Truth Magazine

By Jason Hosfield

Picture yourself inside the largest room you can think of. Maybe its a sports stadium, a concert hall, the auditorium in your church building, etc. Now imagine all of the lights being turned out. It is pitch black. You cannot see your hand in front of your face. The darkness completely envelops you till you almost feel suffocated. Now, in the middle of this vast, dark room, someone strikes a match. It is still very dark, but you can still see the match burning brightly from anywhere in the room. Just that small pin-point of light is bright enough to be seen in the middle of all that darkness.

This world in which we live is like that huge, dark room. All of its sin and immorality can engulf us to the point that we can not see any hope at all. Those of us who are young people are affected with this just as much as older people.

One example of this is in school. We would be naive if we were not aware of all of the problems that a young Christian must face at school. With all of the false ideas that are taught (evolution, humanism, “safe sex”), all of the immoral acts that take place (immodesty, drugs, alcohol, dancing), and all of the pressures and temptations to sin, school certainly can be a very dark place spiritually.

I would like to say up front that I am not as familiar with the problems and challenges of school life as most other young people. My parents have been teaching me at home since I was in the fourth grade. I think that this is a great alternative for parents who want to ensure their kids a decent education without having to deal with the immorality that is part of the public school system in many places. But in talking with friends who go to public school I have learned what a young Christian must face in being a part of it, and, besides, the same basic temptations face us in school or out of school (1 In. 2:15-17).

A Christian needs to realize that he can be a light in this darkness. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16,

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Paul also wrote in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blame-less and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Just like the match in that dark room, you can shine as an example in the middle of all the darkness you face at school. There are, however, many things you must do in order to be a better light to the world around you.

Remember Who You Are

Everything that is worldly is darkness. If we expect to follow God, then we must leave the world and its darkness behind. John wrote in 1 John 1:5-7, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” If we have been cleansed by Christ’s blood, then we must leave the darkness that we were walking in before.

Too many young Christians are reluctant to refuse worldliness when they become children of God. So many want to live for Christ on Sunday and live for the world the rest of the week. But you and I need to realize that we cannot possibly expect to be lights in the world if we continue to walk in its dark ways of sin. Peter described these kinds of people in 2 Peter 2:20-22,

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

This is a disgusting picture, but it illustrates what God thinks of a Christian who still lives like the world.

A young Christian needs to remember who he or she is at school. You need to remember that you are a child of God. God has rescued you from the darkness of the world, and made you one of his children of light. Do not break his heart by turning again to the world and its sin. Simply make the decision to reject all of the immoral and sinful indulgences that you come across and remember to keep yourself “unspotted from the world” (Jas. 1:27).

Choose Your Friends Carefully

I am sure that we all have heard a lot of talk about peer pressure. It is one of Satan’s most powerful forms of temptation. Almost all of the enticements that Christian students fall into  whether they are drugs, alcohol, sex, or stealing  are a result of giving in to peer pressure.

It is a fact, though, that all of this can be avoided by simply being cautious about whom one chooses for friends. A person’s friends can either build him up or tear him down. It depends on what kind of people they are.

Solomon warned his son about falling in with the wrong crowd in Proverbs 1:10-18.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: we shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: my son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: for ‘heir feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

This passage sounds a lot like the gang problems in our day, doesn’t it? We see the same kinds of enticements: violence, money, comradeship. Yet so many teen-age deaths are a result of gang-related incidents. They truly “lie in wait for their own blood.” This is all because young people choose the wrong friends. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Be not deceived: evil company corrupts good habits” (NKJ).

What then should one look for in a friend? We need to ask ourselves, “What kind of a person is he/she?” “What is this person’s goal in life?” “How does this person spend his/her time?” “What does this person do for amusement?” “Will this person be the kind of friend that will help me get to Heaven?”

Do not let your light grow dim by choosing friends that will weaken you spiritually. Savor the relationships you have with fellow Christians. Those will be the most rewarding and most helpful to your faith.

Be Concerned About Others

Many young people do not realize what an opportunity they have at school to influence the lost. A Christian at school is surrounded by souls who will be lost without the gospel. Yet too often young people ignore their chances to shine their light on someone who does not know God. We need to realize that it is the duty of a Christian to teach others the Word of God.

We cannot hope to bring others to Christ, however, unless we are concerned about the condition of their souls. This was the very reason that God sent Christ to this earth. John 3:16 tells us, “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.” God was concerned about the souls of men. Paul said that he taught the Ephesians “with tears” (Acts 20:31). He was concerned about those he was preaching to.

You and I need to be concerned about those around us. We cannot just live our own little lives and not give one thought to the spiritual welfare of anyone else, especially when we know people who desperately need God in their lives. The Bible says in James 4:17, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” If we know of some spiritual good that we can do someone, but ignore the opportunity, we are guilty of sin.

There are two ways that we can influence others for Christ. One way is by example. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” People will be more inclined to take what you say seriously if you personify it in your own life first. This is very important! Ezra saw the importance of this in Ezra 7:10. “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Notice the order: he sought God’s law, he did it, and then he taught it. Jesus did the same thing. Luke wrote in Acts 1:1, “The former treatise have I made, 0 Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” He did it, then he taught it. The first step in bringing others to Christ is to study and obey the word of God for ourselves.

The second step is to bravely take the gospel of Christ to those who need it. Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Everyone in the world has a need to know the good news of the gospel, and it is our responsibility to take it to them.

There is no doubt that we will meet with opposition. We will become unpopular at times. We will be made fun of. We will be verbally abused. We might be physically abused. There are many in our nation who are trying to get all religion out of the schools. Those who want to share God’s word with others are being harassed and persecuted. But we must not let it stop us. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Nothing should discourage us from taking the gospel to the lost. We will find that the benefits will far outweigh the hardships.

Conclusion

Too often young people hide their lights from the world. They are afraid to let people know that they are Christians. Make the decision to let your light shine at school! Re-member, the light from that little match did not light up that huge hall, but it could be seen. You will not convert your whole school tomorrow, but if you are the example you should be to others, you will be noticed!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 9-10
March 16, 1995

By Deborah Halbrook

Everyone has his own idea of success. Some think success is having a lot of money or marrying the best looking man or woman. For me, success involves three main things. They are: my family, religion, and respect for others.

First, I hope to have a family. I would like to marry and raise children. If I do, my parents’ present actions will help me to be successful in being a good wife and mother. Although when I first get married I would like to work, my career is not too important because after having a child I would like to stay home and raise him. Some people think it is an insult for a woman to be a homemaker. I strongly disagree with this, and I would like to stay home and raise my children. I think that staying home to raising children is a privilege. My mother is a homemaker, and I know that she is proud of being one.

If I become a wife and a mother, religion will be very important in my life, as it is now. I will take my children to church and live a Christian life as my parents do. We will not ever do something we know is wrong just because everyone else is doing it.

Last of all, I believe success involves respecting others. Not talking behind peoples’ backs and always being honest will earn my respect and respect from others. These are the things that, in my opinion, add up to success.

(My daughter, Deborah, made this short speech on “Success” as a part of her induction to the Soar Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at the West Columbia Junior High School in April c f 1994. She prepared this speech without any help from her mother or me. Because of her quiet personality, I was surprised at her boldness in expressing her Bible-oriented values and goals in life before a large audience of peers, parents, and teachers. I hope she will not be embarrassed to see her words in print, knowing that other young ladies may be encouraged to rise above the social, media, and educational influences which denigrate the roles of a godly wife and mother. Ron Halbrook)

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 22
March 16, 1995

By Johnie Paul Edwards

Much, today, is being said about homosexuality and so called “gay rights.” “The Gay 90’s,” as it’s now being called, has focused much of the world’s attention on “gays” and homosexuals. From the media, to the “oval office,” much has been said. Yet, it is time that we concern ourselves with what the Bible says about homosexuality! Does the Bible say anything about homosexuality? The answer is yes, and let me add, that everything it says is so!

How Should Men Regard The Bible?

Why are we making our appeal to the Bible? Is homosexuality to be declared right or good on the basis of public opinion? Our plea has always been, and must remain, that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it is our pattern for all that we do in his service. Just exactly how should men regard the Bible?

Men Should Regard the Bible as the

Divinely Inspired Word of God!

The apostle Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:21). Notice how the Thessalonians received the Word of God in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

Inspiration is that supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit on the writers of the Bible which guaranteed the total trustworthiness and authoritativeness of their productions. Such inspiration was both plenary (i.e., extended to all parts of the Bible) and verbal (i.e., extended not only to the thoughts of the writers but also to the very words they employed).

The implicit claim to inspiration is contained in many Bible statements. David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2).

Jeremiah said, “Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jer. 1:9). Paul told the Corinthians, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:12-13).

Let us come to regard the Bible properly, as the divinely inspired, final and authoritative Word of God  heaven’s instrument to save and sanctify men. Let us approach the Bible with the attitude of Samuel, “Speak Lord; for thy servant heareth” (1 Sam. 3:9-10. May we say, as the Psalmist of old, “Teach me, 0 Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end” (Psa. 119:33).

What Does The Bible Say

About Homosexuality?

Now that we have learned to respect what the Bible has to say, let’s see what it says about homosexuality.

Homosexuality is an Abomination!

The Lord told Moses, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Lev. 20:13). The word “abomination” suggests something “disgusting; an abhorrence.” For a man to lie with a man to practice homosexuality is disgusting; it is something that God hates! The concept that God hates anything is foreign to some’s concept of God. Yet, there are some things which are extremely abhorred by him (cf. Prov. 6:16-19). The punishment for this homosexual abomination, under the law, was death!

Homosexuality and Romans 1

In Romans 1 Paul is discussing the deplorable sinful condition of the heathen nations. In verse 18, he begins by saying, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” In verses 21-22 we see that whenever God is rejected, people become foolish in their actions. Paul said, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” When people cease to respect God, they will soon lose respect for their own bodies! Paul goes on to describe their actions in verses 26-27. He said, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.” From Romans 1 we learn a number of things concerning homosexuality:

Homosexuality is Uncleanness, Impurity

(Rom. 1:24)

Uncleanness is a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:19), and Paul said, “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21). Under the law, to eat certain foods, touch a dead body, and certain body conditions and diseases, made one unclean or impure. Homosexuality is a sin that pervades the whole body and makes it unclean.

Homosexuality is a Passion or Dishonor

(Rom. 1:24)

The word “dishonor” suggests to despise, suffer shame, or entreat shamefully. To practice homosexuality is to shamefully treat one’s body (cf. Rom. 1:28). Paul asked, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Rather than shamefully treating our bodies, by practicing homosexuality, we must glorify God in our body, which is God’s! There are seemly and honorable indulgences of sexual affections (cf. 1 Thess. 4:4; Heb. 13:4).

Homosexuality is Against Nature (Rom. 1:26-27)

Homosexuality is contrary to the nature of man and against natural production. It is against man’s instinctiveness. The natural, as from the beginning (Matt. 19:4-5), is a man with a woman, not a man with a man or a woman with a woman! Nature itself teaches us that homosexuality is wrong. The animal kingdom even knows better! Homosexuality being against natural production, rules out a person being born a homosexual!

Homosexuality is Unseemly; That is,

It is Indecent (Rom. 1:27)

Paul spoke of love in 1 Corinthians 13:5 and said that it “doth not behave itself unseemly.” Homosexuality is unseemly, indecent, shameful behavior! To engage in homosexuality, as the heathen nations did, is to reject God and God in turn rejected them! (Rom. 1:28). Homosexuality has been called by some a sickness. Paul does not agree! He clearly views homosexuality as sin (Rom. 1:23), a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4).

Homosexuality Violates God’s

Plan for Marriage

Jesus spoke of God’s plan for marriage in Matthew 19:4-5. “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” Jesus tells us that God’s plan from the very beginning was for one man to marry one woman. When God said, “it is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18), he made a woman! (2:22). “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (2:24). Paul, because of immoralities said, “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2). God blessed Adam and Eve and said unto them, “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Gen. 1:28).

Homosexuality is Unrighteousness and Those

Who Practice Such Shall Not

Inherit the Kingdom of God

Paul told the Corinthians, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11). The phrase “abusers of themselves with mankind” is translated “homosexuals” in the NKJV. The unrighteous, like those guilty of homosexuality, shall not inherit the kingdom of God; that is, they will not be able to enter into heaven. You might also notice, from this reading, that homosexuality is an “abuse” or a misuse of the body.

Homosexuality is Defiling

Paul speaking of defilement said, “For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10). Not only is homosexuality defiling, but it is “contrary to sound doctrine.” The word “defile” suggests to soil, desecrate, pollute, or stain. Paul’s point is that homosexuality is defiling! We need men and women, boys and girls, today who are like Daniel of old, who “refused to defile himself’ (Dan. 1:8). Daniel “purposed in his heart,” that is he “put” it in his heart, or planned, not to defile himself! Jesus said of heaven, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27).

To Practice Homosexuality is to

Go After “Strange Flesh”

Jude, speaking of Sodom, Gomorrah and other cities of immorality, “suffered the punishment of eternal fire” for “going after strange flesh” (Jude 7). These cities, in the condemnation which befell them, serve as examples of what happens to those who disobey God. “Strange flesh” suggests a departure from the law of nature, and refers to that which is contrary to nature; seeking after other or different flesh (cf. Rom. 1:27). The sons of Aaron offered “strange” fire, “which he commanded them not,” and they died before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-2). The fire they offered was “strange,” it was unauthorized fire! Homosexuality is unauthorized sexuality! The ashes of these ancient cities should serve as an example to those who live ungodly (2 Pet. 2:6).

The Sin of Homosexuality Can Be Forgiven

Some of the Corinthians were unrighteous, guilty of homosexuality, and such like (1 Cor. 6:11). Notice that Paul said, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). A homosexual, like any other unrighteous person, can be saved. The remedy of evil passion, or lust, is provided in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). Peter preached, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16). Notice how Paul addressed the Corinthians, who had been guilty of homosexuality, after their obedience to Christ. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Cor. 1:2).

Homosexuality and the Value

of Righteous Living

Solomon said, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Ten righteous souls would have delivered the ancient city of Sodom (Gen. 18:23-32). Since less than ten righteous could be found, two angels went to Sodom to visit and warn Lot of the impending destruction (Gen. 19:1ff.) and “the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire … and he overthrew those cities” (Gen. 19:24-28). You see, these cities were filled with homosexuality. Righteous living would have spared the now “lost” city of Sodom! Paul asked, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor. 6:9) Homosexuals must leave their wicked ways, serve the God of heaven, and restore righteousness to our nation!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 5 p. 12-14
March 2, 1995

By Keith Sharp

The evenings of September 19,20,22,23 of last year, Wayne Greeson, gospel preacher of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, met John Scheel, pastor of the Lighthouse Pentecostal Jesus Name Church of BeeBe, Arkansas in public debate. The first two nights were devoted to a discussion of the number of persons in the Godhead, and the debate was conducted where Mr. Scheel pastors. The last two nights were on modem day miraculous spiritual gifts, and the debate was held at the 28th Avenue Church of Christ in Pine Bluff where brother Greeson preaches. John Welch moderated for brother Greeson.

The fact the debate was held testifies to the effectiveness of call-in radio as a method of preaching the gospel. Earlier, brother Greeson had debated Mr. Buddy Looper of Stuttgart, Arkansas in a four night debate on the Godhead. This debate came about as the result of Mr. Looper calling brother Greeson on the 28th Avenue radio program and challenging his teaching on the number of persons in the Godhead. Mr. Looper was ineffective as a debater, and Mr. Scheel indicated during this first debate that he wanted to debate brother Greeson.

Mr. Scheel did a worthy job of representing the oneness Pentecostals’ false positions. He was the most gentle-manly Pentecostal debater I have heard, is much more scholarly than most of their representatives, and is an effective speaker. Mr. Scheel was especially effective in the use of humor and ridicule. The debate was conducted on a high plain, and the issues were addressed in such a way the audience could follow the argumentation. At the outset of the debate, brother Welch established tight crowd control, and this helped immensely in keeping the debate on track.

Brother Greeson was exceedingly well prepared and was powerful as a speaker. He even had excellent negative charts prepared to answer Scheel’s arguments. He drove his points home effectively with the audience. Brother Greeson prepared computer generated charts for all his arguments, and brother Welch presented them by LCD projector, the same projector he used in debate with Thomas G. O’Neal. Even Mr. Scheel acknowledged the powerful impact this had on the audience. In this way a debater can present a much larger amount of argumentation in a short time without losing the audience. Both in artistic quality and in content brother Greeson’s charts are unexcelled, and they need to be made available for other brethren.

Each speaker had three twenty minute speeches each night. The shorter speeches also allowed the audience to more easily follow the flow of argumentation.

The following is a very brief synopsis of the arguments presented by brother Wayne Greeson. Although in a few instances I would not have used the same arguments brother Greeson did (and he may later win me over), I agree whole heartedly with his positions and his general biblical approach. I will present the arguments as though I am simply writing on the subjects, but I will be actually reporting brother Greeson’s argumentation as he presented it. The material on miraculous spiritual gifts is longer because brother Greeson presented more material on this subject. The debaters engaged in reply and counter reply on most arguments, but the interested reader will have to get tapes of the debate to get these.

Number of Persons in Godhead

Proposition: The Scriptures teach that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The audience should be as the Bereans and study with an open mind (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21-22). The Scriptures are the only acceptable proof to be employed during the discussion. All agree there is but one God (Deut. 6:4); that there are not three Gods (Ibid.); that the Bible does not use the term “trinity,” nor do I; that there are not three humans in the Godhead; that Jesus is God (Jn. 1:1); and that Jesus did become a man (in. 1:14). The word “person,” means any “self-conscious or rational being” is a person, whether or not that being possesses a fleshly body.

The oneness Pentecostal position is essentially antichrist. They believe the “Son” is the fleshly body of Jesus. But, since Jesus had no fleshly body before he was born in Bethlehem (Heb. 5:7), and since he no longer has that fleshly body (2 Cor. 5:16), it necessarily follows that the Son was only a Person for 33 years. Furthermore, Mr. Scheel’s position is that the Father is the Son. But the apostle John declared that one who denies “the Father and the Son” is antichrist (1 Jn. 2:22-23). Mr. Scheel cannot make the good confession made by the Ethiopian eunuch, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” but would change it to read, “Jesus Christ was the Son of God.” The Son is God (Heb. 1:8). Thus, if the Son is Jesus’ fleshly body, a fleshly body is God.

The New Testament teaches that the Son is God (Heb. 1:8), Lord (Rom. 1:3), heir of all things (Heb. 1:2), the propitiation for our sins (1 Jn. 4:10), and the Savior of the world (1 Jn. 4:14). He has a kingdom (Col. 1:13), makes you free (Jn. 8:36), quickens (Jn. 5:21), judges (Jn. 5:22), ascended where he was before (Jn. 6:62), sits on the right hand of the power of God (Lk. 22:69), and made the worlds (Heb. 1:2). These statements can hardly be applied just to the human body of Jesus!

Thirty-three New Testament passages each mention all three Persons in the Godhead (Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; Jn. 3:34-35; 14:16-17; 14:26; 15:26; 20:21-22; Acts 1:4-5,7-8; 2:32-33,38-39; 4:8-10; 5:30-32; 7:55-56; 10:38; 11:16-17;15:8-11;Rom. 5:5-6;8:1-4,16-17;1_5:15-17,30; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 2:1 8; 4:4-6;1 Thess. 1:3-5; 5:18-19; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:16-21; Jude 20-21; Rev. 22:16-18). Ephesians 4:4-6 is an example, in that it mentions all three divine Persons. The Father is a Person (Heb. 1:1-3), the Son is a Person (2 Cor. 2:10), and the Spirit is a Person (Jn. 16:13); thus, three Persons.

The word “us” refers to God in Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; and Isaiah 6:8. These references are proof of plurality of Persons in the one Godhead.

At the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17; Mk. 1:10-11; Lk. 3:21-22) all three Persons of the Godhead acted separately at the same time.

God is one in the sense that the three Persons of the Godhead are perfectly united. The word “one” commonly means united, as is demonstrated in marriage (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5-5) and the people after the flood (Gen. 34:16). The same language, both in Hebrew and English is used of God (Deut. 6:4). Jesus compared the unity of believers with the unity of God (Jn. 17:20-22; 10:30; 1 Cor. 12:20), and this demonstrates that “one” can include multiple units. “One” often includes many persons (Gen. 11:6; Judg. 20:8; 1 Sam. 11:7; Ezra 3:9; 6:20; 1 Cor. 3:6-8; Gal. 3:28). The Father and Son are one in work On. 4:34), creation (Eph. 3:9), authority (Jn. 5:43), love (Jn. 14:23), witness (Jn. 8:18), doctrine On. 7:16), will (Jn. 6:38), and judgment (Jn. 5:22), but not one Person.

Jesus and the Father must be separate Persons, since the Son returned to the Father in heaven On. 6:62; 3:3; 16:28; 20:17; Acts 1:11) and is now at the right hand of the Father in heaven (Acts 7:55-56; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 8:1; 12:2; 1 Pet. 3:22). First Corinthians 15:27; Matthew 28:18; and He-brews 5:7 also demonstrate that Jesus and the Father are separate Persons.

Modem Day Miraculous Spiritual Gifts Proposition: The Scriptures teach that miraculous spiritual gifts, as in the days of the apostles, have ceased.

We agree that miracles were performed in the first century (Jn. 20:30-31), that God still has the power to work miracles today (Matt. 28:18), that God does answer prayer and work providentially today (Matt. 6:7,11,25-34), that Christians do receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 3:19,25,26; Gal. 3:14,27-29); and that amazing things happen today, but these are not miracles as occurred in the first century. The issue is: Are miraculous gifts as in the days of the apostles for all Christians today?

The apostles didn’t debate whether they could work miracles; they worked them! They came not in word only but in power (1 Thess. 1:5). Pentecostal preachers should do the same.

Not all gifts of God are miraculous (Eccl. 3:13; 5:19; Rom. 5:17; 6:23; 11:29-30; 1 Cor. 7:7-8; 2 Cor. 1:9-11; Jas. 1:17). Rather, miracles are “works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means.” Miraculous spiritual gifts of the first century are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and Mark 16:17-18. The Pentecostal position is like arguing that Christians today can cross the Red Sea in the same way Israel did in Exodus 14, while the Pentecostal actually crosses the Red Sea in a boat!

Miraculous gifts were not given to all Christians even in the first century. There is no evidence they were imparted to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39), Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7-12), the believers in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:48-49), Lydia (Acts 16:14-15), or the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:27-34).

There were things in the first century church, associated with miraculous spiritual gifts, that are not in the church on earth today. For example, there were apostles (Acts 1 & 2), the dead were raised (Acts 9 & 20), a false teacher was blinded (Acts 13), liars in the church were struck dead (Acts 5), apostles imparted spiritual gifts by the laying on of their hands (Acts 8 & 19), and miracles were performed to confirm the word they preached (Mk. 16:20; Acts 14:3; 1 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:12). Let a Pentecostal preacher strike me blind, as Paul did Elymas, since he believes I am a false teacher.

God does not have to do over and over again things that have accomplished their purposes. Christ does not have to live his life again, Jesus need not work any more miracles, he need not die and be raised again, the apostles do not have to witness for him again, the Word of God does not have to be written again, the apostles do not have to work their miracles again, and the miraculous gifts of the Spirit do not need to continue. The signs Jesus worked during his life prove for all time to come that he is the Son of God, and they need no repetition (Jn. 20:30-31). Likewise, the Word has been confirmed for all time to come by the miraculous gifts of the Spirit (Heb. 2:3-4), and there is no need for them to be repeated.

A Pentecostal preacher need only work one genuine miracle and the discussion would be over. Different proofs are needed in different fields of inquiry. To demonstrate math ability requires math proof, to show scientific ability requires scientific proof, to prove historic ability requires historical proof, and to show miraculous ability requires miraculous proof. Without such proof, one’s claims are “like clouds and wind without rain” (Prov. 25:14).

Pentecostal preachers will not even work so much as one miracle “as in the days of the apostles.” Let one feed an audience with a few loaves of bread; turn water into wine; heal one who is obviously diseased, lame or blind; pick up a deadly snake; drink poison; strike me blind; raise the dead; or prophesy the future without fail.

Whose claims are we to accept? In addition to oneness Pentecostals, the pope, Joseph Smith, Ellen G. White, Mary Baker Eddy, Jim Bakker, Jim Jones, Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn, Earnest Angely, Robert Tilton, Jimmy Swaggart, ad infinitum all claim to have miraculous power, are unwilling and unable to prove these powers, say their miracles are genuine, preach creeds contrary to the others, and in reality have no miraculous power. We must try their claims and reject them (1 Jn. 4:1).

The difference between true miracle workers and false was always obvious. Consider Moses versus the Egyptian magicians (Exod. 7), Elijah against the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs. 18), Daniel versus the Chaldean wise men (Dan. 2,4,6), Philip versus Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-11), and the apostles against the Jews (Acts 4:16; 19:13-17). Since Pentecostal debaters will not (cannot) work a miracle, why should we accept them over a Mormon?

Pentecostals equate being “filled with the Holy Spirit” and baptism with the Holy Spirit, but these two phenomena are not equivalent. Before baptism with the Holy Spirit was ever sent, Bezaleel was “filled with the Spirit of God” (Exod. 31:3) and Zacharias, Elizabeth and John were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Lk. 1:15,41,67). After baptism with the Holy Spirit was received in Acts 2, Peter, the brethren in Jerusalem, and Saul were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:8,31; 13:9) and Stephen was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:55). Is this a second baptism with the Holy Spirit for each of them?

Baptism with the Holy Spirit was not necessary to and did not always precede miracles. Moses (Exodus-Deuteronomy), Elijah (1 Kings 17-2 Kings 2), Elisha (2 Kings 2-13), the seventy disciples sent out by Jesus (Lk. 10:1-20), and the twelve apostles of the Limited Commission (Matt. 10:1; Lk. 9:1-6) all worked miracles though they had not been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Nor does having the Holy Spirit necessarily mean one can work miracles. Bezaleel (Exod. 31:3), Zacharias (Lk. 1:67), and Elizabeth (Lk. 1:41) all had the Holy Spirit, but none of them worked miracles. In fact, John the Baptist was “filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb” (Lk. 1:15), but he “did no miracle” (Jn. 10:41).

Miraculous gifts accompanied and demonstrated miraculous speaking, i.e., inspiration an. 14:26; 16:13; Matt. 10:19; Lk. 21:14-15). Do all Pentecostal preachers claim to be inspired?

The miraculous gifts also accompanied miraculous (inspired) writing (Eph. 3:3-5; 1 Cor. 14:37; Gal. 1:11-12, 16-20; Rom. 16:25-26; 2 Pet. 3:2,15-16; 1 Jn. 4:6; Jude 17). Do Pentecostal preachers believe the canon of Scripture is complete, or do they have some inspired writing to add to it?

James 5:14-16 deals with “the prayer of faith,” not with miracles. The passage does not teach that only certain sick are to be healed, that a Pentecostal preacher is to call for sick folks to come, that a Pentecostal preacher is to preach at the sick, that we are to pray for a miracle, or that we are to expect miraculous healing. It does teach all who are “sick among you” to “call for the elders of the church,” for the elders to “pray over” the sick, that the “prayer of faith shall save the sick,” and that “the Lord shall raise him up.” This harmonizes with James’ teaching on prayer earlier (1:5). We pray in faith for food (Matt. 6:11), but we work to receive it (Eph. 4:28); for wisdom (Jas. 1:5), but we study (2 Tim. 2:15); for deliverance from temptation (Matt. 6:13), but we must escape it (1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Tim. 6:9-11; 2 Tim. 2:22); for healing (Jas. 5:14-16), but we receive it by applying God’s good medicinal gifts to the body (Jas. 5:14; Lk. 10:33; 1 Tim. 5:23). In all this we pray, “Thy will be done” (Matt. 6:10).

The Bible specifically teaches the cessation of miraculous spiritual gifts. Paul taught that spiritual gifts were temporary and belonged to a time of partial knowledge and immaturity (1 Cor. 13:8-13). The purposes of these gifts  to reveal and confirm the word  have been fulfilled. And the means of obtaining them are no longer available, since Holy Spirit baptism has fulfilled its purpose as a sign, and the apostles’ work on earth has been fulfilled.

Zechariah prophesied that prophecy would cease (13:1-2). This cannot be a reference to false prophets, for they remain (13:3-4; 1 Jn. 4:1). Prophecy was to cease “in that day” (12:3-4,6,8,9; 13:1-2,4) when a fountain would be opened for sin (13:1), the Son would be pierced (12:10), he would receive wounds in his hands (13:6), and the shepherd would be smitten and the sheep scattered (13:7; Matt. 26:31).

Ephesians 4:11-14 is a prophecy that spiritual gifts would cease. They were to continue “till” we have “unity of the faith,” “knowledge of the Son of God,” and are “a perfect man,” “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” But the completed, written Word of God brings unity of the faith (Jude 3; Gal. 1:23) and knowledge of the Son (2 Pet. 1:3), makes each of us perfect (Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), like Christ in character (Col. 2:6-10; Gal. 1:7-8).

The foundation of a building only needs to be laid once. The foundation of the church is the “apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20-22). Just as Jesus only had to come to this earth once and do his work to be the chief corner stone, we do not need apostles and prophets still on the earth. The foundation of God’s temple, the church, has been laid once and does not need to be laid again. The Pentecostal position on prophets in the church would have new foundations being laid over and over again.

Paul revealed the what, why and when of the duration of miraculous spiritual gifts (I Cor. 13:8-13). The what is miraculous gifts. The why is that they pertained to a time of partial knowledge. The when is “when that which is perfect is come.”

The only explanation of the terminology “the perfect” that makes sense in the context is complete knowledge, the fully revealed, recorded Word of God. The partial must have the same characteristics as the whole. The partial is knowledge. Therefore, the perfect (whole) is also knowledge. The Pentecostal explanation is that “the perfect” refers to the second coming of Christ. Applying this definition in context, this would demand a partial coming of Christ that pertained to the time of miraculous gifts and a perfect coming of Christ that would bring these to an end. Of course, this is nonsensical.

God’s Word, the completed revelation, has already come. It is “the perfect law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25) and “the faith once delivered” (Jude 3). It contains “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3) and makes the “man of God . . . perfect,” i.e., complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

This completed revelation, the Word of God, stands in contrast with the miraculous spiritual gifts by which it was revealed and confirmed. Whereas the miraculous gifts were to fail, cease, and vanish away (1 Cor. 13:8); God’s Word will not pass away (Matt. 24:35). They were for a time of partial knowledge (1 Cor. 13:9), but by the Word we have complete knowledge (2 Tim. 3:6-17; 2 Pet. 1:3). They pertained to a time of childish speaking and thinking which were to be put away (1 Cor. 13:11), whereas the Word of God provides maturity (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 5:12-6:5). The gifts were for a time when Christians saw darkly and knew in part (1 Cor. 13:12), but by the Word we may see clearly and know fully (Eph. 3:3-5; Rom. 16:25-26; Heb. 4:12). The miraculous spiritual gifts were not to abide (1 Cor. 13:13), but the Word of God abides forever (1 Pet. 1:23).

Those spiritual gifts have ceased because they have fulfilled their purposes. They were to enable the apostles to testify of Christ (Jn. 15:26-27; Acts 1:2-8), but that testimony has been completed (1 Jn. 1:1-4; Jn. 20:30-31). They were to reveal the Word of God On. 14:26; 16:13; Eph. 4:8-13), but the Word is fully revealed (2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3). The miraculous gifts were to enable the apostles and prophets to write down the completed revelation and the completed revelation has been completely written (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rev. 22:18). They were to confirm the word (Mk. 16:14-20), and the Word has been confirmed (Heb. 2:1-4).

The miraculous spiritual gifts were given in only two ways, and both of these means of reception have ceased. They were imparted directly by Christ from heaven through the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Acts 2), on the household of Cornelius (Acts 10), and perhaps on Saul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul) (2 Cor. 11:5; 12:12). Then they were imparted to other disciples by the laying on of the apostles’ hands (Acts 6:6-8; 8:17-18; 19:6; Rom. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:6). But Holy Spirit baptism, as a sign that the kingdom had come was fulfilled on the apostles (Acts 1:1-8; 2:32-33; 4:33; 2 Cor. 12:12), and as a sign that Gentiles are accepted into the kingdom was fulfilled on the house of Cornelius (Acts 15:8). There is now only one baptism (Eph. 4:5). There are no apostles left on the earth to impart spiritual gifts since none can meet the qualifications of an apostle, being an eye-witness of the risen Lord (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor. 12:12); and all the apostles have died (Matt. 19:28; Rev. 21:14). Thus, there is no way to receive miraculous spiritual gifts today.

Conclusion

I commend brother Greeson for his intense preparation and effective presentation. More than once during the debate Mr. Scheel was visibly shaken, frustrated, or angry. There are evident signs he realized Wayne Greeson’s arguments were prevailing. I hope that the seed of the kingdom has fallen on some good soil and will bring forth fruit to God’s glory.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 5 p. 21-24
March 2, 1995