Truth Magazine

By Max E. Tice

Since charismatic zealotry has been the rage of the last three decades, the need to grasp and defend God’s truth on issues related to the movement should be apparent to all disciples of Christ. Not only must we answer staunch devotees of the glossolalia (tongues-speaking) fad, we must also aid the unsettled querist as well. A quick and decisive response to arguments advocating the perpetuation of charismatic gifts may cool the fervor of some pseudo-gifted enthusiast or deter some honest inquisitor (possibly a brother in Christ) from falling prey to this mania.

Obviously, a complete expose of Neo-Pentecostal apologetics exceeds the bounds of the present study. Nonetheless, an inspection of one small portion of the charismatic dispute is a realistic objective. Attention will be centered upon one of the most debated passages in the controversy.

As most readers are aware, many brethren consider 1 Corinthians 13:8 one of the strongest proof texts attesting to the current cessation of supernatural gifts of the Spirit. Ironically, the charismatic camp considers it the opposite. Exponents of the latter movement see it as irrefutable evidence that these gifts are still operative among Christians today. Differences in perception of this crucial text result from disagreements over the identity of “that which is perfect” (v. 10). While many see it as a reference to completed revelation, others scoff at this position as ludicrous. They see it as a clear reference to Christ (the perfect one) or to the perfect age which he will usher in at his return.

As the two opposing sides meet, the conflict begins. A zealous brother may argue that the expression “that which” is not “he who” and, therefore, cannot be applied to Jesus. If he knows a little Greek, he may point out that this expression (to teleion) is also neuter in the original language. This may be met with the response that Matthew 1:20 and 1 John 1:1 plainly apply the neuter gender to Jesus [to and ho (nominative, singular, neuter of hos) respectively].

From here the battle may move to contextual considerations, The argument is made that the “perfect” does not necessarily refer to one’s character. It may be rendered as “the whole” or “complete.” Since it stands as the antithesis of partial knowledge and partial prophecy (v. 9), it is urged that Paul must have had complete revelation of knowledge and prophecy in mind. At this point, the opposing side rallies with what appears to be a powerful counterattack. It is time for the “unanswerable” passage. Verse 12 is brought into the discussion. The KJV renders the latter as follows:

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

The ASV, NASV, and NIV may seem to make this counterpunch even more devastating by rendering epignosomai as “I shall know fully.”

From this text the Neo-Pentecostal apologist now forges the following argument: “We do not yet see Jesus face to face. Neither do we fully know anything, much less know ourselves as God knows us. Therefore, the perfect has not yet come, and this means that miraculous gifts have not ceased.”

Well, is this the knockout punch? What can be said about verse 12? Although it has perplexed many Bible students, it is not the validation of present-day charismatic gifts which some think it is. The truth is that such arguments made off the verse demonstrate shallow analysis. First of all, Paul does not say one word about seeing Jesus or God face to face. The key to understanding the meaning is to take a closer look at the term “glass.” What kind of glass does Paul have in mind? The answer is – none at all. The Greek word for glass is esoptrou and means “mirror.” Since silvered glass was not invented until the 13th century, a modern-day mirror is not in view at all. The ancients used polished metal for mirrors. These gave imperfect reflections of objects, which is conveyed here in the term “darkly” (Greek: ainigmati). Thus, Paul has introduced an analogy which pictures early Christians looking into an imperfect mirror and seeing an imperfect reflection. Whose face would be in the mirror in this analogy? God’s? Christ’s? Of course not. Yet, the popular Pentecostal explanation has Paul and others looking into a mirror in order to see the literal face of Jesus or God? Incredible! The true meaning will be evident shortly.

Before saying more about the mirror, something should be said about the expression “know fully” which is used in many translations. This is an accurate representation of the Greek word. However, people often draw the wrong conclusion from it. It is often argued that nobody can know anything fully in this life. Thus, Paul must refer to a time after Christ’s return. This may sound impressive. However, it is inaccurate. The fact is that the Bible repeatedly uses this same Greek word translated “know fully” for knowledge we can have in this life. In Romans 1:32 Paul uses the word to describe the knowledge that the Gentiles had possessed of God’s moral law. In 1 Timothy 4:3 he uses it for the knowledge of truth which enables a person to give thanks for his food. Colossians 1:6 applies it to the knowledge of God’s grace which the Colossians already had. Peter uses it in 2 Peter 2:21 for knowledge of the way of righteousness which apostates possessed, but ignored in turning back to the world. Many other examples could be cited. However, this should suffice to demonstrate that the “know fully” argument is fallacious.

Finally, what is meant by knowing “even as I am known”? Many people assume that this refers to knowing God or to knowing ourselves as well as God knows us. Yet, the text says nothing about such an idea. An alternative explanation which better fits the context is to see this expression as the culmination of the mirror analogy. Other explanations render Paul’s statement as nonsensical. They have Paul introducing an analogy and then dropping it without ever making a point. On the other hand, if the words in question are seen as the completion of Paul’s picture, they make a great deal of sense. Consider the position of someone who had never seen his own face, except as reflected by a piece of polished brass. He would not know himself as well as everyone else who saw his face directly. If he could somehow get a clearer picture (as with our mirrors), he would see himself (externally) as others saw him. He would know that part of himself as he was known by other people. It would be a face-to-face meeting with self.

Someone may ask, “What is Paul’s point in such an analogy?” It is not that he will one day get to know himself better. What would this have to do with a context that is discussing the cessation of revelations, prophecies, and tongues? The point is that Paul would one day know something better than he knew it at the time 1 Corinthians was written. That something certainly could be completed revelation, no matter how much modern charismatic advocates scoff at the idea. This means that verse 12 does not prove that the “perfect” is yet to come.

Guardian of Truth XXXV; 5, pp. 147-148
March 7, 1991

By Keith Greer

“If we then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. . . Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Eph. 3:1-5).

Many try to justify gambling by saying that they know when to stop. “I just set myself a $20 limit for the night. When that is gone, it is gone. It is just my entertainment. It is no different than going to the movies.”

Do most people know “when to stop”? Statistics would tell otherwise. There are many chapters of Gamblers Anonymous, not only in Las Vegas, but throughout the United States. Many young airmen at Nellis get into trouble because they get started gambling and don’t know when to stop. More than one young person has written bad checks thinking, “If I just play one more time, I’m going to win the big jackpot.”

Ask any gambler who has destroyed his home and turned to crime to support his gambling. Many start something that they cannot stop. Las Vegas has many “homeless” – many as a direct result of those who came to Las Vegas thinking that they were going to be the one to “strike it rich.” Rather than getting rich, they do not even have a bus fare home.

I get many calls at the building here every week from people who are in just such circumstances. I recently had a call from a Christian from Texas who had come here with his family and, even though his wife and children had pleaded with him, he spent two days “at the tables” and lost all of his money. He was crying and asked me to pray with him, not only for God to forgive him, but for the terrible example he had set for his family.

If you don’t care about yourself, think about this. “Just as teenagers are beginning to show signs of curtailing risky sex, illicit drug use and drunk driving, another potentially destructive behavior – gambling – is threatening to become the teen vice of the ’90s. . . The most popular forms of gambling among teenagers include betting on sports, card playing, lotteries and slot machines. . . For teen and other problem gamblers, betting fever may lead to serious crimes as well as self-destruction. . . The social and personal factors that cause compulsive gambling, such as widespread materialism and unstable families, continue unabated” (U.S. News & World Report, June 18, 1990, p. 51).

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 163
March 21, 1991

By Stan Adams

A few months ago, I was talking with a precious brother in Christ, who is a member of a black congregation nearby. He was concerned about the number of brethren where he attends who seem to have no concept of what repentance is, according to Scripture. He related that the same folks where coming up all the time, and “repenting” of the same thing. He told me how he had handled this, after it went on for several weeks. He told them one Sunday morning that he couldn’t judge anyone’s heart, and he was as willing as anyone to forgive, but that many of them were about to “wear the Lord out”! He told them that he wasn’t too sure whether they were “repenting or reporting.” He expanded on that and let them know that the Lord already knows what we have done, he doesn’t need a report. What the Lord wants us to do is to stop sinning and turn from our evil and not just tell him what we have done and then continue doing it over and over again. I told him I thought he handled it really well, and that I wish more brethren would wake up and see his point. Where he worships is evidently, not the only place where this confusion exists.

Brethren, like many of you, I have been observing many of the antics of some brethren with dismay and disappointment. There seems to be an attitude among many brethren, that “reporting” is enough. Even if they say they do not believe it themselves, many are more than willing and anxious to come to the aid of those who do hold this view. They refuse to speak out and stand firmly for what is right. I think the brother I spoke with, hit the nail on the head. “Reporting” is not enough. It is not scriptural for someone to simply admit to a sin (such as fornication, or unscriptural marriage), and then continue in it. It violates Romans 6:1,2; Matthew 3:8; 2 Corinthians 7:8-11, just to mention a few. Also, repentance carries the idea of not only turning from sin, but also turning to God. It is, if you please, an about face, ceasing from the sin, as well as regretting it.

We all know that the Lord is willing and able to forgive us, as often as we repent. However, he has not promised to forgive anyone for simply reporting.

Brethren, what has happened? Where is our common sense and militance toward error? Have we become, or are we fast approaching, a status as people who will tolerate anything? Will we sell our convictions simply because we admire someone? Will we refuse to preach the truth, on any subject, because it might be “controversial”? I hope that we will not become hirelings who will preach whatever pleases the people. We need to get back to plain old common sense preaching, and need to quit trying to impress folks with how “intelligent” we can be (you can’t fool people but so long, anyway). Brother Eric Norford related to me a statement that I think is great, that was made to him and other preaching students by Dee Bowman at Florida College. It went something like this: “Preaching that does not storm the will is not gospel preaching.” I think that is true. Gospel preaching should never be demoted to an exercise in ear-scratching. We should not shun to declare the whole counsel of God, anywhere we preach. It might mean that we will alienate close associates, or that we will lose support, or be fired, but we can sleep at night, and face ourselves in the mirror the next morning, with a clear conscience before God.

Foy Smith wrote in the Firm Foundation (Vol. 80, No. 5), some years ago, the following admonition:

Brother, roll up your sleeves and thunder forth that message that rocked the hills and vales around Jordan long ago that pierced the hearts and convicted thousands on the day of Pentecost and subsequent days – that vibrated through the hills and valleys of Kentucky and Ohio in the days of the restoration, and that still thrills and influences the hearts of men, when it is given its rightful place and emphasis! Preach it because you love it. Preach it because you are afraid not to preach it. Preach it exactly as it is written, neither fearing nor favoring men. Preach it every time you go into the pulpit like that time will be your last time. Preach it as a “dying man to dying men!”

I have this hanging on my wall in my study and I have made copies for three young preachers whom I have worked with. May we all develop more courage and stamina in preaching, and get back to the simple common sense approach to proclaiming truth.

“Repenting or reporting”? Some have already made their choice, for “reporting.” The only problem is, there is no Scripture for it. Don’t “wear the Lord out, brother!”

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 5, p. 135
March 7, 1991

By William C. Sexton

Each person has 60 seconds in each minute, 60 minutes in each hour and 24 hours each day. We are all equal in this respect. But how we use those seconds, minutes, hours, and days is up to us. We can waste them away or we can choose from thousands of activities to be engaged in. We can only be in one place at a time and doing only one thing at a time. Therefore the choices we make are extremely important.

I affirm that soul winning is an activity in which each Christian should resolve to be engaged. One said long ago, “he that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30).

December 3-10 we had an enjoyable eight days, hearing ten different speakers point to specifics on Winning Souls For Christ! An excellent opportunity was afforded the members of the Roan Ridge congregation in Kansas City, Missouri and visitors to reflect upon the many marvelous opportunities – time, materials, and people to work with – to engage effectively in this activity of soul winning!

The following men spoke on these specific ways of winning souls for Christ:

Sunday A.M.: Recognizing the Power of the Word – Randy Sexton

Sunday P.M.: Recognizing the Value of the Soul – Ray Harris

Monday PM: Using The Printed Page – Norman Fultz

Tuesday PM: Using The Telecomputer – Tom Kinzel

Wednesday PM: Utilizing Special Studies – Jim Bailey

Thursday P.M.: Using Bible Examples of Personal Study – David McClister

Friday PM: Using Personal Contacts – Michael Divis

Saturday PM: Overcoming Obstacles – Bob Watson

Sunday AM: Mobilizing The Young – Tim Young

Sunday PM: Dealing With Present Issues – Bill Sexton

Four of the speakers are members at Roan Ridge, including this writer, the first two and the last two. The meeting was well attended by the members of Roan Ridge, even though it was late in the year. We’ve had more good feedback from this meeting than any in the five years I’ve been with the group.

I would recommend that this type of series be preached in every congregation. I’ve said for twenty years and more, “I believe that the greatest need in any congregation that I’ve been acquainted with, is personal evangelism.” In these ten lessons we heard how to reach people. The following statement was typical, “I have always been told that I needed to do it, but I have never heard so many ways of going it and the fact that I can do it!”

Of course there was competition: a thousand other things vying for our attention and seeking our commitment. Thank God we have the ability to choose, therefore, we are accountable for our choices.

1. My soul is to be won for Christ (Matt. 16:24-26). What it isn’t?

2. My family members are to be won for Christ (1 Pet. 3:Iff; Matt. 10:34ff; Lk. 14:25f). Can I help?

3. My neighbors are to be won for Christ (Rom. 13:9-10).

4. My fellow workers, associates, etc. . . . all need to be won for Christ. What do they see in me? How do I effect them? What about my influence.

Each person, according to the Bible, has a soul. That soul shall exist eternally either in heaven or torment (Matt. 25:31-46). Beloved, life is short, death is sure, and eternity is long!

The only instrument that is able to win one to Christ is the word of God (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12-13; Jas. 1:21-25). It has to be “taught” (Jn. 6:44) and “learned” (Jn. 6:45) in order for one to come to the Father by Christ (Jn. 14:6).

How valuable do you judge your soul to be? What do you consider to be the most valuable possession your relatives and friends have? How much time and effort do we spend to protect our material valuables and those of our friends, relatives, and neighbors? How much of our resources do we use protecting our spiritual possessions? Do our choices and labor reflect wisdom or the lack of it?

Every minute souls are dying

Souls in bondage, sin ensnared.

Every moment, souls are departed,

Hopeless, helpless, unprepared;

Souls who never knew the Savior

Nor the Spirit’s quickening breath

Mercy ended, judgment coming,

Wrath of God, eternal death.

Every moment souls are dying.

Are you pointing them to God?

Are you showing them the Christ

Shedding his atoning blood;

Paying, on the cross, their sin debt;

Doing what they cannot do?

Are you leading souls to Jesus?

Are you true to Him? Are you?

Beloved, let us avail ourselves of the opportunities that are before us. Let us get the seed out of the barn and into the soils – minds and hearts of people (cf. Hag. 2:19; Matt. 13:18-23). “Is the seed yet in the barn?” Such a series, I believe, will result in more seed being sown, and thus souls being saved!

Don’t give up that Saturday night. Brother Bob Watson spoke on Saturday, and he had a marvelous lesson. I believe it should be heard by every member of the Lord’s church. He knew where he had been and was going, and he had so much enthusiasm that he caused all of us to walk away much taller, wanting to put into practice what he was talking about, winning souls for Christ. The others did a very good job. Bob had a wonderful way in approaching a person for a Bible Study, and the way to get some important things established before he actually begins the study. I believe that each can profit from considering these. (See * at the end.) But, the point: don’t give away Saturday nights to the devil.

*Questions designed to discover the needs of an individual:

Q. “John, how much do you really know about the Bible?”

*Explain that the Bible is a book of books, divided into a testament or will.

Q. “John, you know that a new will makes void an old will, don’t you?”

Q. “John I believe we have a lot of common beliefs.”

Q. Do you believe in God?

Q. Do you believe the Bible is God’s Word?

Q. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?

Q. “John do you want to go to heaven?”

Q. “John do you believe that only Christians will go to heaven?”

Q. “Are you a Christian?” Caution: Don’t argue the point.

Q. “Do you remember if you were baptized?” Immersion? Sprinkling? Pouring?

Q. “How long were you a Christian before you were baptized?”

Q. “How long do you think it would take to read the Bible? ” This is to lead into the five lessons on the Bible! (Film strips) How would you like to see a Bible survey that deals with it in just five one-hour study periods.

Before each study, review what you have learned that the person believes; then you can deal with these as you go through the study. You won’t come to the end and have the person decide that he/she has done what one has to do to become a Christian.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 5, pp. 138-139
March 7, 1991