Truth Magazine

By Bobby L. Graham

Has there ever been a time when more diverse thinking existed on the subject of marriage? It would appear that the once nearly unanimous teaching of brethren on this subject has been disrupted by concepts and theories conceived in the womb of necessity and born under conditions of convenience. The lack of genuine conviction of the reality of those ideas expressed is often seen in the posture of some in raising doubts and promoting questions about biblical teaching relative to marriage. They seem content to raise questions and elicit doubts and then back off with the excuse that they are merely studying the matter and their convictions are not yet formulated. The testing of the winds of thought and opinion seems to be the purpose of such operations. Brethren, it is far past the time for men of courage to stand up for what is right on these matters by calling in question the weaknesses in the positions of error.

Because of the extensive review superbly done by brother Weldon Warnock in this very journal, this writer shall not attempt to deal with all details identified by him. Some errors remain so glaring, however, as to demand the spotlight of truth be once again focused thereon. Such is the limited design of this article.

Marriage in God’s Moral Scheme

In some instances God’s original intent for marriage, set forth in Genesis 2:24, has been described as the divine ideal; in others, as merely the first installment of teaching about marriage. Remember, however, that the principle stated in the passage was given to regulate those made by the Lord for each other in that relationship appointed by him. Recall also that every later reference to the same arrangement conformed to the same ideal (Mal. 2; Matt. 19; Rom. 7; 1 Cor. 7; and others). The statements in praise of the marital relationship as the source of one’s fulfillment of those desires implanted by God must also be kept in mind (Prov. 5). Paul’s insistence on marriage as God’s means to prevent fornication in 1 Corinthians 7 places it squarely in the moral government/law originating with God and rooted in his character. Fornication, whether committed by a married person or an unmarried one, is an undermining of the moral teaching of Scriptures regarding marriage and its purpose. Marriage is God’s moral solution to the problem of sexual desire. Marriage then becomes part of God’s moral law, to which all moral beings are amenable. That all – those accepting God’s will and those refusing his covenant – are subject there to is easily seen in those indictments of Scripture against both classes respecting the sins here identified – fornication and adultery (Rom. 1:29,31 – covenant breakers and fornicators; 1 Cor. 6:9-11). While it is difficult to know precisely all that God told mankind about his moral law from the beginning, it can be discerned that marriage was a part of it by his condemnations of marital perversions. If this be not the case, by what authority does any alien marry? How could God recognize marriage between the alien and the believer?

The Role of Deuteronomy 24 in Christ’s Will

Some have recently asserted that the details of Deuteronomy 24 must be given a place in the teaching of Jesus, just as the principle of Genesis 2:24, for both were used by him in explanation of his will. Closer examination of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19, however, reveals that Jesus did not cite Moses, but the Pharisees did. When Jesus explained Moses, he presented him as permitting putting away, not directing it, and regulating it as a practice already existing for the protection of the woman involved. He further demonstrated the correct procedure for us to follow in his reaffirmation of the ideal of Genesis 2, what had been true from the beginning (what Moses permitted was not then, nor had it ever been, the divine ideal) and giving it weight over the Mosiac permission/limitation. By following Jesus’ procedure, we too will conclude correctly: one woman and one man for life. Only when the correct procedure is used will one conclude the correct position.

Invented Definitions

When people have something to prove, they will find a way to do so. One wanting to show that people cannot “live in adultery” and that adultery need not prevent future marriages has to deny what relevant passages say or use different definitions for the words used. The meaning of the word for “adultery” has been woefully changed in recent years by people who ought to know better. There is not a standard reference work in existence, to this writer’s knowledge, that will undergird their change. Instead of letting it mean the sexual activity involving one who is the spouse of another, some have changed it to mean breaking the covenant of marriage, whether in mind, in bed, or at the courthouse. There is not a shred of evidence that such is the meaning of the word. Word etymology will not suffice to determine meanings of words at a particular time in linguistic history, as has been attempted by some of the proponents of the new definition of “adultery.”

Brethren, when a person has to carry his own glossary with him to prove his idea, it becomes evident that the idea is his, not the Bible’s.

Jesus presented the will of God in his teaching on marriage. He never referred to the operation of civil law as such in his teaching, but the operation of divine law, in regard to marriage, putting away, fornication, or adultery. Additional error is taught when the legal intricacies of civil law are imposed on the teaching of Jesus. While people should abide by civil law in this field if divine law permits, the procedures and operations of civil law do not determine what marriage is, what putting away is, what adultery is, or when any one of these has taken place. Only God’s will is decisive in any of these matters.

May God’s will always determine our every attitude and action in this area of life, as in all areas. It is to him that all shall give account, by him that the faithful shall be blessed, and by him that the wicked shall be punished.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, pp. 180-181
March 19, 1992

By S.K. Milton 

Believer’s Baptism	Infant Sprinkling
Believer’s baptism is commanded – Matt.	Infant sprinkling has not a single command.
Believer’s baptism has examples.	Infant sprinkling has no example.
Believer’s baptism is from heaven – Matt. 21	Infant sprinkling is from men.
Believer’s baptism is the counsel of God.	Infant sprinkling has the counsel of men.
Believer’s baptism has been sealed from heaven.	Infant sprinkling never was sealed of God.
In believer’s baptism the person submits in acts of obedience to the gospel.	Infant sprinkling the infant put forth no acts of obedience to the gospel, but to men.
Believers are buried with Christ by baptism – Rom. 6:4	Infants are not buried, but only sprinkled.
All believers that are baptized are thereby brought into Christ – Gal. 3:27.	Infants are not thus brought into Christ.
All believers baptized receive the remission of sins. – Acts 2:37,38	Infants do not receive remission of sins. They have no sins to be remitted.
God has promised that all who believe and are baptized shall be saved – Mk. 16:16	God has not promised that all sprinkled infants shall be saved.
Believers rejoice when they are baptized – Acts 8:37; 16:34	Infants cannot rejoice.
All the world may undeniably affirm that believers were baptized by the Apostles – Acts 8:12	But none can affirm that any infant was sprinkled by the apostles.
Those who practice infant sprinkling are compelled to confess believer’s baptism.	But all baptized believers do not acknowledge, but deny infant baptism.
All baptized believers are living stones, fit for God’s building – 1 Pet. 2:5	But all sprinkled infants are not living stones, fit for God’s building.
Baptized believers build on Christ by their own faith.	Sprinkled infants are built on the faith of others.
They that receive Christ upon their own faith, shall never perish – Jn. 10:28	But such as are sprinkled upon another’s faith, have no such assurance.
Baptized believers know Christ to be precious – 2 Pet. 2:7	Sprinkled infants have no such knowledge
Baptized believers love Christ and keep his commandments – Jn. 14:15	Sprinkled infants do not love Christ nor keep his commandments, for they are incapable.
Baptized believers may repel Satan as Christ did, saying, “It is written, They believed and were baptized.”	But infant sprinklers cannot say, ‘It is written, Infants were baptized;’ for it is not written.

The foregoing contrast is enough, I would think, to convince every mind, which is not so shackled and trammeled by prejudice, prepossession, and parental education, as to be rendered invulnerable to the truth, though strongly enforced by the infallible word of God, reason, and every thing that merits the name of evidence. But the time is evidently near at hand, when, I awfully fear, they will lament their folly. I tremble when I consider the near approach of the time when every thing of human policy, invented in place of the pure religion of Jesus Christ, must be lost in one universal wreck of irreparable ruin. My apprehensions proportionably increase as I view (as to me appears evident), that by far the greater part of the world is in an unprepared state; nay, the greater part of professors of Christianity, are not prepared to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly”; nor the societies, to which they belong, ready to respond, “Amen; come, Lord Jesus” (Reprinted from Millennial Harbinger, IV, XI, [Nov. 1833]: 547-548).

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 7, p. 197
April 2, 1992

By Irvin Himmel

Automobile operators know that there are two kinds of gas stations. An increasing number of self-service stations have appeared in recent years. These locations provide gas and oil, but the operator of the vehicle must pump the gas and pour the oil. An attendant is on hand to take your money. The service is so limited at some of these stations that one cannot find what he needs to wash his windshield and air the tires. Whatever is available, the customer must serve himself.

Then there are the old-fashioned full service stations. There are attendants to wait on the customer. One may purchase gas, oil, tires, batteries, and a range of accessories. If one needs a lube job, an oil change, a wash job, mechanical work, or tire repair, all such services are available. The attendant will check the oil, the radiator, and the tires; he cleans the windshield; he examines the fan belt, etc.

Some banks offer a limited range of services, but others advertise that they are “full service” banks. They provide loans, safe deposit boxes, different kinds of checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money-market accounts, and numerous other financial services.

The concept has developed that churches, like gas stations and banks, may offer limited services or be of the “full service” type. Many people go church shopping, and they prefer a “full service” church.

What People Want

Terry A. Clark had an interesting article entitled In Search of the F. S. C.*” in the Christian Standard, February 9, 1992. (*F.S.C. stands for Full Service Church.) He observed that people often seek a church that meets their “needs and wants.” This raises a question that demands attention: How far may a congregation go in meeting the “wants” of people?

Younger couples with children want a church with a youth minister, family-life center, special youth activities, perhaps a youth chorus or choir, and a day-care center. Those who like sports want a church with a gymnasium, ball teams, exercise classes, tennis courts, etc. According to Clark, “If you like music you seek a church with choirs, a band, an orchestra, and a music minister.” Senior citizens may want a church with special ministries for the aged, bus trips, senior citizen socials, and game rooms for the elderly. People who enjoy drama may want a church that presents passion pageants, live manger scenes at Christmas season, outdoor sunrise services at Easter, and movies depicting Bible events.

Do the “wants” of church shoppers make it right for a congregation to supply whatever may be in demand? A lot of people want entertainment. May a church therefore provide a ministry of comedy? A comic minister could be hired to work with the youth minister and activities director. Why not?

There are people who want thrills and excitement, something more challenging than mere entertainment. May a church therefore provide a thrill ministry? The church might buy a plane and parachutes and hire someone to teach skydiving. A race track could be built for the young men who like drag racing. And a thrill minister who is worth his salary could be in charge of such activities and think up others even more daring than these!

If a full service church is going to provide whatever church shoppers “need and want,” church activities can be extended to include whatever people hanker after, yearn for, and fancy.

The Bigger-Better Argument

Terry Clark says, “Full Service churches grow. They have more people, more contacts, more workers. They are bigger and, in America, bigger is better!” That is an admission that size is a major goal. Whatever it takes to make a church bigger, go for it! I have been convinced for a long time that this is the thinking that justifies, in the minds of many liberal-minded brethren, the innovations, unscriptural programs, and digressive activities that have become so prevalant. This is America, and bigger is better!

Clark admits in his article that the temptation to compromise in areas of doctrine should be avoided. The “full service” church is itself a compromise. Where does the New Testament teach that a congregation should provide whatever the church shopper “needs and wants”? God knows our needs better than we, and too often our “wants” are confused in our minds with genuine needs.

We are told by writer Clark that the Jerusalem church grew rapidly. (This no Bible student would dispute.) Then he adds, “It became a Full Service Church, even to the point of feeding its widows.” That conclusion that Jerusalem became a full service church requires a broad leap that is not too subtle. Truly, Acts 6 discloses that the Jerusalem congregation fed its widows. Why does a congregation’s taking care of its own needy make it a “full service” church? The Jerusalem church built no orphans’ home nor old folks’ home. It supported no missionary society. It had no youth minister, no family-life center, no activities director, no daycare center, no choir, no band, no orchestra, nor music minister; it had no soccer field nor gymnasium; it had no marriage counselor, no seniors’ minister, and no chariot ministry. It requires far more for a church to be considered a “full service” group than its taking care of its own widows!

Christ-Serving Is the Answer

We need to remember that Christ is the head of his body, the church. As our spiritual head and our great shepherd, he teaches us to bow to his will as revealed in the New Testament. Growth in a congregation is to be desired, but that growth must be based on the teaching and application of the word of God. The New Testament prescribes limitations on a local church’s work. We need to study the Bible and respect those ancient landmarks that tell us how far we may go and no further. Jesus Christ, not the people, determines the service to be performed by the church.

Comparing a congregation to a gas station or a bank in the range of services provided misses the mark. The “full service” notion opens the door for whatever human wisdom may elect to allow. I doubt not that church shopping will continue, and many who have little regard for the authority of the Scriptures will go on competing for the biggest crowds. While others around us are developing and promoting whatever appeals to popular demand, we must steadfastly teach the truth. Bigger may be better in America, but in God’s sight large numbers have never been the gauge for approval. Remember Noah and the flood. Remember Joshua and Caleb.

Church shoppers need what many do not want, namely, the gospel. Instead of catering to the wishes and whims of people who go out to the religious marketplace, let us maintain the unique position of sticking with the New Testament. Let us continue preaching the gospel without compromise. May our faith in Christ our King never waver. May God help us to make the church in our community distinct from the groups around us which are molded according to modern standards * Others may “think it strange” that we run not with them in quest of bigger crowds and more imaginative schemes, but they shall give account, even as we shall, before the Judge of the living and the dead.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 7, pp. 193, 216
April 2, 1992

By Larry Ray Hafley

Writers have a purpose for writing. One may write to inform, entertain, oppose, expose, persuade or to preserve facts. Why was the Bible written? In this study, we shall seek to answer that question. Our opinion as to the Bible’s purpose is not valid or sufficient (Isa. 55:8, 9). Accordingly, we shall let God, the Holy Spirit, tell us why it was given unto man (1 Cor. 2:6-16). If we know why the Bible was written, we shall know how to use it more effectively (2 Tim. 2:15). Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose are literary works, but their purpose differs from that of Sandburg’s “Lincoln” or Shirer’s Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. If you doubt that, read them to a three year old at bedtime. Hence, to understand the reasons why the word of God was written will assist us in receiving its intended benefits and blessings (Cf. 2 Cor. 2:4).

The Bible Was Not Written

To better understand the Bible’s purpose and reason for existence, it may help us to see goals that it was not given to accomplish.

First, it was not written for profit. Men may make money for publishing it, but the Bible was not written for that purpose. God said, “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine and the fulness thereof” (Psa. 50:12). Many of the apostles suffered “the loss of all things” (Phil. 3:8; 1 Cor. 4:9-13). Money was not their motivation.

Second, the Bible was not written to satisfy idle curiosity. God gave man a curious, inquisitive nature. This wondering trait is extremely useful, but the word of God was not given as a mental stick for the mind to whittle. “For the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.” The word spoken by Paul was not designed to gratify their curiosity (Acts 17:18-31). If that were the aim and intent of the Bible, perhaps God would have given us the “secret things” which he has reserved unto himself (Deut. 29:29).

Third, while the Bible often reflects the culture, beliefs and superstitions of the writer’s era, that was not its ultimate design. Many ancient customs, some of which are now lost to us, are cited (Gen. 24:2; Ruth 4:7,8). Understanding of some of these items gives us a greater appreciation of the point of certain narratives (cf. Lk. 7:44; Rom. 16:16), but it was not the author’s aim to school us in their peculiarities.

Fourth, ancient myths and legends of pagan tribes are noted in the Bible (1 Sam. 6; 1 Kgs. 20; Acts 14:11, 12), but it was not written to perpetuate them. Even among those who profess faith, the creation and flood of Genesis, along with the strength of Samson and the swallowing of Jonah are viewed as myths, as are the accounts of the works of Jesus. However, Peter said, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16).

Fifth, the Bible was not presented to define current events. Neither is it, to use the words of James P. Needham, an eschatological road map.” Every earthquake, every stock market crash and every ruler from Nero to Napoleon and from Hitler to Hussein is to be found in the Bible, or so some would have us believe. If the Bible contained a chart of occurrences of each generation, it would be so large that one could not fit it on a semi-trailer truck. If Ezekiel, Daniel and Revelation are fulfilled in our daily newspapers, what did they mean to men in the first nineteen centuries?

Sixth, though the word of God may cause hurt, grief, pain and shame, that is not its primary object. “I write not these things to shame you” (1 Cor. 4:14). “I wrote unto you. . . not that ye should be grieved” (2 Cor. 2:4; 7:8,9,12; 10:9, 10). The word of God does cut and stab the heart. It produces sorrow (Acts 2:37; 7:54; 2 Cor. 7:8-10; cf. Jer. 23:29; Hos. 6:5), but that is not its chief intention. When the word of God pricks nd sticks one’s conscience, his attitude should be, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head” (Psa. 141:5). “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6).

Seventh, the Bible’s object is not to promote “self esteem” or to develop a “positive mental attitude” (PMA). It is not a “self help” book which teaches man how to lift himself up by his own proverbial boot straps. However, the “amazing secrets” to “leading a successful life,” which many PMA gurus think they have “discovered,” are to be found in the book of God (Prov. 4:23; 14:14; 23:7; Phil. 4:4-8). The Bible teaches that man is the highest, finest, noblest creation of God, but that he is “wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked,” and “in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity” apart from God. Without Christ, he has “no hope.” The treasures of wisdom and knowledge are not to be found in increasing one’s self esteem, but in Christ (Col. 2:3). Beware of the preacher who would tell you that you need to create a better “self image” through the PMA philosophy. It is a lie, a snare. Perhaps what you need is to see yourself as God sees you, lost and undone in sin (Lk. 18:9-14). “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Col. 2:8-10).

Why The Bible Was Written

(1) “That Ye Might Believe” (Jn. 20:30, 31). Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). That is why the devil does not want the word in your heart (Lk. 8:11, 12). He knows that it produces faith. A child of God is sired, fathered, begotten by the word of God (1 Cor. 4,15; Jas. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:22-25). One trusts in Christ “after” (not before) he hears the word of truth (Eph. 1:13). Rhetorically, Paul asks, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Rom. 10:14) Obviously, they cannot believe without hearing the word of God.

Many may think this point need not be belabored, but in an era when much of the preaching and publishing of spiritual themes is devoid of Scripture, it must be stressed. As you read and listen to essays and addresses, consider their biblical base. Are you reading and hearing the word of God, or are you being entertained and inspired by cute stories and clever narratives? An eloquent man, fervent in spirit, who speaks boldly with enthusiasm may lull you into receiving “good words and fair speeches” as gospel preaching. Faith is attained and maintained by the word of God (1 Pet. 1:22-25; 2:2), not by the congenial wit, winning smiles and personal grace of men.

“But times are changing. Men will not sit still for plain, old-fashioned preaching. We need a modern message for modern man.” Sounds like I have heard that somewhere before. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:3,4). What was Paul’s prescription for this condition? Did he recommend an updated gospel, “new and improved”? Did he suggest a renovation of the word of reconciliation? No, but because of man’s desire for a 44contemporary message,” because of his wish to have his ears scratched, Paul said, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

(2) “For Our Admonition” (1 Cor. 10:11). The Bible is given for our learning, for our warning (1 Cor. 4:14). Paul catalogs the sins of Israel in 1 Corinthians 10, citing everything from murmuring to immorality. This follows the exhortation of 9:24-27 and concludes with “these things . . . are written for our admonition.” Note the “wherefores” of verses 12 and 14. 2 Peter 2 and the book of Jude are of the same nature. Preaching that does not alert and warn with Scripture is not Bible preaching. Count the number of times the words “warn” or “warning” are used in Ezekiel 3:17-21. Surprising number, is it not? Are you hearing the Bible preached as a word of warning (Heb. 3:7-4:1)? Listen very carefully, and you may hear preaching that belittles Bible warnings against sin and damnation. It seems that the only warning some will give is a warning against preaching that warns. These men are dangerous to your soul.

(3) “How Thou Oughtest To Behave Thyself” (1 Tim. 3:14,15). God has a plan, a pattern of behavior that he expects of us. The Bible was written to tell us how we ought to behave ourselves in the church. “These things command and teach” (1 Tim. 4:11). “These things teach and exhort” (1 Tim. 6:2). The Bible is not a book of suggestions; it is a book of “ought,” “how thou oughtest to behave thyself.” Be wary of the man who decries and derides the use of what men “ought” to do. If the Bible is not used to tell men how they “ought” to live pure, holy, godly lives, it is not being applied according to its purpose. Rejection of the word of God often occurs among those who want to walk after their own lusts and not after the conduct demanded by the Lord (2 Pet. 3:3,4; Rom. 1:21-28).

(4) “That Ye Sin Not” (1 Jn. 2:1). “Sin is the transgression of the law” (God’s law – 1 Jn. 3:4). “All have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). The remedy for sin is the blood of Christ (1 Jn. 1:7; Rev. 1:5). When Jesus met the temptation of the devil, he appealed to the Bible, to the word of God, saying, “It is written” (Matt. 4:4,7,10). Jesus was tempted in all points, in all ways, as we are, “yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). He escaped the snares of the devil by relying on the word of God. But what of us? “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:9-11).

When I was a boy, my dear mother would say, “Don’t get in the mud.” But when I was drawn away of my own lusts and enticed, when I forgot my mother’s word, I played in the mud. Is there a parallel? Is there a lesson there? If we hate sin, if we want to overcome sin, let us hear and heed the Bible, for it was written that we sin not (1 Cor. 15:34).

(5) “That Ye May Understand” (Eph. 3:3,4). Man hag a duty to understand “what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). The Bible was given that we might see, know and understand the will of God. One must have a “desire” and “give diligence” to know the truth (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:15). Faithful preaching will give the sense of Scripture and cause the eyes of understanding to be opened (Neh. 8:8). Jesus did this in his teaching (Lk. 24:25-27,45).

It has been said that man is the only creature that inquires (A) Where did I come from? (B) Why am I here? (C) Where am I going? Where would you go to have those questions answered? To whom would you turn? “Lord, to whom shall we go?” The Bible is the only book that can give man insight and understanding as to his place and purpose in creation. If one would know the will of God for his life, he must turn to the Bible for light, for guidance, for understanding (Psa. 119:105).

(6) “That Ye May Be Mindful” (2 Pet. 3:1,2). The Bible stirs and kindles the pure mind to remember the words of the “holy prophets” and apostles of our Lord and Savior. Though one may already know and be “established in the present truth,” he needs “to give the more earnest heed” unto the things which he has heard, lest they slip away (2 Pet. 1:12-15; Heb. 2:1). Preaching should stir remembrance of the word of the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:35). Peter thought it “meet” (fitting, suitable, proper) that he should put the brethren “in remembrance” of things which they already knew. All sound doctrine will draw us back to the words “which were spoken before”; that is, back to the Bible!

There is a great need today for preachers to draw men back to the word of God. Because we forget, let us go back to the gospel plan of salvation, back to Acts 2, back to Philip and the eunuch, back to the Philippian jailer. Because we let such things slip away, let us go back to the Bible to see how the church worked, worshiped and served the Lord. Because we forget, let us tell of God’s grace and mercy and love as manifested in Jesus the Christ. Because we forget, let us be mindful of apostasies, both ancient and modern. “I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not” (Jude 5; Heb. 3:7-4:11).

(7) “That Ye Might Learn . . . Not To Think Of Men Above That Which is Written” (1 Cor. 4:6). One’s faith must be rooted and grounded in Jesus and in his word. Men will disappoint us; men will fail and confound us with their sins; men will mislead us, whether they mean to do so or not. Hence, our faith must be in “that which is written,” and not in men. Guy N. Woods’ debate with the Baptist, Nunnery, was a classic. I borrow a copy (because I am unable to get one of my own) each time I am to debate a Baptist. The writings of Foy E. Wallace are classics. However, when these men departed from the truth and built the very things which once they destroyed (benevolent societies, sponsoring church arrangements, church sponsored entertainment and recreation), they had to be opposed.

Is there someone in your life whom you love, esteem and admire “for their works’ sake”? Surely, there is. What should you do when they sin? What should you do when they teach doctrines that are contrary to “that which is written”? Should you defend them in their sins? Should you excuse their teachings which, if followed, will cause souls to be lost in hell? God forbid! Should you, then, hate them, spurn them and turn against them with vicious, malicious words? Again, “God forbid!” What is the “loving” or right thing to do in such cases? See Matthew 5:23,24; 18:15-17; Galatians 2:11-14; 6:1:2 Timothy 2:24-26; 4:2; James 5:16,19,20. The Bible was written to instruct us how to act on these occasions. Whatever you do, learn not to think of men “above that which is written” (Matt. 10:37).

Assume that Hymanaeus and Philetus were aged, venerable men of sterling character who had spent their lives in service and devotion to Christ. Assume that they have played a leading role in fighting Judaism and circumcision and that their pure and holy lives have been an example for many. Now, however, they are teaching “that the resurrection is past, already and overthrow the faith of some” (2 Tim. 2:16-18). How do you react to Paul’s severe censure of their doctrine? He calls it “profane and vain babbling” and likens it to cancerous gangrene. Loving these men (Paul, Hymanaeus and Philetus) as you do, how do you respond? Do you take sides? Do you accuse Paul of playing politics, of seeking to build himself up by tearing others down? Do you charge Paul with being a “brotherhood watchdog” who “keeps a file” on people? Do you say that Paul is overreacting, that the consequences of their doctrine are not as bad as he imagines? Do you say that the teaching about the second coming is not as clear as that of circumcision and the law and so excuse it on that basis? Do you say that doctrines about the Lord’s return should be treated as the eating of meats and the observing of days in Romans 14? What should you do (1 Cor. 4:6)?

(8) “That Thou Mightest Know The Certainty Of Those Things Wherein Thou Hast Been Instructed” (Lk. 1:3,4). “Have I not written to thee . . . that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth?” (Prov. 22:20, 21) “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14). The wisdom of this world requires constant revision. There is no certainty in it (1 Cor. 2:6). The churches and councils of men even now are debating changes in their creeds. What is true today was not true yesterday. They have no certainty, but the Bible is given that we might “know the certainty of the things wherein” we have been instructed. “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23).

(9) “That Ye Also May Have Fellowship With Us” (1 Jn. 1:3). “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. ” One may have fellowship with the “unfruitful works of darkness” and “with devils” (Eph. 5:11; 1 Cor. 10:20), but the only fellowship worth having is that which we have with God. The Bible provides us with the necessary information to achieve and acquire that blessed relationship of fellowship in Christ (Eph. 3:6,9). One cannot have fellowship with the apostles if he has not heard, believed and obeyed their word (Jn. 17:20). You may have a wonderful “church fellowship,” but unless you have accepted that which is written in the Bible, you have no fellowship “with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” Finally, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 Jn. 1:6).

(10) “That Your Joy May Be Full” (1 Jn. 1:4). “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). Joy is an overlooked aspect of the Bible’s purpose. It is through “comfort of the Scriptures” that we have hope (Rom. 15:4). “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). The word of God is a balm, an oil of gladness to the bowed back, the furrowed brow and the broken heart. Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not turn to the Bible for solace and consolation. In sorrow and suffering, in anguish and affliction, in trouble and torment, we have the sweet and soothing words of the Spirit to provide us help and hope. He who neglects the Bible neglects the only avenue of true peace and everlasting joy (Phil. 4:4-8).

(11) “That Ye May Know That Ye Have Eternal Life” (1 Jn. 5:13). “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath the life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 Jn. 5:11,12). Eternal life is “in his Son.” Eternal death is out of his Son (Jn. 3:36). Grace, salvation and eternal glory “is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1,10). Wrath, damnation and eternal misery are out of Christ Jesus. The Bible was written that we may know that redemption is ours in Christ. Do you know that you have remission of your sins? “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ. whom thou hast sent” (Jn. 17:3). “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 Jn. 2:3,4).

Do you know him? Have you obeyed him? Have you been “baptized into Jesus Christ” (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27)? “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 Jn. 5:20).

(12) “That Ye Should Earnestly Contend For The Faith” (Jude 3). Scholars have said that “earnestly contend” in the original language is the strongest expression possible to describe the intense effort that is to be made for the faith. One is to “over agonize,” to go beyond agony, for the faith.

Men will contend for their schools, their politics, their parties, their pride and their prejudices, but how many will I earnestly contend for the faith”? Christians will contend for their opinions, their favorite preacher, for a shorter service of worship, and they will contend against the elders or against their least favorite preacher, but they will lend neither money, nor time, nor effort “for the faith which was once delivered.” What does this tell us? It tells us a great deal, and none of it is very good.

In faith, with faith, by faith, let all saints resolve to stand fast in the faith and to earnestly contend for it.,Lay aside hypocrisy, pretense, pettiness, prejudice and every weight of sin. Forget past slights. Ignore personality conflicts. Avoid meddling in other men’s matters. Cease going about from house to house with gossip, backbiting and evil reports, and get on with the business of earnestly contending for the faith. The Bible was written to encourage us in this noble work. Therefore, pray for those who carry the fight in the fray for the faith. Support them; pray for them; help them; commend them; work with them.

Conclusion

Since the Bible was written for the ends and aims listed above, are we using it for those purposes? Are we using it to accomplish the goals for which it was given, or are we using it selfishly to carry out our own human schemes and hidden agendas? Use the Bible as God intended for it to be used. Only in this way can we save ourselves and them that hear us. Only in this way can we glorify its Author and Finisher.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, pp. 176-179
March 19, 1992