Truth Magazine

By Dennis G. Allan

Nineteenth century British writer Robert Southey once said; “Live as long as you may, the first twenty years are the longest half of your life.” His statement seems to summarize the sentiments of many of our brethren in Christ. Youth is repeatedly portrayed as a perilous, difficult, temptation-filled time in which one does well to avoid the lures of Satan to indulge in open wickedness. Seldom do we hear demands for young Christians to take action in the church – to do righteousness (Psa. 106:3).

I fear that many individuals and even churches have adopted an unspoken policy that a teenage Christian needs only obey one rule: “Teenagers should be seen, not heard” – be seen at every assembly and not heard of for misconduct elsewhere. While it is true that we, as teenagers, must be faithful in attendance of services and must maintain an unspotted reputation, we must also take an active role in the work of the church. Omitting this requirement to lower the standards and accommodate for the “perils of youth” endangers the souls of the young and allows the Lord’s body to become spotted, jeopardizing the souls of every member (Eph. 5:23-27).

The account of the wasteful son in Luke 15 provides a valuable example of the problems of our early years. Frequently, we view this passage in its general application to all of God’s children, but let’s consider it now in a limited application to the young.

Righteous Vs. Riotous

Throughout our lives, but perhaps especially in our teenage years, we face the same decision described in verses 12 and 13: shall we be righteous or riotous? We may hear about the many complex decisions of youth, but the primary choice is between good and evil. The wise man did not say simply to forget Satan, but to remember the Creator (Eccl. 12:1). Paul did not say only to “flee youthful lusts,” but to “follow after righteousness” (2 Tim. 2:22).

Feeding The Swine

As this reckless son became dissatisfied with the ways of the world and found that his pleasures were as short-lived as his money, he left his wickedness and took a demeaning, but apparently honest, job. Verses 15 and 16 give no indication of continued riotousness as he fed the swine. In fact, it appears he had fled those youthful lusts. He was at the point so many young Christians are encouraged to occupy resisting upon evil, but doing nothing useful! This son realized he could not survive in those circumstances; he was starving to death (vs. 17). How many teenage Christians are starving spiritually because they are told to keep out of trouble without being encouraged to grow?

Servants of the Father

Just as the prodigal son came to himself and returned to his father (vss. 17-21), we must “seek the things that are above” (Col. 3:1). Paul shows very clearly that young and old must empty their lives of evil and fill them with righteous works. 1 Timothy 4:12-16 and 6:9-12 stress that ;resistance of the temptations of the world is only the beginning of obedience. From there we must go on to serve faithfully. 1 Timothy 4:7 seems to sum it all up: “but refuse profane and old wives fables. And exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (emphasis mine – DGA).

Be Merry . . . Together

As we read of the lost son’s return in Luke 15:20-32, we learn two things about rejoicing: (1) his father did not rejoice when the son left his riotous living to feed swine; he rejoiced when the son moved toward his home, and (2) their joy was not when some of them were sitting around “staying out of trouble,” but when all were united in activity.

If young Christians are expected only to attend the regular assemblies of the church and to avoid active sin, they are being locked in a cage which limits their spiritual development. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say they are being locked in a pen to perish with hunger . . . just feeding the swine!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 47, p. 754
November 29, 1979

By Keith Sharp

I appreciate Brother Sasser’s honest and sincere objections to my position. Although we disagree, if my position is correct, our differences are in the realm of liberty. Thus, I will not “brand” Brother Sasser, nor do I fell any bitterness whatsoever toward him. The purpose of this article is to answer his objections. I will do this by making a few general observations and by answering specific arguments.

Brother Sasser charges me with “emotional appeals and excuses.” I leave it to the reader and to the Lord to judge these subjective charges.

He further brands my argumentation as “bringing forth such carnal appeals for our own vengeance.” I fail to comprehend how Brother Sasser logically came to such a conclusion. I specifically stated:

`Resist not evil’ is an absolute prohibition against personal vengeance or even an attitude of resentment as the result of wrong suffered.

When a Christian suffers wrong, he should not `vow to get even’ or seethe in resentment. He should do good to the evil-doer and leave vengeance to the Lord (Rom. 12:17-21).

But Christ does command us not to seek personal vengeance for wrongs suffered.

Is there something in those statements that seems to indicate I espouse personal vengeance?

The truth is, Brother Sasser and I agree on the subject of personal vengeance. We agree on the right of the civil state to exist. We even agree it is God’s instrument for vengeance. We disagree over the Christian’s right to participate in civil government and his right to self-defense.

Because Brother Sasser believes the one who executes the police power of the state exacts personal vengeance, he charges that I believe in personal vengeance. This is a low blow. I specifically disavowed belief in such personal vengeance. I further deny this is the consequence of my position. A police officer who sought to `get even” for a wrong suffered would be rightfully dismissed from the force.

When Brother Sasser admitted, “Civil government has as both its right and responsibility the administration of justice,” he logically surrendered his position. May the Christian not engage in that which is right? Does God have one law of vengeance for the alien and another for the Christian? Is it right for a sinner to be a soldier or policeman but wrong for a Christian? I wonder how Brother Sasser would apply this line of reasoning to divorce and remarriage.

Brother Sasser’s position becomes yet more difficult when he affirms, “civil powers are ordained of God and can be used for our protection” but denies we can help provide that protection. Is it right for Christians to reap the benefits of God-ordained good provided by the sacrificial service of sinners, yet wrong for us to provide that same admittedly good service?

Brother Sasser claims I gave no Scripture that would allow a Christian to personally be a part of this civil government, police, army, etc., and take the steps of vengeance himself. I have a number of verses which pointedly prove this very position. These scriptures were used in logical arguments that present by necessary implication the very proof Brother Sasser demands. I pointed out that, since civil government acts in a righteous capacity in rendering punitive justice (Rom. 13:3, 4), Christians may take part in this process. To deny this, one must take the position that saints may not participate in that which is righteous. I gave examples of Paul appealing to the use of the armed power of the state (Acts 22:22-29; 23:12-24; 25:19-24) and argued that, if it is right to appeal for the use of armed might, it is right to be a part of that armed power, for fellowship of a work is tantamount to participation in that deed (2 Jn. 10, 11).

Brother Sasser ignored the force of these scriptural arguments and demanded specific authority. Such is pure sophistry. I would like to hear him defend the class arrangement for teaching the Bible in debate! I wonder what he would say when his opponent demanded, “When are your classes mentioned in the Bible?”

Brother Sasser noted Brother Bryan Vinson, Sr.’s question, “If a vicious criminal broke into your house and attacked your wife, would you come to her help?” I notice he did not answer the question.

He concludes, “If we are transformed in our minds and bodies and are in harmony with the Lord we will not worry too much about such trivial things.” Brother Sasser, your wife and children may be trivial to you, but mine are not to me! I have the God-given responsibility to provide for them (1 Tim. 5:8). Surely life, safety and protection are provisions they need, and I intend to supply them.

The conclusions reached in my former article stand unscathed. Thank you, Brother Sasser, for taking the time and thought to review the material and to offer your sincere objections. I hope we can be one in these matters.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 46, pp. 746-747
November 22, 1979

By Jim Sasser

In Truth Magazine (Vol. 23, No. 34, August 30, 1979), Brother Keith Sharp had an article on the subject of vengeance. There were several good and timely things said on the subject. But, there were some things that were said that I cannot agree with because I feel that they were statements made without scriptural authority. Let me bring a few of these things to your attention as they were written and then say a few words about them.

Vengeance, As The Word Is Used In The Bible

The word “vengeance” is used 42 times in the KJV of the Bible. All but 3 of these times have reference to God’s vengeance. The remaining 3 are of such nature that they were not pleasing to God. So, we should see by this that God has not left the idea of vengeance in the hands of men to conduct as they please. In studying this subject, one might also take time to study the words “avenge” and “avenger.”

Human Nature

In his article, Brother Sharp said, “Human nature demands revenge for wrong suffered, for this is justice.” I feel assured that human nature will always demand vengeance or revenge, but as far as such always being justified is another matter all together. As far as we can determine from the Scriptures, with regard to the Lord and His faithful apostles, those of our spiritual leaders, none of them sought to avenge himself when he suffered ill treatment. Such should tell us that to seek vengeance is human and not divine. In fact, I think the word human is the crux of the whole matter. It is that which brings about the emotional appeals and excuses that are made by my brethren for getting involved in the vengeance taking business.

Last night, I heard a very fine sermon on the twelfth chapter of the Book of Romans. The preacher started out by using the first two verses as a basis upon which to build. The idea was to accept and apply the first two verses of the chapter and all else would fall into place easily.

Yes, if we would submit our bodies as living sacrifices to God and if we would transform out minds and bring them into harmony with Jesus Christ instead of conforming to this world, this matter of vengeance would be no problem.

Civil Government

Brother Sharp said, “Civil government has as both its right and responsibility and administration of this justice, Rom. 13:3, 4.” I could not agree more. God has set up His avenging body, and that body is the civil government of our land (Rom. 13:1-7). Any vengeance that is to be taken, is to be taken by this body. This avenger can use the legal forces at his disposal to get the job done, such as, the police, army, courts, etc. We, as Christians, must abide by the laws of the civil government, regardless of the nature of the government, as long as such laws do not require us to violate the laws of God (Acts 5:29).

Brother Sharp said, “There are clear apostolic examples that teach a Christian has the right to take all legal measures at his disposal to protect his rights against the onslaught of evil-doers, even to the use of the armed powers of the state.” He then cites Paul’s actions in Acts 23:12-25; 25:9-12. I, too, believe that such civil powers are ordained of God and can be used for our protection (Rom. 13:1-7). But what Brother Sharp has failed to show, even though he advocates such, is any scripture that would allow a Christian to personally be a part of this civil government, police, army, etc, and take the steps of vengeance himself. Paul did not. Jesus did not. Nor did any other who we can read about take such steps of vengeance.

“Vengeance Belongeth Unto Me . . .”

This statement was made by the Lord and not by man (Rom. 12:19-21). It goes on to say, ” . . . . I will recompense, saith the Lord.” The trouble with many Christians today, and seemingly Brother Sharp is included in the number, is that they are not willing to allow the Lord to take the vengeance that He says He will and that He says in His. They desire to do it themselves. They desire to be a part of the vengeance taking force of the land. They, seemingly, would be very willing to be the arresting officer with gun in hand, the prosecuting lawyer, the judge, and finally, the one who would pull the switch to take the criminal’s life. It is the right and responsibility of the civil government to do any and all of these things, but a Christian is not allowed to be a part of such.

Carnal Emotions

Brother Sharp says, concerning the Lord’s statement “resist not him that is evil” (Matt. 5:39), “Is this a demand that Christians must passively submit to any and all sorts of physical violence? Must one watch a maniac kill his family and destroy his property, without lifting a finger to resist? Is this an injunction against Christians serving in the armed forces or on a police force?” He goes on to tell of “an outstanding lesson on the Christian and civil government, defending the right of a Christian to bear arms for his government,” that he had heard some years ago.

Once again, I too, must refer to the very fine lesson that I heard just last evening. Even though vengeance was not the primary subject of the lesson, the failure to transform our lives -and minds into the spiritual channel of God, and the seeming readiness we have for conforming to the world and human nature, are the reasons for our bringing forth such carnal appeals for our own vengeance. We are so afraid of that intruder that is going to break in and take our lives or the lives of our loved ones, that we are willing to take vengeance into our own hands and even kill if necessary. In doing this, we are willing to put the saving of our physical lives above the salvation of our eternal souls (Matt. 10:28).

No Scripture

I know of no scripture that would allow a Christian to participate in any vengeance taking venture. Neither do I know of a scripture that would allow a Christian to be a part of a vengeance taking organization. Do you?

Undoubtedly, Brother Sharp does think that-there are such scriptures for he said, “Our Lord does not demand that we be passive in the face of onslaught and danger. He does allow us to protect our lives, our family and our property. He does not forbid us to serve in the military or police forces.”

The assertion above, and that is all that it is for no scripture was given or can be given, is the fruit of wishful thinking and carnal desires. Brother Sharp can look as long as he wills, but he will not be able to come up with the scripture that will allow Christians to take vengeance for themselves nor to kill in self-protection. This type of worldly thinking will cease when we truly reach the goal that is mentioned in Rom. 12:1, 2. We are afraid that we are going to lose this world’s goods, or our physical lives, or we might have to live in a country that does not have as many earthly freedoms as we have been used to, or we might have to spend a few years in a prison dungeon, etc. So, what if these things do come upon us in our life time? If we are transformed in our minds and bodies and are in harmony with the Lord we will not worry too much about such trivial things. May the Lord bless us to reach that goal.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 46, pp. 745-746
November 22, 1979

By Stephen P. Willis

Every once in a while we hear someone tell another to go to the Devil (or some such phrase). It is usually meant as an extreme sign of contempt for the other. But many people, and some are Christians, are constantly going to the Devil. If they are not careful in what they do, they are going to spend an eternity with him. How often do you go the Devil?

Many people go to the Devil for their philosophies of life. We hear of atheism, agnosticism, humanism and a lot of other “isms.” We hear the attitude that says, “Surely a loving God will save everybody.” Or we hear, “It doesn’t make a bit of difference what I believe or do, as long as I am sincere and try to help my fellow man.” That is the Devil’s advice. The Bible teaches us to be wary of his philosophy: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, rather than according to Christ”‘ (Col. 2:8). Are you going to the Devil?

In connection with the Devil’s philosophies we find those who think that they can be saved apart from the means that Jesus named. “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Any other method that excludes belief and baptism (Mk. 16:16) will not save and is the Devil’s method. Where are you seeking your salvation?

Some would go to the Devil for their occupations. I am referring to those jobs that are sinful, or that lead other to sin. Del Winiger once said, (paraphrasing), “If you have a job that hinders your serving the Lord, quit it, and I’ll guarantee that you will get a better job. It may not pay as much, but it will be a better job.” Amen! Are you getting your job from the Devil?

In relation to our friends, some of us will go to the Devil to choose our closest ones. Certainly we ought to go to our brothers and sisters in Christ first. “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). Probably more important than our friends is our choice of a marriage partner. Parents, teach your children to follow the examples of righteous men and women in the Bible and not to go to the Devil for mates. Paul said that he had the right to have a wife who is a believer (1 Cor. 9:5), although he did not exercise that right remaining single (as far as we know). He taught that saints should not be bound with unbelievers in 2 Cor. 6:14.1 Cor. 7 tells the saints who is already living with an unbeliever not to seek to be released from that bond. But if the mate does die, one should choose another partner (if another is to be sought) from the saints. When one goes to the Devil for a marriage partner, he is bound to have trouble with his father-in-law.

Yet, in another area do we often go to the Devil: our entertainment. Places where lusts are easily aroused, drunkenness is encouraged and the suchlike are certainly not places where a saint ought to be. Consider your entertainments: are they of the Devil? Even proper entertainment can be of the Devil if one engages in it when he ought to be serving God. Do you miss worship services to attend entertaining events?

If one were told to go to the Devil to find reading material would he find what you are reading? As with the forms of entertainment, if you engage only in secular reading and do not study the word of God, you are caught in another of the Devil’s vices. We sometimes think of different kinds of libraries public, private, children’s, etc. Do you go the Devil’s library?

Paul taught the Corinthians of another wrong in which they were going to the Devil. They had legal matters which they thought could not be settled among themselves. While it is true that the powers-that-be sometimes require us to take on to court (to officially file a claim, make a statement, etc.), but there are times when it can be avoided and should be! It is at this time if a brother goes to court against another brother, he has left the arena that God has appointed for these decisions: the church. That one has gone to the Devil for his legal case (see 1 Cor. 6:1-11).

The New Testament speaks of saints’ “leaving their first love” (Rev. 2:4), and that there are things which are not “according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). It makes me wonder why one will try to serve God and Christ at all if he is willing to go to the Devil in some of these other areas. He is not acceptable in so doing. He is wasting his time in both areas. He is not fully serving Christ. He is doing enough to serve the Devil, but he could “enjoy” many more sins, even if it would only be for a reason. Why even worry about doing any good if one will not fully serve Christ? I think that it is because we know to do right is what God desires. We just fool ourselves into thinking that a departure from the true path will not harm our spiritual welfare. It will! Why not make the changes needed to be fully serving the Lord?

Your life may reflect the life of Jesus and you may now be acceptable to Him. It may not be. I hope that none of my readers will find contempt with another and be told to go to the Devil. But, if you do, or you overhear it, please try to remember this short lesson. Where are you going? To Christ or the Devil? With whom will you spend your eternity? With Christ or the Devil? It depends on where you are going now. Go to Jesus!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 46, p. 744
November 22, 1979