Truth Magazine

By Luther W. Martin

Israel of old was called out of Egypt by the God of heaven. He was their One God, their Ruler, as well as the Creator of the universe. Their government was a theocracy, a rule of God.

Egypt represented a state of sin, a condition of enslavement, as far as the children of Israel were concerned. Thus, the predicament in which the Jews found themselves, was one of being captives in a hostile land.

But, the God of heaven, who had spoken to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel), had promised that he would make of them a great nation, and that he would provide for them a productive land, one that “flowed with milk and honey” (a figurative expression of a land in which they would dwell and prosper).

According to Joshua, the successor to Moses, as a leader of the children of Israel, all of God’s promises to their fathers had been kept and fulfilled by the God of heaven.

So the Lord gave to Israel all the land of which he had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it.

The Lord gave them rest all around, according to all that he had sworn to their fathers. And not a man-of all their enemies stood against them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand.

Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass (Josh. 21:43-45).

Joshua gives plain evidence that God kept his promises to Israel. But there were conditions attached to God’s promises: Israel was to remain faithful and obedient to God. Instead, Israel became as “a gadding bride”; an unfaithful spouse. Consequently, Israel lost the land and blessings that God had formerly promised. There was captivity by the Assyrians and later by the Babylonians. Then finally, while Daniel was a captive in Babylon, he interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2) wherein Daniel identified the King of Babylon as the “Head of Gold”; then a lesser kingdom would arise; the Medo-Persian Kingdom, portrayed as the “breast and arms of silver”; which prevailed from 538 B.C. to 330 B.C. Next, the image was described as having “belly and thighs of bronze,” in reference to the Grecian Kingdom of Alexander the Great, which would succeed the Medes and the Persians. The Kingdom of Greece as a world empire prevailed from 330 B.C. until 323 B.C., only seven years.

The final world kingdom typified by Nebuchadnezzar’s dream-image, was that of Rome, described as “legs of iron, with feet of iron and clay, mixed.” Ten lesser kingdoms (representing the toes of the image), and being divisions of the Roman Empire, included: (1) Franks, (2) Ostro-Goths, (3) Visi-Goths, (4) Vandals, (5) Burgundians, (6) Saxons, (7) Suevi, (8) Gepicli, (9) Lombards, and (10) the Eastern Empire.

And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the day, the silver, and the gold – the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure (Dan. 2:44-45).

In view of the “checkered” history of the Jewish people, it is not surprising that the very last question asked of Jesus by his disciples was: “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

In ancient times, God had set up Judges to rule or be his representatives to his people. But the Jews wanted to have a king like the Gentiles surrounding them. They cried: “Give us a King! Give us a King!” So, the God of heaven gave them Saul, David and Solomon. But after Solomon’s reign, chat nation split into two kingdoms. Ten tribes in the north comprised Israel, while two tribes in the south were known as Judah. Israel deteriorated first, becoming idolatrous. Later, Judah did the same; although Judah never became quite as sinful and rebellious as Israel had become.

Therefore, it is quite obvious, as to why the Jewish people were yearning for a “kingdom” once more.

Matthew’s Expression: “Kingdom of Heaven”

Of the four biographical books of Christ’s life, only Matthew uses the term “Kingdom of Heaven.” It is not used by Mark, Luke or John. Inasmuch as Matthew’s biography was written by a Jew for the Jews . . . to convince them of the divinity of Christ, I suggest that Inspiration chose this expression in an effort to outline to the Jews, the nature of this new Kingdom that the God of Heaven, through the sacrifice of his Son, was going to establish. Christ came into the world to “seek and save the lost” (Lk. 19:10).

(1) A kingdom has a kingl Christ became and is that Kingl He is the lawgiver for his kingdoml No one else has that authorityl Christ, the King of Salem, the Prince of Peace, has all authority, both in heaven and on earthl This is spiritual authority . . . heavenly decrees (Matt. 28:18).

(2) A kingdom has territorial boundariesl Christ’s kingdom, his “called-out citizens,” are found in every nationl His kingdom has penetrated and permeated all other kingdoms (nations) of the world

(3) A kingdom has a center of government! It may be a palace, or a capitol city. In any event, the seat of goverment authority is indicated; perhaps by a “throne.” Christ is seated at the right hand of God in heaven; reigning, ruling over the citizens in his kingdom (see Acts 2:22-29).

(4) A kingdom also has tenurel The kingdoms of men or nations of men, are temporary. They rise and fail I But the kingdom of Christ shall continue as long as time shall last (see 1 Cor. 15:20-28).

“Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God”?

Scholars tell us that these two expressions refer to one and the same Kingdom! But Matthew was the one biographical writer who sought to impress his own people, the Jews, with the spiritual or heavenly aspect of Christ’s Kingdom!

Christ reminded Peter, as the Apostle struck off Malchus’ ear with his sword: “My kingdom is not of this worldl If it were, then would My servants right!” (Jn. 18:10,36)

John the Immerser began his preaching with the message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt. 3:2)

Jesus began his preaching, by announcing: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17).

The twelve were cautioned not to go into the way of the Gentiles, nor to enter a city of the Samaritans, but in going to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, they were to announce: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt. 10:5-7)

John the Immerser did not live to see the kingdom established on Pentecost. But Jesus taught: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater that John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matt. 11:11).

Conclusion

Matthew used the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” thirty-one times. But with Mark writing to convince the Romans of the divinity of Christ; with Luke writing to convince the Greeks of Christ’s divinity; and John writing his “spiritual” gospel . . . not one of the other gospel writers used the expression “Kingdom of Heaven.” It therefore appears that Matthew’s message to the Jews must have been designed to impress upon them the purpose, nature and substance of Christ’s heavenly kingdom; designed to call out a people from earth’s carnality and prepare this community, congregation, assembly, etc., to become spiritual Israel, with the hope and goal of a heavenly home forevermore.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, pp. 202-203
April 6, 1989

By Randy Reynolds

Often times people (in general) allow mishaps, disasters, death, sickness and trials and tribulations, etc., to be their time for self-pity. “Oh pity me,” they exclaim, as if to infer that they were the only ones on whom perilous times had ever fallen. So they set out to blame God for all that has happened. Yes, this attitude does exist and it exists among a great many people, but it should not, and cannot be the demeanor of a Christian. A Christian must rise above the lowly walk in darkness and those of the world and not allow perilous times to set him at variance with God Almighty. A Christian must continue to practice truth and not allow a sinful attitude to exist.

If any would have had a strong case for having a right to seek “self-pity,” it would have been the apostle Paul and Silas. But that was not the case at all. No, instead of the self-pity routine, seemingly Paul and Silas sought to bring glory and honor to God even when situations and conditions were less than favorable.

Notice one particular example in the New Testament Scriptures (see Acts 16:16-39). Do you recall in this reading in Acts how Paul, after deliberating for many days, had commanded the demon spirit out of the certain slave girl (vv. 16-18)? Ana because of this Paul and Silas were brought before the authorities and then the chief magistrates, the ones in supreme power in this Roman colony (vv. 19,20). Then without being allowed a defense and being accused of “false charges” (v. 21), their robes were torn, they were beaten with rods and thrown into an inner (maximum security) prison. And if this was not enough punishment they fastened their feet in the stocks (vv. 23,24).

What a fine opportunity this would have been for Paul and Silas sitting in a dark dungeon with their backs bleeding from the scourge and their feet locked in the stocks, to blame God. Or if they wouldn’t blame God, don’t you think that they would at least be entitled to cry out for the pity of all those who could hear them and then just sit there and feel sorry for themselves?

That is not what Paul and Silas chose to do at all. (Be thankful for their example of courage and strength.) Instead they decided to go to God in prayer and then sing to him songs of praise (v. 25). Not only did this comfort Paul and Silas, it pleased God and led the way to the eventual baptizing of the jailer and all of his house (v. 32).

A Lesson for Us Today

In this text there is a lesson for the Christian of every era. And that lesson is one of “making the best of it. ” Make the best of all situations, instead of falsely accusing God and then worrying and pouting (feeling sorry for oneself). Make the best of it.

We don’t stand alone. Peter says in 1 Peter 5:6,7 that we should, after humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, cast all of our anxiety upon him because he cares for us. And after telling us in vv. 8 and 9 to resist our adversary the devil, he adds these very beautiful words in v. 10: “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

Paul also adds in Philippians 4:6,7 – “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpassed all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

As Christians, we must “practice the truth” (1 Jn. 1:5b) and avoid giving Satan opportunities (Eph. 5:27). We should live every word and deed of our life so as to bring glory and honor to God Almighty. Our profit lies in seeking God and that eternal home in heaven; we just cannot allow ourselves to be burdened by the cares of this present world we live in.

We don’t stand alone. For Paul says in Romans 8:35-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, ‘For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long: We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angel, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Certainly each and everyone of us must realize that his strength comes from God Almighty. We must never forsake him; we must continue to press on. Let us make the best of it.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, p. 206
April 6, 1989

By Louis J. Sharp

Pluralism seems to be the accepted standard of our nation, except for Christians! In this rejection of Christians, we may detect another step our nation has taken in the direction of ancient Rome. Long ago, barriers were crossed with reference to high taxation, rampant divorce, and unrestrained immorality. All these things contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Pluralism is: ” 1. The quality or condition of being plural, or of existing in more than one part or form. . . 3. (a) the existence within a nation or society of groups distinctive in ethnic origin, cultural patterns, religions, or the like (b) a policy favoring the preservation of such groups within a given nation or society” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 1986; p. 1097).

In a mixed society, such as we live in, pluralism is an important element within the framework of that society. Yet, as stated in Perspective (Vol. XL, Number 15, July 20, 1988):

“In the name of ‘pluralism’ -pluralism is being destroyed! In its essence, pluralism suggests diversity as a reality. It is the acceptance of diversity – tolerance of and respect for those who differ. Authentic pluralism honors distinctions. It does not try to eliminate them! Contemporary pluralism is tolerant of everything . . . except Jesus Christ! In the name of pluralism, followers of Christ are expected to show tolerance and respect for those of different persuasion. And they should! Not to do so contradicts their faith. Contrarily – in the name of pluralism, they are expected to refrain from references to Jesus Christ in public gatherings, as for example – in public prayer. Their prayer is to be ‘ecumenical’ . . . which simply means they are forbidden to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Interesting that in the name of pluralism, the one exception, the one exclusion is the name of Jesus Christ. Required even by many who profess to be ‘Christian.'”

This is both an interesting and frightening statement. Yet, the words of the author appear to be very accurate. It is the Christian religion, and only the Christian religion, that is singled out for rejection. Judaism continues unshackled. Even Islam and other eastern religions are not confronted with the vicious attacks that are made against Christianity.

The author of the article in Perspective further states:

“Not really a new phenomenon: ‘And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus’ (Acts 4:18).

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved’ Acts 4:12).”

Thus, he points to the persecution that came against the disciples in the first century. Our freedoms are being threatened today as never before. Our hard-won freedoms may be in greater jeopardy then most of us realize. Our prayer is that we may be able to preserve them for our children, our grandchildren, and all future posterity.

Pray for the God of heaven to give us strength to stand in time of persecution, if indeed it does come to us. Christians are the real minority of America!

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, p. 205
April 6, 1989

By Ron Daly

Paul, in the immediate context into which the phrase “overtaken in any trespass” is woven commands the Galatians to “walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh . . . The works of the flesh are manifest . . . of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. . . If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk” (Gal. 5:16-26).

These statements of the apostle have a direct connection with his exhortation, “Use not your freedom for an occasion of the flesh” (Gal. 5:13), lest they assume that Paul’s statement “for freedom did Christ set us free” (Gal. 5:1) was intended to loose them from the moral, religious, and restrictive requirements of law.

On the other hand, to preclude the thought of the impossibility of sin, and to guard against pride, vainglory, and jealousy in dealing with the violator of God’s law, the Spirit, through Paul declares, “Brethren, e4n if (this shows the possibility) a man (it could have been any of them, and can be any of us) be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual (they all should have been spiritual, i.e. people gifted with a spiritual frame of mind, but not all of them were) restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness (in contrast to “provoking one another, envying one another,” (Gal. 5:26); looking to thyself (instead of becoming “vainglorious”), lest thou also be tempted (to be enticed to commit his sin or some other – a distinct possibility)” (Gal. 6:1).

The word “overtaken” is used in the text to translate the Greek term prolambano. Prolambano describes a man “being caught by the trespass, through his being off guard. . . (in) contrast (to) the premeditated practice of evil” (Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 454). Thayer, in the lexicon which he translated, cites a source indicating that one meaning of prolambano is “to take one by forestalling (i.e. before he can flee or conceal his crime), i.e. surprise, detect, (Sap. XVII. 16). . .” (Thayer’s Lexicon, p. 540, definition 3).

There are contextual reasons why we can properly conclude that to “be overtaken in any trespass” is a situation of being “caught off guard by surprise,” and not of “blunders, misdeeds, or sins” of a willful, deliberate, premeditation. Notice how the context corroborates the aforementioned conclusion. First, the actual word in the Greek Testament is prolemphthe which is passive in form, implying here a sudden onslaught. Second, the “spiritual ones,” pneumatikoi, are specifically instructed to restore (katartizo, “mend, using great caution to prevent further injury”) “such a one,” implying that the pneumatikoi possess the “wisdom from above,” “being wise and understanding . . . pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 5:13ff), and would understand that this is one having been “caught by surprise” and must be restored using extreme caution, lest he be treated rudely or antagonistically as the asophos, unwise, are prone to do. Third, the spiritual ones are admonished, that while preparing to and actually engaging in the process of restoring the overtaken one, to do so “in a spirit of gentleness: looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” The evident point here is, it is possible for spiritual ones to be caught off guard, so handle this “broken body part” gently, for you have not yet so attained as to drop your guard even for one moment! Beware lest the stealthily approaching black leopard pounce upon us, ravaging and devouring your life.

Let us give careful attention to the fact that, even though Paul uses a word that portrays “one who is overtaken – caught by surprise,” this man is nonetheless said to be “in a trespass,” and needs to be “restored.” The fact that he did not determine to sin is no excuse for the fact that he did sin! The consequences of sins committed in ignorance or weakness are as grave as those committed with the full knowledge of the transgressor. The difference is not in how God categorizes sin, but in the attitude of the one sinning; unforgiven sin’s end is eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23; et. al.)

May God grant us the wisdom, love, and concern needed to “work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,” in making the way of salvation known to all, and especially by restoring (thereby saving) a brother “overtaken in any trespass”‘ (Gal. 6:1-10).

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, p. 201
April 6, 1989