Truth Magazine

By Lowell D. Kibler

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10, KJV). In our ever increasing immoral society women have indeed “come a long way, baby.” Our “playboy” philosophy has led our women to lose their virtue, to dishonor their God-given role in the home, to become “sex symbols” in show biz, to seek “equal rights” which ‘often is little more than unhindered display of profanity and immorality as though none else had any rights of protection from such, and to join the labor task force, all too often at the expense of the serenity and security that God intended the home to be. The generations that follow, having been spawned in ungodliness can only wax worse and worse. Children, repulsed by hypocrisy, rebel against the “old man” and the “old lady.” Not having seen nor been taught respect for authority they have little. Dear reader, our nation is in trouble because the home is in trouble. As the home goes, so ‘goes the nation. God intended that women play a significant role in the home. Someone has well written, and it applies in all things, “Are you part of the problem or part of the answer?” In a day in which being a housewife is looked down upon, we need to heed these words of Daniel Webster, “If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal souls, if we imbue them with principles, with the just fear of the Creator and love of fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something which will brighten all eternity.”

The righteous influence of a virtuous mother is graphically portrayed in Prov. 31:10-31. It is recommended that you turn and read these verses now, as they will constitute the basis for much that follows. The young evangelist Timothy was blessed to have a pious mother and grandmother, “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 that in thee also” (2 Tim. 1:5). “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones” (Prov. 12:4). Let us look at Clark’s definition of virtuous taken from his commentary on Prov. 12:4, “A strong woman. Our word virtue (virtus) is derived from vir, a man; and as man is the noblest of God’s creatures, virtue expresses what is becoming to man; what is noble, courageous, and dignified: and as vir, a man, comes from vis, power or strength; so it implies what is strong and vigorous in principle; the denomination of all excellent moral qualities; and is now applied to what ever constitutes the system of morality and moral duties.” A person could be said to have virtue when they are capable of making distinction between right and wrong, when their character and conduct conform to that which is noble, pure, and right. Perhaps with this in mind, and with a brief look at the Bible description of a virtuous woman, we will be better informed and equipped to help reverse the breakdown of the home in our society.

Much of her character is seen in verses 25-31. Verse 30 shows her reverence for God. “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Not only does she have faith in but she respects Him who made the world and all that is in it. She is not. arrogantly and presumptuously proud, but humbles herself before the great I AM. She realizes that earthly favors and even fleshly appearance have no lasting value. Fleshly beauty is marred and deranged by sickness and suffering. It is completely gone in death. She realizes that to build a way of life upon such can only be vanity and bitterness in the end. Hers is the inward adornment of a meek and quiet spirit, valuable in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:4). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding, have all they that do his commandments . .” (Psa. 111:10). One does not truly have wisdom and , understanding while without fear of the Lord. This is the only foundation upon which any person can build a meaningful life, especially a mother.

The righteous commend the honor of those who know them best. The virtuous woman is no exception: “Strength and honor are her clothing” (v. 25). She is unspotted, she has.the confidence. of her husband. He can “safely trust in her” (v. 11). Her speech and manner do not arouse his suspicion and doubt. She is not a flirt with wayward eyes and thoughts. She knows and loves her place in life and handles herself discreetly. She knows she was created to be a help , suitable for her husband, not a ball and chain tied to his leg. She knows she is to be sober, to love her husband and children, to be discreet, chaste (not chased), a keeper at home, good and obedient to her own husband (Tit. 2:4-5). It is very doubtful that her husband would praise her (v. 28) if she did not practice these things. If all mothers were so disposed, there would be little “soap-opera” material today. It has been said that behind every good man there is a good woman. A woman can be a blessing or a curse, an angel or a Jezebel. “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman” (Prov. 21:19).

“She looketh well to the ways of the household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (v. 27). Hers is the sterling quality of cementing her love for her family by diligent devotion to the many tasks that need to be done. Done with a song on her lips and love in her heart, she works willingly and not grudgingly, creating an atmosphere of warmth and security.: But, oh, how often do we see immature teen-age brides today not even knowing how to cook an egg, wax a floor, or keep a house orderly and attractive. After a few months of eating out and living in a pigpen, the new husband cannot resist the nagging doubt of his wife’s love as she lays around reading romance stories of adultery if she is not watching the same on the daily TV programs while her child crawls around in the filth in danger of being hit on the head from a dirty pan falling from the high stack in the kitchen sink. Love declared but not demonstrated is indeed worthless. Mothers, are you teaching and showing your daughter the importance of such basic, common-sense necessities for success in life?

Look at the virtuous woman in verses 13, 21, 22, 24. “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” I want you to focus your attention on the word “willingly.” Who can truly appreciate something done grudgingly? A wife who complains with every stroke of the scrub brush, who gripes, growls and snarls constantly at her family has little difficulty conveying to them that she-does not work willingly, hence with little if any love. But in contrast, we can see in verses 21, 22, and 24 that the virtuous woman has so willingly and industriously labored that she not only has her family supplied in clothing for the winter ahead but has excess that she might sell to provide other necessities. Can you imagine this woman allowing her daughters to parade around in provocative clothing while offering the flimsy excuse, “Well, that is all. you can buy at the stores these days.” What happened to the old-fashioned ingenuity and industry? In those days, they not only made the garments but also the cloth. I strongly suspect she made enough for more than a mini-skirt or bikini. Today with all our conveniences of ready made cloth, frills, and sewing machines, ,mothers’ seemingly cannot master the difficult art of lengthening a dress or making one of the proper length.-I suspect it is more unwilling than unable, of being more worldly minded than spiritual.

The virtuous woman is aware of the responsibility to properly feed her family. “She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and portion to her maidens” (vv. 14-15). It has been well said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. A man certainly appreciates a wife who can and willingly cooks delicious, healthy meals for him. Daughters allowed to grow up and enter marriage without this basic skill has indeed been neglected by her mother or herself.

All too often household duties are looked upon as hindrances as drudgery. Perhaps this poem will help. I do not now know the author.

Complex Career

It sounds so unimportant

“A housewife” so they say,

And yet how many people

She must be every day.

A cook, a nurse, a chauffeur,

Dressmaker, bugeteer,

A governess, adviser,

All steps in her career.

A secretary, a gardener,

A diplomat as well–

Executive and shopper,

But still there’s more to tell.

Companion to her husband,

Must always look her best,

And be a tireless creature

Immaculately dressed.

The house should be in order

If she’s at work or at play,

It sounds so unimportant,

“A housewife” so they say.

We can see the proper balance between the physical and the spiritual in the virtuous woman. Psa. 111:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom . . .” “She openeth her mouth.with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (v. 26). I believe we can safely conclude that her speaking includes that basic respect she has for the Lord. The “looking well to the ways of her household” would include teaching them of the Lord. Too many mothers allow TV to occupy much of the short and precious time we have to teach them of the word and ways of God. “. . . in her tongue is the law of kindness.” This is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Again she demonstrates it by giving to the poor and needy, v. 20.

Value of Time

Because of physical and spiritual duties zealously performed, she is an economist of time. She “. . . eateth not the bread of idleness” (v. 27), and “She riseth also while it is yet night . . .” (v. 15). There will always linger in my mind the memory of a mother who was up before the break of day to tend not only to outside chores on the farm but to see that her family had a hearty breakfast. She was busy all day and yet after set of sun with a song on her lips. I doubt she will ever realize the value of the time she took to read her son some Bible stories.

Mothers, do you allow an idle mind to become the devil’s workshop?

The reward of the virtuous woman is seen in v. 10, . . . her price is far above rubies.” “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellent them all” (vs. 28, 29). She would not have the honor of those nearest were she not truly virtuous.

Conclusion

I readily acknowledge that a slothful and immoral husband can indeed mar the home picture, but he does not come within the scope of this essay. The virtuous woman had a husband “known in the gates” and who sat “among the elders of the land” (v. 23). Husbands, fathers do you measure up? Young man, think before you marry. If you want a virtuous wife, marry a virtuous girl. Girls, you have much to learn to make a future home as God intended (1 Tim. 5:14). It begins with making the right choice for a husband. Rare are those capable of doing so at the tender age of 16. Determine to so live that when you are an aged mother, the following poem could be said of you:

A Portrait of Mother

Paint her as you see her, artist,

Let the lines and wrinkles show,

And the silver hair that crowns her

Like a halo’s beauteous glow.

Can you picture on your canvas

All the years of sacrifice,

How she tended well her household,

Ever counting naught the price?

Let your brushes tell the story

Of her patient toil and care,

Mingle love with joy and sorrow

Just as life has put them there.

Blend your colors softly, artist

Face her toward the setting sun,

Smiling-calm-serene and peaceful,

For her task is almost done.

Call the portrait simply, `Mother,”

All the world will understand;

Nations thrive and empires prosper,

Guided by her gentle hand.

(author unknown to me-LDK)

Truth Magazine, XX:1, p. 5-8
January 1, 1976

By Roland Worth, Jr.

Sometimes we hear people question whether we can place trust in the accuracy of our Bible text: “Do we have it in virtually the exact form originally written? Have 4ections of the text been removed or added?” The answer is “yes” to the first question and “no” to the second.

Among the factors that drive us to this conclusion are the following:

First, from how accurately the manuscripts were preserved in later centuries we can make a fair projection backward that the manuscripts were accurately preserved at an earlier date as well.

Secondly, so many manuscripts have survived that they are a corrective to any errors that may have crept in. The chance of a given error being predominant throughout many centuries of manuscripts is most unlikely, the manuscripts being written in so many different locations by so many different people.

Thirdly, the same reasoning (to be consistent) would cause us to reject the textual integrity of other ancient authors as well. In their case, the date between composition and the earliest: surviving manuscript is often several times as long as in the case of the New Testament. Maisie Ward writes, “The earliest copy of Horace is nine hundred years after his death, of most of Plato thirteen hundred, of Euripides sixteen hundred; the earliest complete copy of the four Gospels is about two hundred and fifty years later than their writing” (They Saw His Glory: An Introduction To The Gospels And Acts, Sheed and Ward: New York, 1956, page 41).

The “Scholarly” Allure

The primary reason that such an argument will ever make way with the “scholarly” type of person is due to (lie fact that it provides him with an excuse to reject a particular doctrine that is found in the Biblical text. A good example of this is in regard to the Virgin Birth, it’s being argued by some that the first chapters of Luke (that contain the account) were not part of the original manuscripts. Being unable to prove this from the current Biblical text, they are compelled to postulate the existence of the text at an early date without those embarrassing chapters. The whole thing is subjective and without convincing evidence. Due to theological hostility to the contents of scripture, they attempt to arbitrarily junk whatever chapters do not fit thier materialistic prejudices. (For a detailed discussion of the first chapters of Luke, the reader should consult J. Gresham Machen, The Virgin Birth Of Christ, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1930, 1965.)

Conclusion

We can safely conclude taht we have an accurately preserved Biblical text, the best preserved text of any ancient document. However we should be aware that what “bugs” most people is not really whether that text has been well preserved but what is contained in that text, doctrines and beliefs that they do not desire to accept.

Truth Magazine, XX:1, p. 5-6
January 1, 1976

By Cecil Willis

As a basis of this subject I cite your attention to 1 Jno. 3:4, which reads, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth the law, for sin is the transgression of the law.” If there is a definition of sin in the Bible, we have it in the last clause of this verse: “Sin is the transgression of the law.” Of course, it means the transgression of God’s law. God’s law may be transgressed by thought; by feeling, by words, or by actions, for as we learn from other portions of the Word of God, there are wicked thoughts, wicked feelings, wicked words, and wicked actions. This definition is not exhaustive, but it is sufficient for our present purpose.

While all of us sin; we obviously fail to recognize the enormity of sin. I believe I would esteem above every other gift that could be bestowed upon me as a preacher, the power adequately to conceive what sin is, and adequately to set it before the people. It is impossible for us to relate the enormity of sin for two reasons: First, a failure on our own part to realize the greatness of it and second, our inability to gather up such words and such figures of speech, as would with any sufficiency, set it forth to our hearers. The pleasures of sin have blinded our eyes to its enormity.

After considerable reflection on the matter, I am persuaded that the only accurate gauge which we have with which to measure the enormity and heinousness of sin, is the punishment that God has decreed against it. God is infinite, unlimited, in all His attributes; infinite in love, in mercy, in compassion, but when we find the terrible punishment which the likewise infinite justice of God necessitated that He metes out to man because of sin, then we can have some concept of God’s reaction and feeling toward the greatness of sin. Paul said in a discussion of the Law of Moses, that the Law was given “That through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful” (Rom. 7:13).

Many are the unpleasant things which befall man in this life which come as a consequence of man’s sin and disrespect of God’s law. From its earliest history, the world has been ladened with a vast burden of woe and pain and death. The journey of human life is strewn with tears; the whole earth on which we live has become dotted with cemeteries. Death, preceded by incalculable pains of the body, the whole period of the life filled with interchanging smiles and tears, anguish of hearts relieved by times of joy and happiness, have been our history. “Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin” (Rom. 5:12). All of this pain and woe, Paul said is caused by sin. It is a punishment the infinite God laid upon man- because of his sin.

While we experience these discomfitures here because of sin, without the aid of revelation, the nature, extent, duration, and the severity of any punishment that might be suffered hereafter would be the subject of simple conjecture. All the details would be left in the dark. We must depend upon revelation for the answer to our questions concerning the matter. To it then we turn, and the question set before us divides itself into some four points. First, “Is there any punishment for the wicked after death?” Second, “Is there a future, final and universal judgment, such as we have heard of?” Third, “What is to follow in the way of punishment, if anything, after that universal judgment?” Fourth, “How long, if there is such punishment after the judgment day, will it continue?”

First, “Is there then any punishment after death ?” Notice particularly Luke 12:4, where Jesus addressing his disciples, said, “My friends, be not afraid of them who kill the body, but after that have nothing more they can do.” They can take your body and burn it and dismember it, but that does not hurt your soul. They have no more that they can do which inflicts any pain upon you. “But,” He continued, “I will forewarn you whom to fear. Fear Him who after He hath killed, hath power to cast into hell.” Furthermore, in Luke 16, the rich man died (verse 22), and in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment in the flame, so there definitely is punishment after death for the alien, and unfaithful.

Secondly, “Is there, according to the Word of God, and beyond all uncertainties of interpretation, and all questions about the meaning of words, such a final judgment as we have been taught to believe?” The word “judgment” is used and applied many times to judgments that occur here on earth. Many imagine that this is the only use of the term. But the Apostle told us in Heb. 9:27, “that it is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment.” In addition then to all the judgments on earth, there is a final judgment that comes after death. This judgment will be universal in its nature. “So then each one of us shall give account of himself unto God” (Rom. 14:12). “When the Son of Man shall come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then shall he sit upon the throne of His glory and all nations shall be gathered before him” (Matt. 25:31; Jno. 5:28,29). “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne” (Rev. 20:12). So the judgment following death will be final and universal in its nature.

What is to follow in the way of punishment, if anything? Rationally speaking, were there no punishment provided there would be no point in having a judgment. God’s infinite justice necessitates punishment to those who have violated His infinite holiness by disobeying His righteous commands. Do you remember how this punishment is set forth in the Bible? “Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). Everlasting Fire! A lake that burns with fire and brimstone. The most excruciating torture, I believe, that human flesh can experience, is to be burned with fire, and that represents this suffering after the judgment. Furthermore he said, “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30). Men gnash their teeth only, when they are enraged against themselves, when they are tormented with anguish and self-reproach. Such then, is the answer to our third question. “Will there be any punishment after the final judgment?”

Now finally, how long will that punishment which comes after the judgment, and which is described in these horrid terms, endure? How long shall the punishment last? Christ stamped the word “eternal” upon the duration of the sinner’s punishment. “And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal’ life” (Matt. 25:46). Eternal punishment for some and eternal reward for others. There are people who would tell you that the reward for the righteous will last forever, but the reward of the wicked will be completed at death. In other words, death is the final and complete punishment. Annihilation is the punishment for the sinner, but remember, the Lord said “eternal punishment” and “eternal life.” If “eternal” life means forever, then “eternal” punishnient means for the same duration. We know from their meanings that there is no end for either.

We see then God’s infinite hatred of sin by the fact that he is going to punish the sinner with everlasting punishment in the lake of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. How is it, then, that a man or woman, can consent to live in sin day by day and still realize the awful consequence of such a life? Knowing that they shall incur this awful penalty, that if they were to die today, this would be their unending fate, how can they fail to reproach themselves for being sinners, and to fly away from it to the only means of escape found in Christ Jesus our Lord?

But thanks be to His blessed name; however, great the sins committed, however numerous they are, and however just the awful sentence that has been passed against us, there is a way of escape. This is had by obedience to the terms laid down in the gospel of Christ. “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). There is salvation through no other means, so we must be saved by obedience to the gospel.

Truth Magazine, XX:1, p. 3-4
January 1, 1976

By F. W. Grosheide

Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians

This commentary is a part of the New International Commentary series presently being edited by F.F. Bruce. Although I have only seen one volume of this set, the set comes to me highly recommended by both liberal and conservative scholars. Grosheide’s commentary on First Corinthians manifests detailed study of the original text and insight, into the- internal relationships of the book. I was particularly impressed with the treatment of 1 Cor. 8-10 by the professor of New Testament in the Free University of Amsterdam. There are some portions of the book with which I found myself in disagreement (such as his definition of tongue speaking and treatment of 1 Cor. 13). Too, he writes from a Calvinistic point of view. Nevertheless, the book brings out enough useful material on the book that it is well worth its price.

Faith, Psychology and Christian Maturity

by Millard J. Sall.

Zondervan Publishing House. Price $5.95

I recently reviewed a book entitled The Christian Counsellor’s Manual by Jay E. Adams which took the position that Christianity had little use for today’s psychologists and psychiatrists. This book by a practicing clinical psychologist presents an opposite point of view; Sall believes that Christianity and psychology are, complementary to each other and not antagonistic. He believes the approach which says’ emotional problems are caused by sin is somewhat shallow; instead, he believes that they are caused by an abuse of one’s defense mechanisms (I am not sure that these two positions are in conflict with one another). At any rate, the book will be thought provoking to you. There are some concessions to psychology in it that .I personally am unwilling to make.

Genesis: A Study Guide

by Leon J. Wood

Zondervan Publishing House. Price $1.95.

This paperback study guide to the book of Genesis provides an excellent outline of the book and a brief summary of its contents. Not intended to be an exhaustive commentary, this small book (152 pp.) is useful to help the everyday Christian grasp the first book of the Bible. Though there are traces of Calvinism in the book, the doctrines are not given so prominent an emphasis to cause me not to recommend it. This book can be a useful tool for classroom or private study.

Genesis And Early Man

by Arthur C. Custance

Zondervan Publishing House. Price $8.95.

This book is Volume II of a set entitled The Doorway Papers. This is the only volume of the planned ten volume set which I have seen but, if it is characteristic of the first and forthcoming volumes, it will constitute one of the most devastating attacks on the evolutionary hypothesis which I have seen. Custance holds a Ph.D. degree in anthropology and, thus, stands qualified to speak on the subject concerning which he is writing. In this volume, he treats the problem of fossil remains of early man as related to the record of Genesis, a look at the historical origin of primitive cultures, the IQ of early man, the supposed evolution of the human skull, and other subjects. One of Custance’s comments confirmed what many of us who are unqualified as experts have charged concerning the present prejudicial acceptance of evolution; he said, “But when a theory which is tentative is presented as fact, it no longer serves to inspire questions but rather to predetermine answers. To my mind, this is the present position of evolutionary theory. It has become ‘fact’ and to challenge it is to run the risk of excommunication. In Medieval times, too, excommunication was one of the penalties for challenging the accepted view of :things. At that time the test of whether any new theory was true or false was, as John Randall points out, whether it fitted harmoniously into the orthodox systems of belief and not whether it could be verified by experiment. This is exactly the position today; ecclesiastical dogma has been replaced by biological dogma which, as ‘dogma,’ has been detrimental to the truth” (p. 75).

Although this book is detailed and not light reading, the person who wants to be qualified to speak on evolution should acquaint himself with it.

Salute To A Sufferer

by Leslie D. Weatherhead.

Abingdon Press.

This small book by Weatherhead is one the best books which I have read on theodicy-God, pain and evil. The book is written for the ordinary Christian and is, therefore, useful for gifts to those who are presently suffering. Here are some of the questions answered by Weatherhead in this book:

Does God want me to be ill?

Does God allow me to suffer?

Why should suffering occur to me?

Is suffering just a bit of bad luck?

These, and other questions are seriously treated in a reverent way by Weatherhead. I would like to highly recommend this book to any person who is suffering or has suffered and has a tendency to question the goodness of God because of it. Although the book is written from a modernist point of view, it presents an explanation of God and evil in this world. Purchase several copies and give them to your friends in the hospital; the book will say more to them than a bouquet of flowers.

Truth Magazine, XX:1, p. 2