Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

All of us like to think that we are honest, as indeed we should be in reality. Honesty is a virtue which God commands of every man. We are to be men who “laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor” (Eph. 4:25). We are supposed to be men who pay our bills and strive to lead an honest and pure life. Yet, not all men in America have the desire to live this way.

We have each been exposed to some person who is less than honest. We have even witnessed people shop-lifting or taking tools from their employer. I remember talking to one used car salesman who told of how he was “taken” one day. It seems that a man pulled up in a car and wanted to sell it to the car salesman. The man asked him what condition it was in and he assured him that everything was okay on it. Inasmuch as the man requested a price which seemed like a fair bargain, the salesman apparently did not examine the car very carefully. After the man left with his money, the salesman got into the car and started to pull it around to the back for servicing. When he turned the key on, nothing happened. So, he called for a man to bring jumper cables. When the man arrived with the jumper cables, he raised the hood to jump the battery and found to his surprise that there was no motor under the hood. Apparently what had happened was that a friend had pushed the man’s car until he was able to coast into the dealership. The man sold his car and took off with the money.

We have come to expect better things of the majority of American citizens and, hopefully, we shall not be greatly disappointed. However, there is a form of dishonesty which is becoming more and more acceptable even among members of the church which I want to call to your attention. It is what is called “intellectual dishonesty.”

I first confronted intellectual dishonesty, as best as I can remember, when I entered a university. The form which it took was such that it took me several weeks to figure out just exactly what was going on. I was sitting in a class in which the professor was discussing the miracles of Jesus and other recorded miracles in the Bible. He stated his belief that these miracles did not actually occur and that what we read in the Bible is the record of early myths which have grown up around the character of Jesus in the same way that certain myths have been told about George Washington. I was prepared for handling this; I knew that some men were unbelievers. Hence, I raised my hand and asked, “You do not believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, do you?” The professor replied, “Yes, I believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures.” That floored me! How could this man believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures and yet disbelieve the miracles recorded in them? As the school term continued, I began to see what he was doing. The professor was changing the definitions of the words which he was using in order that he could use those words accommodatively to cover up his infidelity. He believed that the Scriptures were inspired in the same way that any great literature is inspired and not in the sense that God “breathed” the very words which appear in the book. Hence, when I asked, “Do you believe in the inspiration (i.e., that God breathed the Scriptures) of the Bible?’.’., he replied, “Yes, I believe the Scriptures are inspired (i.e., in the same way that all great literature is inspired).” That, my friends, is intellectual dishonesty.

As the years went on, I saw more and more of this kind of intentional veiling of the truth. I heard a man deny that Jesus was raised from the dead and then speak of the “resurrection of the body.” As I pressed him for exactly what he meant, I soon found that the establishment of the church, which is the body of Christ, was the resurrection of which he spoke. This is a type of dishonesty which is very subtle but, nonetheless, sinful.

Intellectual Dishonesty in the Church

I am saddened by the fact that I am seeing certain evidences of this type of intellectual dishonesty raising its head in the church. I would like to cite certain examples of this:

1. “I am sound.” Several years ago, there was a brother who was accused of being “unsound” because he did not believe that it was sinful to use instrumental music in worship. This man protested that he was as sound as any of the rest of the preachers were. About a month later, he wrote an article in which he stated that he had been studying the Greek word hamartia (the word which is translated “sin” in the New Testament) and had reached the conclusion that he could now say that using instruments of music in worship was sinful (it missed the mark of what God wanted). Without going into a discussion of the issues involved, notice the instance of intellectual dishonesty. The man was questioned regarding his soundness. He perfectly well understood that the word would involve where he stood on the issues of instrumental music in worship, the sponsoring church, and church support of human institutions. Yet, he said that he was sound when he did not believe that any of these were sinful and would break the fellowship of the saints. That, my friend, is exactly the same kind of theological double-talk with which I was confronted during my years at school. Frankly, I had come to expect better things from my brethren.

2. Redefining of words. As we are presently in the throes of another great conflict of brethren over another important issue, it is interesting to watch this kind of intellectual dishonesty going on in the papers. I see no better example of it than when I read the word “legalism” being used.

The word “legalism” has a definite theological meaning. The doctrine of “legalism” is the doctrine of salvation through good works. What it teaches is that a man can be saved on the basis of doing enough good things to go to heaven. The Catholic doctrine of salvation is a doctrine of “legalism” because of its ideas of accumulation of merits for works done. I know of no one among us who is teaching that salvation can be earned.

Yet, there are some who are trying to say that men can be saved without obeying the commandments of God. Rather than coming . right out and saying that we can be saved without, obedience- a concept most brethren would readily reject-they cover up this doctrine. They charge that those who teach that salvation by God’s grace is conditional upon one’s response to the gospel are teaching “legalism.” That I am not the only one who has noticed this trend to redefine certain theological words is evident from the following quotation:

“The term legalism in theology used to designate a theory of justification by works. Liberals have now redefined it so as to exclude rules, laws, and obedience from moral living. Amorphous love replaces definite commands. This enables the liberals to transfer the odium of legalism in its historic sense to the evangelical view that Is not subject to such a criticism” (Gordon H. Clark, “Concerning Justification,” Christianity Today, Vol. XVII, No. 12 (March 16, 1973), p. 5).

This is exactly the situation as it appears in certain periodicals among us today. As evidence that this is so, please read the following quotation:

“Man cannot establish his own righteousness, and anyone who thinks that he can and seeks to do so is really ‘ignorant of God’s righteousness’ as the apostle Paul says.

“But this is exactly what we who are heirs of the American Restoration Movement have done and are still doing to a large extent. We have reduced Christianity to a legalistic relationship contrary to the teachings of the new covenant scriptures ….We who are heirs of the American Restoration Movement are steeped in legalism” (Jimmy Albert, “A Zeal Without Knowledge-Legalism,” Outreach, Vol. VIII, No. 3 (May and June, 19771, pp. 5,7).

If I had the time to go through the various journals which are being written to promote this unity-in-diversity apostasy, I could reproduce many similar quotations which use legalism to describe those of us who stand opposed to the unity-in-diversity basis of unity. All I can say about the charge is that it is not true and those who are making it are guilty of intellectual dishonesty.

Conclusion

Those who are pushing this unity-in-diversity idea have stated that God will forgive automatically sins which are committed in ignorance but will hold man accountable for sins committed knowingly. Though I do not accept the idea that God does not hold man accountable for his sins of ignorance, it offers no comfort for those who are guilty of intellectual dishonesty. Those who are charging us with teaching “legalism” know what the word means and know that what we are teaching is not a forty-second cousin to what the word “legalism” means. What they are trying to do is push off the opprobrium which is rightfully attached to the system of doctrine which says that man can earn his salvation through his own good works to those who oppose their ideas of unity-in-diversity. They are doing this knowingly and are guilty of the same kind of intellectual dishonesty which the modernists use to cover up their infidelity.

The Bible still says that “all liars” will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8). That applies to “intellectual liars” just the same as it applies to ordinary, unintellectual liars. Tile fact ‘that some can dress their lies up in prettier clothes than others can, does not lessen God’s punishment for the liars who put the pretty clothes on their lies. Lying is lying.

Truth Magazine XXI: 44, pp. 691-693
November 10, 1977

By Johnie Edwards

By the time a lot of women get to be grandmothers, they begin to feel as if they are of little importance. Let me help you change your attitude if this be the case. The importance of a grandmother can be seen in a number of ways.

A Child’s Training Begins With His Grandmother

A lot of people wait until a child is almost grown to begin proper training and teaching. Waiting until a child is a teenager to begin teaching and training is far too late! If you want to have a good child, his training should have begun with his grandmother. Paul told Timothy, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded in thee also” (2 Tim. 1:5). When looking for a wife or a husband, what better person to look at and check out than the grandmother?

Grandmother’s Have Influence

The God-fearing grandmother has good children. Grandmother Lois had a good child in the person of Eunice. The making of a good child takes lots of hard work and good influence. Ezekiel said, ” . . . as is the mother, so is her daughter” (Ezek. 16:44). If a mother wants to know what kind of daughter she will have, she just needs to look at herself!

Grandmothers And Grandchildren

Grandmothers are used for a lot of things from baby sitting and on. Perhaps the greatest thing which a grandmother can give is faith. I know that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17), but this faith has to be instilled in us by someone. Timothy’s mother, Eunice had been trained and taught properly and, in turn, her son Timothy was a godly boy. Timothy was a .young gospel preacher who had been brought up right and consequently he had “unfeigned faith.” An unfeigned faith is a sincere faith. Paul had confidence in Timothy because he knew his mother and his grandmother. Paul seemed to be proud of Timothy and referred to him as his “son in the gospel” (1 Tim. 1:18).

God be thanked for godly grandmothers!

Truth Magazine XXI: 44, p. 690
November 10, 1977

By Larry Ray Hafley

We are not here concerned with the man or his music in this article. Our opinions respecting him vary, as do all our tastes, likes and dislikes. Think with me, though, about life, death, judgment, God and eternity.

Elvis Had Fame

Elvis-the name is known by all. No one says, “Elvis who?” His death was a shock to most all of us. Regardless of our feelings toward him and his career, we considered his person when we heard of his transition from this world to the hidden hadean realm. Entertainers and public figures have their full names emblazoned in marquee lights, but not Elvis. All one had to do was say, “Elvis,” and you knew who was being talked about. It is not so with “Johnny” (Cash or Carson?). But “Elvis” we all knew. He had fame, instant recognition. Still, he died. His body will rot. His spirit went back to God who gave it. He will stand in the judgment. Fame does not permit one to escape death and judgment. Elvis could be checked through airports privately. There was no waiting in line for tickets or baggage. He had his own fleet of jet aircraft. He did not travel as we do, but he died as we do, and he will be judged as we will be.

Elvis Had Riches

Elvis’ wealth was doubtless a staggering fortune. He gave away luxury cars like most of us give away after shave lotion at Christmas time. He lived in a mansion. He had servants and personal aids. He lived in the style of a King or President, if not in greater royalty. He had anything money could obtain. But he died. As the Psalmist said, no man can buy his way around death. It comes to us all whether we be rich or poor (Psa. 49:60. Solomon had such wealth, but it did not spare him, either.

Elvis Had Honor And Glory

Elvis had all the personal honor and glory that one could ever hope for. He could not appear in public due to his overwhelming popular appeal. He was adored and acclaimed by multi-millions of fans. But he died. He was buried. His life is gone. Tributes and praise cannot restore him to life. Just like your uncle, your next door neighbor, or your pet dog, when death consumed him, it was final, irrevocable. His personal physician worked over his body, crying, “Breathe for me, Elvis,” but he did not respond. Celebrity status is not an exemption from death, God, and the judgment.

Conclusion

A famous person, one with great wealth and much honor and glory, often becomes larger than life. Elvis Presley was such an one to many people. However, fame, riches, honor and glory cannot separate one from the inevitable facts of death, judgment and eternity. Remember that.

Truth Magazine XXI: 44, p. 690
November 10, 1977

By Grant B. Caldwell

The subject of grace is one of the most talked about subjects in the religious world. Yet, I am persuaded that it is one of the most misunderstood subjects in the Bible. Some think that grace brings miraculous manifestations from God. Others believe that it caused the salvation of the soul without any obedience on the part of the individual. You will hear it said that grace eliminates the worry of hell-i.e., “God is just too good and too gracious to send anyone to hell.” Even in our Lord’s body, we are hearing that grace creates some kind of an all-inclusive fellowship in which we worry not about another’s activities whether right or wrong, but we simply concern ourselves with the (arbitrary) appropriation of the righteous life of Jesus Christ.

Grace is not, however, so terribly difficult to understand if we would but go to the word of God and consider the matter. As is the case too many times and in too many matters, we are prone to take a subjective look at the matter instead of an objective view. What does the word of God say about the doctrine of grace?

Taught by Grace

In Titus 2:11-12, Paul said that “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us”. The Apostle says that grace teaches us. But notice that the Bible says that we are taught by the gospel or by the word of God. In Mark 16:15-16, Christ said that his apostles were to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Matthew’s account says to teach all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). Teach all nations what? Why, the gospel, of course.

Saved by Grace

These same verses in Titus 2, also teach that it is “the grace of God that bringeth salvation.” “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). Thus, the Bible says that we are saved by grace. But notice, the Bible also says that we are saved by the gospel. Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation.” The same writer said in 1 Cor. 1:18, “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” While we are saved by grace, we are also saved by the gospel.

Called By Grace

Paul teaches in Gal. 1:15 that it pleased God to call “me by his grace”. The inspired preacher tells us that we are called not only by but into the grace of God (Gal. 1:6). Consider, however, 2 Thess 2:14, where the same writer said, “Whereunto he called you by our gospel.” Was Paul called by one thing and the Thessalonians called by something else? Are you getting interested now? We are called by the grace of God, but we are called by the gospel.

Grow In Grace

Peter explains in 2 Peter 3:18 that we are to “Grow in the grace . . . of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Grace is something in which one may grow. But in 1 Peter 2:2;, he said, “As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” In fact, in the verse in 2 Peter 3:18, he said, “Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Continue In Grace

In Acts 13:43, Paul in Antioch in Pisidia “persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” But Christ had said in John 8:31 that we were to “continue in my word.” And again, “whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein” (James 1:25). Our brethren like to talk about grace but do not like to talk about continuing in law. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them” (1 Tim. 4:16). We are to continue in grace, but my brethren, we are to continue in the word.

Fall from Grace

Finally, Paul said in Gal. 5:4, “ye are fallen from grace.” Peter shows, however, in 2 Peter 1:10 that it is possible to fall from something else. If you consider verse 8 (“barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge) and verse 12 (“be established in the present truth”), it will be seen that he is saying we may fall from the gospel. We may fall from the grace of God and we may fall from the gospel of Christ.

Conclusion

Now, what does all of this mean? Does it mean that the grace of God and the word of God are the same thing? No! But it does mean that they are inseparably linked together. Somewhat like “love and marriage” and “a horse and carriage”, you cannot have one without the other.

Look at Acts 14:3 where Luke records that Paul and Barnabas “gave testimony unto the word of his grace.” You cannot separate the word and the grace. In John 1:17, John said, “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Not just grace. Not just truth. But “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” The grace of God prompted the giving of His Son and His Son shed His blood for the gospel (Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20). The sole purpose of the preaching of Paul was “the ministry . . . of the Lord Jesus, . . . the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). As members of the blood-bought church (Acts 20:28), we have been commended to “the word of his grace” (Acts 20:32). We know the “grace of God in truth” (Col. 1:6).

Thus, we need not look for miracles, or salavation without obedience, nor heaven for all. We need not expect to have a “brotherhood-wide fellowship” without respect to the word or proper conduct. I know of no one who does not believe in the grace of God. Nor do I know of anyone who teaches we may be saved by law alone. However, by the grace of God, we have the gospel of our salvation (Eph. 1:13) and we must-again I say, must-accept it (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

When a man accepts the word of God, he receives the grace of God. If a man has the grace of God, it is because he is committed to His word. Our brethren would have us believe that it does not matter about doctrine. In an underground paper from Boston, Massachusetts, published by Vance Drum, dated April 1975, we hear, “But the Good News is that our salvation no longer depends on our measuring up to the holiness of God by doing the works of law. (Romans 3:21, 28) Rather, our salvation lies in Christ.” It seems strange to me that those who espouse this position like to quote verses like Romans 3:21 and 28 (never really understanding them) and cannot seem to see verses 26 and 27. They forget that our Lord said only those who “do the will of my father which is in heaven” would be the recipients of the blessings (Matt. 7:21) and that He is “the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” You have the wrong idea about Romans 3:21 and 28 when you discount the rest of the New Testament because of them. The whole point of the Roman letter from beginning to end is the point of “obedience to the faith” (Romans 1:5; 16:26).

Drum further states, “Law in the New Testament is never referred to as being Good News. Law does not bring salvation, impart peace, produce regeneration, or destroy death. Nor does Law give life, immortality, or hope.” What about Romans 8:1 and the “Law of the Spirit of Life.” Is that not the same as “the gospel of Christ . . . the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16)? Pauls said law frees us from the law of sin and death. It is time to cut this cancerous Calvinistic approach to the Roman letter from our spiritual bodies.

Do not mistake my words. I would not minimize the righteous life of Jesus. I do not believe that law alone will save. I believe as firmly as I believe in anything that we are “saved by grace.” But that grace may be had only in the law or gospel of Christ. When we receive, remember, and stand in the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-2), then and only then do we have the grace of God.

Just one more thought in closing. In Gal. 2:21, Paul said, “I do not frustrate (make void, ASV) the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in’vain.” How could a man “frustrate” or “make void” the grace of God? Paul’s next statement explains, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth” (3:1). Even the American Standard which leaves out these words says in verse 2 that the receiving of the Spirit is by the “hearing of faith” (cf. Rom. 10:17). When we refuse to obey the truth or hear the faith, we frustrate the grace of God and thus, have no part in it. Brethren, let us return unto God, unto His grace. and unto His word.

Truth Magazine XXI: 43, pp. 684-686
November 3, 1977