Truth Magazine

By Billy W. Moore

There are some who believe in God but who deny that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. They do not accept the New Testament as authentic, inspired of God and authoritative. Such persons accept the Old Testament as the Word of God (consider the orthodox Jew), thus when studying with them we cannot make our appeal unto the New Testament. However, since they will accept the Old Testament as Gods word, we can and must appeal unto it. As we have opportunity to study with such persons we must make them see Jesus in the Old Testament.

Jesus In The 0. T.

This method of preaching Christ was used by inspired men. For example, when Paul came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue, the record says. “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from tile (lead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” (Acts 17:1-3) When Paul reasoned with them out of the scriptures, of necessity it was the Old Testament scriptures, for this was all the Jews would have had in their synagogues, since the New Testament was not yet written. But what did Paul reason with them out of the scriptures? He was “opening and alleging” certain things. The New American Standard Version says he was “explaining and giving evidence.” But what was he explaining? 1-Into what was he giving evidence? Unto two things: (1) … that Christ must need have suffered,” and (2) Christ must needs have “risen from the dead.”

Christ must need to have suffered. “Christ” from Christos, means “anointed.” W. E. Vine says the word “translates, in the Sept., the word Messiah, a term applied to the priests who were anointed with the holy oil.” The Jews would be familiar with this term. as it had been used with reference to the High Priest (Lev. 4:3, 5, 16), of the prophets, who are called “the anointed of God” (Ps. 105:15), and of their kings, who were anointed (2 Sam. 1: 14; Cf. the anointing of Saul and of David, I Sam. 10: 1 and 16:13).

It is said, “the title . . . the Christ is not used of Christ in the Sept. Version, yet three 7 times the title was expressly accepted by the Lord himself, Matt. 16: 17: Mark 14:61-62; John 4:26.” Furthermore, on the night before his death the Lord referred to himself as “Jesus Christ.” (John 17: 3) When Paul explained and gave evidence to the Jews that “Christ must needs have suffered, he could appeal to such Old Testament passages as Isaiah 53 where the prophet Isaiah described the trial and death of Christ in some detail. We know that the inspired evangelist, Philip, began at this scripture and preached Jesus unto the eunuch of Ethiopia. (See Acts 8:26-39) This is only one of many passages in the Old Testament, which speaks of the suffering of the coming Messiah. Paul could establish beyond any reasonable doubt that Jesus of Nazareth had suffered, for this is a well-documented historical fact.

Christ must need to have risen from the dead. Paul explained and gave evidence from the Old Testament scripture that Christ must need to “have risen from the dead.” In the Psalms it was written, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy On to see corruption.” (Ps. 16: 10) Paul could refer to the recent historical event and establish that Jesus was raised from the dead. He had been seen of many witnesses, above five hundred at one time, during a period of forty days. This was in keeping with what the Old Testament spoke concerning his resurrection. Luke wrote that the resurrection of Christ was established “by many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3), and Paul would be aware of these proofs. Today we can teach the resurrection of Christ from the Old Testament, as God testified of his resurrection in prophetic words.

When Paul and Silas went to Berea they went into the synagogue of the Jews and preached Jesus. The record says, “these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed . . .” (Acts 17:11-12) When those of Berea “searched the scriptures daily” to see whether the things Paul and Silas preached were so, they searched the Old Testament scriptures. This necessarily infers that Paul and Silas appealed to the Old Testament when they preached Christ unto them. And so can we. Notice that many of them believed as a result of Pauls preaching.

Later, when Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, they heard Apollos preaching. He was “an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures.” After listening to him preach they recognized that he knew only the baptism of John, so they took him unto them “and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Then Apollos went into Achaia where lie “helped them much which had believed through grace: for he mightily convinced the Jews and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.” (Acts 18:24-28) When Apollos showed them “by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ,” he appealed to the Old Testament scriptures. Surely we have established the point that the Old Testament testifies of Jesus, that he is the Christ. We must do the same when confronting those who reject the New Testament. Yea, we do it even with those who accept the New Testament to show the wisdom of God and the accuracy of prophecy. Peter said that the prophets of old spoke of the salvation of souls, and regarding this salvation said “the prophets have inquired and searched diligently … searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.” Then he added “unto them it was revealed, that not unto them, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them what have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven.” (1Peter 1:9-12)

Thus, the prophets of old spoke not only of Christ and his sufferings, but also of his resurrection and the glory that should follow, yea, even the salvation of your souls. Notice some of the things the prophets of old said concerning Christ.

1. His Birth. Isaiah wrote, “a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son” (Isa. 7: 14). This promised one was to be “the seed of woman” (Gen. 3:151. and the “seed of Abraham” (Gen. 12:3). He was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). These promises were fulfilled as matters of fact. Many New Testament references, how their fulfilling.

2. His Life. The life of the Messiah was to be one of purity, holiness and submission unto the Father in heaven. He was to be brought out of Egypt (Hos. 11: 1) -, a harbinger, with the spirit and power of Elijah, was to prepare the way for him (Isa. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1; 4:5). These matters could be established as having come to pass. He would perform great healings (Isa. 35:6). He was to be the prince of peace. (Is. 9: 6) Cf. Eph. 2: 14 He was to be given an entry into Jerusalem as was given to a king who had been triumphant in battle (Zech. 9:9, Cf. Jn 12:12).

3. His Betrayal. The prophet spoke of his familiar friend lifting up his heel against him. (Ps. 41; Cf. 26: 14) For thirty pieces of silver he was to he sold unto his enemies (Zech. 11: 12; Amos 2:6; Cf. Matt. 26:15).

4. His Trials. False witnesses would accuse him (Ps. 27:12; Cf. Mark 14:53-59). He would be despised and rejected (Isa. 53:3-7-, Cf. Matt 27). Even the rulers would take counsel together against the Lord (Ps. 2: 2; Cf. Acts 4:25-28).

5. His Crucifixion. He would be nailed to a cross (Ps. 22:16). He would be given vinegar to drink (Ps. 69:21; Cf. Matt. 27:34, 35; 97:48). He would be numbered with transgressors (Isa. 53:12; Cf. Luke 22:37). He must suffer alone (Ps. 22: 1; Cf. Matt. 27:46). He made intercession for the transgressors (Isa. 53: 12; Cf. Luke 23:34). He died for our sins (Isa. 53:3-5; Cf. Matt 26:28). But not a bone shall be broken in his body (Ps. 34:20; Cf. John 19:31-37).

6. His Burial. He was to be with the rich in his death f1sa. 53:9; Cf. Matt. 27:60).

7. His Resurrection. His body was not to see corruption (Ps. 16:8-11; CF. John 20: 1-10 and Act-, 2:25-31).

8. His Ascension. He was to ascend on high (Ps. 68:18; Cf. Acts 1:9-11; Eph. 4:9-11).

9. His Kingdom. When he ascended on high he was to be given dominion, glory and a kingdom (Dan. 7:14; Cf. Matt. 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:22; 1 Tim. 6:15; Heb. 12:28).

10. A New Covenant. The prophets spoke of a new covenant being given wherein provisions would be made that iniquities would be forgiven and sins remembered no more. (Jer. 31:31-34; Cf. Heb. 6:8-13; Acts 2:38) The prophet Moses wrote that every soul must be hearken to this new prophet whom God would raise up among the Israelites. (Deut. 18:15; Cf. Acts 3:23).

Indeed the Old Testament testifies of Jesus. We are missing an opportunity if we do not use it unto this end.

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 7, pp. 6-8
December 14, 1973

By Ray Ferris

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 13:37-50.

If there is anything taught in this parable, it is that there will be people in the kingdom of the Lord in that last day who will be cast “into the furnace of fire.” The same principle is taught in many other passages in the New Testament. The question for those of us who are Christians is: “What kind of a fish am I in the net, and what does it take to make me a bad fish?” If we were to go through the Bible and note how little some of the people did to find themselves in Gods disfavor, it might make us a little more careful of some of the little things we do that are not pleasing to God!

Do you think it pleases God when you deliberately stay at home from any of the services of the church? Do you think He is made to rejoice when you fail to do any work that needs to be done to advance His kingdom in the area where you are? Remember, all that Adam and Eve did was to eat of the forbidden fruit; no doubt they thought it was just a little thing. The church at Laodicea was lukewarm, but they no doubt reasoned that they were not doing any great sins. Are you a worker for the Lord, or one who does no real service – a bad fish? A lot of “good men” (that is, they are not really guilty of gross immorality and outright rebellion) will be bad fish in the Lords eyes!

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 5, p. 13
November 30, 1972

By Terry L. Sumerlin

Though I am one who, like Brother William B. Wright, believes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures-i.e. a Christian is wise in marrying a Christian; I do not concur with his conclusion drawn from passages of scripture on the subject. According to Brother Wrights reasoning on certain passages (though his conclusions on the passages and his conclusion to the article did not harmonize), it is sinful for a Christian to marry a non-Christian. This I do not accept. Thus, lets consider his usage of scripture.

Under his heading “An Important Principle,” we find a number of passages taken from the Old Testament to show that the old patriarchs married “their own.” Also, passages are cited in reference to “mixed marriages”- of the children of Israel and the condemnation of such by Nehemiah. To show the lesson we are supposed to get from this, Rom. 15:4 is given: ” . . . whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning. . . .” Yet, I do not believe we are to misuse O.T. passages (or new for that matter) in order to make application where there is not such, as I believe our good brother has honestly done. If one will look closely at Neh. 13:24, he will find the following primary reason given for the condemnation of “mixed marriages” among Israel: “And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod and could not speak in the Jews language, but according to the language of each people.” As I understand it, Nehemiahs condemnation primarily had to do with “mixing of races” so as to provide an impure lineage for Christ (as seems to have been the case with all such O.T. passages); and secondarily with possible spiritual damage as in the case of Solomon, being affected by such a marriage. Yet, the second was not necessitated by the first (consider the marriage of Moses, Num. 12: 1). As to the marriages of the old patriarchs, the fathers also chose wives for their sons. Maybe, this is also “for our learning.”

Moving from this point, though, to the section headed “New Testament Teaching,” lets consider the passage used by Brother Wright in 1 Cor. 9:5. I, too, believe the passage is dealing with a “believing wife,” but I do not agree with the idea that such infers that the unbelieving woman is not an eligible mate for a Christian. Our brothers reasoning on the passage is comparable to saying that because Paul approved eating meats and eating herbs, but said nothing of eating them together, such is sinful! Notice in 1 Cor. 9 Paul says it is approved to be single or marry a Christian. Does the fact that in this place nothing is said about marrying a non Christian, make it wrong? I think not!

Though no specific application is made of 1 Cor. 7:39, I take it that our brother intends to say from this that since widows are to marry Christians (“only in the Lord”), this implies that all Christians are to marry “only in the Lord.” This, I believe. Yet, I do not believe “only in the Lord” means Christian. If such is the meaning of the expression, then children are bound by Eph. 6: 1 to only obeying parents who are Christians, i.e. “in the Lord.” The expression, rather, seems to mean widows are to marry and children are to obey their parents only to the extent that they would not be caused by “obedience” or “marriage” to disobey the Lord. This is a far cry from proving “mixed marriages” wrong.

In connection with what Brother Wright has said on 2 Cor. 6: 14, let me say that if this passage is teaching that marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian is sinful, in itself, one has a serious contradiction between verse 17 of the same chapter (“. . . come out from among them and be ye separate . . .”) and 1 Cor. 7:12-13. The truth of the matter seems to be that the passage is teaching that we should not enter into any agreement, etc., which would give the non Christian the advantage that would cause the Christian to sin. Though such could exist (and often does) in “mixed marriages,” the context seems to indicate that this is not specifically under consideration.

In conclusion I must say that I see something strange in reasoning by which one labors in an article of such length as the one under consideration to prove something in violation of Biblical principles, and then ends it by saying that the individual who marries a non-Christian is to be treated as any other Christian. If I understand the Bible correctly, when one violates Biblical teaching he (she) sins. Yet, the article does not lead one to believe such. Notice: Either the marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian violates Biblical principles and is sin; or such a marriage does not violate Biblical principles. I take the latter! Though a “mixed marriage” might show a lack of judgment; I do not believe it reflects on ones godliness!!!

(Readers are asked to refer to Vol. XVI, No. 46 of Truth Magazine for “The Beginning of Sorrows”)

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 5, pp. 10-1
November 30, 1972

By Billy W. Moore

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8-9) Truly, the ways of God are higher than our ways but one of the grand lessons of the Old Testament is that Gods way will work. We may not understand why God has commanded this or that, but if we have the faith to work his ways, his ways will work.

Sometimes the way of God appears foolish unto men. But let us remember that of some it is said, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools . . .” (Rom. 1:22). “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness.” The very idea that the crucifixion of a Jew on a cross was the only means of salvation was utter folly unto many of the wise men of Pauls day. But God in his wisdom could see that the world by wisdom knew not God, thus it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Cor. 1:18, 21) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men, God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise … and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty … and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, that no flesh should glory in his sight. (See 1 Cor. 1: 18-29)

Jeremiah the prophet said, “0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10: 23) The wise man said, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6) One great use of the Old Testament is to learn that Gods way will work, therefore, trust in the Lord.

This lesson is illustrated through many Old Testament events, to which we can make only passing notice. If you are not familiar with these situations, then read them and see this grand lesson. And remember: these things were written for our learning. In Old Testament days God was dealing with man in a physical sense, so the effectiveness of his ways could readily be seen.

When God sent Moses into Egypt to lead forth the captive Israelites, Moses was eighty years of age and unknown to the elders of Israel. Why should they trust him? How could he make them believe that God had sent him? Gods way: Moses was given miraculous power . . . turning of a rod into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous, etc. (Ex. 4:1-9) Gods way worked! Israel believed and accepted Moses as their leader.

In their flight from Egypt the Israelites came unto the Red Sea. There was no passage over it. Pharaoh and his army were approaching. Israel cried unto the Lord. But Moses believed God would come to their rescue, and charged them: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day.” God told Moses to “Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” (Ex. 14:13-16) Men would say, at a time like this we have no need for foolishness. But Gods way did work. What an impression this should have made.

Shortly thereafter, when Israel was in the wilderness, they were without water and they did chide Moses and murmured against him. God told Moses to take his rod and strike the rock in Horeb and water would come forth. With men this would have been sheer folly. I have heard of men “witching for water” with a forked pitch limb, but never of a man bringing water from a rock … except for this instance. But, you know, Gods way worked.

Because of their unbelief, the Israelites were made to wander in the wilderness for forty years. During this time they spake against God and he sent fiery serpents among them and they bit the people and many of the Israelites died. When the people confessed, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord,” they asked Moses to pray unto the Lord for them. God had Moses to make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole, and when one was bitten he was to look upon that serpent on the pole and he would live. To a medical doctor this would be foolish. In fact, no man could believe that a brass serpent could heat a poisonous snake bite. But Gods way worked! They knew the power was with God, not with the brass serpent, but they did not rebel at Gods way, for they were a dying people and this was their only hope.

After the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the time came for entering into the promise land. Israel was camped on the eastern side of Jordan, across from Jericho. But the Jordan was overflowing its banks at this season of the year. There was no bridge, and it would be a long and rough journey to go southward, over the mountains and around the Dead Sea, and then back north into the land. God had a way. The priests who would be carrying the ark of the covenant were to lead the way, and as soon as the soles of their feet shall rest in the waters of Jordan, the waters shall be cut off from the waters come down from above, and they shall stand upon an heap. This would take a mighty feat, considering the flow of a mountainous stream in flood stage. But Gods way worked and all Israel passed over on dry ground. (Joshua 3:9-17)

The city of Jericho was the first city before them and God gave it to Joshua and Israel. But Jericho had a great wall built around it. How could they conquer it? Gods way: all the men of war were to go round about the city once. This was to be done for six days. On the seventh day they were to compass the city seven times, the priests were to make a long blast with the rams horn, and all the people give a great shout. Such military strategy would be laughed at in every camp. But the people believed God. They worked his plan, and his plan worked! How marvelous are the ways of God. (Joshua 6)

There are many other situations in the Old Testament which give further support to the fact that Gods way will work. When someone put poison gourds into a pot of soup-the people needed this food, for there was a dearth in the land-Gods way: put some meal into the pot and all will be well. Who would think of that? No man would believe that the power was in the meal. But they could believe that God had power to purify the poison soup. Gods way worked again. And what about the time Naaman was told to dip himself seven times in Jordan to be cleansed of his leprosy? He went away in a rage! Later, when a servant made him see how foolish it was not to do as he had been told, he worked the plan of God, and dipped himself seven times in the waters of Jordan. You know the results: Gods way worked! Naaman would no longer doubt. He now proclaimed, “there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel.” (2 Kings 5) Or, how about the time when God told Gideon that his army of 32,000 was too great to go against the enemy, whose army numbered 135,000. Those odds do not seem too great a favor of Israel. But God did not want man to glory in himself. So, the army was reduced to ten thousand. But still it was too great. Then the drinking water test reduced the army of Israel to- three hundred men. Not a chance for so few to defeat so great an army as the Midians, had. But God had a way: a pitcher, a lamp and a trumpet for each man. No general would go along with this! But you know what? Gods way worked! (Read it in Judges 7)

Application Of This Lesson

The world was in sin, lost and ruined. But God had a plan: He sent his only begotten son and let him die on the cross for the sins of the world. His death was not left to mere chance, it was not an accident. His followers would have fought for him but he forbade it (Matt. 26:51-53). He could have called for legions of angels to deliver him (Matt. 26:53; John 18:36), but his prayer was, “not my will but Thine be done.” He knew the will of the Father was to provide the only sacrifice for sins that could be offered. Thus, he gave himself once for all.

In the apostolic days many said it was foolish. Some today are crying. We do not believe in a blood religion! Even some of our brethren have denied that the shedding of the blood of Christ was that which took away sin. They ask: Why could not God in all his wisdom design a plan of salvation that would not demand the sacrifice of his only begotten son? They seem to think that either the wisdom or mercy of God is impeached. God in his wisdom could see that to redeem man of his sins with any lesser sacrifice than that of his only begotten son would not allow him to remain just. Listen to the answer given by the inspired apostle Paul, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Rom. 3:24-26) But God is still pleased that by the foolishness of preaching men are saved. Yes, Gods plan worked! Christ is able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him. (Heb. 7:25) Those saved are said to be washed in the blood of Christ. “. . . and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (Rev. 1: 5 See also Rev. 7: 14; Matt. 26: 28; 1 John 1: 7) My friend, if you reject the sacrifice that Christ made on your behalf, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. (Heb. 10: 26) Thus, it is the sacrifice of Christ or no sacrifice at all, and without the shedding of blood is no remission (Heb. 9:22).

Man is a sinner and needs salvation. He is not saved merely because Jesus died. The Lords plan … Gods way: Preach the gospel to every creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16:16) That believer must repent of his sins (see Luke 13:3 and Acts 2:38). And you know, the plan works! Three thousand souls believed the first gospel message, repented of their sins and were baptized. Peter told them, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” They that gladly received his word were baptized, and the saved were added to the church. (Acts 2:37-41, 47) The eunuch believed and was baptized and went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:36-39)

It is true that for centuries there have been those who mocked the ways of God. Mockers and doubters are still among us, crying, I dont believe baptism is necessary. Or, God can save me even if I am not baptized. But the way of God is still the same, and His way will still work. After all, when one believes in Christ and in obedience to the Lord repents and is baptized, why shouldnt he go on his way rejoicing? Jesus said, “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” We believe him. We take him at his word. We believe Gods way will work!

The application may be made to many things, but the principle should never be forgotten: Gods way will work. How wonderful it is to see this repeatedly in the Old Testament. What confidence it gives unto us when we willingly submit unto Gods way. Although I may never in this life understand how or why they work, with Paul of old I can say: “0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.” (Romans 11:33)

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 5, pp. 7-9
November 30, 1972