Truth Magazine

By Mackey W. Harden

The term “cover-up” is defined in the following manner; “any action or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure” (Random House College Dictionary). Our society has become very familiar (especially in politics) with various attempts to prevent investigations into certain matters. The tragic ordeal of the Watergate affair still lingers in the minds of many. Congress is now in the midst of trying to unravel yet another attempt of “cover-up” (Korean scandal). When man breaks the civil laws of our country, he will pay for these crimes unless he is able in some way to conceal them and keep them from being exposed.

The Bible gives us many examples in which someone has tried to conceal something from God. As our minds wander back to the earliest days of man’s existence, we see the first attempt of a cover-up, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, which brought about the first sin. They realized immediately they had done wrong. They hid themselves from the presence of God among the trees of the garden (Gen. 3:8) .They learned quite fast that they could not cover-up something from God. Since this incident, many people down through the centuries have tried to use a cover-up when they need to hide or conceal something, whether it be from his fellow-man, or from God.

In Acts 5:1-11, we have recorded another example of an attempt to cover-up something from God. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of land they owned and kept back part of the price. They brought part of this money and gave it to the apostles. They tried to cover-up their scheme of trickery by pretending to give the full price of the land. The lie they told concerning this might have been concealed from man, but it could not be hidden from God. Peter told Ananias, “. . . why hast thou conceived this thing in throe heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:4). An attempt to cover-up things from God did not succeed in the long ago, and will not succeed now.

I would like to turn our attention now to what I consider one of the most significant cover-up attempts in the history of man-kind. In Matt. 27, we have recorded the crucifixion of our Lord. After his death on the cross, Jesus’ body was given to Joseph of Arimathaea. He took our Savior’s body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb (Matt. 27:59-60). Later on, some of the chief priests and Pharisees came to Pilate, and told him that Christ said He would rise again after three days. They tried to persuade Pilate to make sure the tomb was guarded very securely until the third day. They did not want Jesus’ disciples to come by night and steal his body away, and then make the claim that he had risen from the dead. “Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch” (Matt. 27:65-66). Notice if you will, the many safeguards that were used to prevent Jesus’ body from being taken from the tomb! The Pharisees were not afraid that Jesus would rise from the dead (they thought he was an imposter). They were afraid His followers would steal his body, then make it appear as though Christ had risen from the dead. Indeed they worked with great intensity to be sure that His body could not be taken.

When the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door of the tomb, the soldiers on watch became very frightened (Matt. 28:1-4). Later, some of them went into the city and told the chief priests all that had transpired. The chief priests, along with the elders, gave a large amount of money to the soldiers. In return for this money, the soldiers were ordered to cover-up what had taken place. They were instructed as follows, “Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept” (Matt. 28:13). They were paid large sums of money to lie, and try to conceal the true facts concerning the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! This is without doubt one of the greatest cover-up attempts of all time. These men failed in this attempted cover-up because they were found to be tampering with the very plan of God Almighty! They realized after the resurrection of Jesus, that He was truly the Son of God. They wanted with all their might to conceal and hide this from the people.

All the steps that were taken to guard the body of Jesus were to no avail whatsoever. Jesus came forth triumphant from the grave! He had, indeed, conquered the reigns of death. In Acts 2:24, Peter says concerning Christ’s death, “Whom God bath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” Yes, Christ arose from the dead and makes it possible for all men to be made alive (1 Cor. 15:20-22).

The death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the very basis of Christianity (1 Cor. 15:1-4). If Christ had not risen from the dead, man would have no hope for eternal life. To try and cover-up such an important event as the resurrection of Jesus was but a vain and futile attempt. Yet, I guess as long as man lives there will be those who continually try to conceal things from his fellow-man and from God. Maybe someday man will learn to be honest and sincere in the sight of God, and maybe then, there will not be a need for a word such as “cover-up” to be found in our dictionaries. Let us pray to this end.

Truth Magazine XXII: 44, p. 706
November 9, 1978

By Harry L. Lewis

On May 22, 23, 25, 26 Brother John McCort met Brother James Thompson in a public discussion. It is getting more and more difficult to find any preacher who will defend what he teaches in such a discussion. This is especially true of our liberal brethren. These brethren have a rather difficult time putting into words what they really believe about some of the questions that divide us. 1, for one, believe both of these men are to be commended for their willingness to defend what they teach on these important subjects. A discussion such as this is a very good way to seek the Bible answer to these questions. The proposition which was discussed reads as follows: “It is scriptural for churches of Christ to support benevolent institutions out of the treasury which care for orphans and aged saints.” Brother Thompson affirmed and Brother McCort denied. The last two nights the word “not” was added before scriptural, and Brother McCort affirmed and Brother Thompson denied.

Brother Thompson started out on Monday evening with the restored home argument and never stopped using it throughout the debate. He said, the church was commanded to relieve certain persons, and a home was just a systematic arrangement to carry out this command. He also said, these benevolent societies (i.e. care institutions) are just restored homes. He made the statement several times during the debate that the church could support a home but it could not be a home. Brother Thompson said these restored homes were divine institutions! The Scriptures used to show that they were divine was 2 Cor. 8-9, where Paul and the messengers were mentioned. He said this was a separate organization from the church since they administered the funds. He says this is “a Bible plan,” a “pattern.” Bother Thompson made the usual arguments on Gal. 6:10 and James 1:27, trying to show that they were church action and not individual action only.

Brother McCort began early to put pressure on Brother Thompson to show the authority for his practice of supporting the organizations he called the “home,” and at the same time show why he would oppose other organizations formed by brethren to preach the gospel. Brother McCort used a chart he called “Bait and Switch” with telling effect throughout the debate. This chart shows how many of these brethren go to great lengths to prove it is the church’s responsibility to care for the needy and just as soon as they get folks convinced that the church must do it they change it from the church to these organizations called a “home.” The bait and switch is also used in relation to the church local and the church universal. When these folks argue for these organizations they argue that each local church has responsibilities in this area and then switch to the church universal. There are no local congregations over most of these institutions in question. Brother McCort showed that God had specified which organization was to provide care for those for whom the church is to care. That organization is the local church. Brother McCort pressed for some Bible principle which would authorize some brethren to build several kinds of organizations and then label them all divine without opening the door to denominationalism.

Brother McCort drew a parallel between the use of “administered” in 2 Cor. 8:19, and the same word used in Acts 6:2-3. He showed that if the word authorized a separate organization to do benevolent work, then the same word in connection with preaching would allow the Missionary Society to do the work of preaching.

This debate is on cassette tapes and may be obtained from Brother John McCort, 5355 Mooresville Rd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46241. John also used 78 original charts that are, in my opinion, the best there are. These charts will be available from Truth Magazine Bookstore. John McCort did a fine job in this debate, both in making preparation, and in delivery of his speeches. He is to be commended for his efforts.

Truth Magazine XXII: 43, p. 699
November 2, 1978

By Pat Higgins

The book of James stresses the trial of a man’s faith and a positive way of maintaining stability. The writer tells us that at times we will be surrounded or encompassed about with trials and temptations, but even then we should regard it a wholly joyful occasion (Jas. 1:2).

How can a man possibly rejoice while undergoing trials and persecution? He can rejoice in that the testing of his faith can prove its genuineness and, therefore, bring about staying power or endurance. Anyone who has come through a period of temptation victorious over trials can rejoice in that accomplishment. More important, upon request, God will grant a man the wisdom to cope with and endure each temporary trial; and he rejoices, knowing that perseverance will be rewarded by the crown of life (1:5, 12).

However, this wisdom is granted only to him who “asks in faith, nothing wavering” (1:6), or “without any doubting” (NAS). One whose faith is “wavering” is an individual who is “divided against one’s-self,” who has “vacillation of mind.” James provides a most vivid picture of such wavering, “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Such a wave has no stability and is driven to and fro at the mercy of the wind. A man with internal doubt/ wavering likewise, has no stability or confidence in God to perform that which He promised; therefore, he cannot approach God in prayer with any degree of assurance (1:7). He is tossed to and fro by external pressures, indecisive and unsure of God’s care.

One of two things is true when a man’s faith wavers: (1) He doubts his own ability to cope, and/or (2) He doubts God’s faithfulness and ability to strengthen him. On either count he errs. The Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). To cope with the trials of daily living with the stability of wisdom, we see two things are required in the aforementioned verse: (1) The confidence of man, and (2) The strengthening faithfulness of God.

A man may say, “I know God will do His part, but I just can’s handle my part.” Is this not doubting God? Because He said if a man lack wisdom to endure divers temptations, he should pray for wisdom and “it shall be given him” (1:2-5). God says a man can handle it, because He will grant him the wisdom to do so. Who would dare to deny the Almighty God the power to do so. He is “. . . able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).

Wisdom is simply the practical use of knowledge, and the Lord has promised to give it to those who ask (keep on asking, continually turning to God for guidance) in faith. Should this not be cause for rejoicing?

Do you lack wisdom? Ask of God. . . in faith. . . nothing wavering… and it shall be given.

Truth Magazine XXII: 44, p. 710
November 9, 1978

By Mike Willis

The June 25th issue of the Midtown Church of Christ Bulletin (1701 Oakhurst-Scenic Dr., Fort Worth, Texas) related the results of a survey which was taken in one of their ladies’ classes. Here is a quotation from that article:

There were about 40 ladies present in the class room. The subject for the day was “Blessed Assurance.” The class began with a survey. The single question on the survey was, “If you died today, do you think you would go to Heaven?” The results were surprising, baffling and disappointing.

About 60% of the ladies answered that they did not think they would go to Heaven should they die that day! About 20% said they would! And the remaining 20% said they could not be sure.

I am afraid that whether we like to admit it or not, this survey reflects the thinking of a goodly portion of us. We are hesitant to affirm with confidence that we are saved. Sometimes, we even portray to others a definite uncertainty about whether or not we are saved. Hence, we lack the “blessed assurance” of knowing that should Jesus come today or should we die this night that we would definitely be saved.

Some have latched on to this certain problem among us and have given a false confidence based on the false doctrine of the imputation of the perfect obedience of Christ to the believer’s life. According to this theory, the Lord clothes the believer in the robes of the perfect obedience of Christ so that rather than the child of God being viewed as one who is constantly going in and out of a right relationship with God because of the sins which he commits, the Lord sees only the perfect obedience of Christ. The perfect obedience of Christ, according to this theory, is imputed to the believer to cover his sins of ignorance and the weaknesses of the flesh. This is, indeed, a comforting idea but it is not a biblical one. There are no passages which teach that the perfect obedience of Christ is imputed to anybody!

Yet, we must testify that those who have written about the perfect obedience of Christ being imputed to the believer have zeroed in on a definite problem among us-the uncertainty of salvation which many among us feel. The Bible does have somewhat to say on the fact that we can be saved and we can know that we are saved. Christians ought not to breathe doubt regarding their spiritual relationship to God. If any person has confidence that he is saved, it should be the Christian. So, let us consider how a man can know that he is saved and have the blessed assurance of salvation when he dies.

Assurance Rests On God’s Promises

Man’s assurance of salvation rests upon God’s promises. God has promised to extend His grace to save the man who responds to the gospel of Jesus Christ and meets the conditions laid down in that gospel. For example, God has promised to save the believer in Christ; Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16). The believer in Christ can know that he is saved because of the reliability of the promises of God. God, by His very nature, is a God who cannot lie (Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:18).

Man is robbed of any genuine assurance of salvation whenever he is told that he can know that he is saved on any other basis than a reliance upon the promises of God. For example, the man who believes that he is saved as a result of some kind of experience has no genuine assurance of salvation. Regarding this, Campbell wrote,

Ask such what they know concerning the pardon of their sins, and they generally refer to that idea, feeling, or impression, as proof that they were pardoned. From this, in retrospection, often spring all their confidence and their present joys. Their knowledge of remission is their recollection of such an idea, feeling, or impression. According to its vividness, or faintness, are their present comforts and hopes. If, at any time, their recollections should fail, or the original idea or impression become less vivid, doubts and fears arise; clouds overspread their heaven, gloomy feelings, and religious chills and fevers, disturb their tranquility. But, if the impression, that at a certain time they were truly converted, increase by new experiences, called by them the witness of the Spirit, the first idea, feeling, or impression, augmented by more recent ideas, feelings, and impressions of a similar character, produces a glow intense and a joy unutterable. Still, however, the fons et principium, the fountain and origin of all their hopes and joys, is an impression that they were at a certain time pardoned; and mark what follows, that they were at that time pardoned is an inference drawn from what passed in their minds. Their feelings were the premises, and their pardon is the conclusion (The Millennial Harbinger. Vol. I, p. 498).

This man’s assurance of salvation is only with him so long as his experiences are renewed and remembered. Should he ever forget his experiences, his assurance of salvation would be gone. Assurance does not rest upon human experiences but upon the promises of God.

Others among us rest their assurance of salvation and assure others of salvation on the basis of some hypothetical case imagined by someone. For example, we are told that we can be sure that we are saved because if a man were driving down the road 60 m.p.h. in a 55 m.p.h. zone and had a wreck and was killed that he would be saved. Who knows what his condition would be? Hypothetical cases such as these prove nothing. Similar hypothetical cases offer just as much comfort and solace for the unbaptized and unbelievers as this one does for the believer. What is presented as a means of giving a man assurance robs one of the real confidence that one can have of his salvation. It persuades a man that he can be saved while yet in his sins, contrary to everything that God has promised us. Hence, the man who is yet in his sins is told, by such a case as this, not to worry about his salvation because God will overlook his weaknesses of the flesh. Brethren, if you think that this doctrine does not encourage a man to continue in his sins, consider the effect it has produced on those who are preaching it. How long has it been since you read a word from Leroy Garrett, Carl Ketcherside, Edward Fudge, Arnold Hardin, R. L. Kilpatrick, etc. which was directed to encourage those involved in the sins of worship with instrumental music, church supported recreation, sponsoring church arrangements, premillennialism, etc. to leave their sins in order to be saved? You have not read it because they have not written it. The effect of resting salvation upon hypothetical cases is that it keeps a man from relying upon the promises of God to find out what he must do to be saved.

A Bible Example of Uncertainty and Assurance

The parable of the talents displays an example of the men with blessed assurance of acceptability before God and one with uncertainty regarding his acceptability before God. Let us consider this as a means of determining how we can have the assurance that we are pleasing to God at any moment in time.

The five-talent and two-talent men are our examples of men who had an assurance that they were pleasing to God. The Lord had given to His servants several talents based on the individual ability of each with the instructions to use the talents to increase what God had given to him. When the Lord returned, each of these men came before the Lord with confidence and said, “Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents (and two talents, respectively-mw): behold, I have gained beside them five talents more” (Mt. 25:20). Of course, the Lord pronounced the blessing over these two faithful servants.

The one-talent man is our example of a man uncertain about his condition before his Lord. When he came before the Lord, he said, “Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou has not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine” (Mt. 25:25). Notice this man’s mental anguish: “I was afraid.” Here is the man who is unsure about his spiritual relationship to God. In Luke’s parallel account, the Lord said, “Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee.” This indicates that the Lord was not the kind of God which the servant said that He was, but that He was going to use his concept of Him to judge him. If God was the kind of God as he imagined, the servant should have been all that much more concerned with working to please Him. Hence, this man was rejected by God because he had not done what God said.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this is apparent.. A man can have the blessed assurance that he is in a saved relationship with God only so long as that man is busy obeying the commandments of God. Our response to the Lord’s commandments is the condition (not grgunds) for our receiving God’s grace. Only so long as I have met the conditions can I rest assured that I shall receive God’s grace-namely salvation. My assurance of salvation exists because God has promised salvation to those who meet His conditions and He cannot lie. Therefore, having met the conditions, I know I am saved.

There is no ambiguity in what conditions man must meet to receive God’s grace. Sin from which man must abstain, is clearly spelled out for us and revealed in the Bible. The commandments which man must obey in order to receive God’s grace are clearly revealed in God’s word. Why, therefore, should a man be uncertain about his salvation? Is he uncertain because God has not clearly told us what to do to be saved? Is man unsure of salvation because he does not know what sin is? Is man uncertain about salvation because he is worried about God not showing us grace? The answer to none of these questions can be affirmative.

Man is uncertain about salvation because he is not busy obeying the commandments of God. This was the man uncertain about his salvation in the parable of the talents. The man who is studying God’s word, praying regularly, worshiping properly, manifesting the fruits of the Spirit in his life, etc. is not worried about whether or not he will be saved. Those who I have found to be worried about their salvation are those who do not pray, do not study their Bibles, are not concerned about the lost of the world, and otherwise manifest a lack of spirituality. Those who are working to give such people the assurance of salvation are not doing them any favors. These people need to become convicted of their sins so that they will repent and be obedient to the Lord. Then, as they respond to His commandments, they can have the assurance of salvation.

Truth Magazine XXII: 44, pp. 707-709
November 9, 1978