Truth Magazine

By Grant B Caldwell

There is an old dodge used by the “faith only” people that has just about died. However, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have revived it and some others are still struggling along with it. It is the argument that says in effect that since we are to follow the example of Jesus (1 Peter, 2:21) and since Jesus was “baptized to fulfill all righteousness” and not to have his sins remitted or forgiven, then we are not to be baptized to have our sins forgiven.

The Case of Jesus

Let us take a look at this situation before we do anything else and see what is to be seen from the context. Jesus came to John who was practicing “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4). The design of his baptism was for the remission of sins. Furthermore, the people came “confessing their sins.” They did not come confessing that they had no sins. They came confessing their sins and were baptized to have those sins remitted. This was all preparatory to the death of Christ and the establishing of the Kingdom with the coming of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11).

Now in this setting Jesus came along and said, “I want to be baptized.” John immediately recognized the fact that something was different and he “forbade him.” Jesus did not come “confessing his sins.” Jesus did not come for “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” John did not know, nor (dare we say) had he up to this point been authorized to practice the baptism that Jesus was requesting of him. It did not fit into the scope of his teaching, thus, he could not do it. It was not until the divine Son of God authorized it that John could practice it. John could see the difference, why can’t our religious friends?

Looking at Differences

Before we compare anything in our life to the life of Christ, we ought to look at the differences and see if there really is any comparison. Our religious neighbors say, “We need to be baptized as Jesus was.” Let us just test that a little bit.

In John 1:31-34, John the Baptist affirmed that the purpose of the entire confrontation just described was to confirm Jesus as the Son of God-not a son of God- but the Son of God. Our baptism does not confirm us individually as the Son of God. We become children of God when our faith leads us to be baptized (Gal. 3:26-27). Christ was the Son of God long before he was baptized. The difference is readily apparent.

Jesus came to John to be baptized having never committed a sin (1 Peter 2:22). Can we come to be baptized that way? Now if our baptism is just like Jesus’ baptism, then I ask, “Was Jesus forgiven of his sins before, during, or after his baptism?” People say, “We are baptized just like Jesus was.” Is that supposed to mean that they were baptized having never committed any sins., Jesus did not come to be baptized having already been forgiven of His sins. Nor did He come as denominationalists would say confessing that “God for Christ’s sake has pardoned my sins.” Jesus was never lost. Therefore, He was never saved-before, during, or after His baptism. You see, there is no comparison, even in the light of denominational teaching.

Our religious friends tell us that they are baptized to become members of their church. Now, I wonder if Jesus was baptized to get into the church. They say that they are baptized just as Jesus was and I wonder if Jesus was baptized to get into the church.

Looking at the Comparison

It ought to be apparent to anyone that one can push this sort of comparison too far. Surely Christ left us an example that we should follow in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21). But an example of what? Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 5:23). Are we to be the head of the church? Christ is the King of Kings (1 Tim. 6:15). Are we to be the king of kings? Christ is the one with all authority (Matt. 28:18). Are we to have all authority?

But there is one comparison that will hold up in regard to the baptism of Jesus. Jesus was baptized because it was the right thing in the sight of God for Him to do. He did it because the Father-for whatever reason-wanted it done. We should be baptized because the Father wants it done. We should not attempt to nullify it being “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). We should just do it because it is the right thing to do.

Doing the Father’s Will

Jesus said that He came not to do His own will but the will of the Father (John 5:30). Then He said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). The will of the Father is simple: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Jesus could not come to that baptism, but they did in the New Testament and you can too if you just will.

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 217
March 30, 1978

By Dennis C. Abernathy

I am persuaded in my own mind that the use of tobacco is sinful. I know there are many, many, Christians who do believe that it is (or at least they will not admit it). But surely most will admit that the use of tobacco in any form (smoking, dipping, sniffing, chewing, etc.) by the Christian, to say the least, is a questionable practice. Do you know of any good that comes from it? It is a filthy and expensive habit. It injures the body of the user (although many will not admit it-they know more than all those medical doctors you know (Romans 12:1; 1 Cor. 6:1920). It enslaves the user (1 Cor. 6:12).

Is it not rather sad to see a person, seemingly not knowing where the next breath is- coming from, continually puffing on a cigarette? Even some gospel preachers are addicted to the habit. I surely agree that it is no worse for a preacher to use it than any one else (both should quit it), but it does cripple his influence for good. It does set a bad example before others (the same is true for elders).

But what about our children? Brothers or sisters who smoke, chew, dip, etc., do you want your children to do it? If you do, why? If not, why not? (Be honest now!) But how can you effectively teach your children not to use tobacco when you yourself use it? How can we teach our children not to use tobacco, if the elders, preacher, and fellow Christians use it? Well, it can be done, but it makes the task much more difficult.

Many who read this are going to call to memory someone they know who is 110 years old, who has smoked all his / her life and is still around (and still smoking too!). Presto! Justification for tobacco use. No matter what or how many scriptures are used, or medical facts cited, “if it is good enough for that 110 year old man/ woman (after all it didn’t kill them), it is good enough for me.” Others who read this are going to continue to smoke until the day they die! They “wish” they could quit, but will not exert the will power to do it. Many others are going to read this and make up their minds that I am just trying to criticize, hence, they will simply put it out of their minds. Some may even get angry: Perhaps one will even try to refute it with some intelligent argument. So be it. Hopefully, some will read this and ponder (honestly) this habit and resolve to put it away from among them. That is my hope, and my aim in writing this in the first place. Think on these things.

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 216
March 30, 1978

By Earl Robertson

The apostle Peter affirms the absolute lordship of Jesus to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost, saying, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Jesus had said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). The word “power” is authority-authority possessed by the Lord himself. Peter says God made Jesus Lord and Christ. We understand the term “made” to be used as it is in Rev. 5:10-to constitute or appoint one anything.”

Religious problems and divisions would not exist if people knew and respected the lordship of Jesus Christ. Men want their way and are willing to set aside the authority of Christ to have it, too. The human Creeds subscribed to by churches attest the truthfulness of this statement. Common practices within many churches of Christ, for which no Bible authority can be found, further prove my contention.

Christ has every right to lordship! He has right as creator (John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:2 and redeemer (1 Cor. 6:20; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18,19). His right to lordship was by inheritance (Heb. 1:4) and was appointed to him in the indefinite past (Eph. 3:11; Heb. 1:2). Paul says this lordship is above all dominion (Eph. 1:21). His lordship is predicated on sonship (Psa. 2:7; 89:28; Rom. 8:17; Gal. 4:7). The fact that He is the Son of God, He was made lord! His lordship and heirship depend upon His sonship (Acts 10:36; Gal. 4:1). The lordship of Christ benefits one only as he sets Christ apart as the Lord Christ in his heart (1 Pet. 3:15).

As Peter affirms that Christ “is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36), we understand that He is not subject to the enemy. His invitations to come (Matt. 11:28) are meaningless if He is not really Lord. He bruised Satan’s head (triumphed in power) (Gen. 3:15), and enjoys His victorious conquest over Satan having bound Him (Matt. 12:22-30). This is illustrated in His temptation (Matt. 4:1-11).

His having all authority in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28:18-20) is duly recognized in heaven (1 Pet. 3:22). We approach the Father through Him (1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6; 6:43-45). He is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22). His authority is seen from the river to the ends of the earth (Psa. 72:8). He is Lord to the house of Israel (Acts 2:36), and is reigning over the Gentiles (Rom. 15:12). He reigns over both alike (Acts 10:34, 35; 15:711). Make Him your lord by obeying Him!

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 216
March 30, 1978

By Johnie Edwards

Walk Worthy Of The Lord

Paul told the Colossians, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10). Paul expressed the same thought to the Thessalonians. “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). To walk worthy of the Lord and God is to walk in a manner which corresponds to the high standard set by God, respecting what the Lord has done for us.

Walk Circumspectly

Paul admonished the Epheisans, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). To walk circumspectly is to walk carefully, being cautious and attentive. A Christian must walk strictly according to the Word, using his time wisely.

Walk In Wisdom

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5). Christians must constantly remember that outsiders are watching the walk of God’s people. Someone has well said that outsiders “watch our walk more than our talk, and measure our talk by our walk.” So, Christians must walk wisely.

Walk in Honesty

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantoness, not in strife and envying” (Rom. 13:13). A Christian must be honest and practice such in his daily walk. Paul also admonished the people in Thessalonica to “walk honestly toward them that are without and that ye may have lack of nothing” (1 Thess. 4:12). Honesty is still the best policy!

Walk In Love

An essential characteristic of the Christian’s walk is to walk in love. Paul told the Ephesians, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and bath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor” (Eph. 5:1-2). One of the things which is lacking in the walk of so many of my brethren is love one for another. During the last few years while there has been so many things slipping into the Lord’s church which are not authorized by the Word of God, brethren have been alienated because they fail to walk in love.

Walk After His Commandments

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments” (2 Jn. 6). To walk after God’s commands is to seek after and obey His will. This all Christians must do. The results of such walking can mean much to a Christian. If we will walk as God desires that we walk here on this earth, we someday can walk with Him in white. As we read the letter written to the church at Sardis, we can learn the results of such walking. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” (Rev. 3:4). Look over your life and see if you need to make some changes in your walking.

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 215 
March 30, 1978