Truth Magazine

By Randy Harshbarger

Long ago the prophet Hosea said: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children” (4:6). Ignoring God’s instructions brought ruin to the children of Israel. They refused to consider and heed divine law and were thus cast off. Men today continue to do the same thing. One has only to consider the false religions and the conflicting doctrines and denominationalism to see that ignorance of the Bible is widespread. God does not speak to men today through some religious guru or a self-appointed Messiah. Rather he speaks in these last days through his Son (Heb. 1:1-3). The extensiveness of sin demonstrates lack of knowledge about God and his word. The disgrace of adultery, the shame of homosexuality, and the tragedy of drunkenness, and countless other “acceptable sins” all point to a lack of knowledge of the Bible. Not enough people do like the Bereans of old, and “search the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). It is obvious, due to the prevalence and publicity of sin, that people believe they can defy the laws of God and never suffer the consequences (if they even care at all). Yet, the Bible still says: “For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). We need to know and then declare the true nature of God and his will for men. The Bible is sufficient to guide men safely home to heaven; its finality affords proof of its value as the only word we need.

Many have been the attacks upon the word of God. Some are insidious while others make no pretense about the desired goal of undermining faith in God’s revelation. We are not surprised when the atheist or infidel attacks the Bible, but it is sad when so-called Bible believers embrace doctrines that repudiate God’s word as complete and final. Roman Catholicism tells us that the Bible is true because “the church” says it is. But, how can the infallibility of “the church” be proved that we might accept such a pronouncement? It cannot be according to Matthew 16:18-19. “And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. It will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth be loosed in heaven.” Joseph Smith gave us the book of Mormon, claimed it was the word of God, and said it should occupy a place along side the Bible. But, even the book of Mormon claims that the Roman Catholic church corrupted the Bible and is an instrument of Satan (1 Nephi 13:26-29). Whom do we believe? Many claim to be lead by the Holy Spirit in a direct, miraculous way, separate and apart from the word. One lady claimed that the Lord told her to be a stripper! Did the Lord contradict himself when he said in 1 Timothy 2:8-9 to keep one’s clothes on? The list goes on, as men continue to either in part or all together pervert and twist to their own liking, God’s revealed will from heaven.

Paul said: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). The gospel will accomplish what God wants accomplished. It is the only message that will make men what they need to be, namely Christians. No other power on earth can equal God’s power. The messages of men always fail and fall short.

Peter said: “Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3). God’s power is seen in creation (2 Pet. 3:5), in punishment of the wicked world by the flood (2 Pet. 3:6), and will be seen in terminating the world we live in (2 Pet. 3:7-12). These things were and will be accomplished at God’s word. The Bible provides information or “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Man needs direction and guidance in life (Jer. 10:23). Man who is lost in ignorance needs to be enlightened. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). Knowledge of truth is essential (1Tim. 2:4). The Bible also provides needed motivation. 2 Timothy 2:25 says: “In meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth.” Sometimes a motivation gap exists between knowing and doing. The Lord reveals what sin is and what sin will do; that should be the driving impetus to turn from wrong and serve the Lord.

The Bible also provides preservation. Peter says we are guarded by faith as we wait for our final reward in heaven (1 Pet. 1:5). It is not “once saved always saved” but it is assurance from the Lord that we can obey and be acceptable in his sight. “For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, (even) our faith” (1 Jn. 5:4). Loving God rather than the world (1 Jn. 2:15-17), walking in the light of truth (1 Jn. 1:7-9), and confessing our sins as we repent (1 Jn. 2:1-2), all help to provide needed confidence as we remain safely tied to the anchor of hope (Heb. 6:19). Let us continue to walk with the Lord, studying the Bible, trusting and obeying each and every day.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 19, p. 589
October 1, 1992

By Walton Weaver

The Lord of heaven would not have condescended to become man (assume human nature) had it not been for the world’s need of a Savior. But why was it necessary for him to become man in order to save man from sin? The writer of the book of Hebrews answers after this fashion:

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Heb. 2:14-15, NKJV).

The Hebrew writer’s answer to our question is that Jesus’ work of redemption involved suffering and death on his part. Assuming flesh or taking on our human nature was made necessary by the nature of his mission.

The Context

1. The Divine Purpose (vv. 9-10). The mission of Christ in coming into the world as man was clearly redemptive (i.e., he came into the world to become the author of our salvation, v. 10). As Christ was made perfect through his own sufferings, he also (and by the same process) brings many sons into glory with him (v. 10). In doing this he accomplishes the very purpose of God, and in a way (i.e., through the suffering and glorification of Christ) that is consistent with the Father’s own being (see v. 10a, “for it was fitting for him”). Christ’s sufferings included the fact that he must “taste death for everyone” (v. 9).

Hebrews 5:8 helps us understand how Christ was “made … perfect through sufferings” (v. 10). According to this passage Christ “learned obedience” through his sufferings. Not obedience to God’s law, but prayerful and believing submission (implied by the term trans. “being heard” in v. 7) to the sufferings which came upon him in the discharge of his special vocation as our Savior. It was not “perfecting” as a moral development that the writer has in view, but rather how our Lord became perfect (complete) in fully submitting to the vocation given to him in accomplishing the redemption of mankind. He not only suffered, but he learned from the sufferings (he had to more or less work himself into his place in God’s plan in this way, or through sufferings) the perfect (full, or complete) obedience. This was the full or complete submission to the Father’s will as it pertained to his place in the work of redemption, the very purpose for which he had come into the world.

2. The Sanctifier And The Sanctified (v. 11 a). Verse 10 shows us that the saved are themselves sons of God, and that Christ identified himself with his people in suffering that he might bring them to glory with him. Christ is therefore “the sanctifier” and his people are “the sanctified. ” But what does the writer mean when he says we “are all of one” (NKJV)? In some sense the sanctified have been made to be one with the sanctifier. Some say we are “one” with Christ because he assumed our nature, or became flesh. Others see a spiritual reference in the expression: we are one with Christ because we are the sanctified, and as the sanctified we are also sons of God with him. In other words, God is the common Father of both him who sanctifies and they who are sanctified through Christ. The context itself develops both of these views so it does not seem necessary that we choose between them. God’s people are one with Christ in a spiritual sense, and they are also one with him by being of the same human nature. That Christ became “one” with us in the latter sense was made necessary by the nature of his work to be accomplished as our Savior (i.e., he must go through sufferings and death on our behalf). After all, the sanctified have become so “through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10).

3. Christ Is Not Ashamed To Call Us Brethren (vv. 11b-13). This is true because Christ has identified himself with his people through his sufferings and death in order that he might bring them to glory with him. It is evident that the writer viewed the passages quoted from the O.T. (Psa. 22:22 and Isa. 8:17-18) to have been spoken by Christ. The first quotation (v. 12) shows he called his people “my brethren,” then the next two quotations (v. 13, both from Isa. 8:17-18) supply additional proofs which help establish the affirmation. The first quotation from the Isaiah passage, “I will put my trust in him,” does not prove anything as it stands alone. It must be taken with the second quotation from Isaiah. The “children” whom the Father has given him are his “brethren” who have been named in Hebrews 2:11, and (as the first quote from the Isaiah passage shows, v. 13) it is these brethren with whom he proudly associates. He associates himself with them in an act of faith, or by putting his trust in God as he goes through his sufferings on their behalf (i.e., so he might take them to glory with him, v. 10). In this act of faith Christ became the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:1-2), and in doing so he gave us an example as to how we should live our lives out to completeness just as he did. He was the first to begin (the author) and the first to carry through to completeness (the finisher) that life of faith which we also are to live all the way to the end.

Christ Shared With Us Blood and Flesh

This brings us to the first thing affirmed of Christ in v. 14: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same . . .” We should keep in mind the reason that has already been given as to why this was necessary (i.e., that he might suffer and die for mankind). This reason will be drawn out in more concrete terms in the next part of the verse and the verse that follows. But for now we must give brief attention to what is meant by the terms “blood and flesh” since this is what the first part of this verse affirms that Christ shared with us in order that he might accomplish the divinely appointed purpose for his death described in the words that follow.

We are a little surprised with the order of the words in this statement because elsewhere we find the word order to be “flesh and blood,” not “blood and flesh.” But surely the word order in this passage does not give us a different meaning. It is possible that “blood” is mentioned first in order to call attention to the natural unity of mankind (cf. Acts 17:26, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth”). Although the terms “flesh and blood” are not used in the Old Testament, the expression came to be a common way for the Jews of a later period to describe human nature in contrast to God. Peter seems to use the terms in this way in Matthew 16:17, and Paul apparently did the same in Galatians 1:16. The expression is used in contrast with spiritual powers or forces in Ephesians 6:12. In 1 Corinthians 15:50 Paul says that “flesh and blood” cannot enter the kingdom of God. From these uses of the expression we may conclude that flesh and blood are what make a man less than a purely spiritual being. The terms describe that which is in man that makes him corruptible and liable to death. The terms are not equal to the term “flesh” (sarx) as it is often used by Paul in his writings, even though the physical flesh and blood are always behind his use of that term. The point that is being made by the Hebrew writer is that Christ had to assume physical flesh and blood in order that he might be put to death. Hence “the days of his flesh” (Heb. 2:7) are the period of his earthly struggles and suffering.

In our second article on this subject we will take up what the writer affirms in this passage was accomplished by Christ’s death.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI 19, pp. 584-585
October 1, 1992

By Don Hastings

God has said, “Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Rom. 13:7). Jesse Flowers is due our honor. He was a very dedicated child of God whose life manifested his great faith in the Lord.

Jesse Edward Flowers was born on September 8, 1941, in Miami, Florida, to Jimmy and Jennie Flowers. He was the only boy in the family of four children. His three sisters are Mary, Pat and Betty. He went to Florida College and majored in Bible. He excelled in this subject. It was at Florida College that I first became acquainted with Jesse and his bride to be, Charlotte Smith. After completing his education at Florida College, he began faithfully proclaiming the gospel.

He preached on a regular basis for the Lord’s church in Miami, Florida; Seymour, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky and Bowling Green, Kentucky. He took a strong stand for the truth and contended earnestly for the “whole counsel of God.” I remember hearing him preach on the evils of smoking. He sought diligently the favor of God and did not seek to please men as he boldly proclaimed the truth. The courage to sternly rebuke sin and discipline the unrepentant Christian is often lacking in preachers. It was not found wanting in Jesse.

Jesse and Charlotte raised four children – Laura, Jenny, Jesse Alan, and Rachel. Jenny and Jesse Alan are attending Florida College now; Laura and Rachel still live at home. They taught their children to love and obey the Lord. All their children have been baptized into Christ and are now faithfully serving him! Jesse Alan has a strong desire to preach “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” His father had the opportunity of hearing him preach twice before he died.

Jesse suffered a massive heart attack in 1984. The doctors gave him only six months to live. With God’s help and a cheerful, courageous attitude, he lived eight more years. However, during this time he had to lie down often and could only preach once on the Lord’s day when his health permitted it.

His devoted wife went to work to help support the family. She works the midnight shift for Kroger’s bakery so she can be with her family some during the day. She tenderly and lovingly cared for Jesse. Her mother-in-law calls her “a worthy woman” which she truly is! “The warm personality of Charlotte Smith is equaled only by her humble attitude, her faith in her fellow man, and her desire to be a friend to each person with whom she is associated.” This quote was taken from the 1965, Florida College, yearbook.

Jennie Flowers told me about the time she talked to Jesse about the financial burden his doctor bills had placed upon him. She had been asked to speak to Jesse about this matter because he had not discussed this burden with anyone. Jesse said, “Mom, the Bible teaches that worry is a sin. I am not going to commit this sin!” He did not worry about how his bills would be paid, but trusted in the Lord to provide for his needs. What a wonderful lesson on faith we can learn from Jesse!

Jennie, also, told me that Jesse really wanted to be ready to die in the Lord’s favor. He asked his mother, “Is there anything you see that I need to correct about my life?” What an humble, God-fearing attitude!

Jesse had an excellent sense of humor. He loved to laugh and most of the time had a broad smile upon his face. He didn’t lose his cheerfulness even after he was struck down by a severe heart attack. You would not have known by looking at them that he was seriously sick.

His spirit left his body on August 20, 1992. Rick Russell and Tim Hale conducted the funeral service in Bowling Green. Bobby Thompson and Bill Simmons spoke at the graveside in Madison County, Florida.

If you would like to express your sympathy to Charlotte, her address is: 233 Mark Trail, Bowling Green, KY 42101.

Jesse’s great love for his family, fellow-Christians, and the Lord helped him through the years he lived on this earth. He let his light shine. I am so thankful for Jesse’s life and the good influence he had on me!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 19, p. 581
October 1, 1992

By Larry Ray Hafley

A number of things are accomplished by the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ:

1. Makes peace with God (Col. 1:20). One is an enemy of God because of his sins (Col. 1:21), but the blood of Christ heals and seals the fractured fellowship and makes one at peace with God (cf. Eph. 2:14; 6:15).

2. Washes us from our sins (Rev. 1:5; 7:14). Sin is a stain, a blot and blemish of the soul. The blood of Christ is the cleansing agent, and “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18). See Ephesians 5:26 and Acts 22:16 to learn when this washing away of our sins occurs.

3. Redeems us (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:18,19; Heb. 9:12). To be guilty of sin is to be a slave (Jn. 8:34). The blood of Jesus purchases our pardon and makes us free from sin, free from its bondage. In “obeying the truth” given “through the Spirit,” one obtains the redemption (1 Pet. 1:22).

4. Justifies us (Rom. 5:9). The verdict is in. “Guilty as charged,” it declares (Rom. 3:9,23). Apart from the blood of Christ, justification is sought in vain (Rom. 5:6-8). See Romans 6:17,18, to find out when one may receive justification from sin by the blood of Christ.

5. Sanctifies us (Heb. 10:29). Things not set apart, consecrated unto God, were seen as profane and perishable, unfit for divine service. The soul in sin will perish, but once set apart, sanctified by the blood of Jesus, it is fit for the Master’s use and service (2 Thess. 2:13,14; Jn. 17:17; Eph. 5:26).

6. Remits sin (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:22). Jesus shed his blood “for the remission of sins,” and without it there “is no remission,” or forgiveness of sins. Luke 24:47; Acts 2:3 8 and 3:19 tell us when the blood of Christ blots out our sins.

If, after hearing the truth, the gospel, which was given by the Spirit, you have not obeyed the truth; in other words, you have not yet believed, repented and been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, then you have not received any of the blessings of the blood of Christ as cited and listed above.

Perhaps you are one who has obeyed the truth in times past; perhaps you have been purged, cleansed from your old or past sins by the blood of Christ, but you have sinned, you have been unfaithful to the blood of the covenant wherewith you were sanctified. What do you do now? Repent, confess, pray and walk in the light “and the blood of Jesus Christ” will cleanse you from all sin (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:7-9).

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 19, p. 585
October 1, 1992