Truth Magazine

By David Dann

The book of Proverbs teaches us that, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1). In addition to this passage, the Bible issues many other warnings and admonitions against the consumption of alcoholic beverages (see Gen. 9:21; Prov. 23:31-35; Isa. 28:7-8; Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:3). 

However, even after all of the warnings and admonitions against alcohol with which we are furnished throughout the Scriptures, many Christians do not see the harm in “having a drink or two every now and then.” Most brethren will concede that outright drunkenness is always a sin, but these same brethren will defend a person’s right to have a glass of alcoholic wine with dinner. The prevailing idea seems to be that wine is only sinful if used to get drunk, and therefore the occasional social drink is perfectly acceptable for the Christian. Since the Scriptures enable the man of God to be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:17), we ought to be able to understand what the Bible teaches about alcoholic wine and the Christian.

Wine Is A Mocker

Since the inspired writer of Proverbs says “wine is a mocker,” it is imperative that we understand what is meant by the word “wine.” 

1. Wine in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word yayin is the word that is translated into English as “wine.” According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, “yayin includes wine at any stage” (289). In other words, “wine” as it appears in the Old Testament may refer to anything from fresh grape juice to intoxicating alcoholic wine. Therefore, the word “wine” does not always refer to alcohol in the Old Testament. However, the wine that is called a “mocker” is obviously intoxicating since it is spoken of in a negative sense.

2. Wine in the New Testament. Similarly in the New Testament, the Greek word oinos is translated as “wine.” Oinos can also refer to anything from fresh grape juice to intoxicating alcoholic wine. So, the word “wine” does not always refer to alcohol in the New Testament. It is, therefore, largely up to the context of the passage to determine whether or not the wine under discussion is alcoholic wine. Obviously, alcoholic wine is the wine that is warned against in passages such as Ephesians 5:18 wherein Paul says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.” However, we are forced to conclude that other passages mentioning wine refer to harmless, non-alcoholic wine. For example, in John 2 we are told that Jesus miraculously made about 180 gallons of wine for the guests at the wedding feast to drink (John 2:1-11). The fact that the Son of God would not have made 180 gallons of alcohol for those who had already had their fill of “wine” leads us to conclude that the wine at the wedding feast was unfermented grape juice. Those who contend otherwise would have Jesus encouraging drunkenness. Such could never be. 

Wine Is A Mocker

A “mocker” is one who ridicules, deceives, and acts defiantly. Wine is personified as this type of person in Proverbs 20:1 because alcoholic wine causes the intoxicated person to behave in a mocking, defiant manner. For this very reason, the Bible says, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things” (Prov. 23:31-33). Alcoholic wine is also a mocker in the sense that it is an addictive substance that destroys a person’s ability to think and act rationally. Wine mockingly lures in the unsuspecting victim, who is convinced that one harmless drink now and then will not hurt them. 

Wine Is A Mocker

Let us not forget that the Bible teaches that alcoholic wine is a mocker. 

1. Alcoholic wine is always a mocker. It is not sometimes a mocker, or only a mocker if taken in excess. It just plain is a mocker. Nearly anything can be harmful if used in excess. Food can be harmful if a person eats excessively. However, the Bible does not say, “food is a mocker.” Food has its proper use. However, alcoholic wine does not have any proper use in the life of a Christian. Therefore, it is always a mocker, constantly inviting us to let our guard down. 

2. Christians are commanded to be sober. Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Some social drinkers say that they have no intention of ever getting drunk, but they enjoy the feeling of relaxation brought on by a glass of wine. To what point shall we dull our senses before we are no longer able to be sober and vigilant in our fight against the devil? Alcoholic wine has no place in the life of a Christian.

Conclusion

“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine . . .” (1 Pet. 4:3). Do not be deceived, alcoholic wine is always a mocker.

41 Foch Ave. Unit #2, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M8W 3X3

By Jarrod Jacobs

Most all of us are familiar with the cult known as the “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Perhaps we have been greeted by them from time to time as they canvas our area where we live. How do we as Christians respond to them? What ought our attitude be toward these people? I have had the opportunity to meet with two “Jehovah’s Witnesses” over the course of the last six weeks and have learned quite a bit about them and their beliefs. Since they terminated the studies with me, I thought it would be profitable for all our dear readers to consider the following that we might be well-equipped and “ready to give an answer” when the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” knock on our door.

What Should My Attitude Be Toward The “Jehovah’s Witnesses”?

First of all, do not be rude to them. If they knock on your door, answer and speak to them politely. This is because a rude comment or slamming the door in their face is interpreted by them to be “persecution,” and this just bolsters their conviction that they must be right because they have been “persecuted” for the Lord’s sake.

Knowing that Christians will treat others as they wish to be treated (Matt. 7:12), the next thing we must remember is that these people are lost. They are not Christians, have not been saved; they teach doctrines contrary to the gospel, therefore, they are lost in their sins (Gal. 1:6-9; Rom. 16:17). My attitude toward them needs to be an attitude that I want them to be saved from their sins. I need to take the time with them to explain what one must do to be saved. This way, their blood will not be on my hands because I missed an opportunity to teach a lost soul the truth (Ezek. 3:17-21; 33:7-9; Acts 18:6; 20:26-27). Does this mean they will listen? No, but when we explain the gospel plan of salvation to someone, it is then their responsibility to accept or reject, not ours (1 Cor. 3:6).

Do Not Let “Jehovah’s Witnesses” Run The Conversation

Once inside, they will generally wish to set up an appointment to come and study from one of their booklets. Once this date has been set, and the study begins, do not let these people run the conversation. They wish for you to read the paragraphs of their booklet, read corresponding passages, and just accept what they say. This must not be done, because much of what they teach is false. John said, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). To “try the spirits” is to “test, discern, examine” (Strong’s) the principles, or doctrines under consideration. Paul said that elders are to hold “fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince (“tell a fault, rebuke, admonish,” Strong’s) the gainsayers (“those who contradict,” NKJ, NAS)” (Tit. 1:9). Certainly people like the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” contradict many Bible truths in order to spread their doctrine. Therefore, we must not allow them to run the conversation, but we must be ready to ask questions of them, and challenge their doctrines in light of what the Bible says. In so doing, perhaps we can win them to the Lord. (It has happened before, and Lord willing, it will happen again.)
Some Doctrines Taught By the “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

In order to better equip ourselves for meeting the “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” let us consider some of their doctrines in light of divine truth.

1. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” teach that God’s name has always been “Jehovah” and that men have always called God “Jehovah.” In fact, they seldom refer to God the Father as “Father,” or “God,” but “Jehovah.” They believe God will not hear your prayers unless you use that title.

The truth is that God has not always been known by the name “Jehovah.” God told Moses, “I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them” (Exod. 6:3). As we continue to read the Bible, we learn that God refers to himself by several names: “God Almighty,” “I AM,” “Jehovah,” “Father,” “Holy and Reverend,” etc. All of these names can rightfully be used in addressing God.

2. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” teach that Jesus was a created being, not divine (deity). In my studies with the “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” they were quite adamant that Christ is not the Son of God, but the first created, or a son of God. They said he was as high as you could get, but not divine. In fact, they said he was Michael the archangel (Jude 9; Rev. 12:7) while in Heaven, but Jesus on earth. They misused passages like Colossians 1:15 which say Christ is “the firstborn of every creature” and suggested this means that Christ was the first-one-born, hence a created being. In truth, the term “firstborn” means “first in rank, or position.” Two good examples of how “firstborn” is used by God include: (1) In Exodus 12, God said he would “pass over” those who had the blood on the doorposts and lintel (v. 22). However, when he came to the Egyptians, he “smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle” (v. 29). Now, did God simply kill the first child to be born in the house? No! It was the firstborn son (Exod. 4:23). It would not necessarily be the first child born in the family! (2) Jesus is called the “firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20). Was Jesus the first one to ever rise from the dead? Of course, not!

Yet, the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” still insist that Jesus is not divine (God). Let us understand that the name given to Christ, “Immanuel,” means “God with us” (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23)! The prophecies of old said that his name would be “the mighty God . . . everlasting Father” (Isa. 9:6). Jesus accepted worship (Matt. 8:2; 9:18; 14: 33), and said he and the Father were “one.” The Jews understood that he was declaring himself equal with God (John 10:33). He even took the name “I AM” — a name reserved for the Father (John 8:58; Exod. 3:14).

3. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” teach that at death the body is buried, and that is the end of things until Christ returns. They say man has no soul, but that he is a soul. They base this on a misunderstanding of Genesis 2:7 — “. . . man became a living soul.” They conveniently ignore, or skew such passages as Ecclesiastes 12:7; James 2:26; Matthew 10:28; 2 Corinthians 4:16; and 1 Thessalonians 5:23 which make clear distinctions between the body, soul, and spirit of a man.

4. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” teach many “mainstream” denominational doctrines as well. They teach that man is born in sin. They also teach that baptism is to show the world your commitment to God. Both doctrines are completely without merit. The Bible teaches that the soul that sins shall die, and that neither the father or the son is responsible for any sins but his own (Ezek. 18:4, 20; Col. 3:25). We also understand that baptism is necessary for the remission of sins (1 Pet. 3:21; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16, 2:38). This, one cannot deny without contradicting God.

5. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” teach that our only hope is on this earth. They teach that this earth will be here forever, and when Jesus returns, he will make this world into a paradise, akin to Eden, in which the righteous will live forever. They teach that only 144,000 will go to Heaven, a misinterpretation of Revelation 14:1. It amazed me to sit and speak to people who had no hope of Heaven and didn’t care! They said they didn’t want to go, and looked forward to being here on this earth when it was “free of wicked people.”

Such foolish talk as this amazes the Bible student. The Bible says that God wants all his children with him, not just part of them (Rev. 22:17; John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Tit. 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:3-4)! I showed such passages as these to the “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” but they ignored them, and skewed passages such as Matthew 5:5 and Psalm 37:29 in an effort to say that the earth will remain eternally.

6. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” teach that their name is given by God. They will use Isaiah 43:10, and 44:8 to prove this. They will often cite Acts 1:8 for “proof” of their name in the New Testament. The problem with this is that in Isaiah (56:5; 62:6; 65:15) God promises to call his people by a “new name,” a name he would give them! This name was given in Acts 11:26 — Christian! Acts 1:8 was not speaking to all people in general. Rather, Jesus was speaking to his apostles who were about to go into all the world to preach. Therefore, we need to respect the context of this verse, and see that it was not being spoken as something which would apply to all men everywhere.

7. Besides all this, “Jehovah’s Witnesses” have their own Bible. It is called the “New World Translation” which has mistranslated and misapplied the Bible to teach their various false doctrines. When they come to your door with that particular book  (not a Bible) in their hand, be prepared! Their Bible, because it is written by men, has many errors in it, and can be used against them (Ex: Rev. 1:7-8, 17-18; 2:8; 22:6-7). The “NWT” shows Christ to be equal with God, i.e., deity, the very doctrine they reject!. We must be ready for them. In your study with them, point them to the Bible you are using and read from it.

Conclusion

This study is not exhaustive, but I wanted our dear readers to be aware of my experience. Perhaps it will be of help to you the next time a “Jehovah’s Witness” knocks. Please, do not slam the door on them, but remember their souls need to be saved. 

2155 Sunset Dr., White Bluff, Tennessee 37187

By Mark Mayberry

Introduction

In this article, let us consider the biblical term “perdition,” which is derived from the Greek word apoleia. Strong says it means “ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal).” Thayer defines it as “1. actively, a destroying, utter destruction: as, of vessels; 2. passively, a perishing, ruin, destruction.”1 In particular, it has reference to “the destruction which consists in the loss of eternal life, eternal misery, perdition,” and describes “the lot of those excluded from the kingdom of God.”2 Thomas classes it as “destruction” or “loss.”3 The New Bible Dictionary says perdition is “a word employed in the NT, in the sense of ‘destruction’ and with special reference to the fate of the wicked and their loss of eternal life (Rev. 17:8, 11). . . . The Gk. word stands in direct antithesis to full and complete blessedness (souteuria).”4 

In the KJV, this word is translated “damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, perish, pernicious ways, waste.” In the NASV, this word appears 17 times in 18 Bible verses (Matt. 7:13; 26:8; Mark 14:4; John 17:12; Acts 8:20; Rom. 9:22; Phil. 1:28; 3:19; 2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 6:9; Heb. 10:39; 2 Pet. 2:1, 3; 3:7, 16; Rev. 17:8, 11), where it is rendered “destruction, destructive, perdition, perish, waste, and wasted.” In the New Testament, the Greek word apoleia has application to four classes: It describes the fate of those who are covetous, those who are comfortable, those who are compromisers, and those who are cowardly. 

Perdition Awaits Those Who Are Covetous

When a woman anointed Jesus’ head with a very costly perfume, the disciples were indignant at the squandering of this valuable resource: “Why this waste [apoleia]? This perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” Jesus assured them that no waste had occurred. He reminded them that the poor are ever present, but his brief ministry was quickly nearing its end. By preparing his body for burial, her actions were virtuous and memorable (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9). 

In John’s account of this incident (or a similar one), Judas was particularly incensed, saying, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” Yet, these  altruistic words hid Judas’ real motivation: He was a thief. Entrusted with the money box, he had previously pilfered from it (John 12:1-8). Immediately afterwards, Judas made his unholy pact with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11). 

Judas, the “son of perdition” was doomed to destruction for betraying Christ into the hands of his enemies (John 17:12). Though chosen as an apostle, Judas’ heart was not right with God — he was a devil (John 6:70-71). Like others who rejected the truth, Judas was more demonic than Christ-like, more compliant to temptation than resistant of it, more a son of Satan than a child of God (John 8:44-47; 13:2, 21-30). Bowing before the god of mammon, Judas sold his Master for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14-15; Zech. 11:12-13). 

A similar curse befell Simon the Sorcerer. This former occultic trick master was amazed when he observed genuine signs and miracles (Acts 8:9-13). Ignoring the real purpose of miracles (i.e., confirmation of the apostolic message), Simon viewed spiritual gifts from a different angle: “Here is a way to get rich quick!” Allowing greed to get the best of him, Simon attempted to purchase the gift of God with money. However, Peter rebuked him saying, “May your silver perish [apoleia] with you . . . You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God . . . Repent . . . and pray . . . For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity” (Acts 8:18-24). Once again, we see the danger of covetousness: The love of money plunges men into ruin and destruction (1 Tim. 6:9-10). 

Perdition Awaits Those Who Are Comfortable

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasted the saved and the lost. He spoke of two gates and two ways which lead, respectively, to life and death. The pathway leading to heaven is lonely, difficult, and narrow, but the thoroughfare leading to destruction (apoleia) is popular, easily traveled, and broad (Matt. 7:13-14; Luke 13:24). Looking for a way that is painless and trouble-free, many reject Christian discipleship because it is arduous and demanding. Yet, paradoxically, the yoke of Christ is easier than the way of sinners (Matt. 11:28-30; Prov. 13:15). Yet, those who follow the easy way forget there is a great day coming when all wickedness and ungodliness will be judged (2 Pet. 3:3-13; Rev. 17:8, 11). Woe unto those who are at ease in Zion (Amos 6:1-7). The Laodicean disciples were lazy, lethargic, lackadaisical, and lost. Jesus commanded, “Be zealous and repent” (Rev. 3:14-19). 

Perdition Awaits Those Who Are Compromisers

Eternal destruction awaits those who are enemies of the cross of Christ (Phil. 3:17-19). Included in this curse is the man of lawlessness, the son of perdition (2 Thess. 2:3-4). Sin is defined as rebellion against God’s rule and revelation: “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Such a spirit is evident both in the unregenerate world (Rom. 6:19) and also in apostate religions (Matt. 7:21-23). Destruction will overtake, not only the proponents of Romanism, foreshadowed in 2 Thessalonians and elsewhere, but false teachers of every variety and stripe (2 Pet. 2:1-3). Who is a false teacher? Anyone who teaches damnable heresies! Some men distort biblical doctrines that are hard to be understood; others twist teaching that is simple. Yet, those who mutilate the Scriptures — whether the milk or the meat – do so to their own destruction (apoleia) (2 Pet. 3:15-16). Blind guides bring swift destruction upon both themselves and their followers (Matt. 15:13-14). 

Perdition Awaits Those Who Are Cowardly

Calamity will overtake the cowardly (Rev. 21:8). Endurance is needed; those who shrink back do so to their own destruction (apoleia) (Heb. 10:36-39). If we are ashamed of Jesus in the presence of sinful men, he will be ashamed of us in the presence of his sinless Father (Mark 8:38). Those who confess Christ will be confessed; those who deny him will be denied (Matt. 10:32-33; 2 Tim. 2:12-13). Therefore, let us be strong and courageous (Josh. 1:6-9)!

Conclusion

In non-biblical literature, perhaps the most famous reference to perdition comes from the pen of John Milton: “Him the Almighty Power/Hurl’d headlong . . . /To bottomless perdition, there to dwell.” No more terrible fate could be imagined. Therefore, let us faithfully serve the Lord Jesus Christ, steadfastly avoiding such conduct that would endanger our eternal souls. Trusting in God who has delivered us from so great a peril of death, let us firmly set our hope on him who will yet deliver (2 Cor. 1:8-11).

1 BibleSoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary (Seattle, WA: BibleSoft & International Bible Translators, Inc., 1994), s.v. “APOLEIA,” #684.
2 The Online Bible: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon and Brown, Driver & Briggs’ Hebrew Lexicon (Seattle, WA: BibleSoft & Ontario, Canada: Woodside Bible Fellowship, 1993, 1996), s.v. “APOLEIA,” #684.
3 Thomas, Robert L., Th.D., General Editor, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries, Updated Edition (Anaheim, CA: Foundation Publications, Inc.) 1999, c1998, s.v. “APOLEIA,” #684
4 The New Bible Dictionary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1962, s.v. “Perdition.”
4805 Sulley Dr., Alvin, Texas 77511

By Joe R. Price

One of the striking features of the apostolic work is the energy and boldness with which they proclaimed the soul-saving message of truth (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 4:29-31; 9:20, 22, 27, 29). They saw boldness in preaching the gospel as not only desirable, but morally obligatory: “praying . . . for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6:18-20). They were constrained and compelled by divine appointment to preach boldly. We are under the same divine appointment: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).

Boldness is not arrogance or a display of “knowing it all.” Such evil must never accompany gospel teaching. “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

Thayer says the word which “boldness” translates means “freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech . . . openly, frankly, i.e. without concealment . . . without ambiguity or circumlocution . . . without the use of figures and comparisons . . . free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage . . . the deportment by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity” (491).

Bold preaching is not an “intellectual exercise” that leaves one wondering what the truth is, or whether we can even know the truth (remember Pilate’s “what is truth?”).

Boldness is being plain spoken in what one says. Clarity, not ambiguity, is a trait of gospel preaching. The “uncertain sound” is not characteristic of boldness (1 Cor. 14:8).

Bold gospel preaching draws attention to the message we preach, not the messenger (1 Cor. 1:18-21; 2:1-5; 4:9-13; Acts 14:1-7). 

Bold teaching and preaching is the result of one’s confidence (faith) in the credibility, accuracy and truthfulness of the gospel. Rarely will one who is unsure of his message show boldness in its proclamation (cf. 2 Tim. 1:8-13).

But beware! False teachers can be bold, too (cf. 2 Pet. 2:18; Jude 16). Every message, no matter how boldly presented, must be analyzed under the microscope of inspired Scripture to verify its credibility (Acts 17:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). Then we can boldly live truth and teach it to others. 

Bold gospel preaching has never received wide acceptance. Sin and error love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21). Even some brethren disdain bold preaching intended to spread the truth and save souls. Some refuse to publicly debate the gospel when differences exist, insisting that it does more harm than good. (Gladly the apostles did not share their thinking! Please read Acts 6:6-8; 9:29; 15:1-2; 17:1-4, 17-19; 18:4-5.)

Others resist publicly identifying teachers of error lest we “lose our opportunity” to reach them. But, it is because their error is public that a bold challenge is warranted! God knows that publicity vindicates truth and protects the innocent (Rom. 16:17-18).

Why does the Lord want us to be bold when we teach the gospel? He wants the gospel to gain publicity so that more may openly hear and understand its message of salvation (Luke 12:3). Then, more will be saved by its power (Rom.1:16). Be bold, my brethren! (1 Cor. 16:13).

6204 Portland Way, Ferndale, Washngton 98248