Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

In concluding our study of salvation by grace through faith, let us concentrate on the last verse of Eph. 2:1-10. It states,

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. There are several points regarding this verse which we need to press. Continue with us in studying this material.

We Are His Workmanship

Salvation is God’s work, not man’s Work. The word polema means “that which has been made; a work” (Thayer, p. 527). We are not a new creature in Christ because of anything which we have personally done; we are a new creature in Christ because of God’s work. We need to keep this in mind in order to have a proper concept of salvation by grace.

Man is made a new creature in Christ when he believes the gospel, repents of his sins, confesses his faith before men, and is buried with Christ in baptism. However, faith, repentance, confession and baptism are not able in and of themselves to produce new life. The new life comes through the work of God in Christ Jesus. Hence, we need to be reminded that our new life comes through the work of God. Paul wrote elsewhere, “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:11-12).

What happens in baptism is the work of God. This is the circumcision not made with hands. When we are baptized, we manifest faith in the operation of God; He removes from us that body of sin of the flesh and makes us a new creature in Christ. Hence, without a doubt, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. We are new creatures, not because of anything which we have done (so far as the grounds of our -conversion is concerned, although we receive this gift conditionally) but because of the work which God has done in us. Hence, we are His workmanship!

Created Unto Good Works

The phrase “created in Christ Jesus unto good works” shows the purpose of God’s work in us. The epi is used to express purpose (see Thayer, p. 233). We are created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of doing good works. Let us illustrate what has been done for us.

Suppose that a farmer purchased a combine for $40,000. His purpose for buying that combine would be to harvest his crops. Hence, he purchased the combine to harvest his crops. However, on the day to begin harvesting his crops, he went out, started the engine on his combine, and proceeded down the first row. About mid-way down that row, he noticed that there was nothing in the hopper; yet, the first row was half-destroyed simply by driving his combine over the crop. What do you suppose his reaction would be?

Similarly, what do you suppose the reaction of Jesus Christ is when those whom He purchased with His precious blood (1 Cor. 6:20) for the purpose of doing good works do not perform good works? If you can imagine the farmer’s disappointment when his $40,000 machine fails to do the work which it was created or designed to do, you can understand the Savior’s disappointment when those who were created unto good works fail to do those good works!

The Scriptures repeatedly teach that the Christian is to be active in doing good works. The parable of the separation of the sheep and goats shows that judgment will be based on whether or not we have been active in good works (Matt. 25:31-46). Here are several passages which emphasize the necessity of Christians being involved in the doing of good works:

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (Rev. 14:13).

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

. . . who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Tit. 2:14).

Put them in mind . . . to be ready to every good work (Tit. 3:1).

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world (Jas. 1:27).

These passages, and several others which could be added, show that God’s people are to be people active in the work of the Lord. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Christians are created unto good works and should be active in doing them.

Which God Hath Before Ordained

The pronoun “which” refers to the “good works” which Christians are to be active in doing. Paul’s statement is that God has prepared beforehand the kinds of works which Christians are to be doing. Consider the following comments about this phrase by the different commentators:

Long in advance of doing a single good work God himself prepared and made ready the good works in which he wanted us to walk. Even this God did and not we. All the ways of holiness and righteousness are God’s design and preparation. We need not puzzle about and search for what may please God, he has long ago mapped out the entire course (R.C.H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, p. 427).

They (good works — mw) are the goal to which God’s new creation of us looked; they are also in God’s eternal plan. Before He created us in Christ by our conversion He had destined these good works and made them ready for us in His purpose and decree (S.D. Salmond, “The Epistle to the Ephesians,” Expositor’s Greek Testament, Vol. III, p. 290).

God prearranged a sphere of moral action for us to walk in. Not only are works the necessary outcome of faith, but the character and direction of the works are made ready by God (Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, Vol. III, p. 377).

The phrase is obviously teaching that the works which God wants Christians to do, both collectively and individually, are God-given. He predetermined what He wanted us busy doing.

The difference between revealed religion and humanly,; devised religion becomes obvious by a comparison of the works in which both religions are involved. Those who area walking in revealed religion are busy doing only those works which are divinely authorized in the pages of God’s word. Those who are walking in humanly devised religions are involved in all kinds of works of their own making and choosing. Hence, we see these churches involved in building hospitals, sponsoring boy scout groups, supporting secular education, sponsoring recreation for children and hundreds of other works not authorized in the Scriptures. They say, “What is wrong with this?” The thing that is wrong with it is that God has not ordained that we should walk in them. They are not found authorized in God’s word and that is all that is wrong with them!

The people who lay aside the salvation which is by grace through faith to walk in the works of their own choosing have departed from God. They are in apostasy and fallen away from the revealed religion of God. The salvation which is of grace and through faith demands that the new creatures in Christ walk in the works foreordained of God. Hence, both collectively and individually, we should be busy doing the works of God which are revealed in His word.

Conclusion

Christians are God’s workmanship; He created us in Christ Jesus. We are saved through His operation, not through any works of our own. We have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works; hence, we need to be busy working for the Lord. The works which we are to be busy doing are foreordained of God; hence, we need to be busy doing the works of God.

In summary fashion, let us enumerate the points which we have learned from our examination of Eph. 2:1-10; (1) All men need salvation because all of us are sinners; (2) God manifested His grace toward man in sending His Son Jesus Christ in order that we might be saved. (3) Salvation by grace is conditional salvation. God has offered salvation to all men but men must respond to His offer in order to receive it. (4) Salvation by grace is through faith. Faith comes through the testimony of God’s word. It is used in this part as the sum total of all that man must do to receive God’s gift. (5) Those who are saved by grace through faith are expected to be busy working the works which God foreordained that we should walk in.

A more serious and gratifying subject for study cannot be imagined than the study of salvation by grace through faith. what study is more important to man than the study which pertains to his eternal salvation? I hope that the reading of this material on Eph. 2:1-10 has been half as gratifying to you as the study and writing of it has been to me.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 29, pp. 467-469
July 26, 1979

By Earl Robertson

Paul wrote, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:21, 22). These verses are very revealing, are they not! There are many so-called Christians who, having made this claim for years and years, are yet unuseful. In the kingdom of God, they have accomplished nothing and wonder why. Some seem to never learn that God cannot use a person who will not “purge himself” of sins and “follow after” various virtues.

This purging is not forced, but rather is done by one’s self. Each person must assume this sense of self-duty. It is not a push-button operation! Paul is talking to people who have become Christians. There is another sense in which the Lord purges one (2 Pet. 1:9). When one becomes a Christian, he “puts off the old man” and then “puts on the new.” People form habits which destroy influence and the right to victory in Christ and, when informed of such and admonished, refuse to so purge themselves. The load of sin renders void one’s ability to influentially serve the Lord.

Though one is commanded to purge oneself, this is not all the Lord wants. The Lord wants his people to do righteousness. The above text demands that one follow: (1) righteousness, (2) faith, (3) charity, (4) peace, and (5) have a pure heart. The Bible teaches that the man who “fears God and works righteousness” is accepted with the Lord (Acts 10:34, 35). The commands of the Lord are righteousness (Psa. 119:172). Without faith, one cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). In fact, the one who serves the Lord must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him! We walk by faith, says Paul (2 Cor. 5:7). Furthermore, faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). And without love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3). The Christian is to add love to his faith (2 Pet. 1:7; 1 Pet. 4:8). We are to follow after peace and even the things that “make for peace” (Rom. 14:19). Some who wear the name of Christ often sacrifice the will of Christ and act according to human wisdom thinking this will produce peace! Not true. Do these things and you will be useful.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 29, p. 469
July 26, 1979

By Larry Ray Hafley

Or so says Brother Guy N. Woods in the Gospel Advocate. Referring to the evils and errors of a church in Florida, Brother Woods commented and lamented the fact that an ultra-liberal church was breeding trouble elsewhere. He said, “If she is the mother she must answer for her children.” In this, he is correct. The same thing could and should be said about the Gospel Advocate in general and Brother Woods in particular. Of course, the statement must be revised for Brother Woods, “If he is the Father he must answer for his children.”

Surely, Brother Woods can see the trends of apostasy among his brethren. Does he not feel any personal responsibility for the state of the churches that have followed him and the Gospel Advocate? Twenty-five years ago, the issues were “the orphan home” and “Herald of Truth.” At least, that is what Woods and the Advocate would have had us to believe. The real issues involved the very nature and structure of the church and scriptural authority. If Brother Woods could not see that then (and he was told then), perhaps he can see it now.

This article is not an attempt to smear Brother Woods with contempt. It is more nearly an appeal to him and others to look at the fruit of their own devices. They are having to eat that fruit and choke back what they cannot swallow. It is a losing battle. The end is not yet.

Brother Woods stands now as a toothless, clawless bear against the encroachments of institutionalism. He “only” wanted “the orphan home” and “Herald of Truth,” but he has been forced to accept colleges in the budget, “Church of Christ hospitals,” and other socio-religious institutions “built and maintained” by churches of Christ. Brother Woods must answer for his children. He would like to deny some of them, but the resemblance is too remarkable.

W.L. Totty, Too

W.L. Totty is now an aged man in poor health. He has been one of the leading debaters for institutionalism among churches of Christ. His plight is pitiable. Now, he is spending his later years attempting to clean up the mess his children are making. Brother Totty is also fighting a losing battle. He, with Brother Woods, “only” wanted “the orphan home” and “Herald of Truth.” However, he is too busy trying to hold back the apostasy he has helped to sire to be of much use in defense of benevolent societies and colleges. After seeing and hearing his behavior when he moderated for Brother Woods in Woods’ debate with Carrol Sutton in 1962, I never thought I would be able to say it, but I feel sorry for poor, old Brother Totty.

Here are some excerpts from a fine article written by Brother Totty this Spring. Read it and weep.

Even though I am never surprised these days at what I see endorsed by some congregations which claim to be churches of Christ, I nevertheless feel a deep sadness each time something comes across my desk to remind me of the departure from the word of God. And though I am unable now to fight with much physical vigor with the sword of the Spirit, I still feel the need to sound out warnings to the brotherhood and, yes, even to this congregation about eminent departures from the faith.

When we open the door and allow one innovation to come in, it paves the way for any and all.

Yes, Brother Totty, it does; and you did; and it has. For, you see, Brother Woods was right when he said “If she is the mother she must answer for her children.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 29, p. 466
July 26, 1979

By Johnie Edwards

Recently we had a discussion with some Jehovah’s Witnesses. The discussion centered around the Lord’s Supper. The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach:

(1) The Lord’s Supper should be eaten only once a year. The Witnesses draw this false conclusion from the fact that the Passover was eaten once a year. They argue that Jesus was eating the Passover when he instituted the Lord’s Supper, therefore it should only be partaken of once a year.

Answer: It needs to be understood that the Lord’s Supper is not the Passover of the Old Testament. Just because a thing was done once a year under the Law of Moses, we are not to conclude that it is to be done that way in the New Testament. The Jews went once a year to Jerusalem to keep the day of Pentecost (Deu. 16:16). Must we do that every year now?

(2) That Acts 20: 7 was just a common meal. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in their New World Translation renders Acts 20:7, “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered to have a meal.”

Answer: This rendering of Acts 20:7 is not a translation but rather an interpretation. The Greek does not say “meal.” It says to “break bread” and I do not intend to let the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society interpret the truth for me. Do you? The context of Acts 20:7 shows it was not just a common meal.

(A) If it was just a common meal why did Paul remain in Troas for seven days? “And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days” (Acts 20:6).

(B) If those in Acts 20:7 were just eating a common meal why is it specified that they ate it on the first day of the week? Did they eat common meals on other days of the week? “And upon the first day of the week . . .” (Acts 20:7). It is not a common meal but rather is an apostolic example of when the church ate the Lord’s Supper.

(C) If Acts 20:7 is a common meal why did they `gather together’ for it? “. . . when we were gathered together to break bread” (Acts 20:7). Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. The church at Corinth was told not to come together in the assembly to eat common meals. “What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? . . . .” (1 Cor. 11:22) “And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation . . .” (1 Cor. 11:34). Also the phrase “were gathered” (Acts 20:7) implies that someone with authority had ordered them to meet together.

(D) If Acts 20:7 is a common meal why is it separate from Paul’s eating or breaking bread in Acts 20:11 ? “When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed” (Acts 20:11). The passages in Acts 20:7, 11 are parallel to those in Acts 2:42, 46. Breaking of bread in Acts 2:42 refers to the Lord’s Supper while verse 46 refers to a common meal. The context shows this to be so.

(E) Jehovah’s Witnesses say that Acts 2:42 refers to the “taking of meals. “If this is so, why is it mentioned as part of and along with acts of worship?

Perhaps one reason Jehovah’s Witnesses want to get the Lord’s Supper out of the Bible is because the Lord said the Lord’s Supper would be inthe kingdom (Matt. 26:29; Lk. 22:29-30). Those in Corinth were communing with Christ (1 Cor. 10:16), then they had to be in the Kingdom. But Jehovah’s Witnesses tell us that the Kingdom was not in existence then? One fasle doctrine leads to another.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 28, pp. 461-462
July 19, 1979