Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead (2 Cor. 5:14).

There are several things which motivate men to obedience to Christ, several of which are mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5. Paul mentioned this things: (a) The expected inheritance of the house not made with hands which is eternal in the heavens (5:1-9); (b) The fear of judgment (5:10); (c) The terror of the Lord (5:11); and (d) The love of Christ (5:14). None of these motivators should be eliminated in our preaching, although in this article, I shall only discuss the motivating power of Christ’s love for us.

The Power of Love

Each of us has seen the motivating power of love on purely human terms. When a young man falls in love with a young lady, his life begins to change. That young man who did not care whether or not he tucked in his shirt or washed his face all of a sudden begins to take baths every time he goes out, pays careful attention to combing his hair, and borrows his dad’s best after shave lotion before leaving home. Although he has no interest in flowers, he will spend the money he made mowing yards to buy a bouquet. He is anxious to go to a movie that you would have had to drag him to just a few months before. He will sometimes act foolishly just to win and keep the attention of his girlfriend.

This same love will cause the young man to marry his lady, get a job, buy a family car (instead of a sports car), and do the duties expected of a husband. Their love for each other will bind their hearts together throughout life and into old age. Then when one becomes ill and unable to care for himself, his mate will dutifully minister to his needs until they are separated by death. This is the motivating power of love. It is stronger than threats of physical violence and inducements based on selfish desires. “For love is strong as death . . . Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned” (Song of Sol. 8:6-7).

God induces men to obedience based on his love for us. He could have used only the threat of eternal damnation to motivate us. He could have appealed only to the bliss of heaven to move us. However, God has sought to win our hearts by his own self-sacrificing love. The love God has for us causes us to understand that all of his commandments are imposed for our own good; hence, they are not grievous and his yoke is not galling (1 Jn. 5:3; Matt. 11:28-30).

Christ’s Love For Us

We are told of God’s great love in John 3:16 “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.” Christ’s love for us is demonstrated by his willingness to leave heaven and to take upon himself the form of a servant (Phil. 2:5-8). Paul said, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). Christ’s love for us is shown in the incarnation.

Christ’s love for mankind is also shown in his life. Luke tells us that Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). When we read of Jesus’ kindnesses to mankind, we are impressed with his love for man.

His death on the cross displays his love for us. He willingly sacrificed his own life in order that we might be saved from sin. Paul marveled about Jesus’ love as he wrote, “. . . because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holly Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:58).

Dottie Rambo wrote this beautiful tribute to Christ’s love for us.

If That Isn’t Love

He left the splendor of heaven,

Knowing his destiny

Was the lonely hill of Golgotha,

There to lay down his life for me.

Even in death he remembered

The thief hanging by his side;

He spoke with love and compassion

Then he took him to Paradise.

If that isn’t love the ocean is dry,

There’s no star in the sky,

And the sparrow can’t fly!

If that isn’t love then heaven’s a myth,

There’s no feeling like this

If that isn’t love.

Christ’s love for us kindles in our hearts the flame of love for God. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19).

The Constraining Power of Christ’s Love

The love of Christ “constrains” us. The word sunecho means “to urge, impel.” In what ways does Christ’s love motivate us to action?

1. It restrains us from sin. The young man who falls in love with the young lady soon learns that some of his actions cause his girlfriend pain. If he truly loves her, he will quit doing those things which hurt her. Similarly, the Christian recognizes that his sins “grieve” the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). Because of his concern for his relationship with God ‘ his godly sorrow will move him to repentance (2 Cor. 7: 10).

2. It impels him to action. The young man’s love will cause him to do those things which please his girlfriend, whether it be buying her flowers or holding her hand in public. In the same way, Christ’s love for us, which causes our love for Christ, will move us to do those things which please Christ. Even Christ himself did those things which pleased God (Jn. 8:29). The Christian will learn the will of God and do those things which please him, such as worshiping God, teaching the gospel, praying, etc.

3. It causes him to live a life of service to God. Christians are determined to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1-2). Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). He also said that “they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15).

Because of his life being devoted to Christ’s service, the Christian is willing to go out on Monday nights to visit the new move-ins, to gather to paint a member’s house, to use his Saturdays to visit sick and shut in folks, to meet together for a work day at the church building, and to use his money to assist someone who is needy. His life is devoted to the service of God.

4. It causes him to sacrifice for the Lord. Christians are willing to make sacrifices for the Lord’s work to prosper. They are willing to suffer the persecution of social ostracism and ridicule (2 Tim. 3:12). They are willing to give up some legitimate pleasures for the greater good of Christ’s kingdom. These sacrifices they gladly make because of their love for Christ.

The World Does Not Understand

Those who have never experienced the constraining power of Christ’s love do not understand why Christians are willing to forego the new car or larger house which they could afford if they did not contribute so much to the church or why they go to worship four services every week and every night during a gospel meeting. They cannot understand why we would believe and teach that there is only one reason for divorce that allows the person the right to remarriage. They cannot conceive that we would be opposed to the lotteries and other forms of gambling. Indeed, they may think that we are crazy. The world did not judge Paul much better. Paul said, “For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause” (2 Cor. 5:13).

Conclusion

Christ’s love is a powerful, driving force in the lives of God’s children. The world is amazed that we would willingly accept the demands of this love. We Christians stand amazed, not at what some of us are willing to give in love to Christ, but that the world can read of Christ’s love for us and then walk away unaffected by his love. Something is truly wrong in the lives of men who witness such wondrous love for us and never reciprocate.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, pp. 162, 182
March 19, 1992

By Harry Osborne

The recent trial of William Kennedy Smith revealed some disturbing facts about accepted sexual behavior in this country. A jury found Mr. Smith “not guilty” of the charge of rape and that decision must be respected as legitimate under the law of the land. However, the conduct admitted by Mr. Smith in the trial put him in conflict with a higher law -God’s law.

The television coverage of the trial gave little attention to the shameful nature of the admitted conduct, but focused almost solely upon whether or not rape was committed. The conclusion seemed to be that as long as rape was not committed, Mr. Smith’s reputation as an honorable and decent man was restored. That is a disastrous message to send to a society already given to hedonism!

By his own admission, Mr. Smith says the incident started at a bar where he and the woman drank alcohol. The record showed that over $600 worth of drinks were consumed by the four people in Mr. Smith’s party. He then says he took this woman whom he had just met on the dance floor and engaged in the sexually provocative movements of “slow dancing” and “dirty dancing” like the “lambada.” The disc jockey for the club described such dances as “sexy” with “a lot of touching of the partner’s body.” One writer called it “an imitation of the sex act on the dance floor.” It is the most popular form of modern dancing among young people today. Mr. Smith then admits he was involved in fornication on the lawn with this one to whom he was not married. Sounds like one honorable, respectable evening, doesn’t it?

God’s word makes it clear that a problem exists with every step in that sequence of events regardless of whether or not rape was involved. Let us see what God says about the nature of such acts and the character of one so acting.

Step One: Drinking Alcohol

The Bible repeatedly warns about the danger of drinking alcohol. “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things” (Prov. 23:31-33). “Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).

The fortified wines and liquor of our time were called “strong drink” shekar in the Bible. The word is used 22 times in the Old Testament and is never approved for human consumption. Instead, the Bible clearly and consistently condemns any partaking of “strong drink” (e.g. Lev. 10:9; Num. 6:3; Isa. 28:7). Why? Its use inherently robs one of the full rational facilities of the mind in decision making and results in one acting improperly. As a matter of fact, no passage in the word of God ever approves the recreational use of any alcoholic beverage! If those justifying social drinking would like to attempt a defense of their practice, let them try to do so from the Scriptures. The fact is they cannot prove it to be “good” from the word of God (1 Thess. 5:21-22). God knew that messing around with alcohol would lead to one evil after another. It is high time we figure out the same!

Step Two: Dancing

The Bible condemns lasciviousness which is inherently involved in the modern dances. The word “lasciviousness” refers to unbridled lusts and the actions proceeding from such. Arndt and Gingrich define it to mean “licentiousness, debauchery, sensuality . . . (to)follow the inclination to sensuality” (114). Thayer comments on the meaning by saying it deals with “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc.” (7980). Remember the disc jockey’s description of the modern dance? These definitions given of “lasciviousness” describe the modern dance perfectly!

Paul characterized lasciviousness as a “work of the flesh” and went on to say that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21). Other passages make the point just as plainly (Eph. 4:17-19; 1 Pet. 4:1-5). Mark 6:21-28 records an example of the evil produced by sensual dancing. The daughter of Herodias so aroused her step-father, Herod, through a dance emphasizing sensuality that Herod promised to give her anything up to half of his kingdom. She asked for the head of John the Baptist. Sensual dancing has continued to keep sinful company to the present day – it never has produced good.

Step Three: Fornication

The Bible condemns the sexual union of any people except a man and woman who are lawfully joined to one another in marriage. Marriage was given by God to provide among other things for the sexual fulfillment of the desires of the man and the woman so that they might “avoid fornication” (1 Cor. 7:2). Any sexual relationship outside of marriage is called “fornication” and is expressly forbidden (1 Cor. 6:15-20). God says that those who violate this law will not be allowed into heaven.

Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with’ men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Instead, we are commanded to live in sanctification by abstaining from fornication (1 Thess. 4:1-8).

Sexual union between two people is not right just because they both agree to engage in it. The Bible declares it is only in a God ordained marriage that a man and woman have the right to engage in sexual activity.

Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Heb. 13:4).

When one has so little regard for God’s law that he violates it upon the lawn, there is no honor to be found in it. It is shameful!

Conclusion

Why do many in our time fail to see the shame in such hedonistic behavior? Young people are urged to make sure they have “consensual sex” and “safe sex,” but I hear precious little talk about “only marital sex.” However, God’s law still says that is the only proper place for the sexual union of a man and woman. Though men may disobey it, that is and will continue to be his law on the matter!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 9, pp. 161, 183
March 19, 1992

By Dan King

In the Old Testament’s description of the Samaritans and their religion, the author of the second book of Kings notes that they “feared Jehovah, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away” (17:33). He concludes his’ discussion of them with this summary: “So these nations feared Jehovah, and served their graven images; their children likewise, and their children’s children, as did their fathers, so do they unto. this day” (17:41).

The voice of inspiration rehearses the warning God had given to his people that they not bow themselves down to other gods or serve them: “Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them” (v. 35). And, when the rehearsal is over, the sad facts of history are that “they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner” (v. 40). To their own hurt, they did not pay attention to the most exclusive aspect of the teaching of the Law of God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deut. 6:4).

Truth is exclusive. God cannot be the one and only true God, and permit the worship of other divine beings at the same time. Isaiah proclaims on the Lord’s behalf: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God! ” (44:6) God looks around himself in his heaven and sees there no divinity other than himself, and says, in essence, “There’s nobody up here but me!” The truth about God being all by himself, exclusively God, if you will, is a fact which excludes the divinity of Baal, Asherah, Molech, etc. The Samaritans could not buy this point about God because they lived in a world which was brainwashed by paganism. No god could ever claim exclusive dominion in heaven, because the heavens were thought to be peopled with divinities, each having dominion over a different aspect of nature or over separate nations of earth. But the entirety of the Old Testament, in all of its different parts, was an argument against this false notion. The God of Israel was exclusively God, and the truth about him branded the ideas of the nations and their so-called gods as false.

This is a very easy and simple way of viewing the idea of the monotheism of the Bible. Yet this explains more than just monotheism as a concept of the nature of God. It also touches the nature of truth itself. The “truth” which the Bible communicates is exclusive not only in addressing the oneness of God, but also in other areas as well. Now, I realize, this is not a notion that is particularly comfortable in the twentieth century mind. We of this era tend to pride ourselves in being open-minded, even to a fault. As one fellow said it, “You do not want to be so open-minded that your brains fall out.” Unfortunately, I believe that this is precisely what has happened with the thinking of modern men. People have tended in recent years to force all issues of morality and religion into the category of “subjective truth.” “Objective truth,” on the other hand, would be mathematical relationships and historical and scientific realities. For example, two plus two equals four is a verifiable and/or duplicatable truth. Therefore, it is objective. The same would apply to the historical fact that Abraham Lincoln lived and served as a U.S. president. As well, the scientific observations regarding gravity, would serve to illustrate scientific truth. It is objective.

But according to this way of viewing morality and religion, it fits into a separate compartment of the mind. The world is filled with different religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Moharnmedism, Judaism, Christianity, and so forth. And even Christianity is divided into warring factions, each with its own particular slant upon how the “truth” is to be viewed. These observations, combined with the contemporary indifference to morality and religion, result in a way of thinking which considers “truth” in this sphere to be highly flexible and elastic, and subject to personal and individual apprehension and experience.

Understand, dear reader, that while this may be a very tempting way to see the world, since such thinking may be found all about you, it is was not the teaching of Jesus Christ, nor is it the teaching of the Bible! It was difficult for the Samaritans to look beyond the thinking of their forefathers, to see Jehovah as the only true God-so much so that they failed to do it! And it is hard for us to see the truth of the Bible as propositional, rather than subjective. But it is still a fact that the Bible intends to be viewed as a book of propositional truths, to be taken at face value and not to be read as so many mystic observations subject to the whims of each reader. Jesus speaks across the centuries to those so bemused: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (NIV, Matt. 22:29). Think with me for a moment: if moral and spiritual truth is individual and subjective, rather than objective and impersonal, how could those people have been “in error”? They took the position that the Hebrew Scriptures did not teach a resurrection of the body, and further made peace with the philosophies of their time by denying the existence of angels and spirits (cf. Acts 23:8). Jesus just said that they were wrong. The same must be said for much popular thought about the Scriptures today. Do not be taken in by it. Read this book, the Bible, you will find much of what you have heard about it lately to be “in error”!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, p. 173
March 19, 1992

By Ron Halbrook

Some beautiful tributes to the Bible have been written. Consider the following:

The Bible

This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe in it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword , and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

We should recognize the Bible as “given by inspiration of God” – breathed out from his holy mind into the minds of the human authors (2 Tim. 3:16). It reveals the mind and wisdom of God – “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Cor. 2:13). God says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8).

God revealed his love for us and his plan to save us in words we can understand. “As I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:3-4). Because we can understand God’s Word, we can believe it. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). By hearing the gospel, we learn that Jesus Christ is the true Son of God and Savior of the world (Jn. 20:30-31). We learn that we must repent of our sins, confess Christ, and be immersed in water for the remission of our sins through the blood of Christ (Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:38).

God’s Word provides divine guidance for every aspect of our lives. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). God’s Word is always right and will protect us from every false way. “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (v. 128). The Word of God guides us in the work and worship we offer to him in the local church (Acts 2;42). It safely guides and regulates our home life (Eph. 5:22-6:4). It teaches us the proper attitude toward civil government and toward our fellow man in every relationship. “And if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Rom. 13:1-10).

Ultimately, we pay tribute to the Bible as God’s holy Word by submitting to it and obeying it. Do we read the Bible privately at home? Are we steadfast to gather with Christians for Bible study? Do we read the Scriptures with our family? Do we discuss it with our relatives, friends, and neighbors? Are we doing all we can to learn and to share God’s holy Word? Do we truly pay tribute to the Bible in our daily lives or do we pay it mere lip service? With our whole heart, let us join the author of Psalm 119 in extolling the Word of God:

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 (vv. 9-11).

For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven (v. 89).

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day (v. 97).

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (v. 103)

Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold (v. 127).

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments (v. 131).

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness (vv. 171-72).

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, p. 137
March 5, 1992