Thus, we see the importance of the word warn.

Actually, we deal with warnings of some sort everyday of our life. If the automobile in which we are driving becomes overheated, it is equipped with a red light that should come on to warn us. Our car is also equipped with a horn that we can blow, with which we can warn people if we need to. As my family and I were traveling through the Smokey Mountains this past summer, we saw several signs that read, “Warning, Falling Rocks!” Those who smoke cigarettes (Christians included) should take heed to the stern warning on the package, which says, “Warning, May be Hazardous to Your Health.” On and on we could go. The point should be very clear.

Yes, we need to pay careful attention to the warnings that are found in the Bible. They were put there because of the need to be warned about the dangerous situations that can affect the destiny of our souls. If the doctrine of Once Saved, Always Saved” is true then these warnings are senseless. In this series of articles, we are going to notice many of these warnings that the Bible reveals to us. These articles should be examined very carefully, in light of the ever increasing popularity of Calvinistic acceptance by some who claim to be our brethren in Christ. Though they have not accepted the “total package” of Calvinism as of yet, it may not be long until they do.

Warnings

In this first article, we will deal with “Biblical Warnings” in a general sense. In subsequent articles we will delve into many of the specific warnings that have been given to us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The following should be warned:

(1) The Wicked. God told the prophet Ezekiel in the long ago that he was “a watchman in the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me” (Ezek. 3:17). It was Ezekiel’s responsibility to warn the wicked so that they might have opportunity to turn from their unrighteousness. If he failed to warn them, he would be found guilty in God’s sight. He was also told, “Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul” (Ezek. 3:20; cf. vv. 16-21; Lk. 3:1-8). What a great responsibility lays upon our shoulders even today, to warn the wicked.

(2) Christians with selfish ways. It seems that the Corinthian brethren whom Paul wrote to, had a problem with selfishness. In 1 Cor. 4:6-16, Paul deals with this problem and appeals to his own unselfishness in preaching the gospel. He tells them about the many trials and tribulations that he endured, and then says to them, “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you” (vs. 14). Christians in any time period (Ist century or 20th) should be warned against the perils that will come if we have selfish ways. This is an area in which gospel preachers would do well to spend much time in preaching. Because of selfishness many problems arise in the Lord’s church. It is our duty to warn against this dreaded spiritual disease.

(3) Christians who are unruly. Paul writes in 1 Thess. 5:14. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” Another version says, “admonish the disorderly.” It is our responsibility to warn those of our brethren who are walking disorderly (unruly). We should warn them of the possible danger to their souls, unless they change and walk as God would have them to. Christians need to understand just how very important it is that we warn those who are unfaithful to the Lord and His church. Paul exhorted the Thessalonian brethren to do this, and we should likewise heed his exhortation.

(4) Every man. To the Gentiles, Paul taught that Christ was their hope of glory, “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus . . .” (Col. 1:27-28). For hundreds of years the Gentiles “were without Christ . . . having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). With Christ’s death on Calvary’s cross, the abolition of the Old Law became a reality. Now both Jew and Gentile had the opportunity to obey the gospel and be saved. When Paul “preached Christ,” he warned every man, not just the Jews or just the Gentiles. He also taught every man so that all men might be perfect (complete) in Christ Jesus. In similar fashion, when we “preach Christ” today we should warn every man, and not just a certain nationality or race. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. . .” (Mk. 16:15-16). Let us work with all the power within us to preach the gospel to every man.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 37, pp. 600-601
September 18, 1980

By Earl Robertson

The church of Christ is the greatest and grandest institution in the world. Jesus Christ built it and its existence through the years attest its divine origin and purpose (Matt. 16:18; Psa. 127:1). The church is a people purchased and purified unto God (Eph. 1:14; Tit. 2:14). God has equipped this people that they might be able to do all the work which He assigned the church to perform (Eph. 4:11-16). Perfected saints can do benevolence and build up the body of Christ, says Paul. Some unbelievers declare that the church cannot do the work of ministry, but this verse plainly says it can!

While many churches of Christ vociferously affirm their confidence in the absolute sufficiency of the church of Christ to do all the work the Lord gave it to do, they deny the claim by merely sending ten dollars per month to support a human institution to do the work. They are not buying a service, but are subsidizing the organization itself. They call it pure religion! If the church is truly sufficient within its own framework to do the work of benevolence and evangelism, why should and how can both works be turned over to human boards to be done? Why should we think a human board can do a better work than the church of the Lord? If the church of Christ can underwrite financially a human institution, such as Potter Home in Bowling Green, to do the work of benevolence, why can it not likewise subsidize financially a missionary society similarly organized? This is not a question of methods – how the work shall be done; it is a question of which organization shall do the work. It is not a question as to whether the work must be done. We all agree it should be done. The question is: shall the church do it or a human board? What passage of scripture will the liberals give to authorize a church of Christ to send ten dollars to Potter Home and School? I am just as aware as they are that they are no longer interested in having Bible for what they teach. A young preacher recently left the truth and identified with this liberal movement. I asked what verse of scripture produced this change. He responded, “What verse of scripture!” He was not interested. It is altogether a matter of attitude toward God and His word.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 37, p. 600
September 18, 1980

By William C. Sexton

Mobility in our society today is great, as all observers know. Certain segments of our society are more mobile than others, however. I am working with a group of disciples near Ft. Riley Kansas, a military base, and Kansas State University, so mobility here is much greater than any other place I have ever worked. Events of the last year, since I have been in Manhattan, makes me aware of a need to know.

It is important to the faithful child of God to know where other children of the Father are meeting, so they can meet and worship faithfully, according to the New Testament scriptures (Acts 2:42, 41). It should be the mutual concern of all involved to find faithful disciples when they move to a community and the disciples in the community to receive those coming to the community, so as to be strengthened and to offer encouragement, etc. Consequently, it seems to me that there is a need to be a bit more concerned about letting people know where we are meeting and to help those leaving us find a faithful group of disciples in the community where they are going.

I have found some who came to Ft. Riley and, for a year or more, did not know that there was a group of disciples who were determined to not practice the current elements of liberalism, but were to be governed completely by the New Testament scriptures. I am sure that there are others who have not yet found the information that a “conservative” group is meeting, although we have tried in various ways to get the information around and we shall continue. This is said to arouse attention in you, my brother and sister, to help and be helped!

We have been blessed by three families learning of us from others in the areas where they were before they came, because some there had read our report about the congregation in Manhattan and had been concerned enough to relate to them of our meeting place and phone number (913) 539-0458.

I received a letter a few days ago from a family in Germany who had read our report about a family here who was going to Germany. They asked for their address and if I knew of others in Germany. I have written a number of letters trying to find faithful groups in Germany and in Panama because we have some people who had plans to go there. Yesterday, I received a letter from a sister in Wichita, whose friend from Tennessee had moved to Junction City, Kansas just outside Ft. Riley on the west side; we are on the east side. I went by to see her within a few hours after receiving the letter and the sister was so “glad” that we showed that much interest in her spiritual well-being, she had no knowledge of a “sound, conservative” group meeting nearby prior to our contact and the letter from the sister from Wichita which had arrived just before we did.

Inasmuch as there are a number of people coming to Ft. Riley and moving out, I would like to hear from those who are meeting near military bases so I can tell any who are leaving here where you are. Take note, you who are meeting near a military base, of our address (1112 Pierre in Manhattan Kansas) and inform any military personnel there of our meeting place and/or our personal address (1937 Judson, Manhattan, KS 66502) and phone number which was listed above. Also, you may inform us that they are coming, so we can be expecting them and possibly help them in some way to find a good living quarters, etc.

Also, we would like to hear of congregations meeting near college campuses, so we can inform any student that is transferring there. If you have any who are coming to KSU, be sure to let them know of us. The parent would surely manifest a Christian concern who helps the son or daughter learn of a congregation which is faithfully working under the Lord and encourage them to be a part of it. A failure to be concerned and make the effort manifests either a lack of knowledge or love for the child. Disciples must remain faithful till death, if the eternal well being is to be secured. Such requires serving – being active in the Lord’s word and seeking to interest and motivate others to be faithful.

So, as the disciple Onesiphorus “sought” Paul out “diligently, and found” him and was not ashamed of his “chain” (2 Tim. 1:16-18), each child of God today must show an equal concern for truth and God’s disciples. Can we help? Let us hear from you. You can help us help others by letting us know of your presence and determination to serve God faithfully.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 37, p. 599
September 18, 1980

By Donald P. Ames

To find a-good study Bible is not always an easy task. In my opinion, the recent Royal Bible (later published under the name of the Zondervan Cyclopedic Reference Bible both are now out of print) was one of the very best in the KJV, while I am still looking for a NASB with a concordance of any real depth. Since the Royal Bible is no longer available, I have had several people ask me what I would recommend, and the selection is not very easy.

In checking with others, several have highly commended the Open Bible (published by Nelson, available in both KJV and NASB), especially so one could profit by the cyclopedic reference in the front of it. Others have mentioned the Ryrie Study Bible (also available in both KJV and NASB), and it too has extensive footnotes, etc. in it. The latter is also carried in the latest issue of Truth Magazine’s catalog.

Frankly, I am not comfortable with either one of them. What one does not learn until you secure a copy is that both Bibles advocate the doctrine of salvation by faith only (which in and of itself could perhaps be overlooked to gain the other benefits). This would make me especially cautious in recommending it to a weak brother or someone who has not yet learned the truth.

But, even more dangerous than the false doctrine of salvation by faith only being advocated in them is the open teaching of the doctrine of premillennialism! For years brethren have strongly spoken out against the Scofield Bible because of its heavy premillennial footnotes, and now, because of a few good features, we are letting both the Open Bible and the Ryrie Study Bible slip in with the comment “you need to watch it closely in Revelation, where it does advocate premillennialism.” If we are going to use it, then why object to the Scofield Bible?

What we need to remember is that premillennialism is a system of interpretation. Brother Rodney M. Miller in his fine book The Lion And The Lamb quotes from a premillennialist, J. Dwight Pentecost, `The basic differences between the premillennial and amillennial schools and between the pretribulation and posttribulation rapturists are hermeneutical, arising from the adoption of divergent and irreconcilable methods of interpretation” (p. 17). Now that is it in a nutshell -and freely admitted by a premillennialist. Premillennialism is not confined to the book of Revelation, but is going to affect their notes and cross-references throughout the whole of the O.T” and especially in the study of the prophets -both major and minor prophets! In fact, the whole Bible needs to be “watched closely.” Even in areas such as the sermon on the mount such notes and cross-references are going to affect one’s interpretation.

Perhaps your immediate reaction is, “Well, I know the difference – I could separate such from the truth.” Perhaps -and perhaps not. I have learned, in recent years, that many brethren are not as clear on this subject as they might think they are, and some have begun accepting parts of the theory of premillennialism in one form or another without even thinking they were doing so. Now, how much easier (and likely?) will that become with the use of such texts as the Scofield, Open Bible and/or Ryrie Study Bible? Many people, and especially new or weak converts or people not yet even taught the truth, will accept such cross-references as “gospel.” To question them is to question the “unquestionable”! Many people are buying them, totally ignorant of the fact they do advocate premillennialism (and faith only) in their notes and crossreferences (and a few have been keenly disappointed in them as they slowly discovered the facts). Such confusion is not good, and is opening the door to many more problems in the near future. Brethren, I do not, and will not, recommend any of the three, and feel they need to be exposed and branded for being premillennial in their handling of the text of both the KJV and NASB. Let’s not let people swallow the doctrine unawares while we are fiddling on the roof-top.

Then what is there to recommend? That is a good question, and if any of you preachers out there have come across some real good study or reference Bibles in the KJV and/or NASB, it would be good to pass such information on. Holman publishes a “Key KJV Study Bible” which has some very good material and references in it, including a good topical index. Although the “plan of salvation” in the notes in the back passes salvation off as “by faith” (without mention of baptism), it is very ambiguous in its introduction of Revelation and actually avoids taking any real position on it – which is better than taking premillennialism (but far short of the good, firm stand taken by the Royal Bible). Holman also publishes a NASB reference Bible which includes a 220 page topical index (4414XRL) edition, which I have not yet seen, but assume to be fairly similar to the Key KJV Study Bible. So far, that seems to be my best choice to date. The only problem here is that I have heard rumors Holman may be in the process of discontinuing their Bible line also. So, the search is continuously on; but let us beware of accepting trouble in the future in some bad footnotes and cross-references in such Bibles as published in the Scofield, Open Bible and Ryrie Study Bible. And, let’s pass the word so others will not be drawn in unawares.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 37, p. 598
September 18, 1980