Truth Magazine

By Brooks Cochran

Once back in the 1950s I was in a drug store looking over the selection of paperback books that were for sale. One certain book caught my attention, or at least its title. It was George Orwell’s 1984. At the time I thought to myself: “1984 is a long way into the future.”

Well, that “long way into the future” has come and gone! In a few short years we will be living in the 21st century. It only seems like yesterday that we were living in the 50s (at least to those of us who grew up during that time). But the same could be said of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. My grandmother Cochran’s father stayed up the night of December 31, 1899 thinking over the 19th century and wondering what the 20th century held in store for man. I suppose that others in similar fashion will do the same on December 31, 1999.

The Bible admonishes us concerning the swiftness of time. Job compared his days to the swiftness of a “weaver’s shuttle. ” Jesus told his disciples that “we must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (Jn. 9:4). Paul tells us to redeem “the time (buy up the opportunities), because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16; cf. Col. 4:5; Gal. 6:10). We are being warned by God that our lives come and go so fast that we had best make the most of what time we do have.

We are all stewards of the time God has given us in which to live our lives on earth. At the judgment we will give an account to him as to how we have used this time (cf. 1 Cor. 4:2; Matt. 25:37-40, 44-46). We must, therefore, evaluate our lives insofar as our service to God is concerned. There is much that needs to be done in this great service. Life is too short for us to waste time! Resolve now to do all that you are able for God in whatever time he may allow you to enjoy.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 21, p. 649
November 5, 1992

By Partick Donahue

The charge of “Phariseeism” has been made by many in the religious world in recent times. I believe that many, if not all, of those making the charge misunderstand what Phariseeism really was. According to their view of Phariseeism, as seen in their explanations for their charges, the “arch-enemy” of the Pharisees in biblical times, Jesus Christ himself, would be charged a Pharisee!

What Really Was Phariseeism?

Before we proceed further to prove our proposition that “Jesus would be called a Pharisee today,” let’s look closely at the Scriptures to see why the Pharisees were actually condemned. According to my Bible, the Pharisees were guilty of:

1. Thinking that they needed no help (Matt. 9:10-13; Lk. 7:36-47; Jn. 9:39-41; Lk. 18:10-14)

2. Neglecting the weightier matters of the law (Matt. 23:23)

3. Being hypocritical (Matt. 23:3,5; Lk. 11:47-48)

4. Trying to trick Jesus (Matt. 22:15-22; 22:23-33)

5. Transgressing the commandment of God with their tradition (Matt. 15:1-9). The Pharisees were certainly sinners, but not in the way that most religionists view them today.

Denominationalists Charge Christians With Phariseeism

No doubt many Christians have been accused of being Pharisees by denominationalists. Notice that Jesus would have been accused of many of the most common of these charges, which are listed below.

Jesus Taught That Salvation Is Connected With Obedience

Have you ever been looked down upon because you didn’t go along with the theory that “our works have nothing whatsoever to do with our salvation”? Take comfort in the fact that you are in the company of Jesus on this point. Notice that in Matthew 7:21 Jesus taught, “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 which is in heaven.” Hebrews 5:9 reads, “And being made perfect, he (Jesus) became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Jesus “Argued the Bible”

Matthew 22:15-46 could well be termed one long Bible argument between Jesus and the Pharisees. Thankfully, Jesus “won the argument” (v. 46). Jesus even argued the Bible with the devil himself in Matthew 3:11.

Jesus Didn’t Affirm That “You Believe Like You Believe, and I’ll Believe Like I Believe”

Many denominational people say this when made to feel uncomfortable by the Scriptures. I wonder if Paul was ascribing to this obvious cop out, when he said in 2 Timothy 2:17-18, “And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” Jesus obviously expected everyone to believe his one certain way, because he said in John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” Paul thought that it mattered what someone believes or teaches; he taught in Galatians 1:6-9 that teaching any gospel different from what he taught would bring about a curse.

Jesus Thought That “There Is Only One Way”

Denominationalists teach that there are many ways to heaven; that it is possible for non-believers to be saved if they haven’t heard the gospel; also, that it doesn’t matter what a Christian believes. Some call anybody who believes otherwise a bigoted, dogmatic Pharisee. Again, Jesus becomes the accused. He said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Ephesians 4:4 says that there is but “one faith,” many false teachers’ “good words and fair speeches” (Rom. 16:18) notwithstanding.

Jesus Taught That “His Little Group Was the Only One Going to Heaven”

Christians are sometimes ridiculed for believing that there is only one true body, or church. Evidently, Jesus thought the same, as he only mentioned one when he said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church” (singular). In addition, Ephesians 4:4 states unequivocally that there is just “one body.”

Jesus Was Concerned About the Outside As Well As the Inside

An acquaintance of mine once told an off-color joke in my presence. When I questioned him about it, he assured me that God was concerned about the inside, not the outside; that God knew that he had a good heart. My first thought was that it was too bad Jesus didn’t know that principle. Instead, Jesus said in Matthew 15:18, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”

Jesus Thought That “Doctrine Was Important”

It seems that, nowadays, anybody who thinks that it is important to be right about doctrine is labeled a Pharisee. Jesus will have to accept the same label because he said in Matthew 15:9, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Romans 6:17 reads, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” 2 John 9 teaches that if one does not abide in the doctrine of Christ,” he “hath not God.”

Conclusion

As can be easily seen, according to the denominationalist’s view of Phariseeism, Jesus Christ himself could be called a Pharisee. Therefore, we shouldn’t get discouraged if some call us a Pharisee for simply following in the steps of Jesus (1 Pet. 2:21). We must not let false accusations keep us from continuing to follow Jesus’ example, even if it does mean being called a Pharisee. In our next article, we will consider some charges of Phariseeism that Christians make against other Christians, that again, could be levied verbatim against Jesus.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 21, pp. 646-647
November 5, 1992

By Dan King

The current climate in our nation regarding divorce and the breakup of the traditional home is not only appalling to good men and women everywhere, but is abhorrent to the God of heaven. The same general circumstance which led the Lord to say, “I hate divorce” (Mal. 2:16), surely makes him view this spiritual mess with disgust! The old prophet spoke of the altar of the Lord being covered with tears (v. 13), undoubtedly the tears of women left in the lurch, having been forsaken by their husbands once their youthfulness and beauty had dimmed. “I gave that man the best years of my life, and this is what I have, to show for it,” says a woman with a divorce decree in her hand. Her story is repeated thousands of times over in this nation every year. God said of Israel’s sorry state: “The Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant” (v. 14).

Admittedly, these days it can happen the other way around. Women also leave their husbands for a variety of reasons. But one will be aware, from simple observation, that most of the time it is the women who get the “short end of the stick” in these situations. They are left with children to feed and to raise, on a limited income, and are forced to live in relative poverty. Statistics show that a large segment of our population living below the “poverty line” are single mothers, many of whom are divorced and raising children alone. The children are left without fathers, or have them only on weekends, and the result here is also catastrophic. Malachi explained God’s ultimate end in the preservation of the family: “That he might seek a godly seed” (v. 15). Again, statistics prove (not surprisingly), that a majority of youthful lawbreakers come from broken homes. Our nation is on a downward slide in terms of the number of criminals and the violence of the crimes they commit, because a majority of these people have grown up in frustration and privation – the results of divorce and the hostilities that led to it.

For those of us who still care, the words of Christ in the New Testament give little consolation to the person contemplating taking this road out of marriage. In Mark 10 and Luke 16, there are parallels to those teachings about which we so often quarrel when we talk about divorce (namely Matt. 5:32; and 19:9). Here, however, there is no talk of “exceptions”; rather, the rule is stated: “Everyone that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery” (Lk. 16:18; cf. Mk. 10:11-12). Those people who first read these gospel accounts were not aware that there were any exceptions. They were only made aware of the rule: one man and one woman for life! I am not here denying the validity of the “exception” for adultery, as stated in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9; but I am denying that the exception is the rule! The decree of Jesus is that there is to be no divorce. We would be much better off were we to get that into our heads and our hearts. Homes would be much more stable, problems would get worked out, and children would grow up in a more nurturing environment. The result would be an improvement for the entire nation.

The Jewish scholar C.G. Montefiore commented on Matthew 5:32: “In these verses the originality of Jesus is made manifest. So far, in the Sermon on the Mount, we have found nothing which goes beyond Rabbinic religion and Rabbinic morality, or which greatly differs from them. Here we do. The attitude of Jesus towards women is very striking. He breaks through oriental limitations in more directions than one. For (1) he associates with, and is much looked after by, women in a manner which was unusual; (2) he is more strict about divorce; (3) he is also more merciful and compassionate. He is a great champion of womanhood. And in this combination of freedom and pity, as well as in his strict attitude to divorce, he makes a new departure of enormous significance and importance. If he had done no more than this, he might justly be regarded as one of the great teachers of the world” (Rabbinic Literature and Gospel Teaching 46-47).

Montefiore recognized from his study of Matthew 5:32 and its parallels what many people do not. Most of modern society and much of sectarian “Christianity” has forgotten just how “strict” Jesus really was on divorce. Let us not number among them. Let us marry and live with his rule in view: One man and one woman till death parts!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 21, p. 645
November 5, 1992

By Mark Mayberry

“Calvinism” refers to the doctrines and teachings of John Calvin, a 16th century Swiss theologian who became a leader in the Protestant Reformation. Many of these concepts existed before his time. For example the doctrine of total hereditary depravity originated with Augustine, a Roman Catholic philosopher who lived in the fifth century A.D. However, the five major points of Calvinism were crystallized by John Calvin. Over time, Calvinistic theology has gained widespread acceptance. It found formal expression in many denominational creeds of the early seventeenth century, It still permeates the thinking of many modern denominations. Certainly it is worthwhile to examine this doctrine to see if it is in harmony with God’s word.

A. Total Hereditary Depravity

Defined: This concept is associated with the doctrine of original sin. Many religious leaders teach that the guilt of Adam’s original sin is inherited by each individual at birth. Thus, they say, we are born with a completely corrupt nature. Unregenerate mankind is positively inclined to do evil and totally unable to do anything good.

Exposed: Many plain Bible passages refute this doctrine. Although we suffer the consequences of Adam’s fall, we do not inherit a corrupt nature (Gen. 3:16-19; Rom. 5:12). Sinners stand condemned because of their own transgressions (Rom. 7:9-11), not because of the wrongs of their forbearers (Ezek. 18:20). Far from being depraved from birth, children are models of purity and holiness (Matt. 18:1-3).

B. Unconditional Election

Defined: Calvin affirmed the doctrine of “predestination.” According to his theology, God foreordained that certain specific individuals would be saved, while others would be lost. This choice was not based on any foreseen obedience or virtue on man’s part; it rested solely on God’s sovereign will. Thus the number of the redeemed is fixed and cannot be increased or diminished.

Exposed: Calvin misunderstood the Bible’s teaching on predestination. Whereas the Scriptures speak of group election (Eph. 1:3-5), Calvin thought in terms of individual election. However, this would negate the impartiality of God (Rom. 2:11). It also would nullify the effect of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). If Calvin’s view of election is true, preaching the gospel is a waste of time!

C. Limited Atonement

Defined: The atoning work of Christ was limited in scope to only those specific individuals who were unconditionally elected. Since this number cannot be increased or diminished, if you were not foreordained to salvation, then the atonement made possible through the death of Christ is of no benefit to you.

Exposed: Many plain Bible passages refute this doctrine. To begin with, it ignores the fact that Christ died for all mankind (Heb. 2:9; 1 Jn. 2:1-2). Moreover, God has not set a limit on those who can be saved; he wants all to respond in obedience to the gospel (2 Pet. 3:9).

D. Irresistible Grace

Defined: Calvin taught that the “elect” person is saved “in prospect” in the mind of God by predestination and then saved “in fact” when God sends the Spirit into his heart. At God’s chosen time, the sinner is irresistibly drawn into his grace. This call cannot be rejected, but always results in conversion.

Exposed: There are many errors associated with this doctrine. First of all, it destroys the concept of man’s free moral agency and would make us nothing more than puppets (Deut. 11:26-28; Josh. 24:15). Moreover, it denies the true nature of God’s grace (Eph. 2:8-10). The Bible plainly teaches that we will be held accountable for how we respond to God’s word (Jn. 12:47-48).

E. Perseverance of Saints

Defined.- This doctrine is also known as the “Impossibility of Apostasy.” It affirms that a child of God cannot sin so as to fall from the grace of God and be lost in eternity. Calvin reasoned that all who are chosen by God are kept by his power. If God elected certain individuals to be saved, his will cannot be overthrown by man (not even by those elected). As a result, they will assuredly persevere to the end and be eternally saved. In fact, they must be saved.

Exposed.- Many plain Bible passages refute this doctrine. The New Testament warns against the danger of apostasy (Gal. 5:1-4; 2 Pet. 2:20-21). The Hebrew writer clearly teaches that it is possible to fall from a saved condition (Heb. 6:4-6). Moreover, the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” eliminated the necessity of faithfulness and godliness (Matt. 7:21).

Conclusion

It is entirely appropriate that we examine the teachings of men in light of the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). From beginning to end, Calvinism is a false system. Let us diligently strive to speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 21, pp. 650-651
November 5, 1992