Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

I wish there were some wonderful place

Called the Land of Beginning Again,

Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches

And all our selfish grief

Could be dropped like a shabby coat at the door

And never put on again.

I first heard the poem above many years ago. It made a lasting impression on my mind but I never saw it in its entirety. In a meeting at Alliance, Ohio a few weeks ago, I quoted the first two lines, which I remembered, stating that I wish I had the entire poem. It just so happened that Jack Jones, the local preacher, had a copy and he typed it up for me as I have printed it above. I do not know the author but I still like the thought.

Had the author known the Truth of God, he would have known that there is a Land of Beginning Again. That Land is the Land of New Testament Christianity. It is the Land of Redemption or Salvation. It is the Land wherein Newness of Life is realized. It is the Church, the Kingdom, the Vineyard, the Body of Christ. It is that place where lost men lay aside their sins like a shabby coat. It is a place where those sins are washed away by the blood of Christ, never to be reckoned against us again. How we should thank God that there is such a Land!

Sin condemns us and separates us from God (Jn. 8:24; Isa. 59:1-2). Sin is the taskmaster of Satan with which he enslaves us to his devilish will (Rom. 6:16-18). Men commit sins of all kinds which cause the loss of the soul. Sins like: fornication, covetousness, malice, blasphemy, filthy speech, lying and a host of other things too numerous to mention (Col. 3:5-9).

But Paul said that Christians “have put off the old man and his deeds.” Those deeds are that which we take off like an old coat and we are supposed to throw them away. We, and our abominable sins, are “buried” with the Lord in baptism (Rom. 6:4). The old man of sin, dead in those trespasses and sins (Eph. 2: 1), is buried in a watery grave. However, unlike every other “burial,” we are said to be “raised up from the dead” to “walk in newness of life.” This is the Land of Beginning Again! The apostle Paul once said, “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). This is the realm where we are God’s people, holy and beloved. It is a place where kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance and forgiving one another are bound together in perfect love (Col. 3:12-15). It is here that we begin all over again in an innocency like that of a child. All the sins have been washed away and we stand before God without spot or wrinkle or any such thing (Eph. 5:27).

Most importantly, everyone should (1) obey the Gospel and enter this Land of Beginning Again, and (2) strive with diligence to walk its glorious paths in a way which sustains this new beginning. We should know more than we did as a child so we should not be making as many mistakes as we made before. When we do sin, we should quickly correct them according to the Word (Acts 8:22). If we fail in this, we mar our garments again and waste the blessed opportunity we had of Beginning Again.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 3, p. 72
February 1, 1990

By Linda J. Cruz

My daughter will never be a cheerleader. Oh, she’s got the coordination and the enthusiasm, but the love of God and his word prohibit cladding oneself in a skimpy little uniform and parading around on display for a crowd. That alone is sufficient, not to mention the lewd and suggestive routines that pass as cheers today. Some professional teams more accurately refer to their cheerleaders as “dancers.”

Nor will she be likely to learn any form of dance. I would be willing for her to train in ballet or tap provided she be allowed to dress in modest apparel, not in a skin-tight, body hugging leotards and tights as the practice is today. This same problem with modest apparel will probably prevent her from a study of gymnastics. Again, I would be glad for her to train and reap the benefits of such physical exercise but not at the expense of her soul.

“Oh, they’re just little girls,” some will protest. That’s right – little girls who grow into big girls. What magic age is the right one to begin instilling modesty in a child? At 10, 14, or 17? When do you teach children to keep their bodies covered and chaste? When does a parent begin to make a distinction in the way the world dresses and in the manner in which God’s people clothe themselves? Do we allow them to dress immodestly all through the formative years and all of a sudden impose restrictions at puberty? I believe that it’s never too early; Timothy knew the Scriptures from his childhood (1 Tim. 3:15).

Others argue, “Why make the teen years more difficult than they have to be? It’s cruel to make the child look so different.” First of all, these attitudes reveal a lack of Bible knowledge. We are to be pilgrims (Heb. 11:13), not conformed to this world (Rom. 12:2). Secondly, we don’t have to look like alien creatures. (It may one day come to that at the present rate of undress dictated by the fashion world.) We don’t have to wear veils or neck-high and foot-low dresses to be modest, but if our mode of dress serves to set us apart, then so be it. We should be like Moses . . . choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb. 11:25). Look at the example of Noah: only eight souls of the world’s population were abiding in righteousness. We all want our children to excel, to be outstanding in some area, to stand apart, to be a leader rather than a follower. Why, then, are we so reluctant to allow them to be different from the world in manner of dress? Dressing immodestly can make the teenage years more difficult and more trying than necessary; and often with devastating results. Many fear the attention that will be given to one who dresses differently. But when it comes down to it, attention is the motive behind dressing scantily, so the argument fails. If dressing modestly in a world that gives no thought to being chaste is the greatest sacrifice that we or our children have to make, then we should all thank God that our sacrifice is so small.

“You’re just an old-fashioned fuddy-dud, behind the times and ignorant of what’s in style,” is usually an excuse given by the young. Yet, it is possible to be fashionable and stylish without parading and prancing our bodies before the world. There are still long-enough, high-enough and loose-enough clothing styles to choose from for most any activity we participate in. I go to the beach (yes, in the water, too) wearing a shirt and knee length pants over a bathing suit, and I daresay I have just as much fun as those who are making public displays of their bodies. Regardless of popular customs, God’s law has always called for modesty. You will recall, after their disobedience and realizing their nakedness, Adam and Eve made “aprons” of fig leaves for themselves but God clothed them in “coats of skins” (Gen. 3:7,21).

In warmer climates, we hear, “It’s too hot to wear so much. Less is cooler.” If the pioneer women of this country could wear long dresses, often with long sleeves, pantaloons, boots, and who knows what all else, what am I complaining about? They wore these things laundering and cooking over an open fire, working in the field, etc. I can certainly wear modest clothing when I have air conditioning, electric fans, stoves, and other such labor saving devices which I am blessed with. You can be sure, however, that if fashion designers tomorrow declared shorts, halters, cropped shirts, tube tops, etc. to be out of date and passe, such clothing would be abandoned in the blink of the eye, regardless of the weather.

“Part of the beauty of ballet is seeing the body. It’s art. Other clothing would inhibit the movements.” Publishers of pornographic magazines and producers of pornographic films refer to their products as “art.” This in no way excuses them. The human body is a wondrous thing but the fact remains that God demands modest apparel (1 Tim. 2:9). Students of the martial arts wear heavy canvas uniforms which don’t interfere with the artistic aspects, nor with the coordination and precision required of such students. Body hugging clothing is not necessary to enhance their techniques. (And just imagine how hot those uniforms get in a workout period!)

Others compromise with, “Schools require certain uniforms for physical education classes and for team sports.” If I have to deal with the school system regarding standard uniforms, then I must. But I have known others who were successful in and survived such conflicts. Immodesty is immodesty regardless of whether it’s at the mall, on school grounds, on the beach, or assembling with the saints. Lotteries and abortion are sanctioned by the state, but that in no way justifies such sin nor does it change God’s attitude. We must never fail to keep in mind the higher Authority to whom we will answer (Acts 4:19; 5:29).

One of my favorites is, “I can’t control the thoughts of others who look at me. It’s not my problem.” The whole motive and idea behind concern with our looks and appearance is so that others will have favorable impressions and opinions. You are, in essence, trying to exert some control over the thoughts of others when it comes to your appearance. What we cannot control is who looks at us. Walking down the street scantily clad affords no control over who sees what. It may be someone who has a tight rein on their thoughts. Or it may be one who is weak or it may be someone who has impure thoughts and motives. Or it may be someone who is depraved of any morality. We must not be guilty of evoking lust or sinful thoughts in others (Matt. 5:28).

“If you’ve got it, flaunt it,” is the attitude many in the world and far too many Christians. We all want to look our best and receive some acknowledgment for our efforts, but our preoccupation should not be attaining attention for our looks (1 Pet. 3:3,4). We are not to set a stumbling block before others (Rom. 14:13), be it those who would follow a wanton example or those who would be guilty of lusting.

I am amazed at the way some women allow their daughters to dress. Are they blind? But even more astounding is that their fathers would allow it. All men were once young; and men know men. They are well aware of the temptations which abound. Why would they allow their own daughters to so present themselves? It is a mystery to me.

I’ve spoken mainly of female apparel but the same criteria will be the standard for my son. There is no difference in the Bible’s code of morality for men than there is for women. What’s my point? Women should be chaste, covering their bodies, living in a modest and pure way. The same applies for men. Women should wear their blouses and men should keep their shirts on, too. Yes, I’m making these decisions now before my children are of an age to want to participate in such. (My children are ages 6V2 years and 7 months.) I am also insistent that they brush their teeth regularly and not play in the street. I am not doing so to deprive my children, but out of love for them. It is a shame that I have to exclude my children from so many activities – but it’s the devil who’s drawing the lines, and I dare not cross over. I will teach my children the Bible principles behind these decisions and hopefully they will reach the same conclusions. If they do not, it will still be my responsibility to look out for their well-being, both physical and spiritual.

When we submit to the Lord in baptism and commit to living the Christian life, we have to put some activities and actions away. We can’t continue in them and walk in the light. We may need to put some of our clothing away as well. I’m reminded of the Christians in the book of Acts (chapter 19) who had a book burning; I think we may need to torch some clothes, too.

Ask yourself the following:

Is my outfit something I would wear while trying to teach and convert others to Christ? Do I exert a godly influence? We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20) and we are epistles (2 Cor. 3:2-3).

Is my clothing exemplary of a meek and gentle spirit (1 Pet. 3:4) or does it exhibit a far different attitude?

Are you ashamed to be seen in it by certain people, i.e. elders, preachers, Bible teachers, faithful Christians? (I’m embarrassed when folks stop by and catch me in my yard-work clothes or my painting outfits because it’s not a pretty sight, but I’m not ashamed.)

Is my outfit holy and acceptable unto God (Rom. 12:1,2)?

Do I lie? Cheat? Steal? Murder? Dress immodestly (Jas. 2: 10-11)?

Would I want to be “caught dead in it” (Lk. 12:20a)?

What do I sacrifice by dressing modestly’ What do I sacrifice by dressing immodestly (Lk. 14:28; Matt. 16:26)?

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 3, pp. 84-85
February 1, 1990

By Edgar J. Dye

Introduction

We think 2 John 6-11, which we shall use as our text in this series of articles, serves our purpose well. Several things capture our attention as we read it: Love of God and walking after his commandments cannot be separated; there were many deceivers who entered into the world; Christians were urged to look to themselves lest they fail to receive a full reward; one who transgresses and abides not in the doctrine of Christ has not God; to have the Father and the Son one must abide in the doctrine of Christ; we are not to fellowship the one who comes and brings not the doctrine of Christ; if we bid such an one “God speed” we are partakers of his evil deeds. All such was true then and is still true today. Thus we offer some thoughts on what our attitude toward error should be.

In our day we are hearing a great deal about the necessity of having a proper attitude, which is fine if used properly and in harmony with the doctrine of Christ . There is a need for the proper attitude toward all things, which certainly includes the right attitude toward truth and error. Let me go on record in the beginning and affirm that with the proper attitude toward truth there will always be a proper attitude toward error. Whenever and wherever there is an improper attitude toward error there can never be the proper attitude toward truth. Our actions are the direct result of our attitude. Things we think, say and do are a result of our attitude toward God, people, things, sin, righteousness, truth and/or error.

I am amazed and deeply saddened at the lax attitude of many professed Christians toward error both in and out of the church. In problems we face, sometimes members of the church will shrug it off with a statement or an attitude somewhat like the following: “Well, you have your opinion and I have mine!” Then, they refuse to study the issue. Too many have the spirit of compromise, are entirely too soft, and display a “jelly-fish” backbone in matters of truth and error. This kind may spend all week trying to “white-wash” what the preacher says on Sunday. If you don’t watch them, they will apologize for the Bible. They are so afraid of offending someone with the truth they constantly accuse the one who preaches the truth with conviction plainly and condemns error severely with not possessing the proper spirit or attitude. Such is a sign of modernistic tendencies and the P.M.A. syndrome even though they deny it.

Having the proper attitude does not give anyone the right to be mean-spirited, to misrepresent, or deliberately to abuse another. But many think we are mean, abusive, and offensive when we preach as the apostles and Jesus himself preached. A few years ago I read of a gospel preacher who said, “John asked for his own funeral,” and that “Stephen should have used a better approach.” Others have been known to say, “Preach the truth, but don’t make specific application.” “Leave them alone; they are satisfied; it won’t do any good, why bother?” Problems in the church in any age are natural consequences of unbelief and an improper attitude toward the authority of God’s word. Attitude causes one to be either firm in one’s stand or soft and wishy-washy; to be strong or weak. For one reason or another most of us need to be educated in these matters and periodically reminded because we have a tendency to say, “What does it matter?” become indifferent, and give up diligent efforts to “fight the good fight of faith.”

Position of the Church in the World

A correct understanding of the position of the Lord’s church (the Lord’s people) in the world will go a long way in helping us to determine the proper attitude toward sin and error, which position is quite clear from the following facts: (1) The church is the “called out” body of people belonging to the Lord by right of purchase – a “called-out” and 44 purchased” people (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:19,20). (2) Each member of that “called-out” body has been called and chosen of the Lord by means of the gospel of Christ (2 Thess. 2:13,14; 1 Pet. 1:1-5; 2:9,10). This gospel is God’s power to save, which all the apostles were commissioned to preach (Rom. 1:14-16; Mk. 16:15,16; Lk. 24:4447; Gal. 1:6-9). By it each one is washed, sanctified, justified, saved and made holy (1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1:21; 15:1,2; Eph. 5:25-26; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; 1 Pet. 1:22). (3) Each member is blood-bought; thus the whole body is a people of God’s own possession, a peculiar people, a purchased people (1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Pet. 1:18,19; Acts 20:28; Gal. 3:13; 3:29; Tit. 2:11-14; Heb. 9:11,12). (4) God’s people are people who are in the world, but not of the world (Jn. 18:36; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). (5) They are a people who must be separate from the world and every evil work or every form of evil (2 Cor. 6:17-7: 1; 1 Thess. 5:21,22). (6) They are a people who must not be fashioned after or conformed to the world, but transformed (Rom. 12:1,2). (7) They are a people identified as “the salt of the earth’ I and I ‘the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16). (8) They are a people who have learned, believed and obeyed the truth by which they are made free from sin and its condemnation (1 Pet. 1:22; Jn. 8:31,32). (9) They are a people who “hunger and thirst after righteousness,” and hate every false way (Matt. 5:6; Psa. 119:104,127,128; Rev. 2:2). (10) They are a people identified as God’s spiritual family God’s born-again sons and daughters, the church of God (Jn. 3:3-7; Acts 2:36-41; 1 Tim. 3:14,15; 1 Jn. 3:1-11). (11) They are a people identified as saints, who are sanctified unto the Lord – a saved, purified, justified people by “the washing of water by the word a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing . . . holy and without blemish” to be presented to the Lord (Eph. 5:25-27; Col. 1:2; 1 Pet. 2:9). (12) Also, they are a people who are identified as Christians, adherents of the Lord who are to be holy as he is holy (Acts 11: 26; 1 Pet. 4:16; Acts 26:28; Jas. 2:7; see also 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 Jn. 3:2,3; 2 Cor. 7:1).

Conclusion

None of the points we have considered nor any of the terms used to describe the Lord’s disciples will allow us to be false teachers, practitioners of error or to fellowship error in any form with God’s approval. Our attitude should be the same as the Father, the Son, the Apostles of Christ, and other inspired teachers – which shall be considered in subsequent articles.

Our fight against sin and error is: (1) Two-fold – “without” and “within”; (2) Not with flesh and blood (Eph. 6:10-18; 2 Cor. 2:11); (3) Not waged with carnal weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Nevertheless, it is a fight and we always have the battle on our hands which can be fought only by preaching the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, while exposing error with all the fervor of our being. We must not ignore the problem or shirk our duty in the fight lest we be overcome by it.

Sin and error “within” are much more dangerous to us than that which is “without.” But we must not ignore either. The water on the outside of the ship at sea is dangerous. But the water which gets inside the ship is much more dangerous; in fact, it can be disastrous. Thus it must be kept out at all cost and by all righteous means. If and when it gets inside, its removal is imperative.

In view of this, how can be have any other attitude toward error but to hate and abhor it. If we do, we will be found exposing it whenever and wherever it raises its ugly head. Our work is well defined for us: we must preach the truth and expose error without fear or favor, even if it means personal loss!

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 4, pp. 99-100
February 15, 1990

By Michael Garrison

That Mary, the mother of Jesus, is worshiped by Romans Catholics is both affirmed and denied by Catholic sources. In The Faith of Our Fathers, James Cardinal Gibbons, one time Archbishop of Baltimore, wrote: “The liturgies of the Church, being the established formularies of her (Mary) public worship. . . ” (emphasis mine, m1g, p. 172, published in 1876). Yet, in the May 1, 1988 issue of Parade Magazine, in an advertisement published by the Knights of Columbus – the Catholic Information Service, they tell us that Catholics “do not worship her.” Have Catholics changed since Mr. Gibbons wrote his book and which went through 110 editions? I think not!

I recently received information to “Join the Universe in Honoring Mary the Mother of God on Her Birthday September 8 and Throughout the Whole Year” from Catholics in Australia. We are also informed by the advertisement how long this celebration has been going on: “For over 1500 years Christians have kept September 8 as the birthday of the blessed Virgin Mary. It is of Eastern origin and was first celebrated in Jerusalem in the 5th century.” But, that is too late to be in the “doctrine of Christ” (2 Jn. 9). To keep the birthday of Mary is to not do what 1 Peter 4:11 says: “If anyone speaks, let it be as with word of God.” (Note: unless otherwise mentioned, all Scripture references are from the Saint Joseph New Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible, Confraternity Edition.) Let all be content with God’s revealed will, “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and let us learn not to “transgress what is written” (1 Cor. 4:6).

We do realize that Jesus Christ is God (Jn. 1:1), but Mary is never called “the Mother of God” nor “The Mother of the Church” as Roman Catholics refer to her. Mary is referred to in the Bible as “mother of my Lord” (Lk. 1:43) and “mother of Jesus” (Jn. 2:1).

Certainly, the Scriptures teach the divine nature of Jesus as being existent from all eternity, and in no way dependent on Mary for his eternal being! In John 8:58, Jesus affirmed his eternal existence by saying, “I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I am.” This is the same language God used to Moses to tell the Israelites who sent him (see Exod. 3:13-14). If Mary is designated as “The Mother of God” would not that imply she existed before God? If not, why not?

The only emphasis to Mary we find in the Spirit inspired Bible is that she was the mother of Jesus. “. . . concerning his Son who was born to him according to the flesh of the offspring of David”; “But when the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law” (Rom. 13; Gal. 4:4). Let us abide in the Word!

That Mary was “blessed among women” (Lk. 1:43) we do not deny, but when Jesus was born in the flesh, and Mary fulfilled her motherly responsibilities to him, her part in God’s divine plan was over. We do not worship her! When the apostle John worshiped an angel, the angel said, “Thou must not do that. I am a fellow-servant of thine and of thy brethren who give the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!” (Apocalypse, Revelation 19:10). Dare we not obey?! As blessed as Mary was to give birth to the fleshly body of Jesus, we should be aware that some are even more blessed! In Luke 11:27-28, we read, “Now it came to pass as he was saying these things, that a certain woman from the crowd lifted up her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the breasts that nursed thee.’ But he said, ‘Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”‘ Catholics don’t like this reading, so James Cardinal Gibbons in Faith of Our Fathers (p. 179) defines the word “rather” by “or yea, likewise.” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon informs us that the word “rather” means, “nay surely, any rather; three times in answers by which what was previously said is corrected” (p. 399). So, the idea is not likewise but rather.

In his fascinating two volume work, Catholicism Against Itself, O.C. Lambert has the following quote (Vol. 2, p. 124):

It is undeniable that the cult of Mary, like everything else of a delicate nature, has been subject to numerous exaggerations and corruptions. Yet Mariology, in spite of this, is bound up with the whole system of Catholic truths.

If I might add a final characteristic, I should say that this aspect of Catholicism has the distinctive mark of freedom. According to the faith and discipline of the Church, devotion to Mary is not necessary for the winning of God’s love; otherwise, the first six centuries would stand condemned. The creeds hardly speak at all of the Virgin. The liturgy of the sacraments does not mention her. The prayers of the Mass rarely name her (The Virgin Mary, Guitton, 178-179).

Yet, in spite of the truth, the cult of Mariology has grown over the years to what we see today. It was not known for the first six centuries, as admitted by a Catholic writer! But, it is hoped that some with good and honest hearts will respond to the truth of God as given in the Bible. We can unite on that – but never can we unite on so-called traditions followed by the Roman Catholic Church. Let us ever ask for a “thus saith the Lord” in all things!

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 3, p. 76
February 1, 1990