Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Why should I become a disciple of Jesus Christ? When so many in our society are choosing to live without a commitment to Jesus, it occurs to me that there might be some need to explain why we think there is an advantage to being a disciple of Christ by explaining what Christ has done for us. Every person might have a different list of things that he would include on his list. However, here are some things that I see as distinct advantages that followers of Christ have over others.

The Follower of Christ Has A Distinct Moral Standard By Which To Live

The need for a clear moral standard has never been more clearly shown than in the recent issues brought before our nation by the impeachment trial of our president. We have been fed a constant barrage of assertions that what the president and his intern do in a consensual way is their business. Indeed, we are being told that same thing about a number of moral issues including the following: fornication, adultery, homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, etc.

The idea that what one chooses to do is his own business may sound good until one starts making application of those principles to his own children. Is one ethical system just as good as another for your children? If you approach your son, suspecting that he might be involved in fornication or drugs, would you accept his explanation if he said, “Mom and Dad, you may choose not to commit fornication or use recreational drugs and I am not condemning you for what you choose to do. However, don’t try to bind your morals on me. I may choose to live differently than you do.” I suspect that most parents will appeal to their children to live by an absolute ethical code and even enact disciplinary punishments for the violation of those ethics.

The Christian has a distinct advantage in rearing his children in this age of moral relativity. The Christian believes that there is an absolute standard of ethics that is applicable to every person in every nation for all time. Sin is wrong because it is a violation of God’s word (1 John 3:4), not because it is a violation of societal ethics or personal conscience. Because there is a God and that God has given us a law by which to live, all men are bound by the same moral code (John 12:48). I can speak with certainty to my children to explain right and wrong to them. The Bible tells us what is right and wrong. Sin is clearly identifiable (Gal. 5:19-21). I can teach these moral principles to my children and encourage them to live ac- cording to them. I can point out the danger of violating those principles: (a) One sins against God; (b) One brings consequences to himself that are painful; (c) One influences society in a negative way.

When one’s child becomes a teenager faced with all the temptations that they will face, his training in moral ethics will largely determine how peaceful the home will be during those years. One of the advantages that the Christian has over the non-Christian is in teaching his children an ethical code.

The Disciple of Christ Has A Greater Commitment to Marriage

Who can deny that marriages are in trouble in America? There are few families that have not been affected by divorce. Acknowledging that none of us is above having problems, we nevertheless assert that the Christian has a better hope of having a stable family life than does the non-Christian. The Christian has a commitment to make the marriage work because of the commandments given in God’s word (Matt. 19:9). Unlike many who believe that marriage is some kind of “trial” arrangement, Christians have a commitment to make marriage endure for life. Jesus said, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6). Paul said that men and women are joined in marriage for a lifetime (Rom. 7:1-6). Only fornication gives the innocent spouse the right to divorce his mate and remarry (Matt. 19:9). There is no honorable way out of marriage except by death, for fornication is a dishonorable end to a marriage for the guilty person.

The Christian believes that the Lord reveals the proper role relationships between a husband and wife (Eph. 5:22- 33). Both husband and wife are encouraged to learn their individual responsibilities and behave themselves in that marriage in keeping with the teaching of God’s word. Biblical training keeps together marriages that otherwise may fail, with both individuals growing to be what God wants them to be. Many of us have gone through rocky times in our marriages, prayed for guidance and strength to work through those difficulties, and committed ourselves to treating our mates like God instructs us to treat one another. Over the years, the eternal principles revealed in God’s word are applied and the couple builds a home pleasing to God.

Wherever I go to preach, I find couples that have been married 30, 40, 50, and a few even 60 years. Have you stopped to consider how rare such marriages are in our age of easy divorce and remarriage? Early in our marriage, my wife Sandy went to a beauty shop. As the conversation occurred, the beautician asked, “Are you married?” She replied that she was. The beautician asked, “How long?” She replied, “Ten years.” The beautician asked, “To the same man?” Her surprise reflects the influence of late twentieth century culture. Why is it thought unusual for one man and one woman to be joined together for life? Because this is contrary to the message that our culture is sending about marriage. If you want a marriage that has a superior chance of surviving, you need to consider what being a Christian does to increase the likelihood of your marriage lasting!

The Christian also believes that he has a responsibility to his children. Fathers are taught to train the children (Eph.

6:1-4). Mothers are also responsible in the work of child- bearing (1 Tim. 2:15). In a day when many mothers abort their babies and fathers walk away from their responsibilities to their children, the Christian has a distinct advantage in rearing his children. No wonder that the incidence of child abuse and children deserted by their fathers is lower among Christians. Where divorce is reduced by the Christian ethic, the home is a more stable environment, giving our children a distinct advantage.

The Disciple of Christ Has A Personal Relationship With God

The children of God are known by God. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). What a beautiful thought is expressed in this. Not only do the children of God know their Father in heaven, but the God of heaven knows me by name. He knows who I am, what I am doing, what my ambitions and desires are, what is happening in my life, etc.  God cares for me. He even stores my tears in his bottle (Ps. 56:8), signifying his awareness of and concern for my needs. He sees our needs and cares for them (John 11:35). We cast our cares on him because he cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).

What a blessed privilege we who are children of God have in that we have the right to go boldly into the throne of grace to find help in the time of need (Heb. 4:16). The child of God has a right to take his concerns to God in prayer because God is his father (Matt. 7:7-11). The privilege of prayer is a blessing that one does not want to face the troubles of life without. Whether Christian or non-Christian, a person faces the troubles common to man, but the Christian faces them with God’s help (1 Cor. 10:13; Phil. 4:13).

The Disciple of Christ Has The Forgiveness of Sins and Hope of Heaven

This is listed last in this article, but not because it is of lesser importance. The child of God has a present peace of mind knowing that he is right with God (Phil. 4:6-7). He has a clear conscience because he has been forgiven (1 Pet. 3:21). Then when death comes, he has the blessed hope of heaven (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Many have forgotten that the Bible speaks of some who have “no hope” (4:13) and who are “without God” (Eph. 2:12).

There is no hope for mankind outside of Jesus Christ. We have all sinned (Rom. 3:23) and the wages of those sins is death, eternal separation from the presence of God (Rom. 6:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). There is no amount of       righteous living, no amount of sorrow, and no restitution that he can make that will take away one sin. There is only one thing that can wash away sins — the blood of Christ Jesus. Unless one turns to Christ for the forgiveness of his sins, he will be eternally doomed to the punishment of hell.

The Christian has the blessed knowledge that his sins have been washed away by Christ. He has hope in his warfare against sin, not based on his perfect knowledge or perfect ability to live by the word of God, but by the grace of God that cleanses us from all unrighteous upon the condition of faith (though not “faith only”).

Conclusion

There are many other advantages to being a Christian. I am confident that any of our readers can easily expand the list that I have begun. We need to meditate on these advantages so that we can praise God, the source of all our spiritual blessings and be prepared to give answer to any who ask us why we choose to be a Christian (1 Pet. 3:15).

 

By David Ferrell

Recent events in Washington have led to an increase in political discussion among the brethren. Like everyone else, I have watched the “Washington Mess” with disgust. As the impeachment drama unfolded, I began to examine the Scriptures concerning what our attitude should be toward government in general, and toward President Clinton in particular.

Any student of history recognizes that the government of Rome in the first century was at least as corrupt and morally bankrupt as any government we have seen in modern times. I point this out, not to excuse President Clinton’s behavior, but in order to examine the attitude of Jesus and his apostles toward a corrupt civil government.

I cannot find a single passage of Scripture where Jesus encouraged his followers to affect change by influencing their government. His only comment concerning our relationship to the government involved the payment of taxes and occurs in Matthew 22:21, where he says, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”

We have two examples of conflict with government that, on the surface, conflict with each other. During his arrest, illegal trial, and execution Jesus refused to fight and did not allow his disciples to do so. He meekly submitted to every- thing they did to him, even though he must have understood better than anyone else the extent of the injustice done him. His attitude speaks volumes about the extent to which we are to submit to government, even when it is acting wrongfully.

The other example appears in Acts 4, when Peter and John defied the authorities who were trying to stop them from obeying the command to spread the gospel. What is the difference? I believe that the difference is that Jesus was in a position to which he could submit without sin (even though he would lose his life), while Peter and John could not submit without sinning. Note that Peter and John meekly submitted to the punishment for their disobedience.

Therefore the principle for us is that we must tolerate government regulation and rule until and unless government tries to force us to sin. For example, if a law says that we must stop preaching against homosexuality, we must disobey, but pay whatever penalty is assessed.

Our Attitude Toward Bill Clinton

First, we need to distinguish between Bill Clinton as a human being, and Bill Clinton, President of the United States. Because I am confident that few of us hold any personal animosity for the President, I will spend little time concerning our attitude toward him as an individual. It is sufficient to say that, as Christians, it is our obligation to pray that Mr. Clinton will come to a knowledge of the truth and be converted. Until this occurs, he stands guilty before God of all his sins, even if he were to transform himself into a model husband and model President.

It is in his second role, as President and leader of our government, that Mr. Clinton poses a somewhat new problem. I know of no other President who has engendered such strong emotions among us. Even the election of President Reagan in 1980 prompted little comment, even though he was divorced and married to woman who was also divorced. But now, we are hearing more and more comment, some of it very bitter. This is wrong.

Romans 13 clearly teaches that we must honor and respect Bill Clinton as President. Some may argue that Romans 13 could not possibly apply to President Clinton, given his immoral character. However, in Romans 13, Paul was hardly speaking of Washington or Lincoln. Paul was speaking to Christians who lived under the thumb of the Roman Emperors; men who crucified Christians by the thousands and used their decaying bodies as torches to light public streets in Rome; and who murdered their own relatives to make safe their thrones; and who indulged themselves in every form of sexual licentiousness, including open homosexuality. There can be no credible argument that Bill Clinton (or any other public official) is so corrupt that Romans 13 should not apply to Christians today.

Can a Christian urge the ouster of President Clinton? Given our form of government, there is probably nothing wrong with an individual Christian believing and advocating any political view that isn’t sinful in itself. But we need to be very careful about keeping our private political opinions away from our worship services and Bible classes.

Not since the civil war have we experienced a time when so many Bible classes, written articles, and even sermons concern themselves with the political topics of the day. Certainly, abortion, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, and such like must be opposed, even though they also happen to be topics of political debate in our country. But some brethren are publicly advancing the idea that all Christians must profess and adhere to “conservative” political philosophy in order to be faithful. Nowhere does the Bible teach such a doctrine. Did Jesus go to the cross in order to make of us Republicans, Democrats, or Libertarians? It should be obvious that one need not even be an American to be a Christian.

In conclusion, as individuals, Christians have the right to be politically active if they choose. We can support, and even campaign for the party or candidate of our choice. But when the “wrong guy” wins, we should be content. We must not rail against the men who hold official power, for such is sinful. As a group, Christians are not at liberty to be politically active. Teaching our opinions about current political controversies has no place in our public worship assemblies and Bible classes and ought not be tolerated, any more than we would allow a political candidate to hustle votes from the Lord’s pulpit. Our public assembly should be focused upon building each other up and converting the world to Christ, not upon politics.

Is it scriptural to describe Christians as watchmen? That is, may we apply the principle of being watchmen, as God did to the prophets of Israel, to the work of preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ in these last days (Rom. 15:4; Heb. 1:1-2)? Some maintain it is wrong to apply the term and principle of “watchmen” to brethren today. They conclude that since the term “watchmen” was applied to the OT prophets we do not have the authority to use the concept it conveys when describing the work of preaching the gospel of Christ. Some have assumed that the OT prophets were given a position of national oversight in their prophetic work, and since there is no brotherhood-wide organization of the Lord’s church, we cannot use the term “watchmen” as we discuss and apply NT truth to the work of evangelists, pastors and teachers (Eph. 4:11). It is concluded that those who would “contend for the faith” must not be described as watchmen (Jude 3; cf. Ezek. 3:17; 33:7-9). In this article, we will see from the Bible that the concept of the watchmen’s work continues to have legitimate application to evangelists, pastors, and teachers in the kingdom of Christ, just as it did when fleshly Israel was the people of God.

Watchmen in the Old Testament

The Old Testament was written for our learning and it helps make us wise unto salvation in Christ (Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:15). From its pages we are given examples which admonish us to avoid sin and to live faithfully with our God (1 Cor. 10:1-12). The admonition to hear and obey the word of God was given to Israel by the prophets. God likened the work of Israel’s prophets to that of watchmen, stationed upon the wall of a city, watching and warning of approaching danger. Israel was brought to judgment for her sin because she failed to heed the word of God which these watchmen spoke (cf. Jer. 6:16-19; 7:21-27). Both the Assyrian and the Babylonian captivities served as divine judgments against a disobedient and rebellious people who rejected the warnings of truth spoken to them by God’s watchmen.

A watchman was positioned upon the wall of a city to see the surrounding terrain and report what he saw (2 Sam. 18:24). His report could be an assessment of what he saw, or a warning based upon what he saw (2 Sam. 18:25-27; 2 Kings 9:17-20). The Lord used this common practice to teach spiritual truths to Israel and the nations:

1. In Isaiah 21:6, he used this figure to announce the fall of Babylon and Edom (“Go, set a watchman, Let him declare what he sees,” cf. Isa. 21:6-9; 11-12).

2. God described his prophets to Israel and Judah as watchmen who had been sent to warn them of the dangers of their sin: “Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen’” (Jer. 6:17).

3. Ezekiel is a specific illustration of a prophet given a word from God which he was to speak to Israel: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me” (Ezek. 3:17).

4. When the prophets (who should have been warning Israel of her sin) refused to issue God’s warnings, he described these watchmen as “blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber” (Isa. 56:10).

Watchmen on the Walls of Zion

God’s prophets also used the term “watchman” when speaking of those who, in the Messiah’s kingdom, would call people to salvation using the word of the gospel:

1. Isaiah 52:7-8: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ Your watch- men shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord brings back Zion.” In this context of redemption who can fail to see the predicted work within the Messiah’s kingdom (his church) of preaching and teaching the gospel to those lost in sin? Yet, we are being told there are no such watchmen in Zion today. Furthermore, those who teach that we need to be watchmen today are accused of trying to oversee and control the brotherhood!

2. Isaiah 62:1, 6: “For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. . . . I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night.” This passage is prophetic of “the Jerusalem that now is,” the church of Christ (Gal. 4:25; Heb. 12:22-23). God says that he has set watchmen upon the walls of Zion in our day. Why should we insist there are not watch- men in the kingdom of Christ, when the Holy Spirit predicted the Messiah would set watchmen upon her walls to pro- claim salvation and to warn souls of sin?

Just as the prophets predicted, Christ has indeed set watchmen in his church. We are not violating scriptural principles or passages to use that term in describing their work. It is scripturally right for us to use the term “watch- man” when speaking of those who labor in preaching and teaching the gospel. Indeed, the NT establishes both the need of every saint to be “watchful” and the work of those to whom Christ has given particular responsibility as “watchmen.”

Be Watchful In All Things

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). The principle of spiritual alertness or watchfulness on the part of every Christian is a prominent theme of the gospel of Christ (Matt. 24:42-43; 26:41; Luke 12:35- 40; 21:34-36; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:6; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 3:2-3). We have the moral responsibility to be watchful for our own souls and the souls of others (Matt. 26:41; 1 Pet. 5:8; Acts 20:31; Eph. 6:18). The real question is, has Christ given any particular “watching” responsibilities to brethren? Who are the watchmen in Zion spoken of by God’s prophet in Isaiah 52:7-8 and 62:6?

Watchmen in Zion

1. Apostles and prophets of Christ: These inspired men, through their work of revealing and confirming the gospel, engaged in the God-given work of watching for the souls of men. Based upon the example of this apostolic work, Christians are entreated to “therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). As the apostles preached the gospel to the whole creation, they acted as watchmen upon the walls of Zion, warning of sin and announcing the way of salvation. Their work as watch- men has not ceased, for as we hear and heed the apostolic teaching, we benefit from their work as watchmen. These watchmen of God continue to function through the God- given word they preached. “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily” (Col. 1:28; cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

2. Evangelists: The work of these uninspired men is to preach the inspired word of the apostles, using it to reprove, rebuke and exhort in the faith (2 Tim. 4:1-2). By instructing men and women in the words of faith and the good doctrine of Christ, these men serve Christ and help save men (1 Tim. 4:6, 16). For instance, as Paul preached he “kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). When evangelists follow this worthy example they participate in watching for the souls of men (cf. 2 Tim. 2:24-26). To be such a “watchman” is not an official designation of superiority or an effort to claim brotherhood oversight, control, or preeminence. It does not establish nor endorse a clergy- laity distinction among God’s people. Rather, it is descriptive of the process of proclaiming God’s word so that others can hear the warning from God’s mouth and obey his word to be saved (cf. Isa. 52:7-8; Rom. 10:13-17). The evangelist who will dutifully stand at the watch given him by Christ will fulfill his ministry: “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5).

3. Pastors: The elders or overseers of individual congregations have the task of being watchmen among the people of God. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account” (Heb. 13:17). Their work as watchmen in Zion is accomplished as they “take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The task of elders is tremendous and vital to the safety of God’s people. When these watchmen are silent, souls will be devoured by sin and error (read Acts 20:29-30). “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). Shall we discard the God-given description of “watchmen” when teaching elders of their work and responsibility (cf. Isa. 62:6)? Was the apostle mistaken when he told the elders of the church at Ephesus to “watch” for the safety of the flock? Of course not!

4. Teachers: Those who teach the word of God are equipping their students with God’s saving word (Acts 8:4, cf. Matt. 28:20). Teachers of the gospel must communicate God’s warnings against sin and its disastrous effects (cf. 2 Tim. 2:24-26). Gospel teachers will equip others with a knowledge of God’s word so that they may be saved from sin (Rom. 1:15-16; John 8:31-32; 2 Tim. 2:2). Without the saving word of the gospel, souls remain lost in sin. One is indeed being a watchman for the souls of others when he teaches the truth to others (cf. Acts 18:26).

5. Every disciple: In a sense, every Christian can be a watchman. Each and every Christian must be aware of the spiritual dangers that exist around them (1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Cor. 2:11). None of us should hold his peace where spiritual dangers exist. Instead, he should speak out (from a love of God, of men and of truth) to warn and save the souls of others (Jude 22-23; Gal. 6:1-2; Jas. 5:19-20). We must be watchful in prayer “with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18). Would we not warn someone if we saw that he was about to plunge off the side of a cliff? Should we not much rather warn those who will, if they continue on their present course of sin and error, plunge headlong into eternal death? How is such a work against the word and will of God?! Jesus exhorts us, “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37)

A Call For Watchmen

The biblical call for watchmen will not establish a “brotherhood watchman society.” Being watchful Christians who sound God’s warning of approaching danger will not establish a creedal approach to determining one’s faithfulness to the Lord. The word of truth establishes that (1 John 1:1- 7; 2:3-6). God’s watchmen will not violate the autonomy of local churches, but they will understand that the need for truth reaches to every soul. We should all come to under- stand that “speaking the truth in love” is not restricted by congregational boundaries (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17).

Watchmen in Zion will sound forth warnings against sin and error wherever it is found — in an effort to turn lost souls away from certain and sure destruction to the salvation found in the Messiah, Jesus Christ the Lord (Jude 3-4, 20-23). Those who watch for the welfare of souls will mark those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine of truth, and turn away from them (Rom. 16:17; 2 Tim. 3:1-5). They will identify false teaching and when necessary, the false teachers of that error so that innocent souls will not be corrupted and lost (Rom. 16:18; Col. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:16-18).

This is a necessary, needed and commendable work. We need God-fearing, truth loving, soul-loving Christians on the walls of Zion, watching and warning to help us avoid sin and live faithfully in Christ. Thank God for the watch- men he has set upon the walls of Zion!