Truth Magazine

By John Isaac Edwards

The church is the greatest institution under heaven. Yet, it is widely misunderstood. The church is not what most people think. It is not a political organization (Jn. 18:36), a social club (Rom. 14:17), or a material building (Acts 5:11). The church is, however; a body of people who have been called out of darkness (1 Pet. 2:9), to be saints (Rom. 1:7), in one body (Col. 3:15), by the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14).

When studying about the church, or any other topic, one must make his appeal to “For What Saith The Scripture?” Therefore, “For What Saith The Scripture” about the New Testament church?

According to the Eternal Purpose

The Scriptures say that the church is according to the eternal purpose of God. Paul wrote, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph. 3:10-11). The apostle Paul declared that the church was a part of that plan “which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God” (Eph. 3:9). The book of Ephesians displays the place that God, “according to his eternal purpose,” ascribed to Christ and the church (Eph. 3:11).Before the creation of the world, God purposed for Christ to found the church. This does away with the idea of the church just being a mere afterthought. The New Testament church is made known by God’s wisdom!

Prophesied And Revealed

The New Testament church was prophesied in the Old Testament and is revealed in the New Testament. Isaiah, the Messianic prophet, looking down the stream of time through the prophetic eye, saw (1) that the Lord’s house would be established in Jerusalem; (2) that all nations would flow unto it; and (3) that it would come to pass in the last days (Isa. 2:2-3). What is the Lord’s house? In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul speaks of “the house of God, which is the church of the living God.” Thus, the house is the church and the church is the house. Daniel pictured the church as an indestructible kingdom which would be set up during the days of the Roman kings (Dan. 2:36-44). Throughout the Scriptures, the words “kingdom” and “church” are used synonymously (Matt. 16:16-19). In Mark 9:1, Jesus said “that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” So whenever the “power” came, the church came. In Acts 1:8, Christ told the apostles that they would receive power “after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Whenever the Holy Ghost came upon the apostles, the power came, and the church was established. Acts 2:1-4 records that the apostles “were all filled with the Holy Ghost” on the day of Pentecost. Consequently, the power came and the church was established on the day of Pentecost. Further, we have the establishment of the New Testament church in the “last days” (Acts 2:16-17), in the lifetime of some disciples (Acts 1:15), while the Roman kings were in rule (Lk. 20:22-25), in the city of Jerusalem, and all nations flowed unto it (Acts 2:5). Hence, the Scripture says, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

Built By Christ

The church of the Bible was built by a divine builder, Christ. In Matthew 16:16, Peter confessed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then Jesus said unto Peter, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). The church could not have been built by just anyone. The Psalmist proclaimed, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Ps. 127:1).

Built Upon A Sure Foundation

In construction, it is essential that one build upon the proper foundation. Otherwise, the structure would collapse (cf. Matt. 7:24- 27). The church is no exception! Its stability depends entirely upon its foundation. Isaiah revealed, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16).Notice that the foundation would be laid in Zion, or Jerusalem. Thus, any church which did not begin in Jerusalem cannot be built upon a sure foundation. The Psalmist announced, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner” (Ps. 118:22). Jesus applied this prophecy to Himself (Matt. 21:42), and Peter in Acts 4:11 applied this prophecy to Christ. The New Testament church is not built upon the weakness of human flesh, but upon the divinity and Son ship of Christ (Matt. 16:16-18). Paul said, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).

Purchased With The Blood Of Christ

The Scriptures affirm that the New Testament church was purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. As Paul delivered his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, he commanded them, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The blood of Jesus Christ has buying power. Paul went on to tell the Corinthians, “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). The New Testament church was purchased with the blood-redeeming price that Christ freely paid on the cross of Calvary. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). The fact that the church was blood-purchased by Christ, emphasizes its surpassing value and importance.

Independently Organized

Sometimes the word “church,” in the Scriptures, is used to refer to a church at a certain locality (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2). Other times the word “church” is used collectively, so as to include a group of independent churches or all churches everywhere (Gal. 1:2; Acts 2:47; Rom. 16:16). In New Testament times, every church was independent, or autonomous, of every other church. Each independent church was scripturally organized with elders, deacons, and saints (Phil. 1:1). The elders and deacons consisted of men who met specific qualifications (cf. 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9). The church can exist while being scripturally unorganized, that is, when there are men who do not meet the requirements of Scripture. But when there are men who meet the qualifications, then they should be appointed (Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5). The oversight of the elders begins and ends in the local church (1 Pet. 5:1-2). It would be unscriptural for the elders of one church to oversee any other flock than their own! The elders of the local church, as well as the deacons and saints, are subject to Christ, the head of the church (Col. 1:18). Therefore, elders do not, and cannot enact or enforce any other laws than the laws of Christ which are revealed in the Scriptures. Since Christ is in heaven (Acts 2:30-36), the church has no earthly headquarters. Its head-quarters are in heaven, where the head is located.

Will Be Delivered Up

In 1 Corinthians 15:24, Paul reveals the future of the New Testament church. “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” Ultimately the kingdom, the church, will be delivered up to God. All of its faithful citizens will be delivered out of a hostile world unto God. The deliverance of the church will take place when the last enemy, which is death, is destroyed (1 Cor. 15:25-26). Then the redeemed of all ages will spend the ceaseless ages of eternity with God and with Christ in the beautiful city called heaven.

*John Isaac Edwards is sixteen years old.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 8, p. 19-20
April 21, 1994

By Connie W. Adams

Sound Words

“Hold fast the form of sound words . . .” (2 Tim. 1:13). That which is “sound” is wholesome, healthful, calculated to contribute to the spiritual well-being of the hearers. “Form” means pattern. Sound teaching is not ritualistic. It does not consist of vain repetitions. But there is a definite ring to it. Words are sound because they are truth. “Thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). They are sound because they were revealed by the Holy Spirit to inspired men (1 Cor. 2:13).

Sound preachers are those who preach what the Bible says. We teach our little children to sing “Oh the B-I-B-L-E, Yes, that’s the book for me.” Some preachers thank they have outgrown that. They can tell you what great men have said, but precious little about what the word of God says. There is a hunger in the souls of men and women for the pure word of God. Their souls are thirsty for it.

In our traveling about to and from gospel meetings in various parts of the country, we plan travel time so as to be able to worship with brethren on the Lord’s day. At times we have complained because of the lack of Bible teaching heard at some places. I believe those complaints are legitimate. But there are also times when we hear faithful servants of the Lord ably present “sound words.” Such was our experience last Sunday on our way home from a gospel meeting in Palmetto, Florida. We heard Robert Harkrider at South Bumby Avenue in Orlando on Sunday morning. He was concluding a series on the book of Philippians. It was rich and meaty, yet simply delivered. It was faith building. We came away strengthened and encouraged. Readers of this magazine will rejoice to know that brother Harkrider is presently working on a commentary on the book of Revelation which will be a part of the series of commentaries on the New Testament being published by Guardian of Truth Foundation. He is also slated to write the commentary on Hebrews in that series.

We drove to Valdosta, Georgia for evening services expecting to hear Bryce Embry who is in his first full-time work. Instead, they began a meeting that day with Bill Hall. His sermon was on “Commitment to Christ.” He addressed popular errors on the subject with great plainness of speech. But he began by immediately calling us to the word to Acts 11:19-26, emphasizing verse 23  “that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” His sermon was full of scripture and delivered in a manner which showed careful preparation, deep reverence for the Lord and his word and an earnest concern for the souls of his hearers. We came away even more determined to “cleave unto the Lord.”

I often conclude letters to fellow gospel preachers with “Preach the word.” I would also urge brethren everywhere to insist that we do just that.

Time Tested Advice

It was forty years ago that my wife and I left the work at Palmetto, Florida and moved to the Atlanta area to work with what was then the Glenwood Hills church in Decatur, Georgia. Though I had resigned the work at Palmetto, there was some misunderstanding between the elders and me. At the time, I did not think I was fairly treated. Some brethren in the congregation came to me and asked if I would help them start another congregation in town. James P. Miller proved to be a great friend during those trying days and he strongly advised against that. He said, “You are young and you will learn from all this and go on with your work elsewhere. But those folks have to stay there. If you do this, there will be friction for the next 40-50 years.” I listened and am glad that was the case. We have just finished my third gospel meeting with the church at Palmetto since that time forty years ago. After our departure years ago, problems were adjusted, I went on with my work elsewhere and learned a great deal from the experience. Now, forty years later, the wisdom of the advice given by brother Miller can be seen. There is a strong, thriving congregation of 150 in Palmetto. They have three elders, seven deacons and have an able preacher in Frank Himmel who has been there eleven years. They are at peace and growing. In many ways it is one of the most stable churches in that entire area.

We still need elder and more experienced men to set good examples and offer wise counsel to younger men.

And we need for the young men to note the difference between good advice and bad and to listen to the good and follow the worthy examples of those who have learned from the experiences of life. What a thrill it was to preach in Palmetto again. The brethren asked me to preach first principles this time and they would work to get those out of Christ there to hear. They did just that and we had a wonderful week of work together.

Judgment to Come

On Mars Hills in Athens, Paul said, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent; Because he that appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). Please notice things that are connected in this passage: (1) God will not excuse our ignorance; (2) He commands all men everywhere to repent; (3) there will be a day of judgment; (4) the standards of that judgment will be righteousness as taught by Jesus Christ; (5) this judgment is assured by the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

These considerations should be motivation enough for all of us to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, and to prompt us to work diligently to see to it that the gospel is preached in all the world in our generation, for it could be the last one before the appointed day. Let’s get on with it.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 9, p. 3-4
May 5, 1994

By Jarrod Jacobs

“If our name is not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, we are promised an eternity in outer darkness forever punished in fire (Rev. 20:15; 21:8). We all must examine ourselves and make our life right with God in obedience to His word.”

What will happen at the end of time? Will man be here? Are there signs of the second coming? What will happen to the living and the dead?

As long as man has been on the earth, he has tried to predict the end of the world. Today, people are still trying to predict the end of time, and all have failed. There are many theories about the event that will effect all of us for eternity. All kinds of doctrines flood our airwaves, and bookstores. Do we believe the Millennialists who teach Christ will fight Satan in the battle of Armageddon, and rule and reign on the earth for 1000 years? Do we believe the Universalists who claim we will all go to Heaven, regardless of our spiritual condition? What about the Atheists who deny God and say once we die, we cease to exist and there is no hope beyond this life (1 Cor. 15:19)?

The plea in this issue and this article is “For what saith the scripture?” (Rom. 4:3) And because of the seriousness of this matter, only the Bible will be consulted. The Bible addresses this subject in vivid detail. Please open your Bible and study and read the things stated in this article. Let us now let the Bible answer the question at hand.

The Day Will Come

In 2 Peter 3:10, Peter tells us three things that will happen at the end of time. It will be a day. It will not be an era, millennium, or undistinguished length of time, just one day. Not only is it one day, but is promised to come. “But the day of the Lord will come.” We are not left wondering will happen, but when it will happen. Peter goes on to say it will be as “a thief in the night.” No man knows when the Lord will come, make no mistake about it! Christ tells us His second coming will be a mere hour (Jn. 5:28)! This is not the beginning of an “era,” but one day that will determine our eternity.

The Clouds Will Open

As the apostles watched Christ ascend into Heaven, the angel promised He would come back the same way He went (Acts 1:9-11). As He left in the cloud so shall He return in the cloud. Paul affirms this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, when he says the Lord will “descend from Heaven.”

The Shout and the Trumpet

The shout of the archangel, and the trump of God will signal Christ’s return (1 Thess. 4:16). This sound will stretch across the globe. At this great noise, the world will know that the end of the world is here!

Every Eye Shall See Him

John tells us, “Behold He cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth will wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Rev. 1:7). The Lord will be revealed to us that last day (2 Thess. 1:7). All shall see Christ at that time, living or dead. These passages lay to rest the idea of the “rapture.” This false doctrine is never found in the Bible. If “every eye shall see him” as John said, then who will not? The final day will not happen in secret as some would have us to believe.

The Resurrection

Millennialists will vehemently deny these next sentences, but our plea is, “For what saith the scripture”? So they will not deny my words, but God’s words.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we read of the last day and final judgment. Here Paul only deals with one-half of the resurrection, but it is important to notice. Starting in verse sixteen, Paul says, “the dead in Christ shall rise first.” In verse seventeen we read, “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” To put 1000 years between verse sixteen and verse seventeen is to wrest this passage. Paul is simply saying that in the resurrection, the dead will rise before the living do. The things mentioned will happen on the same day (2 Pet. 3:10), at the same hour (Jn. 5:28)!

As Paul dealt with only one side of the resurrection, Jesus gives us the “full picture” of what is to take place. In John 5:28-29, Christ says “the hour” is coming. “All in the graves shall hear His voice.” Is that just the good or just the evil? All shall hear His voice and come forth!

In Acts 24:15, Paul says, “. . . there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” Will there be many resurrections before the Judgment comes or just one? These three verses prove that there shall be “a resurrection”  only one!

The Judgment

As we ascend to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:17), we shall put on new, incorruptible bodies (1 Cor. 15:35-54). These bodies will be eternal in nature to make us suitable for our everlasting rewards. This body is one that pleases God (v. 38). With only this information revealed, we must trust God, and prepare ourselves for the Judgment.

The Judgment will take place with “the dead small and great” (Rev. 20:12) before God. We will be parted to the right and the left as the sheep and goats (Matt. 25:32-33). We will be judged by our works and obedience to the Bible (Eccl. 12:13-14; Jn. 12:48; Rev. 20:12-13; 22:12). If our name is written in the Book of Life, we can enter Heaven (Exod. 32:32; Psa. 69:28; Lk. 10:20). If our name is not there, we will be cast into Hell (Rev. 20:15; 21:27). In the Sacred Selections songbook (#567), a song titled, “Is My Name Written There?” brings meaning to the things we have studied. This song asks the question we must ask ourselves, “Is my name written there?” If our name is not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, we are promised an eternity in outer darkness forever punished in fire (Rev. 20:15; 21:8). We all must examine ourselves, and make our life right with God in obedience to His word. We have been warned of our Lord’ s coming, and that last day. Now, let us prepare for that day (Amos 4:12).

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 8, p. 21-22
April 21, 1994

By David Eldridge

In staying with this study of “what saith the scriptures” I would like to address the subject of repentance. The scriptures say much on this subject. In this article it is my goal to present some main points on this subject and clear up some misunderstanding about repentance.

What Is Repentance?

Before a person is able to repent, it stands to reason, that he must first know what repentance is. Repentance has been defined as a change in mind or heart brought about by godly sorrow, and therefore resulting in a change of life. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says repentance “signifies to change one’s mind or purpose, always, in the New Testament, involving a change for the better, an amendment, and always except in Luke 17:3,4, of repentance from sin.”

These definitions are exemplified in Matthew 21:28-30. Here we see the parable of the two sons who were told to go and work in the vineyard. The first son said that he would not, but then, seeing the error of his ways, repented and went to work. This son showed a change of mind, and acting on this change of mind changed his life.

What Does Repentance Involve?

Repentance first involves a person acknowledging his sins. If someone refuses to admit that he is sick (Mk. 2:7), then he obviously will not see the need to repent.

Once a person acknowledges his sin, then this will then produce godly sorrow if the person’s attitude is right. In 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 we see this idea taught. In v. 10 Paul writes, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance.” We can see that this godly sorrow will work or bring forth repentance.

Once a person has repented then he turns from the sin. If there is no change in the mind that then produces a change in life the person has not truly repented. True repentance always involves a change in the mind followed by a change in the person’s life.

Who Is Required to Repent?

“And at the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). Paul, in his sermon at Athens told the Athenians that not just all men, but, “all men everywhere,” were commanded to repent. Repentance is required of every-one.

Why were all men told to repent? The answer is found in Romans 3:23, because “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” All have sinned, so all must repent.

The alien sinner must repent. In Acts 2:37 we see these men (erring sinners) cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” In v. 38 Peter told them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” We also see in Acts 3:19, Peter preaching the same thing with almost the same words. Peter tells them to repent and be converted so that their sins could be blotted out. We learn in these passages that for the sinner, repentance is a necessary step for salvation and remission of sins.

The Christian guilty of sin must also repent. In Acts 8 we see this illustrated by Simon the Sorcerer. In v. 1.3 we find that Simon was baptized and became a child of God. Later on, Simon tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 18-19). Then Simon, a Christian, was told to repent of this sin (v. 22). From this we can see that a Christian, upon committing a sin, must repent of it, and that this true repentance provides what is necessary for forgiveness.

What a Lack of Repentance Brings

As we saw earlier in this article, without repentance it is impossible to receive salvation. So for one who is not a child of God, no repentance equals an eternal torture and punishment in Hell.

For a child of God repentance is also essential. True repentance brings forgiveness of sins, and without forgiveness of our sins, we will receive death, a spiritual death in hell, as wages for those sins (Rom. 6:23). For “all men everywhere” repentance is required.

In conclusion, we have learned that repentance is required for everyone, and that this repentance will bring forth a change in both our minds and our lives. And that repentance must be taught and used in every Christian’s life.

*David Eldridge is 16 years old.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 8, p. 15
April 21, 1994