Truth Magazine

By Steve Wolfgang

Footnote” Alexander Campbell, “Temperance Association, ” Millennial Harbinger, VI (September, 1835), 388-389.

During his early life, Alexander Campbell was firmly convinced that Christians should not create or belong to various reform societies. He wrote: “At the same time we have borne our testimony against Temperance Associations, Missionary Societies, and every other human institution. . . . There is not an infidel in America . . . who would not, could the Temperance Society banish one vice from the land, sound the triumph of human wisdom over the Christian Institution. They would boast that a human institution had done for the world what Christianity had not done – what the gospel could not do.”

Most of the early reformers firmly believed that the only way to reform the world was by making men Christians. That was their consuming passion. They had little time for the other crusades. They believed that the world would be a better place if more people became Christians and that a moral community which was not Christian was unthinkable.

Equally as interesting was their confidence in the superiority of God’s wisdom in all things. Could man devise a scheme for evangelizing better than that provided by God? Could man find a better way to make man moral than by the conversion of individual men? If one could think of something better, then he could boast of his achievement and God’s failure.

This issue goes to the heart of the philosophy of biblical literalism. It is important to do exactly as God directs because at stake is the glory and honor due to God. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God, if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for every and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Finally, Campbell’s statement is a good example of the rugged individualism of the Christian. The pressure on “good people” to join temperance societies was enormous by the 1830’s. But Campbell did not allow society to interpret morality for him; nor would he be pressured to conform just because others demanded it of him. He followed the teaching of the Bible and not the whim of man. One must sometimes stand against the pressure tactics of the world’s “righteous,” as well as the corruption of the worldly. – Ed Harrell

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 5, p. 134
March 1, 1990

By Brent Siota

There is too much assuming and asserting going around in the religious world today and not enough proving, proving by the Scriptures. There is even the assertion that we need no book, chapter, and verse for what we teach or do in religion; after all, they say, it’s the “spirit of the law” that counts (one example of an unproved, non-Bible assertion). But, if I am going to assert my belief in the Bible as the word of God and pattern for my life, is it not inconsistent for me to assume the authority for the things which I believe and practice? As it has always been true, error gives no proof, neither seeks it, “for every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (Jn. 3:20). In order to show that the need for Scripture for our every belief and practice is not just an assertion, let us look at some verses which prove this fact.

The Bible commands that when we speak in religious matters, we speak only what God has spoken. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). If there is not an oracle of God to back up what one says about a certain subject, then you can mark it down, that doctrine came from man, not God. The next time you hear someone preach, be like the Bereans who “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). But, too many times the listener has to search the sermon, instead of the Bible, for Scripture. Can one say that one has “spoken as the oracles of God” when all that is heard are jokes and stories? Paul said, “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

In order to be pleasing to God, one must have faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Heb. 11:6). Where does one get this faith? “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10: 17). But, one cannot be said to have faith if he does not possess the “spirit of faith” as spoken of by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:13. “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” So then it takes hearing, believing, and speaking the word of God to have the kind of faith which pleases God. If we hear, believe and speak things which are not found in the word of God, then we don’t have faith and we won’t please God. If we speak something in religion, then we must prove it by the word of God. Otherwise, it is a faithless, displeasing to God, doctrine.

Not only must we prove our doctrines by the Bible, but we must have authority (Bible) for what we practice. Jesus told the Devil “that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Lk. 4:4). The apostle John taught the same thing when he said, “Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn. 9). If we live by, or abide in, something which is not found in Scripture, then we don’t have God. If we do something in religion, then we must prove it by the word of God. Otherwise, it is a faithless, displeasing to God, act.

The Bible also commands us to follow the example of those who taught and practiced only what God said. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do” (Phil. 4:9). What do we see that Paul did? “And Paul . . . reasoned with them out of the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2). He didn’t just assert that Jesus was the Christ, he proved it to the Jews with Scripture. Apollos did the same by “shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:28). Let us “follow” their example (1 Cor. 11:1).

Let’s take some examples of some proofless doctrines, and examine them in the light of the Bible.

Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort (Doctrines and Discipline of the Methodist Church, The Articles of Religion, No. 69).

What about this assertion?

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only (Bible, Jas. 2:24).

Notice this statement from Jehovah’s (False) Witnesses:

Baptism does not wash away one’s sins (Make Sure Of All Things, p. 49; also see, The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, p. 183).

What about this assertion?

Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins (Bible, Acts 22:16, Ananias),

Notice this cardinal doctrine of Mormonism:

We were . . . created in the image of our Father . . . and we did not have a physical body, as he does (Eternal Progression, Study Guide 4).

What about this assertion?

God is a Spirit (Bible, John 4:24, Jesus Christ).

What about the assertion that one may make a contribution into the treasury of the church any time he pleases? There is just as much authority for that as there is for a pie sale, which is none. The Bible teaches that the designated day for a contribution is “the first day of the week” (I Cor. 16:2). These are just a few examples of unproved assertions.

Realize the fact that Scripture may be offered as proof ‘ but not actually prove anything. The Devil quoted Scripture, but he perverted it (Matt. 4).

“All scripture . . . 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). Any thing that we would ever need to believe or do to be pleasing to God can be found in the Bible. Be sure that you can “shew by the scriptures” everything that you believe, teach, and do.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 4, pp. 116, 120
February 15, 1990

By Mike Willis

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mk. 3:13-17).

The call of Levi or Matthew contains several lessons for us which remind us of our need for humility and consciousness of our own sins as we work to bring others to Christ. Let us study these lessons.

The Conversion of Matthew

Matthew was a publican, from among a group who were notoriously unscrupulous in the collection of taxes. John the Baptist had singled out the publicans as one group of the “generation of vipers” who were called to repentance. Luke relates this about John’s charge to the publicans, “Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you” (Lk. 3:12-13). The publicans were notorious for over-taxing the people and pocketing what was in excess of the amount the state demanded.

Because of their extortion and position as agents of Rome, the publicans were socially rejected, religiously excommunicated, and politically viewed as traitors. Nevertheless, their job was lucrative. When Jesus called Matthew, saying “Follow me,” he forsook his lucrative position to become the Lord’s disciple. What a contrast he makes with the rich young ruler who rejected Christ to cling to his possessions (Matt. 19:16-22). How many of us would walk away from a high-paying job to be the Lord’s disciple?

Becoming a disciple of Christ meant new pursuits, new goals, new morals, and new friends. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Certainly this was true for Matthew.

Having seen what Jesus had done for him, Matthew used his influence to introduce others to Christ. He invited his friends to a feast in honor of Jesus that they too might become acquainted with him. Matthew’s example of using his influence to bring others to Christ should be instructive to each of us. How many of us have opened our home to our neighbors and friends to introduce them to the Christ? When a new family visits where you worship, do you open your home to them to conduct a Bible study?

The Charge Against Jesus

When the Pharisees saw Jesus attend Matthew’s feast with publicans and sinners, they charged Jesus with sin saying he “eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners. ” The charge indicts Jesus with condoning sin and participating with sinners. Had Jesus joined with sinners in their conduct or bid them godspeed by his action, he certainly would have been guilty of sin (2 Jn. 9-11). However, that was not his purpose for being there. Some had placed the worst possible construction on Jesus’ actions. Some always will.

The truth is that Jesus was working with the publicans and sinners to bring them to repentance. Jesus did not turn his back on the social outcasts. He preached the gospel to the poor (Matt. 11:5) and ministered to the down and out. He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory” (Matt. 12:20). He had interest in the soul of the Samaritan woman who had five precious husbands and was living with one who was not her husband (Jn. 4). He saw the value of every soul; it was worth more than all of the world (Matt. 16:26).

We must never forget the preciousness of one soul, regardless of how marred and despicable it may have become because of the defilement of sin. The homosexual, with his incurable disease of AIDS, is still a soul in need of God’s salvation. A few years ago, I drove down a street in Nashville, Tennessee where I saw a “street person.” The woman was at least 50-60 years old, her gray hair was long and matted; she obviously was in need of a bath. Though her appearance was repulsive and still lingers in my memory, I remind myself that she has a soul even as I do and that she needs the Lord’s salvation just the same as does the banker in our community.

We need to be careful not to allow our view of such people to fall to the level of that of the Pharisees who saw such men as contemptible sinners. Jesus says these people are sinsick and in need of healing; the Pharisees only saw contemptible, unclean sinners which could not be touched without contaminating one’s self.

They That Are Whole Have No Need Of A Physician

Jesus’ response to those who condemned him for eating with “publicans and sinners” was this: “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Mk. 2:17). Who are “they that are whole” who have no need of a physician? The physician is Christ and the healing is forgiveness of sins. The Scriptures teach that none is whole and without need of a physician (Rom. 3:23).

However, there are some who imagine themselves to be so righteous that they do not think they have need of a physician (cf. Rev. 3:17). In the context, these were the Pharisees who condemned Jesus for associating with “publicans and sinners.” The great Physician cannot heal the man who does not recognize that he is sick and in need of healing.

Jesus Came To Call Sinners To Repentance

The calling of Jesus is a call for sinners to repent. There is a mistaken understanding of the ministry of Jesus manifested among some who labor tirelessly among the social outcasts. Some who work among the vilest of sinners issue no call to repentance. They conceive of the gospel as a ministry to the physical suffering of drunks, drug addicts, and prostitutes. They hand out food, treat drunkenness, provide housing, and pay for medical help. But they do little for the soul! Without denying the physical suffering of these sin sick souls, I remind you that the gospel is not aimed at ministering to physical needs, but to spiritual needs. Some have confused those who want help with those who want a hand-out.

The Lord came to call sinners to repentance! The gospel is not a “come as you are” party. Those who promise grace without repentance misunderstand the gospel’s call. Jesus condemned the man who showed up at the wedding feast without white garments (Matt. 22:11-14), condemning those who do not clothe themselves in righteousness.

What this means for mankind is this: homosexuals (even those with AIDS) can come to Christ, but they must quit committing homosexual acts; adulterers (even those who have violated their marriage vows by committing fornication against their mates) and fornicators (even those with VD) can come to Christ, but they must quit committing sexual immorality; alcoholics can come to Christ, but they must cease drinking; drug addicts can come to Christ, but they must quit using drugs. The call of the gospel is a call to repentance!

Conclusion

 

The gospel invitation is extended to every man. It gives each of us the opportunity to begin anew, to have every sin which we have committed washed away by the blood of Christ. Regardless of what wicked deeds we may have committed, we can be born again (Jn. 3:5), sanctified and cleansed with the washing of water by the word (Eph. 5:26), that we might be without “spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Eph. 5:27). If God could save those “publicans and sinners” of the first century, there is reason to believe that he can save me!

 

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 5, pp. 130, 150
March 1, 1990

By Jady W. Copeland

One meaning of the word “lost” is, “not used to good purpose.” Thus we may say, “He lost time.” Therefore in this article, I don’t mean we have lost our Bible (though I think this often happens), but I mean we have not put the word of God to good use. We have not used it for the purpose God intended.

Josiah began reigning over Judah at the young age of eight years, and in his eighteenth year as king he ordered Shaphan, the scribe, to the house of the Lord in order to tell the high priest Hilkiah to “sum the silver which is brought into the house of the Lord” which had been gathered by the people for the repair of the temple. When Hilkiah did this, he found the book of the law in the house and gave it to Shaphan who read it, and took it to the king. When Josiah read it, he rent his clothes and told Hilkiah the priest to “go ye, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of his book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2 Kgs. 22:13). This book may have been the original of the covenant renewed by Moses in the plains of Moab which he ordered to be put beside the ark (Deut. 31:26). At any rate the book had been lost and the nation of Judah under the two previous kings had become very wicked, having left the commandments of the Lord. While there were other circumstances involved in the apostasy of the nation, the fact remains that the book of God was lost. Josiah said, for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2 Kgs. 22:13). Josiah knew that without the words of God there was no way for the people to be guided by the Lord.

God’s word was lost to the Jews in the days of Christ on earth because of man’s traditions (Mk. 7:5-9). By this time the Jews had decided that their traditions were as important, or more so, as the Scriptures themselves. Jesus said, “Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.” His example was that the money they should have used to take care of their parents had been “given to God” (Corban). Thus they voided the word of God because of traditions of men.

Tradition of itself is not wrong. In fact the word is used in a good sense in 1 Corinthians 11:2 where Paul wrote, “Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.” “Tradition” simply means “a handing down or on” (W.E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Vol. IV, p. 147). But Paul told us where he received that which he “handed down” – from the Lord himself (Gal. 1:11- 12). Even man’s traditions are not necessarily wrong unless we make them “law” – either by word or practice. I am afraid we have come very close to making some of our practices “law,” however.

Let me illustrate with a simple illustration. It has been my observation in some congregations that we have almost “deified” Wednesday night. During a meeting, people will come on Wednesday night but not on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Why? I believe one should take advantage of Sunday night and Wednesday night worship opportunities. The one who does not come indicates a lack of zeal, spiritual maturity and desire to know more of God’s word, to say nothing of the opportunity to encourage others and enjoy their fellowship. The same can be said to some degree of taking advantage of meetings in other communities, though we may not have the same obligation there. So just to come to the meeting house on Wednesday night because we are “supposed to” is not good enough reason, and looks very much like one may be coming out of tradition.

God’s word is “lost ” to some due to ignorance. They cannot make best use of it because they do not know what it says. We surely pray often enough that we listen to the lesson “that we may apply it to our lives.” But even so, it is to me amazing how much ignorance there is among us. There is of course, no magic way to getting knowledge; we must study and “give diligence.” We surely do an injustice to 2 Timothy 2:15 when we think “study” (King James Version) means no more than reading a few verses just before we fall asleep so that, perhaps, we can say we are a “daily Bible reader.” The American Standard Version says “give diligence.” The Revised Standard Version says “Do your best to present yourself approved.” This brings up another major problem in our generation, we are too busy.

In our society we have to “keep up with the Joneses” and that necessitates the husband working two jobs often, and putting the wife to work, often at night, or even on Sunday. This not only prevents them from taking advantage of worship opportunities with the brethren, but also makes them so tired that they do not want to study in the home; even if they have time after this; selfish people grapple for the things of this life to make them more comfortable. If these “faithful” ones do manage to make it to services on Sunday and perhaps Wednesday, they have been so “busy” in work and watching TV that they have not prepared their lessons. Of course, this all boils down to the sad fact that they do not have their priorities right (Matt. 6:33).

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 5, pp. 129, 151
March 1, 1990