Truth Magazine

By Tim Mize

Gathered as we are today to remember die Lords death, let us think for a moment about this truth and its significance, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures ~ Cor. 15:3).

This stress on scriptural backing goes back to the earliest preaching of the gospel, when the apostles first proclaimed that Jesus is the Christ. Those early audiences would have been skeptical. This Jesus was a nobody, a peasant man from a peasant town. He had wandered about for a time as a popular preacher, teacher, and healer, and even raised the hopes of some, but he had died a failure, executed by the authorities on a cross.

We might wonder how those preachers managed to persuade anyone to believe it. Yet they did, and with great success. They affirmed that humiliated, dying messiah was actually Gods plan, and they pointed to two things to prove it the fact that God had raised this Jesus from the dead, and the fact that the scriptures themselves testify that the messiah must suffer.

Their audiences already accepted the authority of scripture. They already believed, too, in its promise of a blessed future for Israel. More surprising would have been the suggestion that according to the scriptures these hopes were to be fulfilled through as humble a Christ as this. The apostles encouraged them to search the scriptures to see that these things are so (Acts 17:21, 10f).

What scriptures did they point to in support of such claims? First, there were those that describe the suffering of the righteous in general (such as Pss. 22 and 69). If these things are true of the righteous, how much more of the Christ, the Righteous One? Secondly, there were those that foreshadow particular events surrounding Jesus death (for example, Zech. 11:12-13; 12:10; Ps. 69:21; Isa. 53:9). Thirdly, there was Isaiah chapter 53, which speaks explicitly of the suffering and dying servant of God. Lastly, there were those that tell of the resurrection of Gods Holy One (Pss. 16:10).

So then, when we say that Christ died “according to the scriptures,” we mean that God has a plan, a plan that involves a blessed destiny for his people, which he has always had, has always been working out, and even now pursues. We mean that from time to time humanity has received manifestations of this plan at work, which affirm its reality and its goodness. Most of all, we mean that the death of Jesus stands as one such manifestation of this plan. Indeed, it stands as the supreme and climactic demonstration of the on-going, redemptive work of God (Acts2:23; 4:28; Gal. 4:40.

In a world of whirlwind change and unrelenting trouble, we need to hear this gospel. We need to hear that God has a plan that overarches all, and overrules alland that even now this same irresistible power that was demonstrated in the cross drives all things toward the happy end of the righteous.

 The death of our Savior, then, was no accident, no mistake, and no afterthought. It was planned and worked out by God to demonstrate his love and work for our redemption. We can only wonder at what further demonstrations lie ahead.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 7
October 21, 1993

By Steven D. Baxley

In Isaiah 6, we have recorded the vision in which the prophet received the divine commission to go and warn the people of Israel of impending judgment upon them. In verse 8, God asks the question “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah answers with the words, “Here am I; send me,” thus expressing his own willingness to carry the Word of God to those who needed to hear it. Isaiah faithfully preached that message. Today, God calls us to take his message to a lost and dying people; a people with only one hope for eternal salvation: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Will our answer to that call be like Isaiah’s?

Notice please Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus is just about to ascend into heaven, but he has some final words for the disciples who will now carry on the work that he had begun. Jesus states: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Jesus issues a direct command, based upon his divine authority (v. 18) for the disciples to take his gospel into every nation of the earth. Now, notice what he says immediately after that: “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Jesus thus tells the disciples that they are to teach people to observe his commandments. This necessarily includes the most recent command that Jesus had delivered: the command to “teach all nations” contained in the preceding verse. Thus, we see that Jesus’ order to teach is applicable to all Christians, it is a universal order to which we are all subject!

First of all, we as Christians need to realize that we all have an obligation as individuals to teach our friends, neighbors, and family members. We should be like Aquila and Priscilla, who took Apollos aside and instructed him “more perfectly” in the Way of the Lord (Acts 18:26). Was Aquila a preacher? If he was, the Bible does not specifically say so. Was Priscilla his wife a preacher? Such is impossible based upon the New Testament’s teaching concerning the role of women in the church. Aquila and Priscilla were Christians who obeyed the command to teach others the gospel of Christ. The Christians in Jerusalem, when scattered by persecution, “went every-where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Recently, a study was conducted which produced the conclusion that 80% of the people converted to a denomination are converted not by the preacher in the pulpit, but by friends, relatives, and co-workers! I would venture to guess that such is true in the church as well. How many souls are blindly marching off to an eternal hell prepared for the Devil and his angels, with Christian friends and relatives making no effort to stop them!?

Secondly, we as Christians need to understand that we have an obligation to supply the gospel with “faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Churches should be actively teaching teachers to teach. Christians should be raising up children who are indoctrinated in the faith, who love their fellow men enough that they will work at saving them from eternal condemnation for their sins by teaching the gospel which “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). The gospel will only reach lost souls when the church supplies teachers and preachers who will take it to them. How sad it is that some congregations have to beg for people to teach the Bible classes! How sad it is that some congregations have to beg people to become active in personal work programs! How sad it is that faithful congregations of God’s people have no regular evangelist to work with them because there are not enough preachers to fill all the empty pulpits in this land and in others!

Third, we as Christians need to understand that we have an obligation to do everything we can to support those men who are working in the Gospel. Paul, in speaking of his right to be supported in spreading the Gospel states: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14). The Church in Philippi was praised by Paul for their actions in helping him: “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity” (Phil. 4:16). These Christians recognized the need to assure their neighbors an opportunity to hear the soul-saving gospel of Christ. Unfortunately, all too many congregations today do not have the attitude of the Philippians.

Finally, what we must recognize is that no single one of these means of fulfilling Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 is self-sufficient. Congregations should be involved in all three aspects of spreading the gospel. Congregations should be composed of Christians who, as individuals, are committed to personally teaching the gospel to others. Furthermore, congregations should be training their members to teach the gospel to others. And then, congregations must recognize the need to supply evangelists with the funds necessary for them to do the appointed work. We should not lament and complain by saying that we are incapable of doing these things, and then leaving them to be done by others. What if Isaiah had said to God: “Here is this other fellow; send him”? Would he have been pleasing to God? Absolutely not! Rather, we must be like Isaiah… we must answer God’s call with a resounding, “Here am I; send me.” This takes time, energy, and sacrifice. We must be willing to take the time to teach others, to expend the energy necessary to teach others, and yes, when it is required, we must be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to fulfill the ordinance of God to teach. When we do so, the church will grow, and be “like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened” (Lk. 13:20-21), spreading throughout this world.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 14
October 21, 1993

By Ray Madrigal

Although there has been a great interest in recent years to bring the gospel to Eastern Europe, one country has been overlooked: Poland! Christian men and their families have moved to spread the borders of the kingdom in Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic and even in Russia. Yet right in the middle of all this evangelistic enthusiasm lies Poland, a remarkable land just South of the Baltic Sea and West of the former Soviet Union. Even more important, this country is inhabited by close to 40 million people, many who are eager to learn the gospel.

Let Me Tell You About Kate

Last spring I had the fortune to meet Kasia Bania, a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Katowice, a city in the southern region of Poland. The population of this town is over 400,000. Kasia was nicknamed “Kate” by her friends in the United States. As a guest of the Smallman family in Metropolis, IL, Kasia attended all of our Bible classes and worship services at 32nd Street in Paducah. She immediately showed great interest in learning more about the Word of God and how it could make a difference in her life.

Although Kasia at first entertained many liberal beliefs in organic evolution, abortion, and homosexuality, she was open to investigate these “Western” ideas in light of the Bible. We steadily studied the evidences supporting the inspiration of the Bible as the Word of God, creationism, the plan of salvation and God’s plan for the family. In May, Kasia obeyed the gospel and immediately made plans to teach her family and friends in Poland. But this proposition will not be easy in a country where no conservative church exists.

Who Will Go? Who Will Help?

A few short weeks after her baptism, and after some concentrated “new convert” studies, Kasia returned home to her native Poland, eager to live and share her faith with others. In her most recent letter, she writes:

“After having burnt midnight oil for several days, I had to go to the hospital to have my appendix out. Before the operation I prayed to the Lord so that everything was O.K. with me because I have so many things to do in my life. I would like so much to serve the Lord and people. After the operation when I was still in the hospital I got a lot of letters from my friends from the USA. They made me happy. I read each of them several times. I also got a letter from Mr. Rick Liggin and Mr. David Diestelkamp from Slovakia. I do not feel alone here. When it is hard for me, I take the Bible, read it and think about what I have read.”

Not a bad philosophy at all. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of us would apply that same formula to our times of trouble and loneliness? Pray, read the Bible, and think about it (Phil. 4:6-8)!

Kasia has also discussed the possibility of conducting Bible studies in her high school with the teachers and the principal. At this moment in time, almost all educators in Eastern Europe are more open to conducting Bible studies on campus than their colleagues in America. Several of her friends who study English as a second language would also be interested in studying the Bible. The only question remaining is: who will go? And who will help send preachers to Poland?

Kasia is eager to study and learn more about God and his will. Her parents and other family members also are interested in learning more about the Bible. Who will go to preach the gospel in Poland? Who will help me to go for an extended preaching trip, perhaps 4-6 weeks? God has opened an evangelistic door through this intelligent exchange student. Who will walk through this door of opportunity (2 Tim. 2:2)? Who will have fellowship in these evangelistic efforts (Phil. 4:15)?

Encouraging Neighbors

As you can tell from the excerpt of Kasia’s letter above, the Liggin and Diestelkamp families have already made contact with her through the mail. Charlie and Maria Brackett, who are serving the Lord in Prague, will also communicate with Kasia when possible. Al Wanous and his wife, faithful Christians who live and work in Warsaw, will encourage Kasia whenever they travel through Southern Poland. Al-though these efforts are certain to encourage and admonish Kasia, a concentrated preaching program needs to focus in Katowice. Let’s bring the gospel to Poland and establish a faithful congregation in the land of Frederic Chopin, Marie Curie, and Lech Walesa.

In the meantime, let us encourage our young sister in Christ. If you or others (especially young Christians) are interested in writing to Kasia, here is her address:

Kasia Bania

Bl. 62112
42-463 Mierzecice
Poland

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 6
October 21, 1993

By Larry Ray Hafley

Nothing is wrong with the church of Christ as de-signed, defined and described in the Bible. Men, though, have criticized God’s people throughout the ages. This criticism is not confined to those that are “aliens … and strangers . . . (who are) without God” (Eph. 2:12; 2 Cor. 10:10; 3 In. 9, 10). “False brethren” secretly, privately bring in their “damnable heresies” in order to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:28-32; Gal. 2:4, 5; 2 Pet. 2:1; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). This will be discussed in later segments of this series.

However, in this first installment, we shall note some “common complaints” against the church of the Lord. Observe the chart on the next page.

There are many others, of course, but these are some of the complaints with which Christians are most familiar.

“Water Salvation”

“The Church Of Christ believes water is their Savior, but Baptists believe in ‘blood salvation.”‘ If one dares to say what Jesus and the apostles said about the essentiality of water baptism “for the remission of sins,” he surely will be charged with believing in “water salvation” (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21). Should one, in order to avoid and avert the stigma of “water salvation,” cease to preach the truth? “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4). Let men say what they will. Let them rant, rave and rail against the revelation of God. After the Christian and the critic are dead, the word of God will still say, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” will stand when the world is on fire! Do not be dismayed or discouraged by the taunting words of men that are mere sounds in the air. They will perish with using, “but the word of the Lord endureth forever” (I Pet. 1:25). If you are deterred and defeated by the cry of “water salvation,” if you allow it to dissuade, distract, and destroy you, the word of Christ will convict and condemn you in that last, great day, “but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (I In. 2:17).

Since Baptists believe water baptism is essential to membership in a Baptist Church, would it be fair to charge them with “water membership”? Should we say Christians believe in “blood membership” in the body of Christ but Baptists believe in “water membership” (Acts 20:28; Eph. 2:16)? Baptists would not consider that to be a fair assessment of their position. Just because water baptism is necessary to be a member of the Baptist Church does not prove they believe in “water membership,” as opposed to the blood of Christ. Likewise, just because water baptism is necessary for salvation (Mk. 16:16), does not prove we believe in “water salvation,” as opposed to salvation by the blood of Christ (Rom. 6:3, 4; Rev. 1:5; Acts 22:16).

“Don’t Believe In Old Testament”

This charge arises whenever Christians “rightly di-vide the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Children of God believe every “jot and title” of the Old Testament. We believe a great fish swallowed Jonah because the word of God says so. We believe the children of Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry land because the word of God says they did. The same thing is true with every-thing else recorded in the Bible. We believe it all, but because we teach the truth; namely, that the Old Testament is not our authority, it is “slanderously reported” that we do not believe in the Old Testament (Eph. 2:11-16; Col. 2:14-16).

Jesus the Christ now has “all authority” in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). We hear “him that speaketh from heaven” (the Lord Jesus), not “him that spake on earth” (Moses; Heb. 12:25). Do our critics follow the law of Moses, or are they under the law of Christwhich? If they are under the law of Moses, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). If they are not under the law of Moses, but are under the law of Christ, shall we charge that they “do not believe in the Old Testament”?

Those who make the charge do not offer the blood of bulls and goats. They do not slay lambs in their worship services. Shall we say, then, “they do not believe in the Old Testament”? They do not observe the passover of Exodus 12. Why not? Is it because they” do not believe in the Old Testament”?

“The Church Of Christ has a `head’ salvation. They do not believe in the work of the Holy Spirit on the heart.” Because we do not believe that repentance, remission and redemption are accompanied by shouting and shaking and by jumping and jerking, we are charged with not believing in the Holy Spirit’s work in the plan and process of pardon. Because we do not believe that conviction and conversion are carnal convulsions, we are accused of not believing in the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit convicts the convert and sanctifies the sinner (Jn. 16:8; 2 Thess. 2:13). He does it through the word and teaching of “the apostles’ doctrine” as set forth in the New Testament (Jn. 8:32; 17:17, 20; 2 Thess. 2:15). “Now when they heard this (the word of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:4), they were pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37). This word is addressed to the mind, the heart of man (“blinded minds” equals “blinded hearts”  Ephesians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4). The righteousness of God which is by faith says, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy hearts: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:8, 17). That “word: that is in the “heart” is the word that is “in their minds” (Hebrews 8:10; 10:16). It is placed there by the Holy Spirit through the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13; James 1:18; 1 Corinthians 14:37; John 16:8; 17:17, 20; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 10:15)

Those who would convince us that we “do not believe in the Holy Spirit in conversion,” attempts to do so by using oral, spoken words. They address their arguments to our heads, to our minds. What is the matter? Do they not believe in the Holy Spirits work in the teaching of folks like us? Are they not trying to use “head knowledge” to convince us that a “head knowledge salvation” is wrong? Why do they not rely on the Holy Spirit to convict us? Why do they make their appeal with preached, spoken words? Is it because that they “do not believe in the work of the Holy Spirit”?

Whats Wong with The Church of Christ

Common Complaints:

“Water Salvation”

“Don’t Believe in O.T.”

“Don’t Believe in H.S. Conversion”

“Don’t Believe in Miracles”

“Think They’re Only Ones Saved”

“David Had Music, They Don’t”

“Think Church Is Their Savior”

“Started By Alexander Campbell”

“Salvation By Works”

“Condemn Everybody Else”

Why are These Charges Rarely Heard??

“Dont Believe in Miracles”

This false charge is hurled against the church of the Lord because Christians use the Bible to show that men today do not work miracles by the Spirit of God as they did in the New Testament (I Corinthians 13:8-10; Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:4). As stated above, we believe every miracle in the Bible.

Do Pentecostals walk on water as Jesus did? Do they feed thousands of people with five loaves and two fishes? Do they raise the dead? Some claim they do. I have begged Pentecostal preached to take just one little step, length wise across a baptistery, but none has ever done so. I have pleaded with them to raise just one person from the grave. In debate, I asked a Pentecostal preacher to feed 500 (not 5,000) who were in attendance with five loaves and two fish, but he refused. Did he not “believe in miracles”?

God once made a man from the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7), but he no longer does so. Men are now born according to God’s law of nature and procreation. No one doubts that God could make a man from the dust of the ground; no one denies that he made Adam from the dust of the earth. Pentecostals acknowledge this and they recognize that God no longer forms men in this way. Do they, therefore, “not believe in miracles”?

I have asked several Pentecostal preachers if their wives came from one of their ribs. (I always glance at their wives in the audience as I ask the question!) I ask them if they can provide a wife for a man by taking one of the man’s ribs. I ask them if they know of any man today whose wife used to be a rib. The answer is always the same, “No.” Does that mean that they do not believe in miracles? No, it simply means that God, though he could perform such miracles as he once did in the Bible, now no longer does so. Likewise.

“David Had Music; They Don’t”

Yes, David used instruments of music in worship (Psa. 149:3; 150:3, 4). So, because he did, we should, too. Well, David offered animal sacrifices (Psa. 20:3; 51:19). Should they do so because David did? David had seven wives, and the Bible says that he took more (2 Sam. 3:5; 5:13). Is there a Baptist Church that will allow its preacher to have seven wives? David did! David, acting by Divine authority, killed some of his enemies (1 Chron. 14:14-17). Because David did so, may we do so today in the same manner (1 Sam. 17; 2 Cor. 10:3-5)?

“Think They’re The Only Ones Saved”

You have heard all of the snide jokes designed to show that the “Church of Christ believes they’re the only ones who are going to be saved.” Is Christ the only Savior (Jn. 14:6; 1 Cor. 8:6)? Suppose a Buddhist said to a Baptist, “You believe your Savior is the only Savior.” Would a Baptist take offense at that? No, he would simply attempt to teach the truth on the matter (Matt. 28:18; Acts 4:12). Let us do the same. There is no need to be ashamed, no need to apologize, no need to compromise and no need to deny the truth. Let us do the same.

The church, the saved, is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:18,24). One drinks, participates, in the fellowship of the Spirit, in the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:16, 19-22). There is “but one body,” or church of Christ (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:20). At least, that is the testimony of Scripture “There is one body” (Eph. 4:4). Since the body is the church (Col. 1:18, 24), and there is “but one body,” there is but one church! “And he (Christ) is the Savior of the body,” “the church” (Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:16; 4: 4; 5:23). One may as well be ashamed and make fun of the one and only Savior as to be ashamed and poke fun at his one and only church, the body he has sanctified and purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25, 26). “And he is the Savior (the one and only Savior LRH) of the body” (the one and only body  Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:4) Will someone in denominationalism cast aspersion against the fact that Jesus is the only Lord and Savior? Then why object to the saving of his only body, the church?

“Started By Alexander Campbell”

At one time or another, if you have attempted to convert people, you may have heard that “Alexander Campbell `started’ the Church of Christ.”

Nearly 1,800 years before Alexander Campbell was born, the New Testament spoke of the body or church of Christ. Men and women were added to it (Acts 2:47; 8:12; Col. 1:13). The church suffered persecution (Acts 8:1). Therefore, Alexander Campbell could not have “`started’ the church of Christ.” The Holy Spirit said, “The churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16). Whether Martin Luther, Joseph Smith or Alexander Campbell founded a church or not, it is certain that they did not “start the church of Christ.” Jesus did that all by himself  he did not need the help of those men (Matt. 16:18)!

There is nothing that I believe, teach or practice in religious matters that had its origin with either Alexander Campbell, Alexander Graham Bell or Alexander the Great. If there is, what is it? Baptism “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38)? Weekly Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7)? Singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)? Giving on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2)? The virgin birth (Matt. 1; Lk. 1)? Churches in certain geographical areas referred to as “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2)? Whenever and wherever one obeys the gospel of Christ he is added by the Lord to his body (Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13; 1 Cor. 12:13). That process did not begin with Alexander Campbell!

“Salvation By Works”

“The Church of Christ believes in salvation by works, but Baptists believe salvation is by faith.” The New Testament clearly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is “not of works” (Eph. 2:9; Gal. 2:16; Titus 3:5). One cannot save himself. God is our Savior (John 2:9; Titus 2:13).

Salvation is:

Not By Works Of The Law Of Moses  Gal. 2:16.

Not By Works Of The Flesh  Gal. 5:19-21.

Not By Works Of The Devil  1 Jn. 3:8.

Not By Our Works  2 Tim. 1:9.

Not By Works Of Darkness  Eph. 5:11.

The grace of God and the blood of Christ are the basis, the grounds of salvation. Faith, repentance, confession and baptism are the terms, the conditions, with which man must comply in order to be forgiven (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:9, 10). The blessings and benefits of the grace and blood of Christ are conditionally received. Jesus is “the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9). “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father” (Matt. 7:21). Justification is by faith, but “not by faith only” (Rom. 5:1; Jas. 2:24).

Even those who charge that we believe in “salvation by works,” acknowledge that one must believe and repent before he can be saved On. 8:24; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Heb. 11:6). These are “works” that one must do in order to receive God’s free gift of salvation (Rom. 1:5; 5:1; 6:17, 18, 23; 10:9, 10; 16:26). Faith is a “work” On. 6:29). Is it a “work of God,” or is it a work of men? One might say that baptism is a “work.” Is it a work of the law of Moses? Is it a work of the flesh? Is it a work of the devil? When these questions are answered, the confusion should be dispelled with him (Acts 10:35).

“Condemn Everybody Else”

“The Church of Christ always condemns other churches; they’re always running down other religions.” Are our critics condemning us and running us down when they make this charge? They say we are “always `knocking’ other churches.” Are they “knocking” us when they say this? If it is wrong to condemn others, are they wrong to condemn us for condemning?

Disciples who do not condemn false doctrines and false religions are deficient and derelict in their duty. The Holy Spirit tells us to “cast down” reasonings or arguments that are contrary to truth (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Titus 1:9-13; 1 Jn. 4:1,6; Rev. 2:2). If you have a preacher who will not do the work of “condemning other religions,” you have the wrong preacher (I Tim. 1:3; 4:1-3,6,16; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:2; 4:2-4).

Do Protestants “condemn, knock and run down” the Jewish religion when they tell a Jew that he is unsaved and that he must “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”? Again, the answer to that question should dissipate their objection against Christians. Truth by its very nature, condemns error; obedience condemns disobedience. This is how Noah “condemned the world” (Heb. 11:7).

“Have it your own way” religions are not of God (Matt. 15:8,9,13). The religion of Jesus the Christ is the most rigid, inflexible, unbending, uncompromising system ever known (Jn. 8:24; 14:6; Acts 4:12). It allows no competition and tolerates no opposition (1 Cor. 8:6; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:3; 6:3, 4). “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no Savior” (Isa. 43:11). “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). “Neither is there salvation in any other” (Acts 4:12). The “devout and honorable” of this world, the good, moral persons, and the religious who do “many wonderful works” are all lost and rejected (Acts 10:2, 22; 13:50). “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20). “Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God” (2 Jn. 9). “Teach no other doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:3).

If, on the one hand, a man does not accept the exclusive, ironclad, absolute nature of these solemn, settled facts, he has no business attempting to be a teacher in Israel. If, on the other hand, one says he believes and knows the certainty of these inviolate precepts and principles, he is duty bound before God and men to preach, press and present them “with all authority,” “with all boldness,” and with “great plainness of speech” (Titus 2:15; Acts 4:29; 2 Cor. 3:12). To do otherwise is the basest betrayal, the most terrible treachery, rivaling that of Judas Iscariot himself.

Why Are These Charges Rarely Heard?

Why are the criticisms above heard so infrequently in our day? I am not certain that I know all the reasons, but let me state one or two for your reflection. First, the denominations are no longer characterized by conviction. They waver and careen “as children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” In days gone by, most Baptists believed that the Baptist Church was the church built by Jesus. They believed that the Baptist Church was the New Testament church. That is generally not true today among Baptists of our day. Hence, they are less dogmatic, less combative, less confrontational. Second, brethren, members of the Lord’s church and gospel preachers, are less aggressive, less militant than they once were. This is a shame and a disgrace. There is no need to be abusive, cutting and unkind, but there is a crying need for men of faith and uncompromising conviction who will “preach the word; be instant in season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

When men did this work in that way in the New Testament, there was a firestorm of opposition; there was “much contention” (1 Thess. 2:2). Cities were stirred as passions were ignited with unbelief and a love for darkness rather than light(Acts 13:50; 17:5-7; 18:12; 19:23). “There arose no small stir about that way.” As someone said, everywhere Paul went he either started a riot or a revival. Is our preaching like that of the New Testament in its bold, aggressive, uncompromising militancy? The faith of Christ is distinctive. It is unique. Like God himself, “there is none other.” Is its unique, distinctive nature and quality made crystal clear today? Are counterfeit systems of religion held up and contrasted with the pristine purity and power of God? Are the doctrines and commandments of denominationalism being exposed as frauds? Are they being compared with the truth, weighed in the balances and found wanting? It was done in the New Testament (Acts 17:2,3,16,17,23f). “Thou hast tried them that say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars” (Rev. 2:2). Is it being done where you worship? Why not (Phil. 4:9)?

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 16-20
October 21, 1993