Truth Magazine

By Keith Ward

The Bible never adopts those scientific fallacies current at the time of its writing. As often stated, the Bible is not a scientific textbook, but wherever it does touch upon scientific topics, it is accurate. However, the search to produce more evidence of this nature has led to the careless misuse of scripture, if not to the outright wresting of God’s word.

Potential Faith Destroyers

The Bible will stand on the basis of internal evidences, i.e. fulfilled prophecy, the character of Jesus, the veracity of the apostles as witnesses, its unity, et al. External evidences, i.e. archaeology, scientific accuracy, historical accuracy, et al., may enhance one’s faith, but faith should not rest on them. Many times these have been contrary to the Bible record for decades until further evidence came to light. If one tries to build another’s faith by external evidences alone, and he then discovers those evidences still contrary to the Bible, what will become of his external-evidences-faith? Furthermore, if we misuse scripture to make it foreshadow some scientific discovery (wittingly or not) how will the discovery of this misuse affect his faith which was based on what he now sees to be false foundations? What will this misuse do to our integrity and credibility concerning the meaning of other scriptures that relate to his salvation? May not such action even reflect upon the integrity of the Bible?

A Key

A simple guide to our study will prevent much of the current misuse of scripture in this area. Study the passage in its context. Ask yourself, “Would I have drawn the conclusion that it referred to the proposed scientific fact from the passage alone?” To carry the fact to the Bible, searching for a verse to foreshadow it, is no less reprehensible than carrying a doctrine to the Bible, searching for verses to prove it.

Some Valid Cases

To illustrate our key from the positive side, let us notice some cases where either the fact was discovered as a result of Bible study, or where the Bible alludes to the fact in its own context, apart from consideration of our present scientific knowledge. Without doubt, the most dramatic of these is the case of Maury, a seafarer, who read Psalm 8:8 and searched and found paths (currents) in the seas.

Job contains several statements which evidence scientific knowledge beyond that believed to have been current in his time

(1) 26: 7. The earth hangs on nothing. It is not built on pillars, nor does it rest upon a turtle’s back or upon Atlas’ shoulders. Any Bible believer would reject those possibilities, by faith, long before Newton or Copernicus. (Inasmuch as Job said this of his own will, it would behoove us to be cautious in applying Middle Ages ignorance to Bible characters.)

(2) 26:7. The north sky is an empty space. Not only is this observable to the naked eye, but even the most powerful telescopes have found no stars there.

(3) 38:25-26. Lightning causes rain. The statement is clearly not figurative, and we have to accept it, although most of us have seen it rain without seeing lightning. Science says the static discharge must be there or rain will not form.

Other cases of scientific foreknowledge in the Bible are: the stars are innumerable (Jer 33:22), earth is round (Prov 8:27), rain comes from the sea via the water vapor cycle (Job 37:27-28; Eccl 1:7), all living things reproduce after their kind (Gen 1), and life is in the blood (Lev 17:11). In all probability this list is not complete; neither is the following list of abused passages, but it is hoped that it will suffice to arouse a spirit of caution in these matters.

Figurative Made Literal

One of the more common fallacies, whether in the field of doctrine (premillennialism) or in evidences, is to apply a figurative expression literally. By doing this we can prove any doctrine, and greatly expand our list of cases where the Bible anticipates modern science.

In a highly figurative passage, God asks Job where he was when He laid the foundations of the earth, and at that time, “The morning stars sang together” (Job 38:4-7). As incredible as it may seem, some have applied this singing of the stars at creation to the modern discovery that stars emit radio and radar sounds. Next, science will discover a phenomenon that will correspond to the last half of the verse, “All the sons of God shouted for joy!” Or that the sea literally has doors with bars, rather than this being a figure for the bounds of the seashore (vs. 8-11). Even if this passage were accepted as literal, the time is wrong to match the radioemission of sounds by stars today, for the singing of this passage took place when God laid the foundations of the earth, i.e. at creation. The one who finds literal stars emitting literal sounds in Job 38 logically cannot complain when another finds a literal thousand year reign of Christ on the earth in Revelation 20.

Also, in the same passage, God asks, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the cornerstone thereof?” Until 1964, any who read this carefully would conclude only that God created the earth and that the reference to foundations was a figurative equivalent for he “hangeth the earth upon nothing.” But when seismic reports from the 1964 Alaska earthquake established that the continents had foundation-pillars averaging 310 miles deep into the mantle rock, suddenly Biblical scholars (?) discovered that “earth” here contrasted to sea and meant the dry land earth as in Gen 1:10. Sounds good, but since the interpretation came after the discovery, it is, at best, suspect. Like most doctrines which search for a text instead of deriving from one, it fails under careful study.

Note expecially the question, “Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened?” If God were referring to the continents, then a schoolboy could have replied, “In the inner parts (mantle rock) of the earth.” God’s rhetorical question is intended to be unanswerable, of the type asked by philosophers, “Where did Atlas stand? What held up his standing place?”

Normally, in Job as in other scripture, the term “earth” refers to the globe and is not limited to the dry land. Whenever it is so limited, the immediate context so indicates as in “dust of the earth,” “grass of the earth,” etc. In the absence of such a qualifier here, we conclude that earth is used in the normal sense of the whole terrestrial ball.

If there is a commentary that examines this passage and concludes the dry-land-earth must have pillars fastened within the central parts of the earth, and advises us to accept such on faith since God said it and/or advises scientists to search for proof-bring it forth. Delitzsch concludes, as above, that it is equivalent to the “earth hangs on nothing,” but then he had no post-1964 theory to uphold.

Another stretch of figures is to find literal springs and canyons in the sea in Job 38:16. Consider the verse in light of our key and note the following points. Both the KJV and marginal reading of the ASV have “search” instead of “recesses,” upon which the canyon theory rests. We paraphrase the question thus, “have you known (walked NASV) the extent of the ocean depths.” To get from search (or recess of the deep, the entire ocean, to canyons within the ocean is quite a stretch. The same shifting of prepositions, from “of’ to “in” is needed to make this verse match the discovery of freshwater springs in the ocean. All my limited sources (KJV, ASV, Delitzsch, NASV) agree in the use of “of.” The Missouri river has many springs in it, but when we speak of the springs of the Missouri, we are referring to source. Also note that God points out Job’s ignorance in a series of questions that concern source: “Gates of death, Dwelling of light,” Place of darkness, “Treasuries of the snow . . . of the hail” (vs. 16-24). None of the context is literal. By subject matter and by choice of preposition the Holy Spirit speaks of source. Therefore, to literalize the passage, then to change prepositions to make it match a modern discovery does violence to God’s word.

Twice the scriptures speak of the heavens waxing old like a garment (Psa. 102:26; Isa 51:6). The Psalm is a hyperbolic contrast between their longevity and God’s. Likewise, the passage in Isaiah is an exaggeration to emphasize the abiding nature of God’s salvation and righteousness. That truth cannot be deduced from the exaggerated figure of a hyperbole should be patent. Consider another hyperbole, “It is harder for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Many have deduced there must be a gate in Jerusalem called the needle’s eye where camels had to kneel to enter and this represented the humility necessary for a rich man to enter. It is true, humility is necessary, but if there was such a gate, why did the apostles not understand (since they would know of this hypothesized gate) instead of believing it impossible for the rich to be saved? And why did Christ accept the impossibility of this for men and say it would take the power of God, if the answer were to be found in a narrow, low gate? Archaeology has found no such gate. Do not forget the point this illustrates, “A deduction cannot be made from the figure in a hyperbole.” It does happen that entropy, the law that everything is wearing out, fits with the idea in the figures of the heavens waxing old. However, to say that entropy is inherent in either statement, i.e. that it may be deduced from them, would logically force one to apply the same method of interpretation to all hyperboles and go needle-gate hunting, and take sillv positions on other exaggerations for emphasis found in the scripture. Entropy is true. The heavens are wearing out. In neither context does that phrase point to or foreknow the modern law of entropy.

Some other instances where figures are misused are: radio foreshadowed (Job 38:35), aviation developed beyond present refinement (Isa 60:8), Earth’s rotation revealed (Job 38:14). Check these, and any others not reviewed, carefully within their context lest you repeat error. (Concluded next week.)

Truth Magazine XXII: 46, pp. 748-750
November 23, 1978

By Mike Willis

If one spends all of his time in his study reading the doctrines circulated by journals across the nation, he is inclined to become somewhat pessimistic regarding the prospects for the future for the Lord’s church. In any given month, I received periodicals promulgating the grace-unity heresy in the form of the following: Ensign Fair, Restoration Review, Mission, and Integrity. Then, I receive some periodicals which circulate the idea of the sponsoring church, church sponsored recreation, church contributions to human institutions in the form of the following: Gospel Advocate, Firm Foundation, Gospel Truths, Spiritual Sword, etc. Other periodicals cross my desk designed to teach peculiar views about marriage,, divorce, and remarriage (such as Bible Forum), the one cup arrangement (Old Paths Advocate), “the church-isthe-only-collectivity-authorized-to-preach-the-gospel” (Gospel Anchor), and other peculiar doctrines.

Sometimes I become rather discouraged when reading these periodicals. I tend to think that we are destined to fragment and divide ourselves to death. One man said, “When I was young, I was determined to save the world. Later, I saw the problems in the church and I was determined to save the church. Now, I am just working to save myself.” That is, indeed, a rather pessimistic view of our work. Is there any cause for optimism?

I think that there is. I have been impressed during the recent months that I have added the “Quips and Quotes” section to the paper at the number of reports which I have received indicating the growth of the Lord’s cause in a number of places. We are constantly receiving reports of new works being started, elders being appointed, and growth in hundreds of local churches. Yes, there is cause for optimism among the Lord’s people.

I was privileged to be with the Lyon’s Chapel church in Tompkinsville, Kentucky for a gospel meeting last week (August 28-September 3). On the last day of the meeting, we baptized a young couple into Christ. While returning from baptizing this couple, Brother Earl Robertson remarked that he sees the same thing happening everywhere he is going. He stated that the liberals are baptizing large numbers of children through their work with the bus ministry but that in the churches with which he is working he is witnessing the slow, steady growth of the local congregations through the conversion of young married couples who are won to Christ.

Churches all over this country are experiencing steady growth through their evangelization programs. Their growth does not draw the attention of the world or of the brotherhood but they are, nevertheless, steadily reaping the Lord’s harvest.

Where Are The Lord’s People?

Actually, we need to remember just where the Lord’s people are. Sometimes, we tend to think that the Lord’s people must be doing big things in a big way. Men are impressed when churches have a $2,000,000 contribution on one Sunday; men are impressed when churches report the baptism of 15-20 in one gospel meeting; men are impressed when a congregation reports that it has tripled its Sunday morning attendance through the bus ministry. But, that does not necessarily say that the Lord is equally impressed.

More frequently than not, these types of reactions are caused by worldly promotionalism. A congregation will get someone skilled in PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) who can motivate people to give large sums of money. When the contribution is high, they state that their members are devoted to the Lord; more likely than not, they were simply emotionally stirred in the same fashion as the denominationals stir people up. Or, a group will brag about its numerical growth through the bus ministry. They fail to relate that in order to have this growth that they have bribed young people to ride the “Joy Bus.” Furthermore, they do not relate that they are feeding the children soft drinks and cookies, having to conduct a “Kiddie Church,” and still face problems of destruction of church property and disorder in worship.

My brethren, this is not where the Lord’s people are. I have seen the Lord’s people. They are the handful of brethren who have tried to stop the denominationalism in congregations without success who, in desperation, were forced for conscience’s sake to begin a new work. They located a residence which they converted into a meeting house in which they met for several years until they could afford land. Then, all of the members pitched in and helped to erect a nice meeting house. During this time, they have grown from 30-40 to about 100. In the years immediately following, they soon grow up to 200 members. Their growth has come through dedicated and consecrated Christians winning their neighbors to Jesus Christ. This is where the Lord’s people are.

There is, indeed, a cause for optimism among us. We see these churches all over the country. They are struggling at the present but they are growing. Let the liberals announce the burial ceremony as often as they like, the Lord’s people will not be defeated. In the years to come, we are likely to witness the “anti” churches become more numerous than the “liberals,” even as happened when the split occurred over instrumental music. The “Liberals” and “Progressives” in each instance took the greater number of churches. In time, however, the ones who took their stand with the Lord began to outnumber the “liberals” who forsook the Lord. Brethren were at first attracted by the innovations but soon the new wore off. Then, the thing which attracted the crowd was replaced by something else which attracted the crowd. Each new innovation was further removed from Christ than the one before. Digression curs with rapid speed.

On the other hand, those who are converted by the simple message of Christ continue to be drawn by the simple preaching of the gospel. So long as God’s word is expounded they will continue to support the work and try to win others to Christ. There will continue to be cause for optimism so long as the gospel is preached. God has promised that His word will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it (Isa. 55:8-11); it will not return to Him void. Let us trust His promise and continue to be dedicated the preaching of the word.

Truth Magazine XXII: 47, pp. 755-756
November 30, 1978

By Herman Mason

The Bible is a great book. In fact it is The Great Book. It came from God and contains the very things God wants us to know so that man can prepare himself for heaven. This alone ought to be reason enough to cause man to study the Bible. However, let us consider a few other reasons:

1. Ignorance (Lack of Knowledge) Leads to Error. God said to His people through the prophet Hosea many years ago, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Jesus said to the Sadducees, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures” (Matt. 22:29). There are two reasons why people do not do God’s will. (a) They do not know, or (b) They do not have the proper respect for what God says in His word. We need to accept His word as the word of God, and not as the word of man (1 Thess. 2:13). Since it is necessary to do the will of God in order to get to heaven (Matt. 7:21; Rev. 22:14) our desire to know what God’s will is ought to cause each one of us to diligently search the word of God so that we might know. We cannot do until we know. Any substitute for God’s word is error and will not be acceptable to God.

2. One Must Know Before He Can Teach Others. What is taught must be what the apostles and other inspired men taught (2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Peter 4:11). In fact, he who teaches otherwise will “be accursed” (Gal. 1:8, 9). All Christians ought to be teachers. The writer of Hebrews rebuked those to whom he wrote for not. being able to teach others (Hebrews 5:12-14). This, I am afraid, is the sad spectacle of too many professed followers of Christ today. Peter says we are to give answer for the “reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). The only way this can be done is by having a knowledge of God’s word. This comes by study.

3. Because God’s Word Is Eternal (1 Peter 1:23-25). Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). God’s word is the only reliable source to which man can go for information concerning spiritual matters. Our faith needs to be not “in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:5). The statement by Solomon, “Fear God, and keep his commandments” is just as true today as when Solomon penned the statement (see Acts 10:34, 35). We hear David saying “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:104, 105).

4. We Shall Be Judged by God’s Word. Jesus said, “The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). This happens to be one of my “pet” verses. I emphasize it at all times in my preaching. We know exactly what the standard of judgment will be. We therefore, should have a desire to know what it is. Paul also informs us that the gospel of Christ will be the standard of judgment (Romans 2:16). Since he taught “the commandments of the Lord” he taught what the Lord had spoken. We know then exactly what the Lord will hold us responsible for. It will be the word of God as contained in the New Testament scriptures. This ought to be reason enough for anyone to study God’s word. It will be indeed a poor excuse for you or me to say on the day of judgment, “I didn’t know” with so many Bibles in this land.

Let us then take advantage of the privilege we have now to do as Paul told Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15). This is the way we come to know God’s word.

Truth Magazine XXII: 47, p. 754
November 30, 1978

By Ron Halbrook

For The Truth’s Sake,” the Holy Spirit through the Word of God convicts men of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-13). All men are is sin until they believe and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). Not only do the excesses of drunken debauchery condemn us in sin and unbelief, but also the very common practice of reveling. Reveling is not a drunken stupor in which one is unable to coordinate his muscles. The reveler may sing and shout and dance until late at night, and frequently he adds the stimulation of an intoxicant-wine, beer, or whiskey. In short, reveling may be defined as party making under the influence of intoxicants.

Historians find references in ancient classical writers to the “rousing drinking parties, with magnificent goblets,” enjoyed by Persians kings (Biblical Archaeologist, Vol. 38, Nos. 3 & 4. pp. 69-70). Lavish entertainment was also provided. An example of this is found in Esther 1. At a great celebration, the king “gave them drink in vessels of gold,” became “merry with wine,” and then commanded his queen to make a display of her personal beauty before the crowds. When she refused, he flew into a rage, and eventually deposed her. This occurred in the 6th century B.C. Earlier in that century, Belshazzar drank wine in a feast and was moved to drink it from “the golden and silver vessels” which had come from the temple of God in Jerusalem. God condemned the king to death (Daniel 5). Respect for truth and moral convictions are loosened by intoxicated party making.

Some people say they oppose drunken debauchery, but they will defend reveling. Churches sometimes give parties with singing, dancing, and drinking into the late night and early morning hours! To raise money for “the Lord’s Work”! The Bible calls such activities “the works of the flesh . . . drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21). Sin cannot be chaperoned or condoned. To compromise with such sins as “revellings” is to leave “the will of God” to live “in the flesh to the lusts of men” (1 Pet. 4:1-3).

Reveling is sinful. Like any sin persisted in, it leads a person further and further from the cross of Jesus Christ. Lives become tangled more and more in sin and unbelief, hearts so hardened that the call of the gospel will be forever unheeded. Christians need to confess and turn away from such wrongs, praying God’s forgiveness. All men need to become conscious of their sins-such sins as reveling-and obey the gospel before it is too late. By faith in Christ, be born of the water and of the Spirit (John 3:1-16).

Truth Magazine XXII: 46, p. 745
November 23, 1978