Truth Magazine

By George Harris

God’s religion has never required passivism but rather activism. Anyone who wishes his Christianity to be passive, not requiring anything from him, such as salvation by faith only, not only misunderstands the word of God, but his religion is vain.

Introduction

The Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant word of God. It is “profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).

The Bible is not the religion of Protestantism, denominationalism, Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, or any other ism. The Bible is the religion of God’s people as expressed from the mind of God, written in human language and practiced in the lives of his saints.

God’s religion has never required passivism but rather activism. Anyone who wishes his Christianity to be passive, not requiring anything from him, such as salvation by faith only, not only misunderstands the word of God, but his religion is vain.

The Essential

At what point does one become a Christian? Many in the so called “Christian world” would argue that one is a Christian when he believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Is this all there is to the requirements of the gospel of Jesus Christ or is salvation a broader journey of conviction, commitment and dedication? Certainly the alien sinner needs to grow in knowledge, graces and virtues, but one can never put the cart before the horse and expect to arrive at his destination.

While it is true that we must honor the authority and Lordship of Christ in order to be pleasing to him, upon what grounds are we going to base our sub-mission to the authority of Christ? There are only two alternatives. It will either be based upon our own concept of what we consider that authority to be, or it will be based upon God’s rev-elation of what the authority must be.

Despite the fact that there are so many religions today, and notwithstanding the fact that there are so many denominational churches in existence, according to the Lord, there are only two roads. The narrow road that leads to life, and the broad road that leads to death. This means that whatever our religious conviction or persuasion, we are either in the kingdom of Satan or the kingdom of God. We are either a child of Satan or a child of God. There is no in-between religion. The Lord accused the Jews of making void the word of God by their own traditions (Matt. 15:6; Mark 7:9). He told them that their father was the devil (John 8:44). They thought that God was their Father but their religion was not according to the word of God. Tradition then will not save us, unless it is the tradition that we have received from the apostles (2 Thess. 3:6).

We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8) and faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Grace is God’s part of the scheme of redemption and faith is man’s part of the scheme of redemption. “Faith” is all that the word of God enjoins upon one to do in order to receive salvation. Faith or belief is an action verb that leads the sinner to do something in order to receive salvation. This action verb is used some 77 times in the gospel of John. In the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews, all of God’s faithful of old showed their faith by works or deeds that characterized their faith, for faith without works is dead (Jas. 2:26). Also faith or belief is used in the Bible as a “synecdoche,” which is a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole. The Bible sometimes uses the word repent as a “synecdoche.” For example, Jesus said, “unless you repent you shall like-wise perish” (Luke 13:13). We would all agree that Jesus was not ruling out the fact that we have to believe on him in order to be saved. Yes, we are saved by faith, we are saved by repentance, we are saved by confession of faith, and we are saved by baptism. All are essential for salvation, but it is because of God’s longsuffering love, his gracious grace, and his marvelous mercy.

The good as well as the bad still need the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to wash away their sins. This requires regeneration, rejuvenation, and reconciliation. Christ must be enthroned in the heart of every creature in every nation (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16). Yes, we are justified by a faith which is connected to the source of forgiveness, of life and salvation. That faith will lead us to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). To disobey Christ would be to reject his authority and his Lordship. The apostle Paul quotes Isaiah’s prophesy when he said, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias says, Lord, who has believed our report?” (Rom. 10:16). The “report” is evidently the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The necessary conclusion is the truth that faith or belief in the gospel involves obedience. One cannot enthrone Christ in his heart, welcome, honor, love, trust, and adore him and at the same time defy, disregard or disobey him.

At what point do we gain entrance into the kingdom of God, the church? Previous to “infant baptism,” baptism in the “Holy Spirit,” which is a part of the faith only doctrine, there was no confusion, hesitation or doubt on this point. The question asked and answered many times in the New Testament is, “What must I do to be saved?” The response on the day of Pentecost was “repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Repentance and baptism are essential for, unto (eis) (not because of) remission of sins The command given the disciples was to “go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:15,16). Belief and baptism are essential for salvation. Peter later likened baptism to the flood wherein the water saved those in the ark, just as baptism saved those that are in the church (1 Pet. 3:20, 21). Water then is the vehicle through which we are dead, buried, and risen with Christ, wherein the blood of Christ washes away our sins (Rom. 6:3-7).

If the great commission can be rejected, repudiated, repelled, or repulsed in any way, if its terms of entrance into the church, the kingdom of God can be departed, deviated, or diversed from, if its pattern either in whole or in part can be nullified as non-essential, then Christianity is not an authoritative system of religion and faith in its Fbunder is desolate, destitute, and deserted. If we can discard one part of the plan of salvation, then we can discard all, and if we can discard all, then we can discard Christ If on the other hand none of God’s word can be repudiated then it is our authority for everything in matters religious, and it is competent to be trusted, loved, cherishedand taught, and we must conclude that:

 

• There is no Christianity where there is no acknowledgment of Christ.

 

 

• Christ is not acknowledged where there is no scriptural faith in him.

 

 

• There can be no scriptural faith in him without obedience.

 

 

• The first act of obedience from the heart, of that pattern of teaching delivered, resting alone on Christ’s authority, believing that he is the Son of God, is baptism into the possession of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins.

 

It is obvious from a study of the New Testament that the example and practice of the apostles in the first century leads us to conclude that they understood their mission. They preached Christ crucified, and a part of leading people to Christ included immediate baptism. They were the first administrators in the church, and they led people to become Christians, not by faith only, but like the people of Corinth who heard, believed, and were baptized (Acts 18:8). If this was the practice in the church during the period of inspiration, then it is the practice for the church now. Baptism was fundamental to Christianity in the first century. If we would ever speak where the Bible speaks, let baptism continue to be fundamental to Christianity as the 20th Century draws to a close and we enter into a new millennium.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 18 p. 10-11
September 18, 1997

By Phil T. Arnold

I was surprisingly pleased to see the cover story of an issue of Newsweek magazine (May 12, 1997) entitled, “The Myth of Quality Time: How We’re Cheating Our Kids, What You Can Do.” Much of what it contains drives home the simple and obvious point  children and the home are a “full-time” job. Laura Shapiro, the author of the main article, writes, “Kids don’t do meetings. You can’t raise them in short, scheduled bursts. They need lots of attention, and experts warn that working parents may be shortchanging them.”

Two-career families and workaholic fathers of the seventies often felt tinges of guilt over the breakup of the nuclear home and sought for salve to soothe the stinging of their conscience. As usual, “experts” theorized a “better (?) way” to justify the abandonment of the home for the business world. The motto became “Quality Time.” The theory being that it doesn’t really matter how much time you spend with your kids, it’s how you spend the time. Arlie

Hochschild, author of The lime Bind, writes, “Instead of nine hours a day with a child, we declare ourselves capable of getting the ‘same result’ with one, more intensely focused, total quality hour.” The real result being a greater number of depressed, rebellious children lacking in the self-esteem “that comes from knowing your parents are really interested in you, really behind you,” says Ronald Levant, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School. Levant goes on to say, “I think quality time is just a way of deluding ourselves into shortchanging our children. Children need vast amounts of parental time and attention. It’s an illusion to think they’re going to be on your timetable, and that you can say ‘OK, we’ve got a half hour, let’s get on with it.’ Whenever time with children is in short supply, calling it “Quality Time” may make parents feel better but the results can still be devastating. Child psychologists are seeing more disturbed children. Teachers are reporting increases in discipline problems and class-room disruptions. “No wonder…” those “who work with children would like to get rid of the whole idea of quality time,” Shapiro writes.

The problem does not solely lie with “working mothers” but is aggravated by fathers caught up in the demands of a business world that may publicly project itself as family friendly, but privately “passes over” and frowns upon any-one who would dare place family above firm. Studies “clearly indicate that children whose fathers are thoroughly involved in their care do better socially and cognitively than kids whose fathers play a more marginal role.” The idea that “children are woman’s work” is another myth that needs to be exploded and is by observing the directives of God’s word (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21). Another misconception is that this time element is really only applicable to the newborn and toddler. While it is extremely important to get off to a good start (Prov. 22:6), kids do not shed their need for pa-rental “time” when they progress into adolescence and enter the teen years. In fact, the demands for parental time may become even more critical as they begin making what may well be “lifetime” choices.

What are some solutions to this problem of “time” and the home? Well, first of all, let us acknowledge that he who created us knows us best and knows what is best for us. Our culture, our career, and the cash do not alter the fact that our Father knows best (Isa. 55:8-9). We will never find a better way for ourselves and our families than the way prescribed by God. In his infinite wisdom, God has designed that women be “keepers of the home” (Tit. 2:5; 1 Tim. 5:14). This is not to say that it sinful for a woman to work outside the home, but it does often challenge her to remember what is to be her primary role  a homemaker. Men are to be the providers for the home. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). The man who is seeking a wife because “two incomes are better than one” or who believes that his wife should “pull her own weight by getting a job” is sadly out of step with the word of God. If you are not yet married, let God’s plan be your plan and make this your goal. If you are married, make conforming to this pattern your priority to have the home as designed by God.

Secondly, we must always realize that “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses” (Luke 12:14). I was also pleasingly astounded to see in the Newsweek articles quoted above that one proposed solution was simply to learn to live on less and adopt a more modest lifestyle. One couple even proposed selling their home and stepping down to a less expensive home in order to have more “quantity time” for the family. What a revolutionary idea! Learn to live within your means? How un-American! I realize that each family’s circumstances and choices vary. We would not propose to set ourselves up as either the judge or the standard. Yet, the lesson is obvious. The soul of a child (not to mention your own) is worth more than all the things that a “career” can bring (Matt. 16:26). For those still establishing their “lifestyles” and planning their families, set your goal to live on one in-come. For others, the choices may not be easy. It is always easier to move up in this world than move down. But realize that less will actually mean more  more time with family, more of a relationship that really matters, and more of an influence that can last beyond time. For some, the choices will be few because of the personal circumstance over which no one else should attempt to be judge. Pray to God for his providence that if possible your circumstance might change and for the wisdom that we all need to use whatever time we have wisely (Jas. 1:5; Eph. 3:15-17).

Guardian of Truth XLI: 18 p. 16-17
September 18, 1997

By Donnie V. Rader

Influence is defined as, “a power indirectly or intangibly affecting a person or a course of events” (American Heritage Dictionary, 660). We all have influence and we all are influenced. In the most notable sermon that Jesus preached in Galilee, he spoke of the influence that Christians would have on the world as light and salt. Jesus, thinking that influence to be powerful, said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

It stands to reason that if we, the people of God, have an influence on the world, the world is likely to have an influence on us. Paul warned of the same, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …” (Rom. 12:3).

It is also true that Christians have influence on one an-other. The diligent have an impact on those who could do better (1 Tim. 4:12). The life of those who slip into sin works like leaven (1 Cor. 5:1-6). Their influence, though subtle, could permeate the whole church.

Those who have the greatest impact are those that are most like us. 1 Corinthians 5 establishes that point. The vile and wicked drug addict is not as likely to influence us as some seemingly strong Christian who sees nothing wrong with it and suggests that you are being petty for questioning it.

Let’s consider some things that influence our thinking and change our lives.

1. What becomes accepted in the world can, in time, become “norm” for us too. Little by little what the world thinks to be okay can eventually infiltrate our minds. At first we may consider the rest of the world as being careless and loose with God’s word. However, as time goes on, we think more and more like they do. Consider how we have come to accept what the world would have “condemned” years be-fore: women in the workforce, divorce, wearing short and tight clothes, R-rated movies, etc. That is not to say that allthat is accepted in the world and then by us is necessarily wrong. At times, it may simply involve custom or tradition. I’m simply pointing to the power of influence.

However, I’m fearful what those in my grandchildren’s day may accept. What the world accepts now, God’s people could easily begin to accept in the future. For evidence of how this works consider how the natives of the land of Canaan turned God’s people toward evil (see the book of Ezra). It happens little by little. We become accustomed to the ideas of the world. Whether we agree or not, we become used to the idea that “that’s what everyone is doing.” So in time, we are “desensitized” enough that we think it is okay for us too.

2. What we see at home. Most of us would admit that at least in part we are what we are today because of what our parents did or did not do in our training. This is true even in things that do not involve right or wrong. More and more I find myself doing things that I remember my parents doing. More and more I see that I judge things based on how I was raised. My point is our home life has a powerful impact on the rest of our lives (Prov. 22:6).

We can be influencing our children to gradually drift and become looser in their thinking by the little things we do or allow. Do you ever think that in the future your children may base their determination of what is right or wrong upon what you, as a parent, allowed them to do as a child? A child that is allowed to miss services for a ball game or to stay home because some in the family are tired will re-member that as he gets older. That child may later reason “What’s the difference in missing for a ball game and going fishing?” You see, with every move we make we are building a “value system” into our children that will guide them in the future. Don’t forget, that those we teach (especially our children) may carry the principles they learn from us further than we had in mind. Now be honest. Have you ever “justified” something in your own mind thinking, “When I was a child we used to ___________ and we didn’t think anything about it. What is the difference in ____________ and doing _________ ?” If you reason that way, don’t kid yourself thinking your children will not do the same.

3. We are affected by those with whom we associate. Paul said, “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33, ASV). Though usually quoted to say we need to watch who are friends are, the context is talking of false teachers. Listening to those who issue uncertain sounds can corrupt our lives. Paul’s warning is that we can be influenced by them. Sometimes people drift as much because of what they have not heard as they do from what they have heard.

It is not just preachers and teachers that influence us. Other “Christians” whose thinking differs from our own can change us and our children. We are now facing ideas and concepts that indicate that a parting of ways among brethren is coming. It is obvious that there are two mind sets. Those with a looser, more tolerate attitude could have an influence on us and our children as our ear is bent to their voice.

The problem with influence is that by the time we realize the impact it has had, it may be too late.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 18 p. 18-19
September 18, 1997

By Larry Ray Hafley

Tulips of spring time birth,

Oysters along gulf shores,

Are products, not of earth,

But of heavenly stores.

Grains of Sahara’s sands,

Moss sunning in Arctic cold,

Born not by human hands,

‘Ms God’s creation told!

The rocky mountain’s peak,

The forest’s canopy,

Both to us boldly speak

Of the Lord’s nursery.

Gazing with awe-struck stares

We bear what nature declares!

Guardian of Truth XLI: 18 p. 9
September 18, 1997