Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

One term which is rather generally neglected with reference to Christians is the word “saint.” Probably, this is largely due to the Catholic doctrine about sainthood. The Catholic Church began the process of canonization of “saints” in the ninth century.

“In the Roman Church this (canonization, mw) is done by the pope only, who, after the examination, `declares the person in question to have led a perfect life, and that God hath worked miracles at his intercession, either during his life or after his death, and That, consequently, he Is worthy to be honored as a saint, which implies permission to exhibit his relics, to invoke him, and to celebrate mass and an office in his honor.’ . . . The worship of `canonized saints’ is enjoined by the Council of Trent” (McClintock and Strong, Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, Vol. II, pp. 90-91).

No one can become a saint until at least fifty years after his death, according to Roman thought.

That Catholic usage is not the same as the New Testament usage of the word “saint” is obvious from Rom. 1:7. In that passage, Paul addressed the church at Rome as follows: “to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called saints.” Obviously, he was not writing to the local graveyard! Hagios, the Greek word from which “saint” is translated, is defined as follows: “In the plural, as used of believers, it designates all such and is not applied merely to persons of exceptional holiness, or to those who, having died, were characterized by exceptional acts of saintliness” (W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Vol. III, p. 315). Thus, “saint” is another term to be considered in any series which considers the descriptive names of Christians. But, what is the significance of being called a saint?

To Be Set Apart

The primary thrust of the word saint is the idea of being set apart to God, as it were, exclusively His. Hagios is the same word which is translated “holy” in other passages. The main idea is drawn from the Jewish usage of the Hebrew word godesh. Some places were set apart as sacred by God’s presence (cf. Ex. 3:5, the place of the appearance of God to Moses). The Temple was a holy place set apart to the worship of God; it was not to be used for profane purposes (cf. Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, Jn. 2:13-22). All of the furniture inside the Temple was set apart in a similar fashion. The priests who served in the Temple were “holy unto the Lord” (Lev. 21:6) because they were set apart to His worship. In a similar sense, the whole nation of Israel was holy, not in the sense of moral purity, but in the sense of being separated especially to God (Jer. 2:3; Ex. 19:5,6; Dent. 7:6).

When the word hagios is applied to Christians, the first implication from the word is that Christians are “set apart to the service of God.” They are not common people; they “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (1 Pet. 2:9). Everyone who has been obedient to Jesus Christ is a saint, a person set apart to God. As Paul described the change in the life of the Corinthians, he intimated that they were sanctified and justified when they were “washed” (baptized). He said, “And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11).

Thus, every individual who submits to baptism in obedience to the Lord enters a special relationship with God. He has been “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:2). “But the thought lies very near, that what is set apart from the world and to God, should separate itself from the world’s defilements, and should share in God’s purity; and in this way hagios speedily acquires a moral significance” (R. C. Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament, pp. 331-332).

Ethical Connotation

The verb hagiazo and the noun hagiasmos are related to each other. The English conveys the same relationship with “to sanctify” and “sanctification.” Sanctification refers to the process by which one eradicates evil from his life and incorporates righteousness into it. Thus, a saint is not only one who is set apart to Christ, but also is one who is living a morally pure life (not a sinlessly perfect life). Thus, the Hebrew writer said, “Pursue after peace with all men, and after the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (6:12). All of the passages which speak about the Christian’s separation from the world are relevant to this point. We cite only a few of them: 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Tit. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:22; Rom. 6:17-18. Thus, the second idea to be conveyed when Christians are called “saints” is that they are in the process of moving toward moral purity. This does not mean that they have already arrived at sinless perfection but that they are aiming for it. At this point, a couple of other passages become relevant.

The Process of Sanctification

Jesus said, “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). In just what way is sanctification related to the word? Actually, the word of God is related to the process of being set apart and the process of moral purification. But, let us consider how this is done. A person is led to Christ through the teaching of the word of God (Jas. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:22-23; Jn. 6:44-45). One learns of God’s will, believes it, and obeys it, causing him to become set apart to God.

The process of moral purification works in the same fashion. Consider what Paul said concerning the Scriptures in 2 Tim. 3:16,17. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Notice some of the usages of Scripture: (1) Reproof. The idea is that the person is convicted of the sinfulness of his conduct. (2) Correction. Correction is the restoration to an upright state. Thus, the Scriptures do not leave a person convicted of sin, they straighten him up. (3) Instruction in Righteousness. Having demonstrated that the wrong manner of life must be corrected, the Scriptures also point the way to the right kind of living. The Scriptures do not stop with the “Thou shalt not’s;” they add the “Thou shalt’s.” Thus, the sanctification process is related to the Scriptures in this way. Through them we learn of our misconduct, the way to correct our lives, and the right way of life. Thus, the sanctification of the believer “is not vicarious, i.e., it cannot be transferred or imputed, it is an individual possession, built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Christ” (W. E. Vine, op. cit.). Paul said, “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life” (Rom. 6:11).

Conclusion

Thus, the word saint is one of the most significant words applied to the Christian. It testifies to both the unique relationship sustained between him and God and his moral character. Needless to say, many who call themselves Christians are not reflecting the moral character of a saint. Such a person is self-deceived if he believes that he can walk in the ways of the world and sustain a right relationship to God. Since a Christian is sanctified and in the process of sanctification, he can be called a saint. Are you-a Christian?

Truth Magazine, XX:14, p. 9-1
April 1, 1976

By O.C. Birdwell

Most false teachers misuse and abuse Bible prophecy. They often leave the impression that they have some sort of gift from God which enables them to look more deeply into Bible prophecy and give a proper interpretation. Hence, many false religions are based upon a misunderstanding and misuse of prophecy. Some, who may not hold that the individual preacher has power to interpret prophecy, will affirm that church councils or a church hierarchy has that special power.

Peter’s Statement Abused

The apostle Peter said, “Knowing this first that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20, 21). This statement has been, by some, made to mean that no individual has the right to read and interpret scripture, but the right rests with the “Church,” which is to these people the Roman Hierarchy. So in their notes on the passage they say this means “no prophecy is the object of private interpretation.” But in this statement by Peter discussion is not being made of the interpretation of, but rather the giving of scripture. This is made crystal clear if one reads all the passage. He goes on to say, “For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.” Peter’s point is that the men who recorded scripture did not write their interpretation of scripture, but they, rather, spoke and wrote being moved by the Holy Spirit. To take this passage and apply it to present day interpretation of scripture rather than to the initial revealing of prophecy is to abuse the passage.

False Interpretation

Many things have been affirmed as being taught in (he Bible that are not within its pages. Galileo was compelled by the Inquisition to renounce his opinions. From 1616 until 1829 his books were forbidden. The position of Pope Paul V was that the earth, and not the sun, moves, is “contrary to the sacred and divine Scriptures.”

Before the moon landing, some proclaimed that man cannot go to the moon because the Bible so teaches. Man went to the moon, yet, there is no reflection on the Bible because the position held is not in the Bible.

Another example of man’s false interpretation of prophecy happened during World War II. As most over forty can well remember, during this time there was rationing of automobile tires. A Texas preacher held that the tire rationing was a fulfillment of prophecy. He quoted Isaiah 3:18, in the King James Translation, where he read: “In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon. . . . This preacher, no doubt, made quite an impression on many. But he misused prophecy. Isaiah was talking about what was to happen to the people of Israel, and the “round tires” were the “crescents” worn by the women around the head or neck. Ezekiel said, “and your tires shall be upon your heads. . . .” (24:23).

It was reported that a few years back one editor of a religious journal published an article in which it was affirmed that prophecy showed that the world would end during that year. In the same issue, however, there was run by the editor a special five year subscription rate! This may reveal at least two things about that editor. He, as usually is the case, desperately needed subscribers, and he had very little faith in his writer’s prophecy interpretation ability.

The solution to this problem of false interpretation of prophecy is for all to allow inspired New Testament writers to interpret inspired prophecy. When they say “this is that which was spoken” we can rest assured that such is the truth.

Truth Magazine, XX:14, p. 7-8
April 1, 1976

By C.W. Scott

The Carnival of Death temptingly deceives the masses regarding worldliness. Satan and the men of the world set the standards by which individuals are to be entertained. This has caused the amusement problem to be one of the greatest of our time. “Less work and more leisure time,” is the clarion cry from all parts of the earth. It should be recognized that recreation is not generally evil but amusements of the present day have gone from bad to worse and have become so polluted and corrupted that every true disciple of Christ must watch and guard against the corrupt and filthy characterizations of men and women devoid of purity. The reason many affirm they do not see the harm and evil is because “the god of this world hath blinded their minds.”

Writing and thinking about amusements in the Carnival of Death, your attention is directed to three besetting evils. First, the game of cards! Spot cards are a game of chance rather than a game of skill. It is nothing but a form of gambling and Christians are as out of place with cards in their hands as a gospel preacher engaging in a dice game. Card playing is incompatible to the ways of Christ. One may talk of ungodly movies and obscene plays around the card table but it would not be the time to talk about God, Christ, prayer, righteousness and purity. Mothers have been shocked to learn about their sons and daughters playing cards for a jack pot of several dollars but think nothing of the cut glass bowl or other prizes won by them at the modern bridge and card social. Pray tell me the difference between the conduct of parents and their children. Christians need to think of their influence in such actions. “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). It is impossible for card playing, gambling with the use of cards to add to the spiritual statue of the player and neither will it add luster and glory to the majesty of God. Let none of you be deceived!

Let us secondly, take a serious look at the modern theater and the reruns of film with its worldly, carnal portrayals. Never before has there been such widespread publicity been given to the base, grossly immoral and wicked behaviour of men and women as is true in our day. Pornography is created and placed freely before the public by men and women devoid of shame. Galatians 5:19-21 presents to us the Holy Spirit’s warning through the apostle Paul regarding the lusts of the flesh: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like.” Surely, these are works that find their place in the Carnival of Death. The Christian is to flee all such carnal works and behavior. Paul added, “They that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 1:21). The majority of pictures flashed upon the screens today paint vividly the above evils upon the minds of the viewers.

Immorality is being portrayed today for the amusement of people and the actors and actresses in real life live as wickedly. Language and scenes are both heard and observed by the family that would cause some mothers and fathers to almost faint were they to hear their own sons and daughters speak and act in like scenes before them. What Christian mother or father would take their children to see and observe the activities of the “red light district” or the habitat of the prostitutes? Would any caring parent take their sons or daughters on a tour of the brothels, lounges or the “honky tonks” with their nudity, drunkenness and profanity? Most parents would avoid such action with all their wickedness and yet many will pay others to reveal and expose all of these things to them on the screen! We need to remember that the apostle Paul wrote, “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2). Christians that are always following in the “footsteps of Jesus” will never be seen in a dirty theater or sitting in their own homes gazing upon the nudity, promiscuity, fornication, adultery, drunkeness, etc. accompanied by the vile and suggestive double-talk of the players.

The loose morals with all of the debauchery possible displayed in the films or movies of our time has most certainly greatly contributed to the breakdown of homes and home life and are a major factor in the ever increasing number of divorces. Is there any genuine Christian who feels comfortable in hearing and seeing the sordid scenes created for the amusement of the worldling? Would the professed pure-minded child of God feel at ease, comfortable in witnessing or revelling in such things at the second coming of the Lord? I am persuaded to the contrary! Such is to be identified as a part of the Carnival of Death.

The modern dance with all the suggestive and base movements of the participants is another most corrupting and destructive worldly pleasure. Everyone is able to discern that it is truly of the world and not of God. The scanty, immodest apparel worn to the dance is certainly not conducive to holy and pure thoughts. Why is the dance so popular? The modern dance is founded upon sex and the lust of the flesh which are both to be controlled and not encouraged. Think of the near-nudity, long and late hours, the impure air and all the other body destroying factors! Dancing is truly a Carnival of Death to health and spiritual purity. What a hot-bed for evil thoughts, desires and carnal acts! No wonder statistics reveal with each decade of time that seven-tenths of all of the fallen girls and women in the United States can be traced to the influence of the dance. Men and women do not generally seek one of their own sex. Destroy sex in the dance and dance is over! It is sex that makes the amusement popular!

The modern dance is indeed the Carnival of Death to health, modesty, morality, virtue, Christian power and influence. Know ye not that the Holy Spirit has declared, “They that are Christ’s have crucified (put to death) the flesh with the passions and lusts” (Gal. 5:24). It has been written:

“Wherever you go, never go where you fear

Lest the great God should ask you,

‘How comest thou here?’

Turn away from each pleasure

You would shrink from pursuing,

If God should look down and say,

‘What are you doing?’ “

Brethren and friends, let us all awaken to the possibility and task of removing all worldliness from our lives that the Savior may receive unto Himself at His coming “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” but a body of faithful believers holy and without blemish. This can never be done, as far as each of us is concerned, if we do not flee those things that compose the Carnival of Death to Spiritual Life. May God richly bless your life of purity.

Truth Magazine, XX:14, p. 6-7
April 1, 1976

By George Welsh Tyler

While walking along the beach during a storm, a Coast Guardsman heard above the roar of the waves and the crash of thunder a cry for help. He called the rescue crew and the life boat was launched. Several of the crew felt that this was a case of pure imagination for surely no voice could be hear above the roar of the turbulent onrush and confusion. Fifty minutes later, two boys who had drifted out too far in a fishing boat, lay in the emergency room in the hospital, not too far away, recovering from shock exposure. They would have perished except for the fellow whose trained ears caught this important sound.

Jesus Christ, who was concerned about the “lost sheep” is also concerned that you and I may search for lost men and bring them into the church for which he died. He said, “The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). In the closing book of the Bible we find these words, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come” (Rev. 22:17). The promise of reward is given in these words, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches, To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7). Have your ears been trained to hear the cry of lost souls seeking salvation? What did your congregation do last year? How much seeking in the highways and the by-ways did you as members of it do? The members, individuals, make up the congregation as a total. The work of the church must be done by its members. We are not born. in groups, we do not die in groups and neither are we saved in groups. Each soul stands as an individual before God. Salvation of souls depends on you-the individual. Remember this also, James wrote, “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins” (Jas. 5:19, 20). The greatest work you will ever do is to lead lost souls to Christ.

Paul says, “Ye are not your own: for ye were bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20). Peter wrote, “Ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; but with the precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18, 19). These scriptures clearly state that Christians belong to God and are under obligation to serve Him to the best of their ability. They are stewards as the parable of the talents teaches. Many people think of “stewardship” mainly in terms of dollars. In Matt. 25:14-30, Jesus compares the kingdom with the dealings of a lord with his bond servants. They were his possession, hence he had a right to command them and to expect them to use their time for his profit while he was gone to the far country. He gave commitments to each one according to the abilities he possessed. He knew them, and made his assignments according to their capabilities. Our capabilities are known to both Jehovah and His Son, Christ Jesus, and we will not be held responsible for not doing things we are not qualified to do. The point is that we must use the talent or talents we have and not do like the one-talent steward.

The New Testament Christians lost no time in going to work for the Master. Jesus said, “Come unto me” (Matt. 11:28) and in Matt. 28:19, He said, “Go.” We learn in Acts 8:1: “There arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Who went? “They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The apostles were not among the “scattered abroad.” They that “went preaching the word” were those whom the apostles had converted in and about Jerusalem. “The word of the Lord abideth for ever” (1 Pet. 1:25). God is not willing “that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Shout it from the rooftops, let it float on the breeze, and sent it into the homes that are without hope-to men who have gone pleasure mad-to souls that have “gone back” and are lost in the confusion of waywardness and neglect. Can you face God, knowing you have not done your part in saving souls for Eternity? This is personal evangelism. Acts 8:1 to 9 is your example. We pray that a mighty ground-swell of zealous enthusiasm of both personal and public evangelism will sweep across our country and around the world.

Truth Magazine, XX:14, p. 4-5
April 1, 1976