Truth Magazine

By Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice (Phil. 1:18).

Proper attitudes are so important in our dealings with other folks. Right motives are essential to our pleasing God. Brethren have been justly criticized at times for their attitudes and motives — including myself. A few speakers (and writers) among us have seemed to be more interested in making points with brethren by skinning the opposition alive than by trying to reach them with truth — as though being confident of the truth gives one the license to be rude, crude, and down right obnoxious. This by no means is intended to indict all those great men of the past (or present) who obviously have preached and defended the truth in love.

As is so often the case, we tend to swing from one extreme to the other. I am beginning to detect a dangerous preoccupation with attitudes and motives — especially among some younger brethren. Whereas, at times, it seemed that it mattered little how or why one preached, just so what he preached was the truth — it seems that many are more concerned now with how and why one presents a lesson than what is taught and practiced. I even heard one preacher state in a prayer that love is more important than being right!

It is not uncommon for such brethren to scathingly criticize and even turn away from brethren, admitting that what they teach and practice is the truth but they don’t like their attitudes. And at the same time lavishly praising and even embracing others, who admittedly teach questionable doctrines, because they think these have a better attitude than the others. So, when controversy arises (as it inevitably will) these attitude watchers will base where they will stand upon who has the best attitude and disposition — rather than the merit of the positions taken by the disputants. We need to remember that no side on any religious question has a monopoly on any attitude — good or bad! You will find hate, envy, strife, and general ugliness among the advocates of every position known. You will find kindness, love, peacefulness, and general sweetness among all. You will find all of these in all churches and among those of every religious persuasion known to man. Am I defending the improper attitudes among those who agree with me on doctrinal matters? No, a thousand times no! If we “preach Christ from selfish ambition, nor sincerely” or “from envy and strife” without love — we will have to answer to God for such ungodly attitudes and motives!

Yet, if one hears and obeys the truth taught in an improper spirit and from an improper motive — it will save him. The teacher may be lost for his attitude – but the hearer will be saved if he obeys that truth from the heart. If one hears and obeys a lie taught in a proper spirit and from a sincere motive — it will condemn him just as much as it would if it had been preached to him by one with an ungodly attitude. A preacher may have the best “way about him” in the world, but if he keeps from me some vital truth that I need to know his “way about him” will not save me — but the truth that was withheld would have!

If one works and worships in a congregation that practices the truth (i.e., what is done is scriptural), thus joining in that work and worship, he can be right even if some of the others do it from an improper spirit and motive. However, if one works and worships in a congregation that, as a congregation, practices error — thus joining in that unscriptural worship and work — he is still worshiping and working in vain even if every member there is sincere, concerned, and loving in his attitudes.

If our attitudes are wrong let’s correct them. If we detect wrong attitudes in others try to help them correct them. But, let us not get so obsessed with looking at the attitudes and motives of brethren that we decide the merits of what they advocate based upon these factors. It is a dangerous obsession. It can cause us to miss some vital truth because we didn’t like the way it was said or we didn’t like the personality of the one presenting it. It can cause us to believe a lie because it was presented in such a splendid manner by a personality that you could not help but admire. It can cause one to think that a man’s message cannot be right because  his attitude is bad or that a man’s message must be right because his attitude is good. In fact, the most dangerous person in the world in an advocate of error who lovingly presents his error from an obviously sincere heart — like, Absalom, he steals the hearts of the people blinding them to the true nature what he teaches.

Sure, I had rather a man tell me the truth in a way that impresses me with his concern for my feelings as well as the salvation of my soul. I had rather that he didn’t come across in a harsh and abrasive way. But, if I must chose between him and one that has a smile that would qualify him for a Pepsodent commercial and shows me all the understanding, love, and concern that anyone could possibly show, but keeps the truth from me — I will take the one who tells me the truth every time.

Let us learn to receive the word with all readiness of mind and search the Scriptures to see if it is so (cf. Acts 17:11) and take our stand based upon that, rather than based upon the attitude, either good or bad, of those who teach us. Let us be concerned about attitudes among us but let us not become so preoccupied with them that we make them blind us to either truth or error. Nor let them be the primary factor in deciding where we will attend services regularly. Let us learn to rejoice when the truth is preached — even when attitudes need improvement. If Paul could rejoice that “Christ is preached,” even in pretense, why can’t we?

(Author’s note: This article first appeared in The Reflector in July 1983. What I said then still needs to be said today. If anything the problem has worsened.)

223 First St., Russellville, Alabama 35653

By Lewis Willis

One of the elders asked me to address the question that titles this article. Many people think there is nothing wrong with being in the Masonic Lodge. They think it is nothing more than a fraternal organization which offers pleasant friendships and some opportunities to do good deeds.

When the subject was mentioned to me, I was reminded that approximately 40 years ago there was a significant controversy in the churches of Akron over this question. Many brethren in those days were Masons, and several of them were members here at Brown Street. My brother, Cecil, was preaching here at the time and I have his 13-page sermon outline before me as I write this article. Thankfully, all of the brethren (so far as I know) who were in the Lodge in those days came out and renounced involvement in Masonry. However, as I recall, there were some heated discussions on the subject at the time.

The Fatal Flaw In Masonry

There is a very basic and fundamental error in Masonry that prevents a Christian from being a member of a Lodge. That flaw is: Masonry is a religion! Masonry is as much a religion as is denominationalism. One could as reasonably be a member of the Lord’s Church and the Methodist Church at the same time, as he could be a Christian and a Mason at the same time.

A.G. Mackey (1807-1881) is the author whose works I wish to cite on this point so let me tell you who he is. He was the Mason’s Past General High Priest and Secretary of the Supreme Council, for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. One would suspect he knew what he was talking about, Right? “Albert G. Mackey is universally recognized as one of the greatest Masonic historians that our fraternity has ever produced” (Lawrence R. Taylor, Editor of The Indiana Freemason). The Masonic Textbook says Mackey was a Masonic authority and scholar. He was called “one of the greatest students and most widely followed authorities the Masonic world has known” (Introduction to Freemasonry [Massachusetts] 15). “Mackey is a recognized scholar” (Letter to Cecil Willis, from Andrew J. White, Jr., Grand Secretary of Ohio, 7-14-60).

What Does Mackey Say About The Lodge?

Here is Mackey’s testimony that the Lodge is a religion! He said, “. . . I contend, without any sort of hesitation, that Masonry is, in every sense of the word, . . . an eminently religious institution — that it is indebted solely to the religious element which it contains for its origin and for its continued existence, and that without this religious element it would scarcely be worthy of cultivation by the wise and good” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry [1927] 727). Mackey continued, “Masonry may rightfully claim to be called a religious institution” (ibid. 728). And if that were not sufficient to establish this authority’s view about the Lodge, he added, “Masonry, then, is, indeed a religious institution; and on this ground mainly, if not alone, should the religious Mason defend it” (ibid. 729). Does the testimony of this Masonic leader prove the point at issue?

Another quotation that states the religious nature of Masonry is worthy of inclusion in this article. “As set forth and defined in the Preamble of the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the purposes of Freemasonry are charitable, benevolent, educational and Religious” (Introduction to Freemasonry for Massachusetts 8).

Note this Masonic prayer: “Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention. Grant that this candidate for Freemasonry may dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, and become a true and faithful Brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy Divine Wisdom, that by the influence of the pure principles of our order he may be better enabled to display the beauties of Brotherly Love . . . to the honor of Thy Holy Name. Amen” (First degree Lecture, Ohio Monitor, 9). If the Lodge is not a religion, why does it use prayers?

Note this funeral prayer used by the Lodge: “. . . and may we gain entrance into the celestial Lodge above, and in Thy Glorious Presence, amidst ineffable mysteries, enjoy a reunion with the souls of our departed friends, perfect as are the joys of Heaven and durable as Eternity. Amen. So mote it be” (Ohio Monitor, 54). Their belief is being a good Mason will get one into Heaven. The Bible states, however, that being a good Christian is the only thing which will accomplish this glorious result.

An Absurdity

The first degree for the Mason is the Entered Apprentice Degree. The Mason solemnly swears that he will live by the rules of the order, saying, “All this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear . . . binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots and buried in the rough sands of the sea at low water mark, . . . should I ever knowingly violate this my solemn obligation of an Entered Apprentice Mason. So help me God, and keep me in the due performance of same” (Handbook of Freemasonry, by Edmond Ronayne, 70). In the next degree, the Fellow Craft Degree, the Mason swears to keep the secrets of the Lodge: “. . . binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my breast torn open; my heart plucked out and given as a prey to the wild beasts of the field, and the fowls of the air” if he should ever reveal Masonic secrets (ibid. 123). If one of your kids came home and told you he had swore such a barbaric oath to join a club, you would be livid! How could an adult swear something so absurd as this?

Yes, Masonry is a religion which claims its precepts will get its members into Heaven. It engages in worship, as a religion, and requires its members to agree to ridiculous oaths. This is not just an innocent fraternal organization. Can a Christian be a Mason? No! Masonry is a false religion that will cause a Christian to lose his soul (Matt. 15:9). One can no more be a Christian and a Mason than he can be a Christian and a Jew, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, etc. Brethren, don’t be deceived!

By Don Wright

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). These are the famous words of the Hebrew writer that reveal the importance of faith. Without faith there is no pleasing God. As Paul said in Romans 1:17, “The just shall live by faith.” But it must be realized that there are certain degrees of faith, and not all degrees of faith save. James tells us that even the devils believe and tremble, but who would think that they are saved. The faith that saves is an active faith that causes one to obey God. Now, because not all faith saves, we should all strive to be sure that we have the proper kind of faith. In this article we want to observe a few things that will put our faith to the test.

Difficult Demands

Not all of the commands of God are difficult, but some certainly are. For example, when God commanded Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, that was a hard command. By faith Abraham passed the test. He had the kind of faith that pleases God, i.e., an obedient faith. Now while we have not, as far as I can see, received any commands as difficult as that, there are some hard commands that we must keep. Consider two such commands.

1. Loving our enemies. We are commanded to love our husbands, our wives, our children, etc., but that is not very difficult. Loving those who love us back is natural. But to love our enemies is much more difficult. The concept is not hard to grasp, the hardness is in the application. You see we must love, not only in word, but in deed (Matt. 5:43, 44). A good definition of love is that love always acts in the best interest of whatever it is that is loved. Do you always act in the best interest of your enemies? This is a true test of faith, and whether or not we pass this test is an indicator of whether or not we have truly been converted.

2. Forgiving those who sin against us. The greater the sin, the harder this command becomes. Yet we are everywhere told that we must forgive one another regardless of the extent of our pain. But when we instead hold grudges and refuse to forgive, we fail the test of our faith.

Severe Trials

Just because we are God’s children does not mean that we will not be touched by trials and tribulations. They will come! How we handle them is another test of our faith (Job 1:6-22). If we give up because of persecution, it is because we have not the proper kind of faith (Rev. 2:10).

What We Are Willing To Do

What we are willing to do is a result of how much faith we have. If we have saving faith, we will be willing to go the extra mile in our service unto God. It is sad to me to hear Christians who say things like, “I do not attend Bible class because it is not commanded.” Personally, I think Bible class, whether on Sunday morning, or sometime during the week, must be attended. I believe that Hebrews 10:25 covers those assemblies as well as Sunday morning worship service. But for the sake of argument, let us say that they are not commanded. Should we not assemble with the saints whenever possible? A person who says, “I am not going to Bible class because it is not commanded,” is a person who is trying to do as little as possible in serving God, and that says something about that person’s faith. Our attitude should not be let us see how little we can do for God, but rather let us see how much we can do for God.

Let us put our faith to the test, our salvation is at stake.    
  
640 Thayer St., Akron, Ohio 44301

By Ron Halbrook

We appreciate our readers appealing to Scripture, because the Bible is God’s inspired Word. It is the final and infallible standard in religion (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We must test all things by Scripture.

1. Does the gospel require immersion in water for salvation? Yes, water baptism for remission of sins is part of the gospel message! The sinner must be “born of water and the Spirit,” he must “believe and be baptized” “for the remission of sins” — this means going “down into the water” and coming “up out of the water” — “baptism doth also now save us” (John 3:5; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-38; 1 Pet. 3:20-21).

2. Are we teaching that baptism is our Savior? Water baptism is not the Savior any more than faith is. Christ offered the final and perfect sacrifice for sin and that alone is the basis for our salvation (Rom. 5:6-8). God’s provision of salvation is broad enough to save all men, but God does not force anyone to be saved. Therefore, our reception of salvation is conditional. 

If we wish to receive pardon from all past sins, we must believe the gospel (John 3:16 and many other passages), repent of our sins (Acts 3:19 and many other passages), confess Christ as God’s Son (Rom. 10:8-10 and many other passages), and be immersed in water (Mark 16:16 and many other passages). None of these conditions is the Savior Christ is, but we cannot receive forgiveness of sin through Christ until we meet these conditions. In this way we are born again, “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). 

3. But doesn’t the Bible say we are saved by faith? We are saved by faith, but “not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Faith must lead to repentance (not repentance only), confession of Christ (not confession only), and immersion in water (not baptism only). Just as we are saved by faith, but not faith only, the Bible also says we are saved by baptism, but it does not say baptism only (1 Pet. 3:21). All of these steps or conditions are certainly tied to faith, they cannot occur except by faith but faith without these steps is not saving faith.  

Please note that the Ephesians believed the gospel and were baptized (Acts 19:5), and then Paul wrote to them later and said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). When were they saved by grace through faith? When they obeyed the gospel of Christ, being baptized! When the penitent believer is baptized in water for the remission of his sins, that is when he is saved by grace through his faith.

4. Doesn’t the Bible teach we are born in sin, born with a sin nature inherited from Adam? Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, but God said we cannot inherit the guilt of any man’s sin (Ezek. 18:20). We become sinners when we transgress God’s law (Rom. 3:23; 1 John 3:4). The age when this occurs may vary according to each individual’s growth in understanding. When a person grows to the point of understanding God’s will and choosing to disobey, that person sins, which is how we all become sinners. We are not born with a “sin nature,” but rather we choose to sin and then repeat our sins until they become habitual. It is only in that sense that we have a sinful nature. The Bible shows that all responsible men choose to sin, so no one is going to heaven by his own perfect works (Rom. 3:23). Therefore, we must seek salvation as the gift of God’s grace, received on his conditions or terms.

As avenues of further study, we offer Bible tracts and literature, tapes of lessons discussing these matters in more detail, and a free Bible correspondence course. Many people are taking this course and learning from it in their own homes. We will be glad to study by phone, E-mail,  or personal visits. Questions, comments, and requests for further study will be honored with courtesy and kindness. We wish to speak “the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).

After studying these matters further, if some of our readers believe we are misleading people and causing them to be lost in hell, we are willing to examine these Bible subjects in public debate where people can hear both sides presented. The following propositions may be used: “The Bible teaches that water baptism is essential to remission of sins for the alien sinner in the gospel age.”  “The Bible teaches that faith alone, before and without water baptism, is essential to remission of sins for the alien sinner in the gospel age.” When we speak of the alien sinner, we simply mean any person who has never come to Christ for salvation and who is, therefore, an alien sinner or one who is outside of Christ. 

Since these matters are vital to our understanding of God’s plan for our salvation, we should not hesitate to study them thoroughly through public debate. Let us be “set for the defense of the gospel,” and “earnestly contend for the faith” (Phil. 1:17; Jude 3). 

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