“Diminished Credibility”?

By Larry Ray Hafley

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott spoke of President Clinton’s trashing of the office of the presidency. Said he, “I am disappointed in the way the highest office in the nation has been reduced in stature and diminished in credibility.”

“. . . Asked about Lott’s assertion that Clinton had diminished the credibility and stature of the office, (Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle) said: ‘I don’t believe so at all’” (USA Today [September 1, 1998], 5A).

Senator Daschle’s misguided defense of Clinton is about as frightening as the president’s brazen behavior. If Mr. Clinton has not “diminished” the credibility of the presidency, let Daschle tell us what forms of immorality would be required to do so. Specifically what would it take to reduce the stature of the oval office? Suppose Trent Lott or Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House, had done what Clinton has done. Suppose they had been sexually involved with one of their secretaries, lied about it, and then had been exposed. Would Mr. Daschle say, when asked if they had “reduced in stature and diminished in credibility” their respective offices, “I don’t believe so at all”? Would he draw that conclusion? I don’t believe so at all. 

Intolerant Tolerance

By Connie W. Adams

Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). But like Pilate, many cynics raise the question “What is truth?” It is thought to be so nebulous that anyone who thinks he knows the truth on anything is surely a bigot of the worst kind. (Surely if there are degrees of truth, there must be degrees of bigots as well.)

We are supposed to be tolerant of all forms of denominational error without being so overbearing as to compare that error with the truth of God’s word. Again Jesus said, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). How dare anyone oppose a false position espoused by a well-known and much loved brother! The culprit here is not the one who teaches error to the destruction of souls but, alas, the one who is so intolerant as to point it out. Any such attempt is sure to elicit numerous articles or lectures punctuated by knowing glances and nudges from some in the audience, on the subject of love, kindness, and understanding.

In the realm of morals, it is recommended that we have “openness” and that we be “broad-minded.” After all, adultery has been around a long time and many good people have given in to it. Why be so judgmental? And who would not lie about it to save embarrassment, or pain to family and friends. In such a case with such mitigating circumstances surely a lie is understandable, even if it is told in court under oath.

In the church, such “tolerance” has led to the acceptance of people in adulterous marriages, or who practice social drinking, gambling, and indecent attire. Woe unto that elder or preacher who is so intolerant as to speak out against all such. Especially in language that can be understood.

On the political field, those who advocate the high road in moral behavior are scrutinized to find some skeleton in their closets. When all else fails they can be branded as “right-wing religious extremists.” Sometimes even their sanity may be called in question. Such is the intolerance of the tolerant. Liberalism of whatever sort is insufferably arrogant. It claims for itself privileges which it refuses to extend to its detractors.

While we all have the civil and academic right to espouse whatever view we might choose, that does not mean that the Lord honors such choices. We all still have the right to search the Scriptures to see whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). Should it be clear from the Scriptures that a given doctrine or practice is not according to truth, that does not mean that those who have advocated them are the objects of hate. What it means is that their teaching or practice does not meet the divine standard.

It is fair to point that out without being accused of sowing hate or discord and of challenging the personal honor of those who advocate such views.

Those who have expanded Romans 14 to include more than Paul did and who have viewed it as elastic enough to cover all forms of doctrinal and moral error have unwittingly contributed to some of this intolerant tolerance. We have been told that there are five or six different views which brethren have taken on marriage, divorce and re- marriage (as if that subject belongs in Romans 14 at all). Surely we should not be so intolerant as to exclude those honest and sincere brethren who have differed on this. That subject is not addressed in Romans 14 but it is dealt with in other passages. Is it intolerant to insist that we faithfully adhere to what those passages say?

In American society at large, those who hold to the Bible as a standard of morals are variously identified as “Biblical fundamentalists,” “literalists,” “right-wing extremists,” or simply “nuts.” In entertainment they are portrayed in the most uncomplimentary light. In the news media they are misrepresented and regarded as unworthy of serious consideration. In education they have been sidelined and excluded from the process. We will have to exercise care to be sure that the same intolerant tolerance does not surface among us when there are doctrinal and moral issues at stake.

It is my conviction that some have already bought into it.

When men of knowledge, ability and character are marginalized by oblique references to their character as though they were sinister and out to promote some personal agenda, and all that without evidence, then intolerant tolerance has set it. It would be far more honorable to identify these men by name and cite the evidence to support these claims than to continually speak in an ever-widening circle of brethren as being “dishonorable.” Who are they? Do they have names. What is your evidence? While you are engaging in such besmirching of character, how about addressing forthrightly the issues at stake. Men of principle will not be silenced regardless of what names you call them. If that is the price for standing for truth, then so be it. Our Lord endured far more. We have not resisted unto blood!

What is truth? “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16).

Christ Ever Lives: My Assurance of Victory

By Mike Willis

One of the themes of the book of Romans is to show that the gospel provides for man an assurance of salvation that perfect law keeping cannot provide. Perhaps we have not emphasized that Christians have an assurance of salvation sufficiently to give God-fearing children of God confidence that the victory is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. I would like to consider some of the texts that emphasize the on-going work of the Lord in assuring our salvation. His work on Calvary is completed, but his work in heaven is on-going and is a source of assurance to us that we truly shall be saved.

Romans 5:7-11

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

This passage reminds us of the grace of God in sending Jesus to die for our sins while we were yet his enemies. He extols the love of God by showing how rare it is that one would die for his enemies. One does not usually give his life for a “righteous man” (dikaios: the point is that this is a man who gives to everyone his due), although for a good man (agathos: one who is a benefactor, giving to others what they do not deserve) some would even dare to die. But Jesus went beyond this in that while we were yet sinners, yet his enemies, he died for us so that we might be reconciled to God.

The next phrase says, “much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” The “much more then” forms a contrast. If Christ died for us while we were his enemies, how much more then will he do those things needed for our salvation now that we have been reconciled to him and adopted by God as his children!  “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Rom. 5:10). This passage calls attention to Christ’s resurrected life and continued existence in heaven as an assurance of our salvation.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

This text is designed to reassure Christians who are faced with the “sufferings of this present world” (Rom. 8:18) that God will help them through the difficulties of life. We may not understand everything that the Holy Spirit does to assist us, but this much is promised by the word of God. During those times that we are struggling through some problem and our sufferings are so great that we cannot find adequate words to express them (“groanings which cannot be uttered”), the Holy Spirit who knows our hearts makes intercession in our behalf to the throne of God.

Romans 8:31-34

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

The crucifixion of Christ shows us that “God is for us.” If God is for the salvation of man, who can be against us? What power does anyone have to withstand God? He is the Almighty. Then he adds what God will do in addition to the sacrifice on Calvary: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32). The sense of this text is that God will provide whatever is necessary for the Christian’s salvation in his on-going providential care for the soul of man. Not only does the Holy Spirit make intercession for us, the risen Christ who is seated at the right hand of God also makes intercession for us.

John 6:37-39

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

Jesus personally reassured the disciples that he would keep them by saying that he would “lose nothing” of those who had been committed to his care.

John 10:28-29

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Jesus will protect his children. No man can pluck them out of his hand. (Compare to the promise in Romans 8:31- 39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God.) The Lord promises those who are faithfully serving him a protection from the assaults made against their soul.

What Jesus Does For Us In Heaven

There are several passages that speak of Jesus’ on-going work in the salvation of man’s soul. Consider what the Bible says that Jesus does :

1. He ever lives to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” This text speaks of Jesus’ work in heaven. How encouraging is the knowledge that Jesus in heaven looks down and sees the needs of one of his saints and approaches the Father to make intercession in behalf of that saint.

2. He is our divine advocate (1 John 2:1-2). “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” This passage states that Jesus is an “advocate” (parakletos: “1. one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant; an advocate. . . 2. one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor. . . 3. in the widest sense, a helper, succorer, aider, assistant,” Thayer 483). How thankful one should be that he has an advocate in heaven pleading for his forgive- ness when he stumbles into sin.

3. He helps those who are tempted (Heb. 2:18). “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” The assistance that is provided for us during temptation is spoken of in the fol- lowing passages:

a. He leads us out of temptation (Matt. 6:13). “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Jesus taught his disciples to pray for this divine help to overcome temptation. The Father has promised to lead his children away from temptation and to deliver them from evil. This divine help, whether it proceeds from the Father or the Son, should give us confidence in being victorious over sin. John 17:15 offers the same promise, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15).

b. He will protect in temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” The three promises of this text show God’s continuing care for his children: (a) The Lord will not give you any temptation but such as is common to man (others have faced the same temptations before us and endured them successfully); (b) God will not allow one to be tempted above his ability to bear; (c) God guarantees that a way of escape will always be available to us so that we can withstand temptation.

4. He serves as our High Priest in heaven (Heb. 7:26; 8:1; 10:21). Jesus is described as our present High Priest who is serving on behalf of his saints in heaven. The argument drawn from his on-going priestly work is that we can have courage to draw near to the throne of God to find grace to help in time of need. “And having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:21-22).

Conclusion

My Lord who loved me enough to die on Calvary lives in heaven. He wants his children to be saved, as exhibited by his sacrificial death. He ever-lives, seated at the right hand of God, to care for those for whom he died. He will do whatever is necessary to save his dear children, short of denying their own free-will.

I draw confidence that I can be saved knowing that Jesus is continuing his work in heaven to help me make it through the troubles and temptations of life. We will never fail for want of divine grace. May saints be encouraged to continued faithfulness by the assurance of the victory that is ours in Christ.

Who Is A Sinner?

By David Dann

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul writes, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Therefore, we know for certain that everyone who has ever lived on the earth, with the exception of Christ, has sinned against God. However, we sometimes have trouble distinguishing between who is a sinner and who is not.

While most would agree that someone who is practicing sin is a sinner, what about those who have stopped sinning, but have not done anything further? Some seem to believe that if they cease the practice of a certain sin, then they can just keep silent about it and the problem will eventually go away on its own. Is this what the Lord expects of us? Is a person no longer considered a sinner just because he has stopped the practice of whatever sin he may have been involved in? Or, is a person a sinner until he is forgiven by God and released from the guilt of his sin? Who is a sinner? According to God’s word, a sinner is:

One Who Is Practicing Sin

1. This involves sin of any form. Paul writes, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lascivious-   ness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:19-21). It makes no difference which particular sin one may be involved in. Any involvement in sin of any kind makes one a sinner.

2. This involves any degree of involvement in sin. Many seem to think that just a little bit of sin won’t hurt anything. However, John writes, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Therefore, even in- volvement in so-called “little sins” would make one a sinner according to the Scriptures.

One Who Has Stopped the Practice of Sin

1. A person continues to be a sinner until he is forgiven for his sin. Ceasing the practice of sin is not enough. One must obey the gospel of Christ before they can have their sins removed. With regard to this very situation, Peter instructed sinners to, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Although he had ceased practicing sin, Saul of Tarsus was told to “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

2. A person must be freed from the guilt of his sin by the blood of Christ. A sinner must come in contact with the cleansing blood of Christ through baptism in order to be freed from sin. With regard to this, Paul says, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” and, “For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Rom. 6:3, 7). It is only at this point that one ceases to be a sinner.

One Who Does Nothing

1. It is not enough to refrain from doing what is wrong. The truth is that a person continues to be a sinner until he does what is right. James says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Jas. 4:17). Those who believe they are justified simply because they are not engaging in certain sins are actually sinning themselves by not doing the things that should be done.

2. We must walk with Christ. Jesus says, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30). We cannot “ride the fence” or sit idly by expecting to be considered righteous because we have abstained from sin. Instead we must actively do what is right, as much as we are able. The fact that we are not doing anything wrong does not mean that we are doing anything right.

Conclusion

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). Are you a sinner?