Truth Magazine

By Johnie Edwards

Walk Worthy Of The Lord

Paul told the Colossians, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10). Paul expressed the same thought to the Thessalonians. “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). To walk worthy of the Lord and God is to walk in a manner which corresponds to the high standard set by God, respecting what the Lord has done for us.

Walk Circumspectly

Paul admonished the Epheisans, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). To walk circumspectly is to walk carefully, being cautious and attentive. A Christian must walk strictly according to the Word, using his time wisely.

Walk In Wisdom

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5). Christians must constantly remember that outsiders are watching the walk of God’s people. Someone has well said that outsiders “watch our walk more than our talk, and measure our talk by our walk.” So, Christians must walk wisely.

Walk in Honesty

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantoness, not in strife and envying” (Rom. 13:13). A Christian must be honest and practice such in his daily walk. Paul also admonished the people in Thessalonica to “walk honestly toward them that are without and that ye may have lack of nothing” (1 Thess. 4:12). Honesty is still the best policy!

Walk In Love

An essential characteristic of the Christian’s walk is to walk in love. Paul told the Ephesians, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and bath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor” (Eph. 5:1-2). One of the things which is lacking in the walk of so many of my brethren is love one for another. During the last few years while there has been so many things slipping into the Lord’s church which are not authorized by the Word of God, brethren have been alienated because they fail to walk in love.

Walk After His Commandments

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments” (2 Jn. 6). To walk after God’s commands is to seek after and obey His will. This all Christians must do. The results of such walking can mean much to a Christian. If we will walk as God desires that we walk here on this earth, we someday can walk with Him in white. As we read the letter written to the church at Sardis, we can learn the results of such walking. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” (Rev. 3:4). Look over your life and see if you need to make some changes in your walking.

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 215 
March 30, 1978

By Leslie Diestelkamp

That parental discipline is necessary is so obvious that it need not be argued in this paper. When Paul said to train up a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, he certainly included giving direction to the younger lives. Without discipline a young dog or a young horse would develop into a useless, unruly animal. Unless someone gives direction to its development, a grape vine may produce much foliage and little fruit. Only by rigid discipline of its growth is the delicate orchid brought to maximum beauty. Almost everything must be disciplined!

So, without arguing the need for discipline, let us proceed to consider ways and means that are good and bad, that are productive or counter-productive. And even in this very personal, intimate family problem the Bible becomes our guiding light:

1. First, consider some negatives: Solomon said, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son” and “A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Prov. 13:24; 29:15). Many parents may have loved their children much, but they may have loved them unwisely. Some seem to think they show their love by permitting almost anything the child desires and by granting almost every request. They seem to think that love for the child requires that the parent overlook all wrong-doing and ignore every misdemeanor. But in God’s sight, such parental conduct is a demonstration of hatred for the child, not love.

2. Next let us consider some positives: Again Solomon said, “He that loveth him ahasteneth him betimes” (Prov. 13:24). “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Prov. 19:18). Then he said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov.22:6). We must not decline our obligation to correct the course of a child’s life.

We have passed through a permissive time in which many tried to avoid strict discipline for children, both in the home and in the school, especially anything resembling spanking. But it seems there may indeed be a change of attitude today — at least there are signs that a change may be coming. Not only has the Bible continually taught us the proper attitude in this regard, but surely we will have seen the havoc wrought by the permissiveness of the last three decades. Rebellion against fathers, rejection of mothers, hatred of home and disregard for all authority is demonstrated everywhere. Many of the youth have become obsessed with selfishness, arrogance and mad-at-the-world attitude.

Application Principles

Punishment, including spanking, is not very beneficial, in and of itself, unless it is administered with the right attitude and accompanied with the right action by the parents. For instance:

1. Punishment should be, as nearly as possible, immediate. A child, especially a small one, will not benefit by a delayed action. It is quite vain to delay the punishment and expect the child to get the lesson just because you remind him of what it is for.

2. Punishment needs to be certain. That is, a child needs to know what to expect if he is disobedient. If the parent is vacillating, sometimes punishing and sometimes ignoring the matter, then the real benefits of discipline are mostly lost. A spirit of risk–of the thrill of risking-may indeed develop if the child thinks he may disobey without punishment.

3. Of course punishment must be fair and reasonable. A child may be “provoked to wrath” (Eph. 6:4) if he is punished unjustly and if he is abused. (I hasten to add he needs to be hurt. If he is laughing all the while, you have failed to punish at all. But this hurt must not be cruel, inhumane treatment.) Most of all, he must be made to see that he deserves such punishment!

4. Yes, if he is disobedient, spank him, good! It ought to hurt him worse than it does you! Then, do not apologize for what you have done. Rather, let him have time to cry-and to submit. Then, when he shows remorse, as he surely will if he has been trained properly, smile with him or cry with him if the circumstance demands such, and take him into your arms in reconciliation.

We must recognize that each child is an individual and each one must be handled in the wisest way for him. We have all heard of the mother who told the teacher, “Don’t spank my child; spank the child next to mine and mine will get the lesson!” But that will not work. Among children in a family, while still recognizing individual natures, fairness demands that all be treated equally. What a pity it is to see several children grow up with excellent guidance and then see the last child, the baby, spoiled rotten! And sometimes when this occurs, even the older ones are “turned off” by the pampering of the baby brother or sister.

Finally, remember that an ounce of punishment is worth a pound of threats. Actually, threats only serve to harden the children and to instigate more trouble. I can remember when my children were young and the family traveled long distances, sometimes they became too noisy or quarrelsome while confined to such close quarters so long. Then I would say, “If you don’t get quiet, I’ll let you walk a while.” Of course they knew that I wouldn’t put them out on the highway! So my threat was an empty, useless one. Usually it was better to get them involved in some travel game or otherwise divert their attention from the little problem that caused the turmoil.

Meaningless Rules

Every discerning parent knows that there must be some rules in every family circle. And parents must have the ability and the wisdom to make the rules and to enforce them. But rules that are made but not enforced become counter-productive-they do harm, not good. If you tell Johnny, “No, you can’t watch- that horror show on T.V.” you should be prepared to require his obedience. If he can throw a tantrum and get by with it, and turn the T.V. on while you cry and whine and scold, you have lost that much of his respect. Do not make rules you do not intend to enforce.

Love your children; love them with a pure heart, but with a strong will that does not yield to childish rebellion. With sincere love, bind up the wounds in their bodies and in their hearts. Love them instantly and constantly, love them openly and affectionately, and then love them with the integrity and strength that will produce the kind of children that will be altogether loveable even long after they are no longer toddlers beneath your feet. Next “Goals.”

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, pp. 214-215
March 30, 1978

By Jimmy Tuten, Jr.

The position that one is saved by faith only is very prevalent in some religious circles. One religious group maintains that justification is “solely through faith in Christ” while another group goes so far as to say salvation by faith only is “a most wholesome doctrine.” Those who advocate this find themselves in a dilemma, for they know that such passages as Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, -etc., teach that one must repent before one is saved They recognize the consequence of their “salvation by faith only” position, i.e., if one is saved the moment he believes, he would be saved without repentance. In order to escape this consequence, the order of faith and repentance is reversed. It is argued that one must repent before he believes. It is argued, therefore, that the order is repentance then faith.

I fail to see how this order helps the advocates of “faith only,” for repentance is something in addition to faith. Since one must repent, salvation could not possibly be “solely by faith,” since “solely” is an adverb and means “alone” or “singly.” Faith only excludes everything else, so the matter of reversing the order of faith and repentance does not eliminate the problem. To argue that repentance and faith are inseparable only poses greater problems. The fact that Peter commanded repentance in Acts 2, bus said nothing of faith since these already believed (Acts 2:37), points out that faith and repentance can be separated, and what about the statements in the New Testament where people believed but refused to confess? If faith and repentance are inseparable, then these were saved in this state. Pshaw!

The order of repentance and faith, or repentance before one believes is a psychological impossibility. Repentance involves the change of one’s mind toward sin (with the exception of Luke 17:3-4) and always includes a change for the better (Dictionary of New Testament Words, W.E. Vine, Vol. III, pp. 280-281). It is produced by godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10), which includes a full and complete recognition of the truth of the story of the cross. One cannot possibly turn to God with “unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy” (Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Article No. 8) without accepting Jesus as Savior, as Prophet, as Priest, and King. There is no access to God except thru Jesus (Jn. 10:1; 14:16). Since one cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6), and this faith involves Jesus as the one in whom God reconciles the world unto Himself (2 Cor. 5:19), one could not possibly turn to God in repentance without faith. The fact that +he individual must have faith before he repents is clearly demonstrated in Acts 2. After preaching the gospel, Peter commanded his audience to “know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). They believed, for they were “pricked in their hearts” (v. 37). Then they were told to repent! Look at the order: Believe, repent, and be baptized (Acts 2:36-38). It is impossible to repent of sins without first believing that sins have been committed against God and that remission thereof comes through Jesus.

When The Two Are Mentioned Together, Repentance Appears First

It is stated in rebuttal to the truth presented above, that in some passages repentance precedes faith. For example: “repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mk. 1:15; Matt. 32). The reference to these verses assumes that they apply these to the alien sinner, when in fact, to make such an application perverts these scriptures. Look at the context of Mark 1:15; “Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God” (v. 14). This took place under the law of Moses before the Lord’s death. In Matthew’s account, it was John the Baptist who also taught “repentance, for the kingdom of heaven was at hand” (Mt. 3:1-3).

To whom was John speaking? To Jews, some of whom were Pharisees and Sadducees who thought to say within themselves, “We have Abraham for our father” (Mt. 3:9). These it must be remembered were God’s children under the law of Moses. As such, they were believers in God, though they had perverted worship to God and transgressed the law. These were hypocrites and as such, needed to repent! They also needed to believe the glad tidings of the nearly approaching reign of Christ. The kingdom had not been established; it is no wonder that they were told to repent and believe. They were to repent of their sins under the law, and to believe in the Messiah. We cannot apply these verses to aliens today, for the kingdom and Christ have appeared.

Conclusion

The sum total of commands with reference to the plan of salvation of these: The gospel must be preached for it is the power of God unto salvation (Mk. 16:15; Rom. 1:16). Faith is the direct result of instruction in God’s word (Jn. 6:44,45; Rom. 10:17). Faith leads to repentance (Acts 2:36-38). When one has repented of his sins and confessed his faith in Jesus (Acts 8:37, Rom. 10:10), he is then baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:1-6). This makes one a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27).

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 213
March 30, 1978

By Mike Willis

In recent years, the premillennial controversy has raged once again. Practically every time that an attempt is made to re-establish the nation of Israel, men begin to think that the time of the end is near. Consequently, they speculate concerning Bible prophecies in the light of the current events which they read in the daily newspaper. Since 1948 when Israel was once again established as a nation, the religious market has literally been flooded with materials proclaiming the theories of premillennialism.

The terminology of premillennialism has become well known. We have seen bumper stickers mentioning rapture. Radio evangelists have discussed pre- and posttribulation theories to such an extent that practically everyone is acqainted with the seven-year tribulation period. Another term of premillennial importance is the term “Battle of Armageddon.” Most every preacher has been asked on one or more occasions, “What is the battle of Armageddon?” I would like to try to answer some of the questions that people are asking about the battle of Armageddon. Certainly the term is a Bible term, although it is only used in Rev. 16:16. From the amount of discussion it receives, one could get the idea that it is mentioned on every page of the Bible.

However, before discussing the biblical meaning and usage of the word armageddon, let me be sure that you understand how premillenialists are using the term. In order to do this, I must briefly summarize the main points of premillennialism according to the pretribulation rapture point of view.

The Battle of Armageddon According to Premillennialists

Let me begin by relating the series of events which surround the battle of Armageddon according to this view point. We are presently living in what is termed the “church age.” Premillennialism teaches that Jesus came to this world to establish His eternal kingdom. However, when the Jews rejected Him and had Him crucified, a second plan was inaugurated which postponed the establishment of His kingdom. In the meantime, the “church age” occurs. At the end of this church age, Jesus is supposed to come again and take His saints quietly from the earth. Saints are supposed to mysteriously disappear from the earth at the rapture. The rest of the population on this earth will continue life as it is at the present.

The rapture will be followed by a seven year period of tribulation. This period is designed to prepare the nation of Israel to receive her Messiah. A remnant of the Jews will believe the gospel and serve as evangelists to try to persuade the rest of the Jews to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some Gentiles will also turn to the Lord during this period.

During this period a personal Antichrist will arise, be popularly received as a ruler over Europe, and oppose the work of Jesus Christ. The forces of the Antichrist and Jesus Christ are destined for a great final conflict called the Battle of Armageddon. After Jesus victoriously defeats Satan, He will establish His kingdom on the earth and reign over it for one thousand glorious years.

The participants in this battle are already revealed, according to those who accept premillennialism. Four world powers will enter the fray. (1) Europe. The first great world power will be Europe. This Europe will be different from the independent nations which presently are known as Europe. The independent nations of Europe will form a ten-state United States of Europe. Premillennialists generally interpret the Common Market which is presently developed in Europe to be the first steps toward a United States of Europe. This ten-state confederacy will be under the leadership of one man who is the Antichrist. Premillennialists identify this new United States of Europe as the Roman Empire prophesied in Dan. 2 and 7. (2) The Russian Confederacy. This is the second great world power which will participate in the Battle of Armageddon. Russia is identified as “Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” (Ezek. 38:1-3). Her allies will be Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Togarmah (Ezek. 38:6,9,15,22; 39:4) which are identified as Iraq, Iran, Ethiopia, North Africa, Germany, Armenia, etc. (3) Egypt: the King of the South. The third great power in the Battle of Armageddon will be Egypt. Premillennialists understand Dan. 11 to be discussing the Battle of Armageddon and identify the king of the south with Egypt. (4) China: the Eastern power. Elsewhere in Dan. 11, a power from the East’ (v. 44) is mentioned. Premillennialists generally understand this to refer to China today, although premillennialists of the World War II era dogmatically asserted that this eastern power was Japan.

When the conflict begins, the battle will occur like this: Egypt will initiate a conflict with Israel. Because of the present tensions in the Middle East, premillennialists are convinced that this could happen at any time. At the same time that this occurs, Russia will invade the Near East pushing its conquests all the way to Egypt whom she will also defeat. The reason that Russia enters this war is her need for crude oil. Having defeated these countries, Russia will hear of rumors from the East (China) and from the North (Europe under the Antichrist). At that time she will return to Israel to defend her newly conquered area at Megiddo. Through some sort of nuclear holocaust, Russia will be defeated leaving a “power vacuum” in Israel which the Antichrist will quickly fill. Europe under the Antichrist will engage in battle with the East and then against the Jews.

At this point, Christ’s second coming will occur. He will enter into a physical battle with the army of Satan under the leadership of the Antichrist and summarily defeat it. Having defeated His enemies, He will establish His kingdom and reign for one thousand years over the nations of this world from the city of Jerusalem. The temple will be re-built and animal sacrifices will be reinstituted. The glorious reign of Christ will begin.

It seems that a comment about the imminence of these events needs to be injected. Premillennialists have always expected the Battle of Armageddon to occur at “just any time.” In 1924, William Edward Biederwolf wrote,

“In keeping with the interpretation which makes the word descriptive of a characteristic (great slaughter) rather than a definite place, there are those who think the last world war lust closed (World War I-mw) was Indeed the very battle of ArMagedon, and that therefore, as John Robertson says, `The Second Advent of our Lord is now by Prophetical schedule due, and may at the next tick of the watch in your pocket be seen In the sky”‘ (The Millennium Bible, pp. 662-663).

The usefulness of such a theory to the evangelism process is readily perceived. Whether used intentionally or unintentionally, the premillennial theory is used to scare people into obeying the gospel because the end time is right around the corner.

Having a grasp of the premillennial theory of the Battle of Armageddon, you are somewhat better prepared to tell whether or not this is in harmony with the Bible. Does God’s word foretell the coming of such a great, physical conflict between Christ and a personal Antichrist? Can we see the signs which precede this conflict through the reading of our daily newspapers? These and other questions must be answered by going back to the Bible to see what it says about the Battle of Armageddon in particular and premillennialism in general.

(Continued next week)

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, pp. 211-212
March 30, 1978