Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

No person in his right mind will knowingly harm his body. Yet, there comes a time when a person will consent to allowing a physician to amputate certain parts of his body. We each recognize the principle of sacrificing the lesser good for the sake of the larger good. When a person’s diseased members of his body endangers the rest of the body’s life, the individual will consent to having it removed.

Jesus referred to this principle in His instructions in Mark 9:43-48. Here is His statement:

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Here Jesus placed in contrast the higher good, entrance into life, with the lower good, life in this world with both of one’s members. Let us examine this statement rather carefully.

Literal Interpretation Is Nonsensical

Though I have never met anyone who seriously interpreted this passage literally, to do so would be nonsensical. If one physical hand causes a man to sin and is cut off, the other one would be left to ensnare the individual. The same is true with regard to both the eye and the foot. Hence, to interpret this passage literally is to misunderstand it.

This form of overstatement is intended to emphasize the truth that is taught. The point being emphasized is that there is nothing in this life below that is worth separating us from God and the reward of everlasting life. The eternal damnation in hell is the punishment of sin; there is no sin on earth which can give sufficient pleasure to make it worthwhile to live forever in hell in order to enjoy it now.

Lessons To Be Learned From This Passage

1. There is a heaven and a hell. Those who depreciate the Bible, making it the product of mere man rather than a divinely imparted revelation to man, do not believe in a heaven or a hell. Several sects in denominationalism teach that, though there is an everlasting life, there is not a place of everlasting punishment. Contrary to the teaching of both, Jesus revealed that there is both a heaven and a hell.

Paul believed in the resurrection of both the just and the unjust (Acts 24:15). He revealed that the “righteous judgment of God . . . will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile” (Rom. 2:5-8). This is but the reflection of what Jesus taught in this passage.

There is an eternal life (Mk. 9:43, 45). It is also referred to as the kingdom of God (Mk. 9:47). (This reference to eternal life as the kingdom of God springs from the fact that the kingdom of the Lord is a kingdom which cannot be moved [Heb. 12:28]; it shall ultimately be delivered to God to dwell with Him forever [1 Cor. 15:24].) This life is described as everlasting or eternal (Matt. 25:46). This is the blessed hope of the Christian.

The place of eternal punishment is called hell (gehenna). To show the eternal nature of the punishment, Jesus used two metaphors – where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. The word Gehenna was used to describe the dump outside of Jerusalem. There putrefying bodies of animals were disposed of; the worms could eat the flesh from the bones as it decayed. Too, trash of whatever sort was burned in that valley. The idea of an unquenchable fire and undying worms was a metaphor of eternal punishment. Hence, notice that there is a hell, that it is a place of punishment, and that the punishment is everlasting in duration. Despite the fact that modern theologians have rejected the idea of an eternal punishment and a pie-in-the-sky-in-the-sweet-bye-and-bye,” Jesus still ‘taught that both lie ahead for mankind. You will just have to judge who knows the most about the future, Jesus the Son of God or modern theologians.

2. There is nothing in this life worth the loss of salvation. When Jesus speaks of one’s body (whether his hand, foot, or eye) causing one to offend, he was speaking of one’s body involving him in a sin. Sin, by its nature, separates a person from God (Isa. 59:1-2); it brings, as its punishment, eternal damnation (Rom. 6:23). Hence, Jesus’ point is that anything which will separate us from God and our hope of eternal life is not worth what it costs us.

This lesson is a hard lesson for Christians to learn. We seem to think too much of this world; we forget that everything in it and all of the pleasures which it can offer us are temporal. The pleasures of sin are passing away (Heb. 11:24-25; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). Whatever enjoyment sin can give me, at the best will last only a short time. This fact should never be forgotten.

Christian friend, are you willing to spend an eternity in undescribable pain for the small amount of pleasure which sin can give you? Are a few moments of temporal pleasure which you might enjoy while engaged in an act of immorality with some ungodly man or women worth an eternity in hell? Are the things which you buy for yourself with the money which you should be giving to God giving you a sufficient among of pleasure to be worth spending an eternity in hell in order to obtain them? Is the television show or other recreational activity which you participate in rather than attending worship services giving you so much pleasure that it will be worth the eternity in hell which it is going to cost you?

We both know the answer to these questions. There is nothing in this life able to give us enough satisfaction to make it worthwhile to spend an eternity in hell and to miss heaven in order to enjoy it. Hence, the price of sin is exceedingly high! Satan can give the Christian no bargain when he offers him some temporal pleasure in exchange for his soul.

3. Sin is horrible and has eternal damnation as its punishment. This text surely shows us how horrible sin really is. Jesus proposed that it would be better to lose part of one’s own body rather than to be guilty of sin which would lead to eternal damnation. I can hardly picture such a statement having been said if what some of my brethren are writing is true.

My brethren are telling me that the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ is transferred to the believer so that God sees the perfect obedience of Christ rather than the individual’s sins. If that is so, why is sin so bad? These petty offenses do not separate the man from God; they do not lead to everlasting fire. Rather, God just closes His eyes to these sins. If one accepts this point of view, he will have trouble explaining why Jesus would suggest such radical treatment to prevent being guilty of sin!

The truth of the matter is that every sin which a man commits separates him from God and endangers his soul. Sin, by its very nature, is such that it always separates a man from God (Isa. 59:1-2); the penalty for sin is always death (Rom. 6:23). Hence, man must do everything which he can to avoid being guilty of sin. That is why Jesus used this statement to emphasize our need to avoid being guilty of sin!

Conclusion

Realizing that these things are true – that there is a heaven and a hell, that there is nothing in this life worth the loss of one’s personal salvation, and that sin is horrible and has eternal damnation as its punishment – how then should we live? Obviously, we should consider the higher good as more important than the lower good. Our eternal salvation must take precedence over everything else in life. Anything which gets in the way of our obtaining eternal life must be put out of our way regardless of how much it pains us in this life.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 42, pp. 675-676
October 25, 1979

By Larry Ray Hafley

Question:

From Ohio: “What are some passages provided by God to strengthen the inner man so that the reckless, offensive conduct of someone else will not embitter and destroy my own soul?”

Reply: Numerous passages can be cited. My favorite one in this connection is 1 Peter 2:20-24:

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: By whose stripes ye were healed.

Paul faced anguish of spirit because of “reckless, offensive conduct,” but he did not permit it to embitter him. “When we are slandered, we try to conciliate” (1 Cor. 4:13-NASB). “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world . . . . Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil . . . . At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me . . . . And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:10, 14, 16-18). “If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities” (2 Cor. 11:30). “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Kindred Scriptures offer solace and strength. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (Jas. 1:2, 3). “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3-5). “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41).

Three Things To Do

When one is mistreated, there are three things that will help to dispel malice. Also, these three items have no defense; there is no way for your enemies to forbid them.

(1) Love: God loved us when we were without hope and undeserving. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” So, too, we must love those who abuse us. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matt. 5:44). “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:20, 21). An opponent cannot keep you from loving him.

(2) Prayer: Pray for those who snidely or maliciously malign you – “Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). An enemy might not let you feed him, but he cannot prevent you from praying for him.

(3) Silence: An abusive heart desires a response. Any kind will do. He is ready to pounce on it and use it against you. Often, therefore, it is best to be like the Lord and say nothing (Matt. 27:12-14). “I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me” (Psa. 39:1). Those who are dedicated to degradation and deprecation can “answer” any reply, but they are frustrated by silence. A wicked man will wrest your best words in the worst way, but he cannot grapple with silence.

Psalm 64

Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: Both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: All that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 42, p. 674
October 25, 1979

By Carol R. Lumpkin

This article is written while knowing that about every local church is troubled with some who do not attend all the services of the church that they should. I sense the attitude of such to be that, you cannot prove it to be binding; therefore, it is not essential to assemble. This attitude retards the growth of the church, relates an unholy disposition, services as a bad influence upon others.

Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). When the devil tempted Jesus to worship him, Jesus replied, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matt. 4:10). The church is instructed to assemble to worship God in: song ( Eph. 5:19), prayer (Acts 2:42), preaching or teaching (Acts 20:7), giving as prospered (1 Cor. 16:2), and the observance of the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 11:25-26).

The first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7), the Lord’s day (Rev. 1:10), has been commanded of God as a day of worship; therefore it is binding upon all Christians to observe each week. Those who are not sick, or otherwise hindered beyond their ability to assemble will assemble with the saints for worship. This would mean that social events, fishing, hunting, visiting, vocation, vacation, etc., should not prevent first day of the week worship.

God has ordained that elders rule over His church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 3:1-3). Men who desire the office of an elder and meet the qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9), have the charge to, oversee, superintend, feed, the flock over which they are appointed. To feed the flock may well require additional assemblies that the church might receive sufficient spiritual food. The edification, up building, of each member is essential for the growth and well being of the Lord’s church (Eph. 4:11-16).

God has authorized elders over each church (Ac. 14:23), who watch for the souls of the members (Acts 20:28). Members are subject to the elders who rule according to God’s word. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17).

Elders are to see that church members grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:18). Elders may plan extra studies for such edification of the church. This may include, gospel meetings, singings, lectureships, Bible studies, and prayer meetings. When such services are planned for the growth and development of the membership, all should do their best to be present. Those who willfully fail to obey the elders are in disobedience to God and, thus, sin.

Whether or not the members do or do not attend such services reflects their attitude toward God, the elders, and the church. It is not a matter of, do I have to attend, or whether or not it is binding. The attitude of converted people is that I will do all in my power to be present to study, learn, and to join to the fellowship with God, Christ and fellow saints.

When this life has drawn to a close and when each of us stand before the judgment seat of Jesus, don’t you really believe it will be a plus for a man that he attended the church services while on earth? Think of what it means to please the Lord.

God does not require the impossible from anyone, but he does demand first place in our life (Matt. 6:33; 16:26). I do not believe God has first place in my life when I put myself, other people, or other things, before my service to Him, do you?

Brethren, let us love God and keep His commandments (Jn. 14:15). This will save our souls, bind us together in that one mind and judgment, and make the church strong and united. Will you do your part to make this possible?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 41, p. 668
October 18, 1979

By Earl Robertson

Church government known in the New Testament is purely local. The Scriptures say nothing about universal government of churches of Christ. Each local church is independent of all other congregations. They all work independently of each other and yet they all do the same work; they work concurrently accomplishing the will of Christ. The Lord authorized elders in each church (Acts 14:23). Inasmuch as this is the rule for each congregation it manifests the fact that each church has the same need for the same government.

It was not long, however, until this scriptural independency was ignored and destroyed in unscriptural actions of men. Paul wrote “the mystery of iniquity doth already work” (2 Thess. 2:7). Apostasy in organization was the first major departure from the apostolic pattern in churches of Christ. The “falling away” would come (2 Thess. 2:3). Perilous times would characterize the age (2 Tim. 3:1f). History tells us from Ignatius of Antioch (early in the 2nd century) onward the terms “bishops” and “presbyters” used to designate two different offices. Yet, the New Testament uses these two terms with reference to the same office (Acts 20:17, 28). Lightfoot says, “The episcopate was formed, not out of the apostolic order by localization, but out of the presbyteral by elevation; and the title, which originally was common to all, came at length to be appropriated to the chief among them.”

This departure from apostolic doctrine – bishops overseeing one local church – brought experiences through elevation that they would have never known on a local basis! This reminds me of a letter received the other day from a liberal in North Carolina. He wrote of the church in Cherokee, saying: “The elders of the Concord Road Church of Christ, Brentwood, TN, have the oversight of this mission congregation, and they have requested that I look after the work since I am located only 13 miles from the Reservation.” Shades of Romanism! Why do people, claiming to speak as the Bible speaks and act as it directs, do like this? They cannot take the word of God to guide them in this action because it teaches the oversight of bishops is limited to the church “among” them (1 Pet. 5:1, 2). The liberals should cease being identified as churches of Christ, being unwilling to act within New Testament authority. Let us practice congregationalism!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 41, p. 667
October 18, 1979