Truth Magazine

By Paul J. Casebolt

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mk. 16:15,16, KJV).

This last charge which Jesus gave to his disciples is sometimes called the Great Commission, distinguishing it from earlier commissions given to the twelve (Matt. 10:1 f), and the seventy (Lk. I0:lf). These earlier commissions were limited in that they applied only to fleshly Israel, and the apostles had not yet received a baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4,5).

But these “commandments” (Acts 1:2), which were given to the apostles just before Christ “was taken up,” were to include Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles (Acts 1:8). Or, as Matthew and Luke say, “all nations,” and as Mark says, “all the world” and “every creature.” That includes you and me.

As preachers, one of our earliest efforts was to deliver a “short talk” and “extend the invitation.” And even a novice preacher could read, quote, or make a few remarks about Mark 16:16.

The “whosoever will” of the gospel is contained in, and demanded by, the preacher of that gospel (Rom. 1:16; 10:13). Our preaching should find its climax in the grand invitation which is commensurate with the gospel. Of course, if our preaching doesn’t contain much of the gospel, then it is not likely to be characterized or much embellished by a fervent exhortation to heed what we didn’t preach in the first place.

The growth of the first and nineteenth church hinged upon the preaching, understanding, and reception of such Scriptures as Mark 16:15,16. Even in the twentieth century, a few of us have been privileged to see that growth approximated in such countries as the Philippines, India and Africa. The churches of Christ in America need to give more, not less, emphasis to this matter, and be diligent “in remembrance of these things.”

Credibility of Mark 16:15,16 — Parallel Passages

One of the basic efforts to destroy the force of Mark 16:15,16 is to eliminate the passage altogether, along with vv. 9-20. Some contend that the last 12 verses of Mark 16 are not authentic, since they did not appear in two of the earliest Greek manuscripts. But the credibility of this passage is not only confirmed by other manuscripts, but also by parallel passages in Matthew, Luke and John.

Every subject treated in Mark 16:9-20 — testimony of witnesses to the resurrection, the preaching of the gospel, belief, baptism, salvation, unbelief, the miracles of confirmation performed by the apostles — is abundantly confirmed in other New Testament epistles.

Matthew 28:18-20 — In this passage, Jesus declares his authority and commands the apostles to go and teach all nations, baptize, and further instruct those who were baptized.

Luke 24:46-49 — Based on his death, burial and resurrection, Christ said, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (v. 47).

John 20:21-23 — John’s account of the charge which Jesus gave to “the eleven” (Mk. 16:14) is not as detailed as the other passages, but is not less valid and informative. It harmonizes completely with the other three accounts. Jesus sends his apostles on a mission, again promises them the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn. 14:26), and promises to recognize whatever sins are remitted or retained by the apostles in the execution of their commission.

The Holy Spirit decided to give us four separate, distinct, though sometimes overlapping accounts of the life of Christ, including the final charge given to his disciples. And as John concluded in his account, the combined evidence is sufficient to make believers of all who have good and honest hearts (Jn. 20:30,31; Lk. 8:15).

Mark 16:16 — The Grammatical Construction

The grammatical construction of Mark 16:16 is so plain, logical, and forceful that those who do not agree with its message resort to all manner of literary contortions in order to change the text. And those who would separate baptism from salvation recognize the damage done to their position by the language of Mark 16:16.

A familiar ploy of those who would wrest the Scriptures is to question the original translations of the Hebrew/Greek languages into English. When dealing with the average per-son, I have found that the best way to counter this literary “end-run” is to emphasize the scholarship embodied in just two translations of the Bible, the King James Version (KJV), and the American Standard Version (ASV). These words were translated by 148 of the world’s best Hebrew/Greek/ English scholars.

If some pseudo “scholar” wants to make himself look ridiculous by pitting his learning against such a formidable array of experts, let him do so. I do not want to be caught in the same classroom with him, much less on the same dunce’s stool.

Let us notice the simple, grammatical construction of Mark 16:16.

“He” — This is the generic “he” of “all the world”/ “every creature.”

“That believeth and is baptized” — Not just any “he” will be saved, but the “he that believeth and is baptized.”

“And” — A coordinate conjunction connecting things of equal rank. If belief is essential to salvation, baptism is equally essential. The conjunction “and” demands it.

“Shall be saved” — A promise which is just as depend-able and sure as the original one given by the prophet Joel: ” .. . whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered (saved)” (Rom. 10:13).

The Carcase and the Eagles

“For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together” (Matt. 24:28).

Like birds of prey which concentrate their attack on a common, prospective feast, various “eagles” have attempted to devour the delicacy of baptism in our text. Like the advocates of “divorce for every cause” who must eliminate the force of Matthew 19:9, so the enemies of baptism testify to the importance of Mark 16:16 in the plan of salvation.

Universalists, Methodists, Baptists, Catholics — all of these have their own peculiar “version” of how Mark 16:16 ought to read in order to support their own doctrinal traditions. One holds that everyone will be saved, one tries to include infants who can’t believe, another tries to place salvation before baptism, and others will substitute the sprinkling of water for baptism.

Sometimes the quibble is made that Jesus didn’t say, “he that believeth not and is not baptized shall be condemned.” He didn’t have to, for no unbeliever is going to repent, confess something he doesn’t believe, or be baptized in the name of one in whom he does not believe.

The conflicting efforts of so many to escape the force of Mark 16:16 only tend to verify and magnify the importance of baptism in God’s plan of salvation.

“Into All the World”

As the apostles “went forth and preached everywhere” (Mk. 16:20), we can see clearly that water baptism was an integral part of preaching “the gospel to every creature.”

Acts 2 — The apostles received the promise of the Spirit (vv. 1-21), “Christ and him crucified” was preached (vv. 22-36), souls were convicted (v. 37), they were told to “Re-pent, and be baptized . . . for the remission of sins” (v. 38), and “they that gladly received the word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (v. 41).

Acts 8:1-25 — Philip preached Christ (v. 5), and “both men and women” believed and were baptized (v. 12). Luke said that Simon the sorcerer “believed also . . . and was baptized” (v. 13). Jesus said that when people did what the Samaritans and Simon did, they “shall be saved.” Do you want to question the word of Luke, the word of Christ, or neither?

Acts 8:26-40 — Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch (v. 35), the eunuch believed, requested water baptism, confessed Christ, was baptized by Philip, and “went on his way rejoicing.”

Acts 10 — Peter preached Christ to the Gentiles of Cornelius’ household (vv. 36-43), God poured out of his Spirit on the Gentiles as evidence of their right to salvation (11:17,18), and Peter commanded water baptism “in the name of the Lord” (10:47,48). Cornelius was not saved by a direct operation of the Spirit, but rather by obedience to the words preached and commanded by Peter (11:14).

Acts 18:1-8 — Paul preached Christ to the Corinthians (v. 5), “and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (v. 8).

Acts 22:16 — A believing, penitent Saul of Tarsus was commanded to “arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” This same Saul later explains how he and others “call on the name of the Lord” (Rom. 10:9-15), and gives inspired instructions relative to baptism and salvation (Rom. 6:3-5,16-18; Col. 2:12).

And when Peter said “baptism doth also now save us .. . by the resurrection of Christ” (1 Pet. 3:20,21), he was teaching the same thing he taught some 30 years earlier on the day of Pentecost, and the same thing he had earlier commanded at the house of Cornelius.

Only Christ could baptize “with the Holy Ghost” (Jn. 1:33), and we have seen that water baptism was commanded and administered in the execution of the great commission. About the year A.D. 64, Paul said, “There is . . . one baptism” (Eph. 4:5). This is the baptism enjoined in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16.

Conclusion

As a people, we sometimes forget that the primary mission of the church is to preach the gospel and be “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). When we forget the mission of the church, it is not surprising that we forget such passages as Mark 16:15,16 which emphasize that mission.

If just one generation fails to preach the gospel, the ranks of the church will be decimated by such a failure, and its attendant apostasy. If we follow the pattern of some, the gospel plan of salvation and its urgent invitation would soon become extinct. Souls would not hear, believe, or be baptized, and they would remain unsaved.

Paul said that “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:3,4). And he said that those are lost who have the gospel hidden from them.

It is ironic and tragic when Satan is allowed to use a forgetful and slumbering church to accomplish his mission.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 3, p. 19
February 4, 1993

By Terrell Bunting

As a young missionary/evangelist living in a country far from my own homeland, experiencing the realization of a society not interested in God’s word, working with a handful of Christians struggling to hold forth the word of God, and coupled with maintaining my own faithfulness and development as a servant of God, I begin to truly understand the writings of Paul as he portrayed his feelings towards his brethren. Paul, as an evangelist, was often dependent upon their prayers, financial assistance and steadfastness. I would like to underline what God has revealed unto us concerning the matter of “brotherly love which has no boundaries.”

My intention with these words is to praise the thousands of faithful Christians who have touched me and my family’s lives during the past six years. These thousands upon thousands of Christians are truly “lights in the world” which rarely receive the recognition they desire. Too often the emphasis is placed upon the preacher who leaves his country, his family and his brethren. Yes, I will admit there are many sacrifices to be made, but for once I wish to present the other side of the story. Just as evangelists in the New Testament did in the various letters found in the Bible.

Brotherly Love Has No Boundaries

Christ prayed that the same love that God had loved him with might prevail among his disciples (Jn. 17:25-26). Paul admonished the brethren to be “kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10). We are taught to serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13-14). Our love is to increase and grow (Phil. 1:9). As a recipient of the brethren’s love, I wish to confirm that brotherly love has no boundaries. Though we live thousands of miles from our brethren we are not forgotten. About two years ago I suddenly became ill and was admitted into the hospital and was there for a total of 37 days, first suffering from spinal meningitis and then later kidney surgery. During this time my grandfather died. We received hundreds of cards, letters, flowers and phone calls from brethren who were concerned — a true manifestation of their love. These brethren were from all over the world, not only the USA. “Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love” has become more meaningful to me each day I live.

For us to continue to devote our lives to the Lord’s church in this country we depend upon the financial support of our brethren. Paul spoke highly of these brethren at Philippi and Thessalonica who sent unto his needs (Phil. 4:10; 1 Thess. 3:6-7). We rejoice in the Lord as Paul did as we too have been greatly blessed by many congregations and individuals who have sacrificed in order to see the gospel taught in this land. From small struggling congregations to large, well-established congregations we have been recipients of this “work of faith and labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3). The writer of Hebrews expresses it well, “God will not forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).

Brotherly Comfort and Consolation Has No Boundaries

The Bible speaks of brethren comforting one another. Paul spoke of the great joy and consolation he had, being refreshed by his brethren. Peter wrote of the compassion that was to abound among the people of God. We often think of comfort and consolation in times of difficulty and sadness. Brethren from all over the world have comforted, refreshed and provided us with much needed encouragement. Imagine working for six years in a place where no more than two have been baptized, where the local congregation has only 10 members and three children, and where one tries to do his best to interest society in the truth where immorality has become “morally accepted.” As an evangelist in such a place, I have come to understand the value of patience and endurance for the cause of Christ. I firmly believe there are others to save in this land, maybe not hundreds or thousands but the value of the few souls searching is more than worth my time, effort and patience. So many brethren have written us and comforted us, encouraged us, sent packages, and asked in what way they could help us. All of this has refreshed our commitment to God. This year we lost our son and once again we were comforted and consol-ed, by whom? Yes, our brethren! I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 12:26, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.” Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:4-11 concerning the comfort he had received in his tribulation, being comforted by brethren within the comfort of God. It is with deep emotion that we thank our brethren for the comfort they have provided us over the past six years.

Because of this love, comfort and consolation which has no boundaries, I remain committed to a life as an evangelist for a small, struggling congregation of the Lord’s people, far from my homeland, my brethren and most of my family. Who is to be thanked? It is the thousands of brethren who faithfully serve God, pray for others, are aware that the kingdom of God is much greater than just the USA and are aware that there is a need to evangelize the whole world!

I close with the passages from God’s word which portray the feelings I have because of my brethren’s love throughout the world. What a wonderful, marvelous family we belong to.

For I bear you record, that if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them to me (Gal. 4:15).

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints (Phile. 4-5).

All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. (Tit. 3:14-15)

I am appreciative brother in Christ living in a far away place.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 1
February 18, 1993

By Mike Willis

Anyone who reads a daily newspaper or listens to a news cast on television is impressed with how much bad news is reported — a wreck on the interstate, a murder in the inner city, unrest in the Middle East, a corrupt politician. The list is nearly endless and nearly all of it is bad news . One song writer, reflecting on the bad news, wrote, “Sure could use a little good news today!”

There are a lot of good events which happen every day which are not reported in the newspapers. They are judged not to be newsworthy. We would not minimize any of these good events which happen daily, but all of them pale in comparison to the “good news” of the gospel. The word “gospel” is translated from euangelion which is defined as “good news.” Indeed, the gospel is good news. In keeping a balance in our preaching, we need to emphasize the good news of the gospel.

God Controls The World

We may be distressed by the events which we witness occurring — the decision to allow homosexuals to serve in the military and to make abortions more accessible, and similar such events. However, the good news of the gospel is that God is still in control of the world. This is what is taught in the following passages:

… the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men (Dan 4:17).

… until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan 4:32).

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will (Prov 21:1).

God’s eternal purpose will be accomplished. We should be encouraged to know that this world is under the direction and control of Almighty God, not merely subject to the caprice of men. This is good news.

God’s Providence

The good news of the gospel does not end with telling us that God controls the world, the gospel reveals that God providentially watches over the needs of every individual. This is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Consider the words of these texts:

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, 0 ye of little faith? (Matt. 6:30)

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Heb. 13:5-6).

To know that my God knows my every need, even before I ask of him, is good news.

God Loves Us

There are a number of concepts men have about God. In mythology, sometimes the gods were angry with man or toyed with men; on many occasions, the gods were indifferent to the needs of mere men on earth. The good news of the gospel is that our great God loves us. Here is what the gospel reveals:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16).

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Rom. 5:8-9).

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. . . (Eph. 2:4 ).

Sometimes men have the concept that God is watching with an all-seeing eye with the intention to find some fault in their lives to justify casting them into hell. If that is the nature of the God whom you know, you need to exchange that concept of God for the God revealed in the Bible — the God who loves you so much that he is doing everything short of destroying your free will to effect your salvation. If you should so live as to be destroyed in hell, your everlasting damnation will not be pleasant to God; it will cause him grief. The good news of the gospel is that God loves you.

Jesus Died For Us

No greater expression of the love of God can be found than in the gift of his Son. The sacrifice of Christ on Calvary was an atonement for the sin of mankind (1 Jn. 1:7-10; Rom. 3:24-25; Heb. 9:14). The blood of bulls and goats was not adequate to redeem man from sin (Heb. 10:4). Man was unable to redeem himself. Only an act of the redeeming grace of God could save man from sin. The good news of the gospel is that God acted to redeem man. He sent his Son

Jesus to die on Calvary, to shed his blood for the remission of our sins.

The atonement made on Calvary is adequate for the remission of the sins of every man (1 Jn. 2:2). The forgiveness is available to wash away any and every sin (1 Jn. 1:7). Consequently, I can be thoroughly washed and cleansed of my sins. This is the good news of the gospel.

God Hears Our Prayers

The Bible reveals that the same God who saves us is a “prayer hearing” God (Psa. 65:2). He asks and commands that his children pray to him (Lk. 18:7-8). There are several important concepts in the idea that God hears and answers our prayers. Consider the following: (1) It says that God cares for me; (2) It says God is able to hear and answer my prayers (he is omniscient and omnipotent); (3) It says that God is willing to hear and answer my prayers; (4) It says that there is power in prayer (Jas. 5:16). To know that there is a God in heaven who listens to my prayers and answers them is good news.

God Has Promised Heaven to the Faithful

The Lord has also promised heaven as the eternal reward of those who are faithful to him. Jesus said to the Apostles shortly before his death, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” On. 14:1-3). Not even death can keep us from our eternal home, for Christ will raise us from the dead and take us to be with him in glory (1 Thess. 4:13-18). The beauties of heaven are described for us in Revelation 21. Indeed, the hope for eternal life in heaven is good news.

Conclusion

Let us not allow the circumstances of life to drive us into despondency. Let us keep our eyes focused on the good news of the gospel. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, even in the face of the “bad news” which is reported on the evening news and in the daily newspapers.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 2
February 18, 1993

By Connie W. Adams

Care One for Another

I lift the following heartwarming item from a recent report from Thomas Bunting about the work in Norway:

“In response to an article in brother Connie Adams’ paper, I have received letters from brethren in the States, Italy, Philippines and Mexico. These words came from faithful brethren who are laboring under very difficult and hard circumstances. They write to us to encourage us to hold out, to be strong in the Lord and to trust in God.

“The work in Norway is slow regarding the progress of the work, but one living in Norway does not suffer the same anxieties and physical needs that some of these brethren must live under. I hope that I can convey the thoughts or feelings I have, but do you get the picture? Brethren in the western States, who struggle to establish the Lord’s church about like we do here in Norway, encourage us to hold out. Brethren in Italy, who have suffered religious persecution, write words of encouragement to keep up the fight. Brethren in Mexico and Philippines, who live under extreme poverty, write to encourage us to keep up our faith. Do you begin to see the real character of faithful Christians? Those who suffer hardships can understand best the difficulties of others. These are Christians who suffer themselves, not writing to ask for something, but writing to give something.

“Like the letters of Paul, these brethren write and tell of their prayers on our behalf. They tell us of their concern for us and the Lord’s work here. They send words of encouragement for us to keep the faith and continue to proclaim the true gospel. Thank you one and all for your help!”

What Retirement?

After the announcement went out that Searching the Scriptures was ceasing publication a number have concluded that I was “retiring.” Some have asked what I planned to do with my spare time. I have told them I would like to have some. For nearly twenty years my spare time was consumed editing and publishing a paper. For the last 18 years, I have conducted 18-23 meetings each year from March through November and then spent winter months teaching a class every other day. I am continuing to write as I can for Guardian of Truth, the meeting work continues as before and so do the classes. My wife and I have no retirement plans. As long as health permits and opportunities are open to preach the word, that is what we will do. Check our meeting schedule for 1993. If you are in one of these areas, we would love to see you.

Hard Work and Success

I am teaching a high school class this winter using Mike Willis’ excellent workbook on Proverbs. I really like the lessons on “laziness.” Consider this verse: “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Prov. 10:4). I am weary of hearing successful people lambasted. There is a direct relationship between effort and success in any worthwhile thing. Some of this mouthing springs from envy. I like what I heard one prominent business man say. He said, “The harder I work the luckier I become.” We have bred a nation of people all too willing to feed at the public trough and it places an extra burden on those who are willing to work for a living, pay their taxes and provide enough “pork” for a “big brother” government to take care of all those with hands out for the public dole. Meanwhile, we see “help wanted” signs in businesses all over America.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 3
February 18, 1993