Truth Magazine

By John A. Smith

The Human Distinction (1)

Modern science tells man that he is nothing more than the product of a cosmic accident. We are simply a more highly developed animal whose most ancient ancestors were swamp slugs that somehow ended up swinging from tree branches.

The Bible presents a much more respectful and honorable picture of man. It is one which demands that our behavior be much better than that of animals. The Bible presents a picture of man that displays a clear distinction between animal life and human life.

The “Human Distinction” is based upon our being made in the image of God. When God created man He said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. . . So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen. 1:26-27). As David pondered man’s creation and existence he asked: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor” (Psa. 8:4-5). That is quite an honor! Image someone telling you that your basketball skills are just a little below that of Michael Jordan (or Larry Bird if you really appreciate talent). Would you feel honored? Of course you would. Well, how about being made just a little lower than the angels? Man was created by God with a special, honorable nature.

When Noah departed from the ark, God gave him and his family a few simple instructions. In Genesis 9:3-6 they were told that they could eat any animal, but they could not eat the meat with the blood still in it. They were strictly forbidden from eating humans. Why? It is because of the sanctity of human life that is not shared by the rest of creation.

As humans we are special, distinct from the animal kingdom, higher than the animals, and the objects of more love, grace and mercy.

Young people need to be impressed with the reality that they are higher than animals. They are encouraged in Ecclesiastes 12:1 to “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, I have no pleasure in them.” Remember that you were created in the image of God and are not simply the result of an ancient accident in some primeval swamp. You are distinct and superior to the rest of creation. This distinction should have a profound effect upon your behavior.

What The Human Distinction Provides Us

The human distinction grants us the ability to reason. As humans we have the ability to think logically and process information. We are not driven by brute instinct. The Lord recognized this ability when he called upon Israel to “Come now, let us reason together” (Isa. 1: 18). We can think before we act. Sadly, not all young people (or older folks for that matter) use this important God-given ability.

We are not driven by brute instinct to mate. We insult ourselves and degrade ourselves when we act like a beast in the field that mates at certain times of the year without giving any thought to what he is doing.

Young people, don’t let sex cause your brains to turn to mush or cease to function. This reminds me of a “Woody Woodpecker” cartoon that I saw several years ago. Woody was sitting on a tree limb happily drilling a hole in the side of a tree when a girl woodpecker landed on the tree next to him (you can tell she’s a girl by the long eyelashes and pink bow in her feathers!) Immediately Woody’s eyes pop out of his head and turn to hearts while his brain falls out! Have you ever known someone like this? You know – the person who seems to lose all reason when it comes to the opposite sex?

We are not brute beasts or mush-brained woodpeckers! We have been created in the image of God with the ability to reason. Let’s make sure that we use it.

As a result of being rational creatures, we have the ability to make choices. Joshua understood this when he told Israel to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). He recognized that individually the people of Israel had a free will. To serve Jehovah or the false gods of the land was their choice. They would not be forced against their will or driven by brute instinct to worship and serve Jehovah.

In regard to sexual activity, we likewise have the ability to make choices. Young people are not driven by some internal primitive instinct to mate. If sexually active, it is because they choose to do so. T~ey have the ability to resist the lusts of the flesh and make choices that are spiritually and physically wise and healthy. In addition young people have the comfort of knowing that they will not be tempted beyond what they have the ability to resist (1 Cor. 10: 13 read it, mediate upon it and take hope!).

. Parents, we need to recognize that our young people will be making their own sexual choices. We cannot be with them every minute of every day. Before we turn our children loose behind the wheel of an automobile, we make sure that they know the rules of the road. They must demonstrate some proficiency in the operation of an automobile. Before we turn our young people loose on the world, let’s make sure that they understand the problems that can arise from sexual activity and are prepared to make the good, healthy and wise choice of pre-marital sexual abstinence. While we cannot be with them every minute of every day and make every decision for them, we can instill the values and morals upon which these choices will be made.

Having the ability to reason and make choices results in our having the ability to practice self-control. Animals don’t have that ability. Among God’s creation, it resides solely with mankind. When Marvin, the bull, catches the scent of a cow in heat, he instinctively pursues the cow and mates. Driven by instinct, he can’t help himself.

Although many young people act like Marvin, they do have the ability to regulate their own sexual behavior. In fact, God expects that young and old alike control their behavior. Among those described and condemned in 1 Timothy 3:15 are those who are “without self-control.” Every call in the New Testament for sobriety is a call for self-control (see Tit. 2:12). As parents we need to see that there is more talk of self-control than birth-control. Our young people need to recognize their ability to control their own sexual thoughts and actions being trained and encouraged to do so.

Self-control doesn’t demand that we turn away from everything that has to do with our sexuality. It simply means that we operate according to the “rules of the road.” We leave sexual gratification where God placed it – in marriage (Heb. 13:4).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 5, pp. 134, 150
March 7, 1991

In the spring of 1990, brother John Welch preached a sermon at one of the congregations in Louisville, Kentucky in which he made the statement that while Jesus was on earth “he was a man; just an ordinary guy, ordinary man like you and me.”

Several challenged the statement in print and brother Welch responded by stating, “I state unequivocally, here and now, that I do believe in the deity of Jesus before, during, and after his period of time on earth” (Gospel Anchor [September 1990], p. 3). Discussion has continued between brother Welch and several others regarding whether the retraction was a retraction of the doctrine taught or the wording used to express it (see Gospel Anchor [November 1990-February 1991]). 1 am willing to give brother Welch the benefit of the doubt. I do not believe that he is a modernist or trying to establish a sect or cult, as some have said.

In brother Weldon Warnock’s article “Revival of An Ancient Heresy,” published in Guardian of Truth [21 February 1991 ], the controversy over brother Welch’s statement from his sermon and the teachings of some others was alluded to without specifying the occasion or one who stated it. I was aware of brother Welch’s correction and the subsequent discussion surrounding it at the time. Inasmuch as brother Warnock and I were interested in discussing the issue, not the person, brother Welch was not named and no mention was made of his correction. Upon receiving his copy of Guardian of Truth, brother Welch contacted me complaining that it was unfair to publish the allusion to the quotation from the sermon without also noting the retraction. We are willing to print this notice of his retraction in fairness to brother Welch so that none will believe that he defends his wrong statements about Jesus. Brother Welch made no objections to the doctrinal content of brother Warnock’s article.

As brother Warnock wrote at the conclusion of his article, we appeal for brethren to confine themselves to the language of Scripture in expressing the Bible doctrines of the deity and humanity of Jesus. In this all can be united. – Editor

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 5, p. 140
March 7, 1991

By Aude McKee

In Eliphaz’s speech in the fourth chapter of the book of Job, in verse seventeen he asked, “Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker?” Whatever the correct rendering of the passage may be, we think the question as it appears in the King James Version is one appropriate to our own time and circumstances. It seems that there are people today who are making themselves more righteous than God. Let me suggest some of them and see if you agree.

Capital Punishment

There is a vocal group of people in America today who oppose capital punishment. If you were unfamiliar with the teachings of God’s word, you would think that anyone who would advocate the death penalty for serious crime would be about as hard-hearted and wicked as a person could get. But it is interesting that God ordained capital punishment in the period of the patriarchs. In Genesis 9:6, God told Noah, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” This life for life punishment was imposed by God, not out of disregard for the sacredness of life but because of it. And then in the Mosaic age, there were at least sixteen crimes that merited the death penalty: murder, kidnaping, rebellion to parents, incest, malicious carelessness (like allowing a dangerous animal to run loose and kill someone), homosexuality, bestiality, witchcraft, idolatry, blasphemy, rape, adultery, prostitution, false prophesying, rebellion against judges and violation of the Sabbath.

And then there is no doubt that God has authorized capital punishment in the New Testament. In Romans 13:1-6, several points are made clear. First, civil government is of divine origin – it has been ordained by God. Second ‘ there are at least two purposes to be served by civil government: He (it) is the minister of God for good, and he (it) is to execute punishment on evil doers. Also it is interesting to note that the passage says that he (it) does not bear the sword in vain. A sword is an instrument associated with death. It is worthy of note that the passage does not say that the civil authority does not bear the whip in vain. Without doubt the passage gives civil authorities the right to take life – use the sword when the crime merits such drastic punishment. So the point we are making is simply this – those who oppose the death penalty today are so “righteous” that they make God look like a murderer! God could take life (Acts 5:1-11) or command it to be done (Exod. 21:15-17) but we have people today who are too good to do it.

Animal Rights

In recent articles in the local newspaper I noticed that those who champion the rights of animals are one of the fastest growing movements in America. And I observed that the mail runs about 100 to I against the use of animals in medical research. In one of these articles one man was quoted as saying that “animals evolved along with humans and each one has its niche.” If a woman wears a coat made of animal skins, she has committed an unpardonable sin in the eyes of some. And it has been observed by someone that in some cases, the very people who are opposed to killing animals are in the forefront of the pro-abortion movement! Just recently in Dickson, TN, the city had a pigeon killing to reduce the bird population. You can imagine the uproar that produced! And again the question of Eliphaz is right on target: “Shall mortal man be more just than God?” In Genesis 3:21, “God made coats of skin and clothed them.” Then think of the millions of animals the patriarchs and the Jews offered in sacrifices to God. In Acts 10:10-13, Peter was told to “arise, kill and eat.”

Discipline of Children

A third application that needs to be made of Eliphaz’s question is in regard to the discipline of children. In the Nashville Tennessean of August 25, 1990, “Parents were advised by a national organization of social workers to stop spanking their children. This policy is an expansion of one opposing physical punishment in school adopted six years ago.” Then from the same paper, August 13, 1990, we learned that “Adults who were spanked as children – even if only occasionally – are more likely to physically abuse their spouses or children, assault non-family members or commit theft, according to a study released yesterday. Although physical punishment does, on the average, correct the child’s misbehavior, the long-term effects are to increase the probability of misbehavior-delinquency, drug use, violent and criminal behavior.” When people get “more righteous than God,” it is no wonder the world continues to grow worse and worse. One need only read passages like Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15, and Hebrews 12:5-12, to appreciate God’s attitude toward discipline.

Remarriage

And then there are those who argue that there is no scriptural reason for divorce and remarriage. Years ago I attended one night of a debate where this question was discussed and the brother who took this position used his own son as an illustration, as I recall. It was sad to hear him argue that his son, whose wife had been unfaithful to him and was put away for this cause and had remarried, was in a lost condition. I do not recall the arguments that were made to sustain this position on that occasion, but some argue that marriage is for life and so a second union could not be formed as long as the first partner was still living. We certainly agree that in God’s arrangement, marriage is a life-long commitment. Such passages as Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:6-12, Luke 16:18, Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 and 7:39 make this abundantly clear. But the simple truth is that the one who made the law has a perfect right to make an exception. Aod that he did! Matthew 5:32 and J9:9 teach this truth beyond any doubt. Certainly there has never been a. time in the history of America when plain, straightforward teaching about marriage, divorce and remarriage is more needed than now, but we want to be sure that we don’t become “more righteous than God” on the subject.

Other applications could be made, but these examples will suffice to warn us about becoming more holy than God. ‘There is always the danger that we will become like the Pharisees of the Lord’s day. They, the Lord said, sat in Moses’ seat and they bound “heavy burdens and grievous to be borne.”

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 5, pp. 141, 148
March 7, 1991

By Lewis Willis

John S. Tompkins is a former correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and Time magazine. He recently wrote an article in Reader’s Digest (12-90) describing the widening gulf between denominationalism’s bureaucrats and the people in the pews. It was an alarming article. To understand the significance of what he says, you must realize that Tompkins is a member of the 2.9 million member Presbyterian Church.

He started his article by noting that he was recently given the job of removing his congregation’s old song books and replacing them with the new ones that had just been issued. He said he did the job with “no joy.” He found the new song book had left out “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” “Faith of Our Fathers” and “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus.” He said these, and other songs “were censored largely because they were judged too ‘militaristic’ or ‘sexist’ by an 18-member committee.” He said the Presbyterians were not the only ones who had purged their song books. The Unitarian Church has issued an entire booklet containing 51 “gender neutral” songs. He further observed that this is “just one of the many waves of absurdities swamping the traditional Protestant churches.”

Tompkins explained why these changes were being made. Over the last quarter-century the seminaries that provide these churches their leaders have emphasized a “theology that down plays the spiritual.” Presbyterian minister, Frederick Buechner, when invited in 1982 to teach at Harvard Divinity School, found that numbers of his students did not even believe in God. “Many of these graduates are now our professional minister-bureaucrats” who have “gradually taken over the denominations.” James V. Heidinger II, of the Methodists, observed: “Too many in the pews don’t realize it, but a small group has hijacked the churches.” Tompkins wrote, “These people have substituted social, economic and political action for the real business of religion – worship, the study of Scripture, a spiritual vision of life and death, and a code of moral conduct.”

He cites several examples of the effects of this hijacking. He wrote of a self-proclaimed witch who was invited to lecture at a Presbyterian theological seminary in San Francisco, during which she offered prayers to “powers under the earth.” He also noted that the Episcopal Church had issued a manual which seems to condone homosexuality and adultery. Moorehead Kennedy, former U.S. Diplomat and Iranian hostage, has recently written a book in which he said of the churches, “I felt in some groups that I would have a much easier time denying the resurrection than questioning the nuclear freeze.” The article continues, “Congregations have responded to the endless politicking in dramatic fashion – by voting with their feet.”

The Presbyterian Church has lost 31% of its members since 1965. The Episcopal Church has lost 28% of their members. The United Church of Christ is down 20%, and the United Methodists are down 18%. These four denominations have been abandoned by 4.7 million members! The author wrote, “The stark fact is that the mainline churches are dying.” He said that 445 of the 500 fastest growing churches in the country are not mainline denominations.

He told of a visit to an evangelical church in New York recently. “It was a congregation with many young people who brought Bibles with them. The service was informal. We sang two hymns with great enthusiasm, prayed and read from Scriptures. As the minister preached, many took notes on his sermon on the space provided on the bulletin. Clearly, this was a church that expected faith to connect with practical life. I felt at home.” However, he said he didn’t intend to leave the Presbyterians but intended to stay and fight for it.

What do we make of all of this? For many years we have been saying that denominationalism is not the religion of Christ. We have pointed out that they are organized unscripturally, they are not worshiping as they should, they are not teaching the Truth of God, and they are engaged in activities not assigned by Christ to the Church. For the longest time they incorporated enough Scripture into their activities to deceive folks into believing they were right. As they have gone further down the path of denominationalism, even their own members are admitting that they are not of God. A poll was taken before the 1988 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. Only 11% of the clergy-delegates said they believed that the Bible is the literal word of God. How could religious movements headed by infidels possibly please God and offer salvation to men? Clearly, we must continue to expose such false religion. The modern denominational clergy has hijacked these churches, but their ancestors in the long ago hijacked people away from God when they set up these unauthorized religious organizations.

We, in Churches of Christ, shall continue to affirm a non-denominational, Bible based religion that calls on people to obey the commandments of the New Testament in all things, and to reject all religious organizations or movements that differ from the New Testament in polity, worship or mission.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 5, p. 142
March 7, 1991