Truth Magazine

By G.K. Wallace

A good leader will display tender consideration for the old, young, weak and unfortunate. Jacob knew this when he said to Esau, “I will lead on gently.” He realized, “If they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die” (Gen. 33:14). A good leader will not overdrive.

We may overdrive by continual controversy about “words to no profit” (2 Tim. 1:14). It is so easy to reject the weak if they have not reached the heights of the strong (Rom. 14:1). It is tempting to condemn the young if they do not know life as we who are older know it. We may require of the young and weak a degree of courage and other graces which in their case may be only buds.

We may “overdrive” by preaching nothing but severe truth, threatening and punishment, and never emphasize the great promises of God. It is ours to console as well as to condemn. The great comforting passages of the Bible should not be reserved for funerals only.

We may “overdrive” by manifesting austerity, suspicion and harshness toward those who disagree with us. We must do good unto all men (Gal. 6:10). To return good for evil is indeed a golden rule (Matt. 7:12). Faultfinding has a place, but not to the neglect of worthy praise.

“Fathers, provoke not your children that they be not discouraged” (Col. 3:21). We may discourage even the strong by dwelling upon the woes and trials of Christianity and saying little or nothing about its joys.

Jesus had a special place in his heart for the poor and downtrodden. He was tender and kind and to the most sinful. Even to those who would become leaders he said, “I have many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now” (Jn. 16:12). We should not drive like Jehu, but lead like Jesus. We move a lighted candle slowly lest it go out. A fire almost expiring can be put out by a strong wind. A tender plant can be watered too much. In dealing with the weak we would do well to follow the hospital rule: “Walk softly and speak quietly.” We were all little children first and had to learn to walk. “The Lord’s servant must not strive.” We must have “a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another . . . and love which is the bond of perfectness” (Col. 3:12-14). These qualities help to make a good leader. (The above article was quoted from Four State Gospel News [Feb. 1991].)

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, p. 212
April 4, 1991

By Wayne Moore

The Holy Spirit revealed the New Testament. The night that Jesus was betrayed, denied, and forsaken, he promised his apostles that they would be guided into “all truth.” He said, “But the Comforter), Which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto” (Jn. 14:2). “Howbeit, when He the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall he speak: and He will show you things to come” (Jn. 16:13).

Paul said that he and those with him spoke words that the Holy Ghost taught: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13). He further spoke of that revelation in Ephesians 3:3-5: “How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”

When John wrote Revelation, he explained that the Spirit spoke through the word. Seven times he said, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22).

The New Testament teaches one how to receive forgiveness of sins – redemption, righteousness. The night that Jesus was betrayed, he said that the Spirit was to reprove the world of sin: “if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (Jn. 16:7-8). The New Testament shows how the Spirit did this.

After Jesus’ resurrection, he told the apostles that “repentance and remission of sins, should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk.24:47). To them he said, “For John truly baptized with water; but we shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). In Acts 2:4, “. . . they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” That day in Acts 2 the Holy Spirit reprove, convicted and convinced people of their sins. In Acts 2:14-36 is recorded the sermon Peter preached. Peter, speaking by the Spirit, preached that Jesus was approved of God, was delivered by God’s counsel and foreknowledge, was crucified, was raised from the dead, was exalted to the right hand of God, sat on the throne of David, received the promise of the Father, shed forth what they were seeing and hearing that day, and was made both Lord and Christ. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?'” (Acts 2:37) “Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost'” (Acts 2:38).

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” “And the Lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Today when one today believes this message, repents, and is baptized, he receives forgiveness of sins.

The New Testament tells why it was written. In that first century nineteen hundred years ago, the writers told why they wrote. John said, “. . . these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (Jn. 20:30-3 1). One becomes a believer in Jesus by reading what is written.

I Luke, in speaking of those things which were believed among them, wrote to Theophilus that he “might know the certainty of those things” wherein he had-been instructed (Lk. 1:1-4). The word was first preached orally; then it was later written. Today we have what was written in that first century. As Theophilus could know, we can know if we read what the Spirit revealed. In Acts 1:1 the writer (Luke) said, “The former treatise have I made, 0 Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and to teach until the day in which He was taken up.” We today can learn what Jesus did and taught by reading the hew Testament.

Jude tells the sanctified, preserved, called, beloved to “contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The faith – the gospel – was once delivered unto the saints. It was once for all time delivered to the saints, not to a hierarchy.

Paul said, “. . . the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor 14:37). “He made known unto me the mystery; 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). Understanding comes by reading what the Spirit revealed. Furthermore, Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There is no unprofitable Scripture. The Scriptures show us the teaching we need, reprove us of our guilt, correct our errors, instruct us how to live, and complete us unto all good works.

John said, “And these things write we unto you that your joy’may be full” (Jn. 1:4). Also he said, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not” (1 Jn. 2:1). Peter wrote so that “ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance” (2 Pet. 1:15). Furthermore, he said, “. . . I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand” (1 Pet. 5:12).

Through knowing the New Testament we can become believers in Christ Jesus, know the certainty of truth, become acquainted with what Jesus did and taught, learn how to contend for the faith see the commandments of God, understand Paul’s knowledge, be furnished unto all good works, be filled with joy, learn not to sin, be put in remembrance of the grace of God.

The New Testament that the Holy Spirit revealed is final, complete, all-sufficient. Jude said, “Contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The faith is the organized body of truth. The faith, the gospel, was once for all delivered to the saints. It was not discovered; it was delivered. It was delivered to the saints, not to a hierarchy. Peter said, “According to his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. . . ” (2 Pet. 1:34). All that pertains to life and godliness! Partakers of the divine nature! Who could want more!

The word of God, the New Testament, is called “grace.” “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Tit. 2:11-12). Peter said, “I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand” (1 Pet. 5:12). The grace has been preached, has been delivered, has been written, has brought salvation. What else is needed!

The word produces faith: “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). The word cleanses: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (Jn. 15:3). The word sanctifies: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). The word reconciles: “God . . . hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19).

The word saves. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:15-16). Peter was to tell Cornelius “words whereby he and his household could be saved” (Acts 11:14). Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation unto every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). “. . . it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor 1:21). The Ephesians had “heard the word of truth”; it was the gospel of their salvation (Eph. 1:13). James said, ” . . .receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21). The word is able to save because it teaches of Jesus’ death for our sins, his burial, his resurrection, and his being seen (1 Cor. 15:1-5).

The word is the instrument that the Holy Spirit revealed through which one is born again: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:22-23). Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. . . Ye must be born again” (Jn. 3:3,5,7).

The word is able to build one up and to give him an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32). God has summed up all things in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:10). That includes revelation, Scripture, the word of God the New Testament. There is no Scripture past the first century. No one has added one truth to God’s word since then. One was complete in Christ then (Col. 2:10). One is complete now.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 8, pp. 226, 247-248
April 18, 1991

By Ray Madrigal

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? In these closing statements, I will briefly summarize the evidence that you are asked to weigh. Since this case is one of history, I shall appeal t Verdict on the Resurrection o the primary historical documents. We shall hear the testimony of competent, reliable witnesses of the highest moral character- individuals who would rather die than lie. The case before us: The people [of God] vs. Mr. Cynic concerns the reality of the resurrection of Jesus and demands your most diligent attention.

Four Core Facts

In formulating this case for the defense (Phil. 1:7,17), I am, above all, overwhelmed. Evidence for the literal resurrection of Jesus is more than sufficient to convince any unbiased jury. I trust that you will examine the evidence in an objective manner. For the sake of clarity as well as brevity, I shall not appeal to the great bulk of evidence which supports the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Rather, I will focus on four undeniable facts. Let me remind the court that these four facts are verified and confirmed by virtually all authorities in the fields of history, archaeology, and biblical research. While these scholars do not agree as to the meaning and significance of these facts, the facts themselves are indisputable. It remains up to you, good men and women of the jury, to reach a verdict.

Just as there are four indisputable facts surrounding the events of the case before us, there are also four theories of interpretation. I will discuss each of these, in turn, as we examine the four facts (see Chart).

Fact One: Jesus’ Death by Crucifixion

Although several prejudiced naturalists have proposed theories suggesting that Jesus did not actually die on the cross (The Swoon Theory), but only faked death, such an hypothesis does not hold up under a careful examination of the evidence. The record indicates that Jesus did, in fact, die from the effects of crucifixion (Jn. 19:31-34). According to David Strauss (A New Life of Jesus, 1879) and a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Society, Jesus probably died of asphyxiation long before his body was pierced by the Roman soldier.

Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spearthrust between his right ribs, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured his death. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge (JAMS, March 21, 1986).

Are we to believe that Jesus merely faked death in light of this evidence? Yet for the sake of argument, let us suppose that Jesus was able to convince his disciples, Pilate, the soldiers and the Jews that he was dead. Could he, in such a weakened condition, untie over one hundred pounds of linen cloth and burial ointments (Jn. 19:39)? Could he roll away the huge stone from this newly cut tomb (Matt. 27:60-61) and escape past the Roman guards? If so, what condition would he be in? Would his battered, tattered, and weary body convince his disciples of a victory over death? Lest you remain undecided, kind jury, let us examine the second fact.

Fact Two: Experiences of the Disciples

It is precisely here at this second point that we have an abundance of testimony. Post-resurrection appearances are documented in no less than twelve separate occasions. Below is a list of these appearances in chronological order:

(1) To Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20:14; Mk. 16:9)

(2) To several women (Matt. 28:9-10)

(3) To Peter (Lk. 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5)

+ (4) To the two on Emmaus Road (Lk. 24:13-33, 43)

(5) To ten apostles [without Thomas] (Lk. 24:36 43; Jn. 20:19-24)

(6) To eleven apostles (Jn. 20:26-29)

+ (7) To seven at Tiberias Lake (Jn. 21:1-23)

+ (8) To eleven at Great Commission (Matt. 28; Mk. 16)

(9) To over 500 brethren (1 Cor. 16:6)

(10) To James (1 Cor. 15:7)

+ (11) To the apostles at the Ascension (Acts 1:3-12)

(12) To Paul (Acts 9;22;26; 1 Cor. 15:8)

The court should also acknowledge the following summary statements about these appearances (Acts 1:8,22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:22). Another naturalistic theory postulates that these witnesses were merely suffering from hallucinations. Yet this, too, goes against modern psychiatric research which concludes that two or more people cannot share a common hallucination. Eight of these twelve post-resurrection appearances were witnesses by more than one party. Also, the psychological preconditions for hallucinations are lacking. Another important point to notice, ladies and gentlemen, is the nature of these appearances. The record will show that these witnesses made use of three empirical faculties in witnessing to these appearances: sight, sound and touch. Both Mary and Thomas touched Jesus’ resuscitated body (see 1 John 1:1-2). Not to mention the fact that Jesus ate and digested food with his disciples on at least four difference occasions (see + above)! Let me ask you once again, have you reached a verdict?

Fact Three: Disciples’ Remarkable Transformation

Perhaps the very first theory proposed attempting to refute the reality of the resurrection is the Conspiracy Theory (or Fraud Theory). This theory maintains that the disciples allegedly stole the body, hid it and subsequently conspired to lie about it. Yet this hypothesis, as all the others, does not stand the test of even the most simple examination. Given the facts of the case, it is highly unlikely that anybody stole the body. In the first place, the Jews made careful precautions to prevent the success of possible body-snatchers (Matt. 27:62-66). Secondly, the Roman guard assigned to secure the tomb also witnessed the events of that resurrection morning (Matt. 28:11-15). Notice that the chief priests of the Jews bribed the soldiers to lie and guaranteed their safety should the Roman governor hear about it (Matt. 28:14).

In light of these historical facts, the fraud theory falls flat! The burden of proof rests upon the prosecution: those who would defame the character of these outstanding witnesses and deny the gospel claim of Jesus’ resurrection. Would liars become martyrs? The New Testament records the subsequent suffering and death of many of these early witnesses (Acts 4:13,19-20; 5:28-32,40-2; 7:57f; 8:1-3; 12:2; Jn. 21:19; Rev. 1:9). No naturalistic theory accounts for the utter and remarkable transformation of these whiny, wimpy disciples into bold proclaimers of the risen Christ. The only reasonable explanation of this fact is that these men and women actually had seen, heard and touched the risen Jesus (see 1 Jn. 1:1-2). Suffering, shame or even death did not matter to them.

Although by now the truth must be most apparent to you, let us proceed to the fourth fact (which readily expands on the third fact).

Fact Four: The Experience of Paul

You have been most kind to listen to three lines of evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus. I will but mention one more. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus began with a well-documented appearance of Jesus on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus (Acts 9, 22 and 26). Here we find a most zealous Pharisee engaging in an expanding persecution of the Christian movement when he, too, encounters Christ. Paul first relates this experience to the Galatians (1:16-18) and later testifies to the Corinthians (15:3-8).

You will remember, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, that Paul suffered terrible things for this cause (2 Cor. 11, cf. extra-biblical sources report that he was beheaded for his testimony; see also 2 Tim. 4:6-8). Why did this man change? What motivated this remarkable transformation of life? Only a literal resurrection can account for the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to the Apostle Paul.

Conclusion

While we could explore the evidences of the Christian community [the church], the monuments of the Lord’s day, the Lord’s supper, baptism and the Bible itself, we have focused our attention on only four facts. These four historical realities are conclusive evidences for the resurrection. Nevertheless, the decision is yours, ladies and gentlemen. Have you reached a verdict?

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, pp. 208-209
April 4, 1991

By Andy Alexander

Which church is right? The answer is simple: the one that follows the Bible completely. The Bible is the complete word of God and furnishes us with everything we need to serve him (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3). There is no additional revelation from God to man. God, through the Holy Spirit, delivered his will to man in the first century and that will has been recorded and providentially preserved for all mankind (Jn. 16:13; Jude 3; 1 Pet. 1:25).

The Bible teaches that Christ only has one church (Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23; Matt. 16:18). When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, repent of our sins, and are baptized in water for the remission of our sins then the Lord adds us to his church (Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:3 8,47). There is just one church and the person who obeys the Lord’s commands becomes a part of that body. He can then wear the name Christian, because then and only then is he truly a follower of Christ (Acts 11:26).

Must Be Right On Worship

After obeying the conditions given by the Lord, we must worship him as he has commanded. Since there is only one church, we must find the right one so that we can continue to please God. His word plainly teaches that it is possible to worship him in vain (Matt. 15:8-9). The acts of worship that we read about in the Bible consist of prayer, singing, giving of our means, teaching and being taught, and eating the Lord’s Supper on a weekly basis (Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34). We are commanded not to go beyond the doctrine of Christ and not to participate with those who do, so it is imperative that we find the right church and worship with that body (Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Jn. 9-11).

When a group calling itself the church adds the instrument to their service or takes the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper from their service, then on that point they are wrong. They are not the church we read about in the Bible. We must take our Bibles and find the right church.

In the next article, we will investigate more distinguishing marks of the right church. It must be remembered that in order to be the right church, it must be right on all points. One church may be right on some points and wrong on others which would make it wrong (Jas. 2:10).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, p. 203
April 4, 1991