Truth Magazine

By Andy Alexander

In the fourth chapter of the book of John we find Jesus speaking with a woman from Samaria. In the course of this discussion Jesus informs this woman that “true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:23). We can deduce from this that those who do not worship in spirit and in truth are false worshipers, The idea that God will accept any and every form or activity that is offered as worship is entirely foreign to the Scriptures.

God seeks people to worship him who will do so in spirit and in truth. Jesus promised his apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (Jn. 4:24; 16:13). The New Testament is the complete will of God and it contains all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3). The only place that we can find worship that is pleasing and acceptable to God is going to be in the New Testament. Anything that is added to the worship that is found in the New Testament cannot be according to truth.

God Does Not Accept All That Is Offered As Worship

The fact that God does not accept everything that is offered as worship is forcefully demonstrated in the Bible. Nadab and Abihu are two men who took it upon themselves to after the form of worship which God had delivered and “fire went out from the Lord” and devoured these two men as a lesson that he is to be sanctified by those who come near him (Lev. 10:1-3). The worship of the Pharisees was in vain because the traditions and commandments of men had perverted the true worship which God would accept (Matt. 15:1-9). The worship of the woman at the well in Samaria was in ignorance and the Lord pointed her in the right direction (Jn. 4:21-24). These are enough examples to prove the point that all worship is not acceptable with God, but only worship which conforms to the pattern given by him in his word. We must have authority from God for everything that we do in worship and it must be offered from a willing heart (Jn. 4:24).

We find authority in the Bible for five specific acts of worship: singing (Eph. 5:19), partaking of the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26), giving on the first day of every week as prospered (I Cor. 16:1-2), teaching God’s word and praying (Acts 2:42). Those who are familiar with the Lord’s church know that instrumental music is not part of the worship of the church which we read about in our New Testament; therefore, we do not use instrumental music because such would pervert the worship which God has authorized and cause it to be unacceptable in his sight. Just as we could not acceptably add honey butter to the Lord’s Supper to make the bread more desirable to our taste, we cannot add instrumental music to our singing to make it more pleasing to our ears. We honor and obey God by obeying his will in our worship services.

This same appeal to the Scriptures must be followed when teaching someone the plan of salvation. God has revealed in very clear and distinct language the conditions we must meet in order to be saved. We are not saved and added to the Lord’s body until we meet each and every condition which God has given in the gospel. We must believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that God raised him from the dead, confess our faith in Christ, repent of our sins, and be baptized for the remission of our sins (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 2:38). When we are obedient to these conditions the Lords adds us to his body (Acts 2:47). These conditions are absolute and we either have obeyed them or we have not. We are either saved or lost, there is no middle ground. After obedience to these conditions we either worship God according to his will or we do not. Just as the acts of worship of the first century church are specific, the conditions of salvation are specific and we either obey our Lord in these matters or we do not. Obedience is absolutely necessary in order to please God (Heb. 5:9).

A Pattern for All Things

Just as God has given a pattern for the worship of the church and a pattern for entrance into the church, he has given a pattern for the work of the church. The church falls into apostasy when it violates the pattern which God has given. There is authority for the local church to help needy saints and support the teaching of the gospel from its treasury (Acts 6:1-7; 11:27-30; 2 Cor. 11:8-9; Phil. 4:14-16). Another part of the work of the local church which does not concern the treasury is that of corrective discipline. The church is commanded to withdraw from those members who are walking disorderly (2 Thess. 3:6-15).

There are numerous congregations in this country, state, county, and even this city which are in apostasy because they have added to the work of the church things which God has not authorized. We call churches which handle God’s word in such an irreverent manner apostate, liberal, or digressive. There are congregations which have not burdened the church down with unscriptural works, but are guilty of treating the word of God in an unholy or unsanctified manner by avoiding or ignoring God’s teaching on corrective discipline, allowing worldliness to take over the flock, disregarding the qualifications laid down in the Scriptures concerning the elders, or some other such departure from the truth. If all the members of a church such as this are content and not working to bring about repentance, then this church would be as digressive as those which have added unscriptural practices to the work. We must be obedient to God in all things (Jas. 2:10).

Fairlane Day Care Center

The Fairlane Church of Christ owns and operates the Fairlane Christian School as a separate corporation from the church. Their recent bulletin (10-18-90) states that “the elders have the final say in matters pertaining to the school” and the church provides the building without charge to the school. This seems like such a good work since there are many families in which both parents must work that quality day care is needed for their children. There are so many good things that can be said about a day care program such as the one run by the Fairlane Church of Christ, but where is the Scripture that gives the authority for the Lord’s church to own and operate a day care center _________? Just fill in the blank if such a Scripture exists.

Authority From God for All That We Do

The church has authority to build a building to teach the gospel because Jesus commands that we assemble to edify one another (Heb. 10:25). But, where is the command for the church to own and operate any business? Someone says, “Well they are not charging for the building and it would just sit there empty all week, so what’s the harm?” Could the church allow one of the deacons to operate a “Christian” car business out of one of the classrooms? How about one of the ladies operating a “Christian” travel agency out of another? Well, we could have a “Christian” minimall on the church property during the week. What’s missing in all of this is authority! We must have authority for everything that we do. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).

Should One Leave an Apostate Church?

The question might come to mind, “Can I serve God acceptably in an apostate church, even though I don’t agree with the unscriptural practices that are going on?” We might ask, “What is the reason that one would stay in a church that is going beyond what is written in the New Testament?” Is an active effort being made to correct and bring to repentance those who are in error? We are to “prove all things” and to “hold fast that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). Are we searching the Scriptures daily as did the Bereans in Acts 17:11 to verify everything that we are taught and are practicing as a body? As Christians, we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God and we are to be ready at all times to give those who ask an answer for the hope that lies within us (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 3:15).

Every Christian in every congregation is to study for himself to make sure that he is in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). If a congregation decides to add to the worship some form of entertainment, such as choirs or instrumental music, then those who are loyal to God must stand in opposition to these unauthorized practices. If they drift along with the crowd and blame the elders or preacher for these innovations but do nothing to prevent them from being added, they are in sin as much as the elders or preacher who brought them in. Apathy is the cause for many people remaining in a local congregation when they know that it is engaged in practices which are unknown to the New Testament. Ignorance is another cause but if we are obedient to God’s command to grow in knowledge then we will study our way out of error. Those who are faithfully following God cannot remain silent in a digressive church.

In Revelation 2 and 3 there are admonitions by our Lord to the seven churches of Asia to be zealous and repent (Rev. 2:5,16,22; 3:3,19). He said to the church of Ephesus, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” This was a church with many good qualities for which Christ commended them, but they were in danger of losing their candlestick unless they repented.

If we are in an apostate church and doing nothing to bring about its repentance then we are in sin and danger of condemnation. If we attempt to teach the truth to bring about repentance and are silenced or commanded not to speak on these matters then there is only one recourse and that is to leave and serve God in a congregation that respects the authority of the Scriptures. If a congregation cannot be found in a given area, then a new work should be established so that others may hear the gospel and be able to meet with those of like precious faith to serve God.

Why Don’t Some Who Know Better Speak Out Against Apostasy?

We have already noticed apathy and ignorance as reasons why some Christians do not oppose sinful practices in the local church. But, another reason that may keep us from going to the elders or men of the congregation and calling for repentance is sin in our own life. We know that we are not living as we ought to live and that if we point to some problem that needs correction and urge repentance, others may well point to us and say, “Who are you to tell us we need to repent?” Possibly we have allowed worldliness to infiltrate into our lives or we do not faithfully assemble with the saints as we are commanded to do or some other sin that is apparent and we know that we cannot be the one to lead others to repentance. The solution to this sin is to repent and admit the error or errors that we have been guilty of and then press on in the battle for truth (1 Jn. 1:9; Acts 8:22).

God will not overlook sin in our private life or the sins we commit or participate in as a congregation. Repentance is necessary in both cases if we are to be saved. Those in the first century who were commanded not to speak prayed to God for courage and then went out and taught the world the gospel (Acts 4:29-31). Let us do exactly what God commands in every facet of our service to him, both individually and as a congregation of the Lord.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, pp. 134-135
March 5, 1992

By Frank Jamerson

During the first century, the apostles and others were given miraculous powers. They could heal the sick, raise the dead, strike men blind, drink deadly poison, take up serpents, etc. Do men today have these powers? No, they simply try to mimic some of the signs that the apostles did. The contrast between apostolic powers and the pretended powers of men today are clear.

1. The apostles were given the commission to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk. 16:15,16). They went forth and taught the gospel, including these terms of pardon, and “confirmed the word through the accompanying signs” (Mk. 16:20). Faith healers today teach that men are saved by faith without baptism. Is God confirming their doctrine? If so, he is contradicting what he confirmed through the apostles!

Paul taught that two things were essential to be “of Christ”: (1) Christ crucified and (2) baptism in his name (1 Cor. 1:10-13). A person could as reasonably argue that men were Christians before Christ died (as the Mormons do, Alma 46:15) as they could that men are Christians before they are baptized into Christ. I have never met a “faith healer” who believed what Christ or Paul taught about what we must do to be saved.

2. Faith was not always required on the part of the one upon whom a miracle was performed. The man who had been sick for thirty-eight years was healed by Jesus before he knew who Jesus was (Jn. 5:5-15). The blind man that Jesus healed did not know who Jesus was until after he was healed (Jn. 9:35-38). Elymas, the sorcerer, was struck blind for a season by Paul. He certainly did not have to believe that Paul could do this before it became a fact! (Acts 13:8-12) Dorcas was raised from the dead by Peter (Acts 9:36-41). Eutychus was raised by the apostle Paul (Acts 20:9-12). How much faith did these dead people have? Faith healers today cannot do anything unless the person seeking the “miracle” believes in them. They are operating on the principle of the power of suggestion, not the power of God. If a person’s sickness is imagined, they can help him, but the person must “believe” before he can be helped by them.

3. A man may have faith and not be healed. Faith healers often say that a person could have been healed if he “really had the faith.” What does this say for the apostle Paul? He prayed three times that the “thorn in the flesh” be removed, and God did not do it (2 Cor. 12:7-9). Did he have enough faith? Do people today have more faith than Paul had? No, miraculous healing was not necessarily connected with a person’s faith. “If you have enough faith, you can be healed” is not true, and never has been!

4. When Jesus and the apostles performed miracles, even their enemies had to admit that a miracle had been performed (see Matt. 12:13,14; Acts 4:16; 16:18,19). Those who were healed immediately received their sight, or health and there was no question about the miracle. Faith healers today emphasize faith and gradual improvement while they receive contributions from people who believe that they have some miraculous power.

The contrast between faith healers today and miraculous healing in the first century is too sharp to be missed by those who will look honestly at the evidence. Men today do not have power to strike opposers blind, to raise the dead, to restore sight to the blind, heal an ear that has been cut off or make the lame walk. The miraculous age ended when the “perfect law of liberty” was revealed and confirmed (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Jas. 1:25). The miracles written are sufficient to produce faith in Christ to the saving of the soul (Jn. 20:30,31). There is no new Savior, nor new revelation; therefore, the miracles that confirmed Christ and his message are not needed today.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, p. 136
March 5, 1992

By Mark Mayberry

Introduction

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,

And our hearts, though stout and brave,

Still, like muffled drums, are beating

Funeral marches to the grave.

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act, – act in the living Present!

Heart within, and God o’erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time.

Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait.(1)

Sacred history is filled with examples of those who waited on the Lord. Who could forget Noah? Though he lived in a desperately corrupt society, yet Noah walked with God. As a result, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and God promised to save him from the coming flood. Noah waited patiently on God for 120 years while the ark was under construction (Gen. 6:3,8-9,22; Heb. 11:7). Consider the example of Job. God allowed Satan to test the faith of this righteous man. As a result, Job lost all that he had: his possessions, his family, and his health. Yet, he waited on the Lord (Job 1:13-22; 2:7-10; 14:14). Ponder the faith of Abraham. God called Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees when he was 75 years old. Abraham obeyed God and went out, not knowing where he was going. He wandered in the land of Canaan as a stranger and sojourner for 100 years. When Abraham finally died at the age of 175, he still had no permanent dwelling place. He continued to look for the city of God (Heb. 11:8-10).

At the age of 40, Moses was in the prime of manhood when he slew the Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite slave. Thinking he was ready for leadership, Moses took matters into his own hands. He mistakenly tried to do God’s will in his own way. The Lord would eventually use Moses to deliver the nation of Israel from Egyptian captivity, but he was not yet up to the job. At this point, his actions were rash, reckless and premature. When his deed was known, Moses fled from Egypt and became a shepherd in the wilderness (Exod. 2:11-15). Forty years he wandered and waited, forgotten and forsaken. Finally, when he was 80 years old, God called Moses from the burning bush. By then he had lost the bravado of his youth. He had lost the will to dare and to do. Yet, God was now ready to use Moses. It is not our strength, but God’s that wins the victory. He alone is able to deliver (Exod. 3:1-12).

By the power of God, Moses challenged Pharaoh. Through successive plagues, he demonstrated that Jehovah God was greater than the so-called gods of Egypt. Finally, with his nation devastated and in ruins, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. Yet, soon afterwards he changed his mind and pursued the Israelites. When the people saw the Egyptian army advancing upon them, they cried out in fear. Yet, Moses said, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exod. 14:13). When all hope seemed lost, Moses fell back on his basic plan: he waited on the Lord.

The Bible holds many other examples of those who waited on God. Great believers are unwearied waiters. Aged Simeon, who met Joseph and Mary when they brought the Christ child to the temple, waited for the consolation of Israel (Lk. 2:25). Joseph of Arimathaea, who went before Pilate and begged for the body of Jesus, waited for the kingdom of God (Mk. 15:43). The time would fail for us to talk of Gideon, David, Samuel, and the prophets. These great men and women of faith accomplished much, endured much, suffered much. Yet, they never fully realized the promises of God (Heb. 11:33-40). They lived and died waiting on the Lord.

Disciples of the Lord must be committed to waiting! (Psa. 33:20; 62:1-2; Isa. 33:2) We are most pleasing to God when we wait upon him. But what does it mean to wait on the Lord? Many think it implies a wholly passive attitude. Yet, saints cannot sit around twiddling our thumbs and be pleasing to God. Waiting on the Lord implies an attitude of confident assurance, patient endurance, steadfast hope, and willing obedience.

A. Confident Assurance.

Because God is the Sovereign Creator of the universe, we need never fear. Let us not be worried or anxious, disturbed or distressed. Be not filled with panic or fear, terror or trepidation. God delivers those who trust in him. As George Muller said, “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”(2) Our heavenly father is dependable and trustworthy; he is our rock and our redeemer. Therefore, let us wait on him with complete trust and total confidence (Psa. 18:1-2; 20:7-8; 37:3-5; 125:1-2).

It is one thing to say, “We must wait on God.” It is quite another thing to actually do it. Our professional expertise often gets in the way. We consider ourselves talented, intelligent and resourceful. People often trust in themselves and discount the need for God’s assistance. They think, “I can get by very well on my own, thank you!”

Yet, it is imperative that we recognize the difference between human frailty and divine strength. In contrast with God’s omnipotent power, our strength indeed is small. In comparison with God’s eternity, our days on earth are fleeting. The span of our years is as nothing. The works of our hands shall not endure. Understanding our own incapability, let us therefore wait on God (Psa. 27:13-14; 39:4-7; Prov. 3:5-6).

We lack both stamina and strength, but God’s might is never diminished from weariness or fatigue. We must learn to exchange our weakness for his strength (Isa. 40:28-31). His grace is sufficient to meet our needs. When I collapse with fatigue, he faints not. When I’ve tried and failed, he lifts me up and quietly encourages me to try again. When I, like the prophet of old, grow weary and think of quitting, he never wearies or gives up on me. Instead, he renews me with his strength. He enables me to overcome all obstacles. He empowers me to rise up on the wings of eagles. He does for me what I cannot do for myself. He liberally supplies my every need. Thus, I am not partially, but wholly, dependent upon God.

B. Patient Endurance.

Waiting is the rule rather than the exception. Life is filled with red lights. We are repeatedly told to “Stop!” “Stop!” “Stop!” Occasionally life has a burst of green lights. When you have an open door, Go! Grasp the opportunity. Seize the moment! Yet, understand that the rest of the time, we must wait. Be patient. Be stedfast. Be willing to operate of God’s time schedule rather than our own. As George Macdonald once said, “The principal part of faith is patience.”(3)

First, we need the ability to “Keep on keeping on.” We must be willing to persevere, to endure adversity and hardship. Life inevitably has its difficulties and trials. Patience enables us to stand up under pressure. It is the staying power of life. It gives us the tenacity to see things through to the end. It helps us remain steadfast regardless of life’s circumstances. At times our situation may seem dark and hopeless, but patience doesn’t admit defeat or throw up its hands in despair. It doesn’t become discouraged or bitter. Rather, it helps us react properly to the challenges of life (Jas. 1:2-4; Heb. 12:1). The Bible teaches that God delivers those who wait patiently upon him (Psa. 40:1-3). Those who look to God are saved from the overwhelming flood (Psa. 69:13).

Second, we must not be troubled by the apparent injustices in life. It is easy to become outraged at life’s inequities. Nothing is so finely felt as unfairness. At times, we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands. Yet, we must not recompense evil for evil. God will set all things right. He will vindicate the righteous and punish the wayward. Wait on the Lord! (Psa. 37:7-9; Prov. 20:22)

Finally, let us never forget that Christian faith looks beyond this life to the next. It anticipates the Lord’s return. Faithful disciples of Christ patiently await the coming of their Lord and Master (1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Thess. 1: 9-10; 2 Thess. 3:5).

C. Steadfast Hope.

The writer of Hebrews likens hope unto the anchor of a ship (Heb. 6:17-20). Storms may rage, billows may rise, but so long as the anchor holds, the ship is safe. So it is with the Christian. The anchor of a ship is cast downward into the murky waters of the deep, but the hope of a Christian is cast upward into the celestial waters of heaven.

As someone once said, “Eternity is the divine treasure house, and hope is the window, by means of which mortals are permitted to see, as through a glass darkly, the things which God is preparing.”(4) As the people of God, we have been given exceedingly great and precious promises. Our hope of realizing these promises is anchored in the very character of God. Therefore, let us wait on the Lord with sure expectation and stedfast hope (Psa. 130:5-7; Rom. 8:2325; Gal. 5:5).

D. Willing Obedience.

Sinners do not wait on God’s counsel (Psa. 106:13), but the faithful observe and obev Heaven’s will. Waiting implies a listening ear. It describes a heart responsive to the will of God. It is displayed in the attitude of Cornelius, his kinsmen and near friends, who eagerly awaited apostolic guidance (Act 10:24,33). Let us meditate upon God’s word and open our hearts to his truth. Let us heed God’s wisdom and instruction (Prov. 8:33-35).

Waiting also implies service. Christians must be submissive and obedient to heaven’s will. George Eliot once said, “It is vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us, for the sake of finding a greater blessing, instead of seeking it where alone it is to be found – in loving obedience.”(5) The life of Christ is a pattern of patient obedience (Jn. 4:34; 6:38; Heb. 5:8-9). Following his example, let us be ready to obey and willing to serve (Num. 3:10; Rom. 12:6-8).

Conclusion

Most of us would rather do anything than wait. In our “hurry up and wait” society, we rush to the doctor’s office and then wait for two hours. We hurry to work only to get stuck in traffic. For this reason, waiting carries certain negative connotations. Yet, as the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” This is especially true regarding those who wait on God (Lam. 3:25-26). Untold blessings are reserved for those who wait on him (Isa. 64:4; Prov. 37:9).

Endnotes

1. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, [1807-18821, “A Psalm of Life,” Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Knowledge Index Quotations Database (REFI), (Oxford University Press, 1979), Downloaded Sept. 29, 1990.

2. George Muller, Signs of the Times, quoted in Frank S. Mead, ed., The Encyclopedia of Religious Quotations (Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1965), p. 135.

3. George Macdonald, Weighed and Wanting, quoted in Frank S. Mead, ed., The Encyclopedia of Religious Quotations (Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1965), p. 135.

4. William Montford, quoted in Frank S. Mead, ed., The Encyclopedia of Religious Quotations (Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1965), p. 234.

5. George Eliot, quoted in Frank S. Mead, ed., The Encyclopedia of Religious Quotations (Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1965), p. 320.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, pp. 138-140
March 5, 1992

By Larry Ray Hafley

The Bible mentions various kinds of heart conditions. Have you examined your own heart? Have you had a spiritual check-up lately? Note the sundry states of heart:

(1) Foolish (Rom. 1:21). Atheists are fools (Psa. 53:1). Men wax worse and worse when God is cast out of the heart (Rom. 1:18-32).

(2) Evil (Heb. 3:12). Even “holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,” may depart from God “in an evil heart of unbelief” (Heb. 3:1, 12). Baptist doctors say this type of heart condition with its attendant result is impossible.

(3) Impenitent (Rom. 2:5). One’s heart may become so hardened that it is “past feeling,” insensitive, so that one “cannot cease from sin” (Eph. 4:19; 2 Pet. 2:14). Smug self-righteousness may lead to this state (Lk. 18:9-14).

(4) Deceived (Jas. 1:26). This condition is self induced. It may also occur when one is disobedient and refuses to hear the instruction of God (Jer. 17:9, 23). As the text says, it makes the patient’s religion vain.

(5) Discouraged (Num. 32:9). A discouraged heart is a defeated heart. It ceases to trust in God. It becomes full of fear, doubt and worry (cf. Num. 13; 14). Discouragement can run through a congregation like measles through a kindergarten. Hence, it must be treated immediately (1 Thess. 5:11,14; Heb. 10:24; 12:12).

(6) Blind (Eph. 4:18). The blinded heart is hardened, petrified (cf. Rom. 2:5). The devil blinds the mind, the heart, of men (2 Cor. 4:4). Prejudice and the desire to fulfili one’s own lust often lead to this status of heart (2 Pet. 2:10; 3:3).

(7) Uncircumcised (Acts 7:51). Circumcision cuts away excess skin that laps over and obscures. In a figure, one’s heart may have scales or layers of fat that impede its ability to receive the word of the Holy Spirit.

(8) Troubled (Jn. 14:1). When one is puzzled, or when he does not comprehend the truth, his heart may become troubled or afraid (Jn. 14:27). The prescription for this condition is found in Philippians 4:4-8.

(9) Overcharged (Lk. 21:34). The heart may be burdened, pressed down, with drunkenness and worldly cares. In such a state, one is in a spiritual stupor, unaware, unwatchful, unmindful of death and eternity.

(10) Enlarged (2 Cor. 6:11). This heart is wide, open, receptive. It overlooks slights and mistreatment by others and seeks for brotherly fellowship with all men (1 Cor. 13:4-7; Rom. 12:18; 14:19; Heb. 12:14).

(11) Applied (Prov. 23:12; Psa. 90:12). To be clothed with wisdom, one’s heart must be focused, purposed toward instruction in righteousness. Spiritual wisdom cannot be acquired by accident or happenstance. It is the direct result of a singularly devoted mind.

(12) Pure (Matt. 5:8; Jas. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:22). The heart is purified by faith in obeying the truth (Acts 15:9; 1 Pet. 1:22). Deeds reflect the character of the heart (Matt. 12:34; 15:18).

(13) Honest and Good (Lk. 8:15). Calvinism contends that one cannot have an “honest and good heart” before conversion. This text refutes that. One may be “devout,” yet unsaved (Acts 2:5; 10:2). But a man that will not obey the gospel after he has heard it – how can he be considered “honest and good”?

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, p. 133
March 5, 1992