Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

Billy Graham is like Caiaphas when he spoke more truth than he realized. Caiaphas said, “It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” He was trying to say that Jesus must be murdered or else the Jewish leaders would lose their national power. Without realizing it, he used language which was prophetic of Jesus’ dying for the salvation of the Jews (Jn. 11:47-53).

Billy Graham’s new book, Facing Death – and the Life After, includes the following statements:

In heaven there will be no sectarian worship, no denominational differences, no church creeds . . . . I was brought up as a Presbyterian and later became a Baptist. But in later years I have felt that I belong to all churches.

God did not invent denominations, man did.

Only one question will be asked [on Judgment Day]:

“What did you do on earth with My Son, Jesus?” It will make no difference whether we were Catholic or Protestant, Jew or Gentile.

Billy Graham is trying to promote the ecumenical idea that it is right to join a denomination and that it does not matter which one we join. But like Caiaphas, he spoke more truth than he realized.

1. Billy Graham condemned the very existence of denominations when he said that “sectarian worship,” “denominational differences, ” and “church creeds” were not invented by God and will not be tolerated in heaven! Jesus was asked “by what authority” he received worship, cleansed the temple of the money changers, worked miracles, and opposed the traditions of the Jewish sects. His answer was in the form of a question, “The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men?” Jesus meant that he had the same authority John had (Matt. 21:23-27). If John’s baptism originated in heaven and was revealed by God, every Jew was required to receive it. All who did not accept it “rejected the counsel of God against themselves” – i.e., were destined to hell (Lk. 7:29-30).

If the baptism of John was invented by men and not tolerated in heaven, it should have been rejected by every Jew who respected the authority of God. So it is with Jesus. If God gave him authority from heaven for what he taught and practiced, everyone who respects the authority of God must accept and obey the words of Jesus. If the claims of Jesus were invented by man’s authority and are not tolerated in heaven, we must reject Jesus. Jesus insisted that God neither approves nor accepts religious practices based on the authority, traditions, and doctrines of men:

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me, But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matt. 15:8-9).

At this point the words of Jesus and of Billy Graham agree the very existence of denominations with their sectarian worship and human creeds is unauthorized by God.

2. Billy Graham’s language condemns membership and participation in denominations! Since God did not authorize denominations and will not tolerate them in heaven, we separate ourselves from God when we join a denomination. Jesus promised to build only his church (Matt. 16:18). He shed his blood to save only his church (Acts 20:28). He reigned as head over the “one body” or church which came from heaven (Eph. 1:22-23; 3:10; 4:4). He gave a Bible patterrn for his church (1 Tim. 3:14-15; 2 Tim. 1:13). Man did not invent the church of Christ, God did.

“God did not invent denominations, man did.” Jesus did not build denominations, “man did.” He did not shed his blood to save people in denominations, but men have shed their blood to defend denominations. He does not reign over the many bodies of denominationalism which came from men – man does. Jesus gave no pattern for a denomination and no denomination follows the pattern he gave for his church. Who, then, invented the patterns for denominations? Billy Graham says, “Man did.” Amen and amen!

In the first century, people obeyed the gospel of Christ without denominational theories or doctrines. Sinners believed in Christ, repented of their sins, confessed Christ as God’s Son, and were baptized in water for the remission of their sins by the authority of Christ (Mk. 16:16; Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:38). “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). God added them to the church revealed from heaven, not to some human denomination. Under apostolic teaching, these early saints worshiped God and functioned in every way in local churches without inventing “sectarian worship,” “denominational differences,” and human “church creeds.” People today can obey the same gospel, form local churches, and worship according to the Bible pattern without inventing denominations. Is anyone doing that today? Yes. “The churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16).

Strange indeed that Billy Graham would advocate joining any and all denominations rather than advocating the simple gospel and pattern for the church which Jesus gave in the New Testament. He does know the difference. “God did not invent denominations, man did.”

3. Billy Graham’s words condemn wearing denominational names! He makes it clear that God did not invent the “denominational differences” signified by such sectarian names as “Presbyterian,” “Baptist,” “Catholic,” and “Protestant.” Neither will God tolerate such human inventions in heaven, says Mr. Graham.

God gave his people the name of his Son to wear to identify their unity in the divine family. By apostolic revelation, “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16). This alone is the “worthy name” of our identity (Jas. 2:7). When human names were first added by some early Christians, the Holy Spirit condemned the practice as carnal and divisive. “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” We must wear only the name of the one crucified for us – the one in whose name we were baptized – the wonderful and worthy name of Christ (1 Cor. 1: 10-13; 3:3).

It is strange, sad, and shameful that Mr. Graham embraces the sectarian names of all denominations when he knows that “God did not invent” them and will not tolerate them “in heaven.” Those who follow Mr. Graham’s errors will miss the kingdom of God, like those who followed Caiaphas. Yet, such men sometimes stumble upon and teach the truth in spite of themselves. Let us be sure we are following Christ!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, pp. 172-173
March 21, 1991

By Ron Halbrook

The Golden Rule is the royal law of the kingdom of heaven in regard to our conduct toward our fellow man. Jesus Christ teaches us to love our neighbor as our self in deed and action.

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets (Matt. 7:12).

This statement appears in the Sermon on the Mount, a sermon designed to prepare the human heart for the kingdom of heaven (3:2; 4:17; 5:1-3). “The law and the prophets” promised the coming of God’s kingdom in which love, joy, peace, and righteousness would rule the hearts of men (Isa. 11). Christ laid the groundwork for that kingdom during his personal ministry and then established it through his Apostles in the first century A.D. (Mk. 9:1; Col. 1:13). The gospel of Christ still calls men and women into that kingdom today.

Matthew 7:1-12 gives instructions to people who seek the kingdom of God. We must not be hypocritical judges, glossing over our own sins while viciously attacking the sins of others. “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (vv. 1-5). If we correct our own sins, we are able to truly help other people correct their lives. In sharing the good news of God’s kingdom, we also must judge or discern between good and honest hearts on the one hand, and dishonest and hardened hearts on the other hand. Jesus likens the latter group to “dogs” and “swine” who cannot see the true value of sacred and holy things (v. 6). When people are offended and enraged by the truth, we do not try to force it on them or change it to please them. Jesus said to “shake off the dust of your feet” and go to others (10:14).

Those who are truly searching for the kingdom of heaven can find it. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” God opens the door of truth to those who are searching for him, just as we give our children whatever they need, when they ask us for help (7:7-11). Jesus says that those who seek God’s kingdom must embrace this rule of conduct: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

The Golden Rule is clear. It does not say, “Do not unto others what you do not wish them to do unto you.” That is passive, not active, and much too narrow. Jesus did not say, “Do unto others as they do unto you.” That would bring us down to the level of our lowest and meanest enemies. The Golden Rule is not, “Do unto others before they do unto you.” That is an excuse to lie, cheat, and steal in the business world. Christ did not teach, “Do unto others when they do unto you,” thus limiting our love to those who do something for us first. Nor did Jesus say, “Do unto some others as you would have them do unto you,” giving a rule of partiality and prejudice.

The Golden Rule says, do! It is active and personal to each one of us. Unto others! This is not a mere theory or philosophy but is an obligation toward all men. We are to be unselfish, striving to help our fellow men in both physical and spiritual needs. As! Just as, exactly as. You would have them do unto you! They may never have done so to us, may not be doing so now, and may never do as they should, but we are to be considerate and helpful to others nonetheless.

Much of the Sermon on the Mount is summed up in the Golden Rule. This royal law applies in the local church, in our families, at work, at school, in our neighborhood, and in the community. It makes us more like God and blesses everyone who lives by it. If you are seeking the kingdom of heaven and willing to embrace the Golden Rule, come to Christ. By faith in him repent of your sins, confess him as God’s Son, and be baptized into him (Gal. 3:26-27).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 5, p. 143
March 7, 1991

By Marc W. Gibson

A couple of months ago, I was having trouble getting a full night’s rest. There was nothing wrong with my own sleeping. Instead, my peaceful dreaming was being interrupted by outside interference, namely, cats. It seems a large, unsociable neighbor cat would visit our premises, intentionally unnerve and aggravate my wife’s cat who sleeps in a screened-in porch, and both of them would commence loud screaming and hissing. This disturbance continued night after night, and no amount of yelling, chasing, or throwing sticks would encourage this neighbor cat to stay home.

One characteristic of this cat struck me as interesting: it was only at night that he made his uninvited visits. Of course, night time is when cats do their best prowling. But, you see, I have never seen this cat in the daylight. It is almost as though he knows that the darkness holds the best shroud for his “bad” deeds. He certainly knows not to expose himself to my wrath in the daylight when I can see quite well. Darkness held a cover of protection that made him feel secure and confident as he carried out his intolerable tasks. Now please do not accuse me of being an ethical human judging a non-ethical animal. This whole episode does have a practical lesson. It reminded me of how careful and watchful we need to be in dealing with our religious neighbors and even our own brethren. Many around us seem to love the darkness more than the light. As Jesus said in John 3:19-21,

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

Workers of Darkness

As children of God waging spiritual warfare, we must be constantly on the alert for those who do as the cat I described: prowl in the darkness seeking to do trouble and harm. Jesus said darkness is what false teachers and evil doers prefer because their evil deeds are covered from view. These false teachers, evil workers, and workers of unrighteousness hate the light of God’s Word, for in it they are exposed for what they truly are (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 2 Tim. 3:1-5).

Let us be further warned about the methods of “the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Eph. 6:12). Those who do evil and dwell in darkness may venture into the light to deceive. Paul called them “deceitful workers” who “transform themselves into ministers of righteousness” just like Satan who “transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11: 13-15). This is similar to those schoolyard bullies who, when the teacher walked up, could turn into the sweetest children. It is hypocrisy! We truly must have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). May we have the courage to strip away the sheep’s clothing and expose the wolf for what he is (Matt. 7:15). Send the light!

An Identifying Mark of Darkness

In my library, I have two and a half shelves of a bookcase holding nothing but debates, and nearly all of them were held and published by our brethren in the church of Jesus Christ. To me, they stand as a testimony of who is trying to seek truth. Check denominational libraries and publishing houses and see if you can find more than just a small number, if any, biblical debates fairly representing two sides of an issue. It has been extremely difficult for many years now to encourage those who differ with us on points of doctrine to honorably defend their position in open, fair discussion. This includes denominational preachers and leaders and our own brethren who were once in good standing with God’s Word but now teach false doctrine. Most godly preachers and teachers that I know would be ready and willing to defend God’s truth in open discussion at any place and time. Not so with those opposed to truth. Most of them laugh and scoff at the very suggestion or totally ignore it. Truly, the darkness “does not come to the light.”

Not too long ago, I looked at a Baptists preacher’s library which totaled approximately 8,000 volumes. He had no debates that I saw, even though many have been conducted with his false organization and its teachings. The point is that false teachers do not care. They do not care to won an account of a discussion of what they believe any more than they care to conduct one themselves. Brethren, may we never cease to pursue truth, whether in the pulpit, classroom, or in open discussion and debate. When we lose our interest in these methods, and avoid one or all opportunities, we are not better than those who “love darkness rather than light.” May the tribe of biblical defenders increase (1 Pet. 3:15), and many thanks to those who have stood strong in the past and those presently who continue to wield the sword of the Spirit courageously.

Standing Against Darkness

I must add a footnote to my story about that ornery cat I mentioned at the beginning. Recently, another large, male cat (that’s nice to everyone!) adopted himself to us. It is interesting that since he has been here, I have not seen or heard from that other troublesome cat. The greatest fear that those who dwell in darkness have is that someone will learn of their ways and stand ready to expose their every evil deed and word. We must be the ones who will take up the banner o f God’s army and instill that fear. We are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16) and we must let the light of God’s Word shine that all may see (Lk. 8:16). May the righteous rejoice and evil fear and repent.

Let us not be playing games with darkness. Preach the word in season and out of season and diligently encourage those who do so. Part of that work, remember, is negative. We must expose error. WE have been called “out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). Let us continue in the work for the sake of those lost in sin. Strive to walk in the light and be children of light (1 Jn. 1:7; Eph. 5:8). Be alert, ready to warn against and do battle with those who dwell in darkness. If we do not, how many more might they take with them into “outer darkness” (Matt. 25:30)? Truly did Isaiah say, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 161, 185-186
March 21, 1991

By Clinton D. Hamilton

This column in this issue deals with a question which I have just received. The queriest said that it is urgent that it be answered as soon as possible. It concerns divorce.

Question: “Is divorce for any reason other than adultery a sin?”

Response: Jesus says that whoever dismisses his wife apart from the matter of fornication makes her to commit adultery and whoever marries her that is dismissed commits adultery (Matt. 5:32). Jesus made it clear in response to a question raised by Pharisees that divorce for any cause was not permitted.

Specifically, they inquired whether it is “lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause” (Matt. 19:3). His response is direct and clear: “Have you not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall be one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:4-6). The account Mark gives is essentially the same (Mk. 10:2-9). Luke gives an abbreviated account simply by writing that “Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery” (Lk. 16:18). To put away one’s companion in marriage for any other cause than fornication is prohibited by Jesus. When a marriage is terminated for any cause other than death, there is sin on the part of at least one partner in the marriage.

It is clear from Scripture that death dissolves a marriage. Paul makes this plain. “For the woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth; but if the husband die, she is discharged from the law of the husband. So then if, while the husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if the husband die, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man” (Rom. 7:23). Unless death has occurred, divorce can only occur with God’s approval when one divorces because of adultery of the other companion. Marriage was intended from the beginning as God instituted it to be for life. He said that the two shall be one flesh (Gen. 2:24). Jesus added, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6; Mk. 10:9). Man does not have the liberty to divorce at will with the approval of God.

The Pharisees did not like the answer Jesus gave and raised this question: “Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put her away?” (Matt. 19:7) They evidently had reference to Deuteronomy 24:1-4. The response that Jesus gave is very enlightening: “Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so” (Matt. 19:8).

If one divorces for a cause other than the fornication of his or her companion, then one sins. The Scriptures are really clear on this point. Jesus said that “it was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery” (Matt. 5:31-32).

Dismissing a marriage companion for a cause other than fornication does not dissolve a marriage. According to the teaching of Jesus, if one does dismiss a companion and marries another, then he commits adultery. If adultery on the part of one’s companion is the reason or cause for the dismissing of the companion, the innocent one may marry another without committing adultery (Matt. 19:9). Mark is especially clear on this point in his account: “whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her; and if she herself shall put away her husband, and marry another, she committeth adultery” (Mk. 10:11-12).

There are some other passages that need to be studied in this connection. If a believer is married to an unbeliever and the unbeliever is content to remain in the marital relation, a brother or sister in such a case is not to leave such a person (1 Cor. 7:12-13). Paul teaches that if an unbelieving companion departs, let the companion depart. He adds, “the brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us in peace” (1 Cor. 7:15). Bondage in this passage is from dedoulotai (the verb is douloo), which means to be enslaved or to be “held by constraint of law or necessity, in some matter” (Thayer). Evidently, this refers to obligations in the relation: bed and board. When the unbeliever wilfully departs, no obligation, necessity, or requirement to provide for the needs of that person is laid on the believer in that situation of willful separation.

The rule is that one is not to put away one’s companion in marriage. However, if either the wife or the husband separates, then the husband or the wife in either case is to remain unmarried or be reconciled (1 Cor. 7:11). In this case, divorce is not contemplated by Paul, only separation. Remarriage is not an option in this case if one is to have the approval of God.

In some causes it may be that one’s companion wilfully departs by means of divorce with no cause of fornication being present. In this case, the one that divorces sins. The other companion cannot control this event. Evidently the one divorced does not sin in this case for that person did not do the divorcing.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, pp. 165, 167
March 21, 1991