Truth Magazine

By J.L. McKinley

In Matthew 10:32 the Lord told his disciples, “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him I will confess before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.” These words were spoken as Jesus prepared to send out the twelve disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt. 10:6). There is no doubt that Christ was speaking in terms of both physical and verbal action in this discourse. A professed child of God can live and act in a manner that would deny Christ better than any word ever could. One’s very con-duct could cause the confession of Christ to be as meaningless as baptism is to someone who is unrepentant. The Lord said in Matthew 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Some have questioned whether the good confession should even be a part of the acts of conversion. Is it a step a person must take in order to become a child of God, or is it something one should do as a Christian? Faith and repentance are required be-fore one becomes a Christian, but are also necessary after conversion. Confession must be made before baptism to show that the person believes, but afterward as a form of witness. If a subject will not confess Christ before a congregation of Christians they won’t before a group of infidels. The chief rulers in Israel would not confess their belief in Christ for fear of being cast from the synagogues (John 12:42-43). Paul wrote, “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10).

Peter in Matthew 16:16 made the good confession as did the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:37. Both men made them of their own free will, not a repeating of empty words as some preachers have their subjects do. Some act as if they believe the words in the good confession must be said in a certain order or the baptism will be of no effect. Peter and the eunuch made their confessions from the heart.

When someone is about to be baptized into the Lord’s body, they should be taught to understand the significance of their confession. What is meant when a person says, “I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God”? The eunuch affirmed his faith to Philip by the words “I believe.” There is no doubt that the inspired evangelist heard that the Lord said faith was a prerequisite to baptism (Mark 16:16), therefore he asked, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest” (Acts 8:37). In this study we will look at the significance of the confession and its relation to what Christ has done and continues to do for us today.

His Offices

“Christ” is the Greek word meaning “anointed.” In the Old Testament there were three classes of servants that were anointed; priests, prophets, and kings. Elisha was anointed a prophet (1 Kings 19:16), as was Aaron a priest (Lev. 8:12), and David a king (2 Sam. 2:4). The Old Testament is full of prophesies of Christ’s filling these positions.

Moses told the children of Israel before their entrance into the promised land that God would raise up a prophet from among them like him (Deut. 18:1 5-18). We who have been baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27), like the Israelites “were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Cor.10:2), are also on a journey to a promised land and Jesus is our prophet. When I confess Christ, I admit that I do not know all the answers, but rather I need someone to guide me to all truth. In acknowledging him as my Creator and Savior, I deny the wisdom of man with regards to our origin, purpose, and destiny. I refute the theory toward sin that we are only human, and I realize that I was originally created in God’s image but have fallen. By accepting the word of God as my only creed, I am able to dispel the spiritual darkness that has engulfed the truth and lead others to the light.

Psalm 110:4 says that Jesus would be “a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” All mankind has fallen into sin (Rom. 3:23; 5:12), and cannot escape the consequences of his iniquities (Rom. 6:23). I confess Christ because he is the only priest who can atone for my sins. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb.9:12). The Levitical priests could not offer a perfect sacrifice because they themselves were imperfect. It was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could be sacrificed to take away man’s sins because animals be-long to God in the first place. “. . . every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Ps. 50:10). Only by the blood of his perfect sacrifice will I be able to stand justified before Jehovah who cannot look upon iniquity (Hab. 1:16).

The Bible says that this same priest and prophet will reign as king. “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever” (Isa. 9:7). By confessing Christ I proclaim that the kingdom has been established and Christ is now in power. In my submission to his Lordship, I put myself under his ordinances, and by faith I “try” to follow the example he set before me. Man cannot walk in his own steps without going astray (Isa. 53:6).

New Testament History

Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us of the threefold work of Christ. “God . . .hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (vv. 2-3). We see by the Scriptures that Jesus is fulfilling all three positions for us, all we need to do is recognize and put our faith in him.

His Deity

In Matthew 16:13-19 the Lord took his disciples into the idolatrous city of Caesarea Philippi among the pagan gods and put them to the test. “Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?” Their response shows us that men two thou-sand years ago are no different than men today. Instead of believing Jesus was the Messiah, whose coming had been prophesied for centuries, they chose to believe the ridiculous. Today men refuse to believe in God, the only obvious explanation for our existence, in exchange for the belief that we are all a product of evolution. Some act as if not accepting God’s existence will cancel our appointment with destiny. “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Rom. 14:10).

Then Jesus asks ” . . . whom say ye that I am?” Peter answers, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” As they stood in the shadows of Philippian’s pagan god “Paneas,” Peter recognized the difference between the gods who were only alive within the vain imaginations of men, and the one living God called Jehovah. In his response Pe-ter confessed what the Lord wanted to hear.

People are quick to proclaim their allegiance to entertainers and athletes, while Jesus, the sweetest name of all, is a source of embarrassment or humor. While paying homage to their human idols they forget they too will one day be bound by the chains of death. Christ, who arose from the dead to crush the head of Satan and conquer death is worthy of all praise (Rev. 5:12). Those who are in the spotlight do not desire the well-being of their worshipers, but would rather the people give them their money, then leave them alone. While the Lord may expect our total devotion, he will never disappoint us or leave us destitute (Heb. 13:5). “He is our help and our shield” (Ps. 33:20). While the rich and famous of this world can’t even save themselves, Christ can save “them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25). He is our “help in a time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

When Christians understand what exactly it means to confess Christ it will become more than mere words. Just as he fulfills our every physical need, he wants to fulfill our spiritual need. The wall of iniquity that has separated man from his God has one door. Jesus said, “If any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9).

Guardian of Truth XLI: 21 p. 13-14
November 6, 1997

By Joe R. Price

Pain and suffering exist in this world because of sin. According to Genesis 3:16-19, they are the clearly stated consequences of sin entering into the world. We have experienced the words of Job as he says, “Man, that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Suffering is inevitable because sin is present in this world.

The Bible reveals several different types of suffering. Here is a brief overview of some of them.

1. Punitive suffering results when one violates established laws. Whether it be the natural laws (like gravity), moral laws (such as do not murder) or civil laws (paying taxes), one cannot violate the laws under which he lives without experiencing some degree of punishment. We have sufficient incentive to obey law to avoid punishment (Rom. 13:1-4).

2. Disciplinary suffering occurs to warn us and to improve our lives. It is true that men often respond favorably in times of adversity to what they would reject in times of prosperity. The adage, “there are no atheists in a foxhole” speaks to this point. Suffering can be to our good  if we will learn from it (Ps. 119:71; Heb. 12:10-11; 1 Pet. 1:6-7).

3. Consequential suffering is the sort where innocent ones suffer due to the actions of others. The drunk driver kills an innocent victim, the unborn baby’s life is taken by abortion. Millions suffer daily in this world through no fault of their own (Gen. 3:17-19; Mark 14:7; John 9:1-3). But, as we have already noted, sin is ultimately the root cause of it all.

4. Persecutionary suffering occurs when one is afflicted for what is right (Matt. 5:10-12). Those who live godly can expect to undergo this form of suffering (2 Tim. 3:12). Just as the world hated Jesus, his followers will also be hated (John 15:19; 17:14). Although this kind of suffering is unjust, Jesus teaches us not to fear man and what he may do to us (1 Pet. 3:13-14, 17). We must fear God and always serve him (Matt. 10:28).

5. Sacrificial suffering occurs when one willingly suffers in the place of someone else. This is the essence of love (Rom. 5:6-8). Jesus suffered on our behalf, leaving us an example to follow (1 Pet. 2:21-24). Having been the recipients of Christ’s tremendous love and sacrifice, Christians are to be ready to suffer for others (1 John 3:16).

Following is an outline of additional thoughts from God’s word on suffering, with special attention being given to rejoicing in spite of the tribulations which we face. Please open your Bible and study God’s word, and commit your-self to the joy of suffering for the sake of righteousness (Matt. 5:10-12).

Rejoicing in Tribulations (Rom. 5:3)

1. Seems contradictory, yet possible.

2. Matthew 5:10-12  Blessings as we rejoice through trials.

3. We must learn to rejoice in tribulations.

I. What Is Tribulation?

A. Defined: Pressure (thlipsis).

B. Illustrated (John 16:21; Matt. 24:20-21).

C. Defining Characteristics (John 16:33; Mark 4:17; Acts 20:33; 2 Cor. 2:4; Acts 14:22).

II. How Do We Rejoice in Tribulations?

A. Develop the spirit of early Christians who counted it an honor to suffer for Christ’s sake (Acts 5:41; Col.1:24; 1 Pet. 4:13-16).

B. Recognize that suffering can prepare us for greater usefulness in the kingdom (Rom. 5:3-4; Jas. 1:2-4; 2 Cor.12:10).

C. Understand that suffering will make us long for heaven with greater intensity (Matt. 5:12; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 4:12-13; 2 Cor. 4:16f).

D. Remember that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us (Rom. 5:2; 8:35f; 2 Cor. 12:9).

Guardian of Truth XLI: 21 p. 12
November 6, 1997

By Dick Blackford

No doubt most who are reading these lines watched at least a portion of the funeral of the late Princess of Wales. Diana’s brother, Charles, the ninth Earl of Spencer, delivered a passionate and pointed speech. I thought the speech was exceptionally good. There was a small portion of the speech with which I disagreed, which is what this article is about. That portion expressed a belief held by many. He said, “God gave Diana only half a life. I will always feel cheated that he took her away.”

This brought back memories of a funeral I preached several years ago for a seven-month old baby whose four-year old brother accidentally pulled a portable television over on top of him. On why the young, and often the evening before the funeral, family members were heard saying “It was God’s will. He took him away from us.”

What This Belief Does

This belief makes God an unloving tyrant who shows respect of persons (Rom.2:11). I do not believe that was the impression the princess’ brother intended to leave, but it is the logical conclusion. Why the young, and often innocent, are caused to die prematurely but the wicked are permitted to live is hard to reconcile with a loving, all powerful God. Why are the lives of those who are doing good for others snuffed out while the evil continue to prosper (Ps. 37)? This shortsighted view of God causes one to misjudge him. It leads to skepticism. The problem of suffering and death is the major and strongest argument used by atheists in debate.

Man’s Freedom To Choose

God gave man freedom to choose (Gen. 2; Josh. 24:15). Much of the Bible is taken up in trying to motivate and persuade men to make right choices. If he intervened every time someone made a wrong choice, that would cancel man’s freedom to choose. Freedom involves being able to make wrong choices as well as right ones. Man is free to act hatefully and “Princess Diana” continued from front page foolishly, as well as lovingly and wisely. If God intervened every time one made a wrong choice, what we know as laws of nature would not really be laws at all. In fact, God would have to intervene in everyone’s life, virtually non-stop.

If all choices, both good and bad, produced exactly the same effect, how would we ever learn to choose the good and reject the bad? Finite beings with personal will power must be allowed to suffer consequences of their wrong choices if they are to learn that good is to be valued over bad.

Where The Atheist Is Coming From

The atheist’s argument is that, if God is a loving God, he wouldn’t let bad things happen to people, especially good people. Take note that this argument does not prove any-thing about whether there is a supreme being. It only objects to his nature (or their misperception of it). All other arguments for a supreme being still stand. And if there is no supreme being, where did the atheist get his concept of a standard of good and evil, of loving and unloving?

Answering The Atheist

Our point in all this is that God cannot do two things that are mutually exclusive. Such is not in the realm of possibility. This is the case with an all powerful, loving God and a man who has free will. To give man free will, God chose to limit his power to intervene when man makes a wrong choice. If God intervened on every such occasion man would be no more than a robot or a computer, neither of which can make conscious choices. I have never met anyone who wished we did not have freedom to choose, for we would then be inanimate objects.

It is true that God made the world and set in order the laws of nature. But he didn’t intend that they be misused.

To blame God would be somewhat like blaming Henry Ford for all the car wrecks or the Wright brothers for all the plane crashes. Several wrong choices were made by various individuals on the night of Princess Di’s death. There is no reason to blame God. Most of what happens in the world is not God’s will. He allows it only because he gave freedom to choose. Because of this freedom he allows both good consequences and bad.

Why Some Suffering Comes

This article is not an attempt to study all the reasons why suffering is in the world but some suffering comes as a result of the sin and/or wrong choices of others. We can’t argue that we should be allowed freedom of choice but it should be denied everyone else. Because of that, we some-times pay a price so all can have this freedom. If we reap the good benefits of former generations (inventions, scientific discoveries, cures), can we avoid reaping the evil as well? This is the price we pay for freedom to choose. Innocent people may be killed by a drunk driver. A baby may be born with AIDS or addicted to drugs because of the wrong choices of its parents. We live in a world where others have free will too. Life is not always fair. We do not live in a perfect world yet, but a time is coming when God is going to set things right and balance the scales of justice (Acts 17:30, 31). That is the only way it can be in a world where man has this freedom.

It’s not a perfect world but it sure beats the other alter-native of a world without God.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 21 p. 1
November 6, 1997

By Don Miller

Several years ago a young woman came to me to ask if she had the right to remarry. After discussing why her first marriage broke up, we studied what Christ had to say in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. After reading these passages she tearfully came to the conclusion that she was now living in adultery. She remained married to her new husband. Not long ago she came to visit me and informed me that she had found a “church of Christ preacher” who said that she was lawfully entitled to be married to her husband. Sadly, that didn’t surprise me. You can find someone to agree with you on almost any position you wish to believe. The important thing, however, is what does the Bible say concerning who can marry lawfully?

From a scriptural standpoint there are four situations in which a person can marry lawfully: (1) A single person who is marrying for the first time has the right to marry. Jesus said in Matthew 19:5 (and referring to Gen. 2:24) that a man leaving his father and mother can cleave to his wife; (2) A widow or widower has the right to remarry. The Bible says in Romans 7:2, 3 that a woman is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives, but if he dies she is free to marry another man; (3) A person who has put away his spouse for the cause of fornication has the right to re-marry (Matt. 19:9; 5:32). The Lord was asked on this occasion if a man could divorce his wife for any reason (Matt. 19:3); three times the answer was an emphatic no (verses 4-6, 7-8, 9). The Lord was very clear on this subject because the disciples said in verse 10 that if that was so it would be better not to marry. I fear that many people today are living in adultery by either abusing or refusing what the Lord taught in this passage. (4) I once thought I would never have to point out the fourth category of people who have the right to marry. In every passage that deals with marrying that we have looked at, it specifies that a male and female, man and woman, or husband and wife are to be married. Only people of the opposite sex can marry lawfully. That rules out any homosexual or “same sex” marriages.

Some try to put additional conditions on who you can marry lawfully. For example, 1 Corinthians 7:39 mentions that a woman who has lost her husband is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. Does that mean she can only marry a Christian? If so, then that same phrase is found in Ephesians 6:1 telling children to obey their parents in the Lord. Does that mean that children are to obey their parents only if they are Christians? Or does it mean that children are to obey as long as what their parents teach is in harmony with God’s will, and that a widow can re-marry as long as the person she is marrying has a right to remarry?

Some also teach that a Christian must marry a Christian the first time. While God lawfully recognizes marriages between Christians and non-Christians (1 Cor. 7:12-15, 39), let me quickly point out the danger of such. God’s people of old were led down the path of destruction by marrying people who served other gods (1 Kings 11:4; Neh. 13:23-27). To-day, when a Christian marries an unbeliever or a person of another faith, it usually leads to the weakening of the Christian’s faith and subsequent departure from the Lord. A survey was done by a congregation several years ago and it revealed that less than 20 percent of Christians marrying non-Christians remained faithful, yet almost 90 percent of Christians marrying other Christians remained faithful. While it may be lawful to marry someone not a Christian, it almost always is spiritually fatal. What good is it if it is lawful, but you still lose your soul?

Guardian of Truth XLI: 21 p. 5
November 6, 1997