Truth Magazine

By John Guzzetta

The first chapter of the book of Daniel states that when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and began deporting its people hundreds of miles into Babylonian slavery, he ordered the chief of his officials to bring in those youths who exhibited the intelligence, wisdom, and good-looks that made them promising candidates for service in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. The king wished to mold their young minds into conformity with Chaldean language and culture, shaping them into loyal personal servants. Befitting the youths’ potential, Nebuchadnezzar appointed for them a daily portion from his own choice food.

Two aspects of the royal menu would have challenged a follower of Mosaic law. First, much of the table probably would have been set with meat from animals God had declared unclean (Deut. 14:8) or with foods that had been improperly prepared (Lev. 17:10). Second, (and impossible to avoid simply by selecting only particular dishes) the food would have been sacrificed to Babylonian idols before being placed before the king, making partaking of the food equivalent to accepting the Babylonian idols (1 Cor. 10:27).

Daniel made up his mind “that he would not defile him-self with the king’s choice food,” exhibiting a deep devotion to God. Daniel asked the commander in charge of the exiled boys to permit him to abstain. Initially the commander re-fused, worried that he would lose his head for allowing the boys to eat inferior food and grow weak. Daniel pressed the point, however, and was able to convince the commander to feed him and his three friends vegetables and water for a trial period, and test whether they remained robust. The trial worked. “At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables” (Dan. 1:15).

An aspect of this passage often overlooked is that at the time Daniel overcame this challenge, he was a young teen-ager. Most commentators agree that he was between 14 and 18 years old. For such a young man, Daniel mustered extremely mature resolve.

Young Daniel’s steadfastness proves extraordinary for a believer of any age when we take into account the extenuating circumstances which Daniel could have seized upon and used to rationalize eating the unclean food. First, Nebuchadnezzar had appointed the food for them, not merely offered it as a suggestion. Severe punishment existed for failing to eat it, as evidenced by the commander’s fear in 1:10 and the furnace of blazing fire which awaited those who refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s image in chapter 3. Daniel must have feared punishment for resisting the king’s command, but remained firm in allegiance to his heavenly Lord.

Second, the king’s choice food was succulent, while other captives’ food was probably unappetizing at best. Daniel could have easily felt thankful for his lot and refused to jeopardize his good fortune, especially when he compared it to the lots of the captives who were toiling in the fields and choking down gruel. The only alternative food that Daniel could eat and be sure was clean was bland vegetables and plain water, hardly a comparison to the mouth-watering fare offered to him. Daniel did not let his good position or his appetite get in the way of his faith; he gave up the appetizing meals for meals acceptable to God.

Third, it appeared that God had turned away from Daniel, allowing him to be wrenched from his family and carried into foreign exile. Daniel must have been strongly tempted to slip into depression, accuse God of abandoning him to misfortune, and therefore to ignore God’s ordinances. In-stead, Daniel clung to his faith and realized that though his predicament was not one he expected or thought he deserved, God had not abandoned his faithful remnant and still demanded obedience to him. The prophet Ezekiel said that a man like Daniel can deliver himself by his righteousness even while severe judgments are being passed onto every-one else (Ezek. 14:12). Furthermore, Ezekiel said that the conduct and actions of the righteous are comforting to other faithful ones who observe them (14:23). Daniel realized both that God would remain his loving Lord as long as he remained faithful and obedient, and that God could use him even in this unlikely situation. The remainder of Daniel’s life in the Babylonian court  interpreting the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, being promoted, being saved from the lions’ den, and so on  bears out God’s care and provision for his faithful servant Daniel.

Fourth, the majority of Judean youths in Nebuchadnezzar’s court had given in and accepted the unclean food (v. 15). Daniel had to resist the pressure to follow the crowd, and stand firm in his personal convictions.

Finally, and possibly most challenging to overcome, the authority figures that had been present throughout Daniel’s life were suddenly absent. Daniel’s parents were completely out of the picture, unable to communicate with him. So were the other role models, the older men, the relatives, and the teachers. Daniel and the other boys found themselves completely on their own, forced to determine their actions for themselves without parental guidance or support. Babylonian exile was a perfect opportunity for Daniel to forget his past and do whatever he pleased since mom and dad would have never found out. Daniel, however, knew that even if his parents were absent God was ever-present. He remembered divine guidance and remained a faithful teen.

Generation Exile

Daniel’s faithful obedience out of proportion to his youth demands application to the world today. Parents and role models must consider whether or not they should expect this kind of maturity and resolve from the faith of Christian teenagers. If Daniel had given in to the challenges that he faced, many twentieth-century readers would find it easy to excuse him for his youth. Often, adult Christians excuse teenagers as a group by virtue of their age from the moral responsibility they have to overcome the challenges they face in the world today. Daniel’s example suggests that teens are not too young to handle crucial moral pressures.

Without a doubt, today’s teens are faced with situations demanding morally mature decision-making. Nebuchadnezzar and his efforts to entice the youths of Judah strike one as eerily symbolic of the situation in twentieth-century America. Though the text of Daniel chapter one does not go into detailed specifics about Nebuchadnezzar’s means and reasons, one can assume the purpose of his tactics. He tried to discredit the boys’ Jewish upbringing and conform them to Chaldean ways. He offered them tantalizing food and preferential treatment to entice them to give up their allegiance to their parents and place their allegiance in him. He insidiously attempted to erase the influence of their Israelite lessons and heroes and re-place them with Chaldean religion and ethics, and threatened punishment for those who resisted. Nebuchadnezzar’s generation exile resembles our own. Nebuchadnezzar and his efforts to reprogram these children in the absence of their parents symbolizes the efforts of the popular culture to exile modern children and re-program them.

Modem teens live in a state of forced exile. Society has forced young people to grow up much faster than their places in the home and in the church suggest. This world offers violence as the solution to frustrations. Wealth is aggrandized. Pornography is thrust in their faces, and flesh greets them at every turn of the head. Their schoolmates experiment with sex and drugs. The media hawk acceptance of “alternative lifestyles.” These temptations wash over teens for long stretches of time without the immediate intervention or advice of parents. In some sense, every day teens go out the front door, they have been taken away from their parents and mighty forces conspire to destroy their faith. The home, a place of nurturing and supervision, is a temporary shield, where the usual teen spends very few of his waking hours.

This exile dominates teens’ lives from a very early age and into young adulthood. It begins as early as the middle school years. It intensifies when the kids enter high school and when they or their friends get the keys to a car and new independence. It especially intensifies when they go off to college and are gone for weeks or even months. (Incidentally, the challenges to teens’ faith are as present at a religious institution as anywhere else. Too often religious institutions are expected to produce the faithful attitudes that parents have neglected to instill.)

Parents and role models need to equip teens with the faith that will see them through the moral quandaries they will face without immediate direction. Teens must learn them-selves to “remember their Creator in the days of their youth” (Eccl. 12:1). We can expect that kind of faithful behavior because Daniel exhibited it under the worst of circumstances.

Also, the text leaves open the possibility that Daniel was just being sure, since it doesn’t come right out and explain exactly why the meat was defiling. Was Daniel sure it was defiling, or was he just making sure? Makes him seem extra faithful  he was sure from v. 8. Since the text doesn’t explain why it could have been defiling, it at least introduces the possibility that Daniel was being sure. He could have been going beyond a careless sort of caution, just to be sure. Certainly an extremely mature attitude.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 7 p. 24-25
April 3, 1997

By Jonathan Brown

When one thinks of the great men of faith from the Bible one tends to think of Abraham, Noah, or Moses. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews, which many have referred to as the “Great Hall of Faith,” includes these men and many others like them. Surprisingly, however, this list also includes the Old Testament judge, Samson. Hebrews 11:32 reads: “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.” One may ask, “Why is Samson included in this list of faithful men?” This is the same Samson who decided he wanted an evil Philistine woman, rather than a godly Israelite woman, for a wife (Judg. 14:1-3). This is the same man who, because he lost a bet with thirty men, killed and robbed thirty other men to pay-off his debt (14:12-19). He is the same judge of God’s people who went in unto a harlot in Gaza (16:1, 2). This is the same Israelite that fell in love with a Philistine woman that tricked him into breaking his Nazarite vow (14:12-19). On the surface, it appears that he deserves to be on the list of “God’s most unfaithful servants,” rather than Hebrew’s “great men of faith.”

However, the Hebrew writer continues in Hebrews 11:33-34 to explain that the men mentioned in v. 32, including Samson, were men “who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, be-came mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” This passage teaches that, despite his failings, Samson was a faithful man of God. A closer look at some of Samson’s faithful acts reveals why the Holy Spirit included him in this list.

Shut the Mouths of Lions (Neb. 11:33)

In v. 32, the Hebrew writer states that the people he listed “shut the mouths of lions” by faith. This could apply to Samson. When he was on his way to Timnah to find a Philistine, “a young lion came roaring toward him” (Judg. 14:5). With the Spirit of the Lord, Samson tore the lion “as one tears a kid” (v. 6) with his bare hands. Samson could not have expected this event. If Samson had known a lion was going to attack him on this path, he would have chosen another one. Yet, he was ready. Similarly, we must also arm ourselves in the Lord so that we will be ready for the unexpected spiritual trials that frequent our path.

Samson did not overcome the lion by his own strength, but by the “Spirit of the Lord.” As strong as he was, he could only do great things with the strength of God. This may be the one redeeming quality of Samson’s character. He allowed God to help him to do that which he could not do alone. Because the Spirit of the Lord came during Samson’s greatest need, Samson needed no other weapon.

Being much weaker in strength than Samson, we are foolish when we try to take on the unexpected dangers that occur in our lives without the help of the Lord. We can do “all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Phil. 4:13). He is there to help us in our times of greatest need. We must have faith in God, as Samson did, to overcome spiritual dangers. When we have overcome these dangers, we will have strength and endurance in us that we may be “complete and lacking in nothing” (Jas. 1:2-4).

Performed Acts of Righteousness (Heb. 11:33)

We also see Samson’s faithful dependence on God at the end of chapter 15. After defeating a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey, Samson became very thirsty. Samson realized that God was the sustainer of his life and asked God to quench his thirst, confidently knowing that God could. At first, Samson’s prayer seems disrespectful and out of anger toward God. Samson, however, also acknowledged that he should glorify God because it was by his power that he killed 1,000 men. Furthermore, Samson did not want God’s glorious victory to be diminished by the surrendering of one of God’s servants to his enemies. Viewed in that light, his prayer was the furthest thing from being disrespectful. Because of his sincere prayer, God sent water to revive Samson. As James writes, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:16). Certainly, it was “by faith” that Samson “performed” this act of righteousness.

Became Mighty in War, Put Foreign Armies to Flight (Heb. 11:34)

As a judge, one of Samson’s responsibilities was to de-liver God’s people from oppressors (Judg. 2:18). Samson was faithful to God by carrying out God’s purpose for him. The Scriptures tell us that Samson sought “an occasion against the Philistines” (14:4). Samson found two separate occasions to afflict the Philistines in chapter 15. The first was “a great slaughter” (v. 8). The second was the occasion where Samson killed a thousand men with a jawbone of a donkey (v. 5). Samson certainly became “mighty in war” and “put foreign armies to flight” for the sake of God and his people.

God has given us a purpose as well. Paul said that we were “created for good works, which God prepared before-hand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). Like Samson, we must be faithful to God by carrying out his purpose for us. We must constantly seek occasions to do good works for God and men. Only then may we be “mighty in war” in God’s army.

Mockings . . . Chains and Imprisonment

… Afflicted, Ill-treated (Heb. 11:36, 37)

As a result of Delilah’s trickery, Samson lost his strength and the Philistines put him in chains. According to Hebrews 11:36-37, the Philistines afflicted him by gouging out his eyes and taking him to a pagan ceremony where they mocked him in front of 3,000 spectators. Samson realized that his sin had caused all these worldly people to mock both him and God. Faithfully, Samson did not give up on God and prayed for deliverance. God granted him strength again. Samson used this God-given strength to carry out God’s will and deliver God’s people from their enemies. While this cost Samson his life, it allowed him to kill “more than those whom he killed in his life” (Judg. 16:30). Samson died faithfully.

There might be some public sin in our lives at times that may cause the God whom we claim to serve and the brethren with whom we have fellowship to be mocked and tortured. In this situation we must repent and faithfully pray to God to give us strength. In repenting, we must turn away from sin and try to correct our lives in the area in which we were wrong. We must use the newly found strength to over-come God’s enemies with abstinence from sin. In doing so, we will live faithfully.

Conclusion

We live in a world in which we look at most things from a pessimistic point of view. I have always tended to do this with the life of Samson. It is remarkable to consider that de-spite all the evil things he did in his life, he was able to turn back to God and God then considered him faithful. It gives us courage to know that we can turn from our many failures and faithfully do the things God has planned for us to do.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 7 p. 20-21
April 3, 1997

By Olen Holderby

The above title suggests, and correctly so, that this writer does not believe that one can be saved in the denominations. As I go about from place to place, I am made to wonder just how many members of the Lord’s body believe this. All sorts of reservations and “maybes” are heard in regard to this question and the fallacious reasoning used says to me that there is a lack of understanding of the gospel. This is true, or there is an awful lot of disrespect for the gospel.

My reasons for believing this are no different than those of many others who believe the same thing; so, I wish to share with you three or four reasons why I believe this to be true  that one cannot be saved in the denominations, not in any of them!

The first reason is, as most will admit, that denominations were begun by men, not the Lord. Did the Lord accurately state the case when he said, “I will build my church”? (Matt. 16:18). If he did, that settles the matter; not a single denomination was begun by the Lord  therefore not a one of them belongs to him. This fact is given emphasis in many Scriptures. “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). “There is a way that seems right to a man, But, its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12).

The New Testament is even plainer on this point. “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). “There is one lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy…. (Jas. 4:12). “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14). “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Each denomination has its own way, its own lawgiver, and normally accepts many churches as being right  a broad way. This is one reason why I believe that one cannot be saved in the denominations.

Secondly, the denominations teach a perverted gospel; and, a perverted gospel will not save anyone. Listen to Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). This passage makes the gospel of Christ God’s power, his only power, to save the souls of men.

Please read Galatians 1:6-7. Most of these people appear to have accepted the false teaching that one had to be circumcised after the manner of the law of Moses, in order to be saved. In doing this they had removed themselves from God, and had gone after what Paul called “another gospel.” Please notice his use of the word “another” in vv. 6 -7 both. “. . .unto another gospel (of a different sort, Oh): which is not another (of the same sort as I preach, Oh).” Paul called this insertion of circumcision into the gospel, a perverted gospel.

A perverted gospel is precisely what the denominations teach, adding one or more points to what they would like to think is acceptable to the Lord. They add to, take away from, or change the teaching of the gospel of Christ in one or more ways: in teaching men what to do to be saved from sin, in offering a system of worship, and in the functional aspects of the church. Only God’s truth (obeyed) will save the soul from sin (1 Pet. 1:22). When this truth is mixed with some error, it is no longer God’s power to save. Obeying God’s will, and his will only, is what will take men to heaven (Matt. 7:21). Their teaching of a perverted gospel is another reason why I believe that one cannot be saved in the denominations.

Thirdly, the Lord established only one church (Matt. 16:18); he purchased that church with his own blood (Acts 20:28); and, he saves that one church (Eph. 5:23). Lest someone think that I am saying just being a member of the Lord’s church will guarantee a home in heaven, please read Matthew 13:41-43. If the facts presented in this paragraph are true, how in the world can anyone argue for salvation in any denomination?

Could we put all three of the above reasons together and simply say, “One cannot be saved in the denominations because they are in error, one way or the other”? I do not think that anyone who believes the three reasons would argue with such conclusion.

A Brief Application

Let us, now, apply these thoughts to our brethren in error. Congregation A, over here, teaches and practices that the church can contribute to human institutions. Congregation B, though they do not practice such, believe and teach that the use of instruments of music in worship is accept-able to God. Congregation C pushes the idea of “unity-in-diversity.” Congregation D is very active in sponsoring social activities. Congregation E teaches that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for man today. Congregation F believes and teaches that the guilty party in a divorce can remarry with-out sin, and accept members who openly practice such. Congregation G believes and teaches that all these congregations should be in fellowship with one another. And, several of these congregations believe, teach, and practice a kind of cooperation that combines some of their efforts under the head of a “sponsoring congregation.”

Now, my friends, think about this! Think about all the perversion that must occur in the effort to defend all of these erroneous practices. Do such have a perverted gospel or not? Is not this the way that denominations came into existence in the first place? All students of history know that the answer is a resounding “Yes.”

I hear some one say, “I wouldn’t be a part of a denomination.” Great! Neither would I. But, would you be a part of one of these congregation which you know to be in error in one or more of the ways mentioned above? If it is wrong to be a part of a denomination, what makes it right to be a part of a congregation of our own people who are in error? What set of rules do we follow to exclude one and include the other?

Yes, my friend, it is true that we cannot be saved in any of the denominations; and, it is equally true that one cannot be saved in a congregation of God’s people who persist in error. If we cannot convince them to change their teaching and practice, we need to get out. If this is not the proper conclusion, please get your Bible and show me why. Do not permit anyone to take your crown (Rev. 3:11).

Guardian of Truth XLI: 7 p. 1
April 3, 1997

By David Halbrook

The account of the life of Rahab is one of the shortest accounts recorded in Hebrews 11, yet God places it among the accounts of Abraham and Moses. As 2 Peter 3:8 says, “a thousand years is as a day to the Lord.” Had man writ-ten this chapter, he would have written of those who were currently famous for their faith, but the passing of time does not affect God, who sees all. He remembered her faith as if she were still alive. Rahab never raised an army or took part in any battles like the siege on Jericho, but God recognized her assistance. By helping Israel’s spies, she over-came her past and saved the life of her whole household. Ultimately, she became a part not only of the nation of Israel but of the lineage of Christ Jesus himself (Matt. 1:5). Because of the Hebrew writer’s record, we continue to recognize her faith as an example for us today.

When reading Hebrews 11, we must realize that this chapter is not a chapter of perfect people. Rahab was a harlot by trade. (She obviously had to give up being a harlot, for Israel would not have accepted her into their nation as a prostitute because the law condemned prostitution [Lev. 19:29; 21:91). Everyone in this chapter sinned, but it is their faith that God records for our benefit.

Rahab has received much criticism because she lied when the King asked about the spies. Whether she lied because of a lack of faith under pressure or whether she did not consider lying wrong because of her past life, God does not tell us. Her faith in God, however, caused her to bring the spies into her house and proved her faith (see Jas. 2:25). Furthermore, it was for her faith, not her dishonesty, that Rahab was included in this chapter.

Proponents of situation ethics have attempted to use this event to justify their stance. Situation ethics teaches that there is no standard of morality, but that every situation calls for different actions. Situation ethics would justify the sin of lying in certain situations, for example to save your life. The situation was no different for Abram in Egypt when he lied about Sarah’s identity because he was afraid. It was just as wrong for Abram as it was for Sarah, and we are just as wrong when we lie today. Situation ethics does nothing but wear down convictions. It is an easy way out in a troubling situation.

As Christians we face hard decisions every day, but regardless of our situation, we have responsibility to obey God’s commandments if we love him (John 24:15). The Bible nowhere approves of situation ethics. In fact, Revelation 21:8 lists liars among those who “shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Obviously, God disapproved of her lie, but his will was still done despite the sin of Rahab.

The writer of Hebrews mentions her in Hebrews 11 for the faith in God that she displayed in her confession of God in Joshua 2:11, “for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath,” and this faith is what caused her to take care of the spies. God does good unto the nations today, despite their often wicked rulers. God, through providence, continues to exercise his will today, despite the sinful acts of man.

Through her confession of God’s existence and power, we can see Rahab’s faith. But “faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone” (Jas. 2:17). Without her expression of faith, Israel would not have saved her. James 2:14-16 ex-plains that unless our faith causes us to take action it is worthless. James 2 gives the example of a believer who sees a hungry, ill-clad indigent and wishes him good luck and God’s blessings but does nothing to meet his needs. Today, if we pray that those who are lost in sin will have the time and opportunity to find the truth yet we stand by and do nothing, confident in our faith, then we have no works that support our faith. Our faith is then dead. What good would Rahab’s faith have been had she met the spies and told them that it was too risky for them to be in her house, but that she had heard of their God and hoped that their mission would be successful? The Israelites would have exterminated her along with the rest of the population of Jericho.

When we are searching for souls to teach, we often have the kind of person in mind that we are looking for. We over-look people who we do not believe would care whether or not God exists much less would be interested in the gospel. But in Rahab we see a woman who was a harlot, who heard about the works that God had done for Israel, and recognized his power. Even those in Canaan who did not believe in God recognized that Israel had something different and powerful working for them. When the people of Jericho heard how God had parted the Red Sea for Israel, Rahab said that their “hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer” (Josh. 1:11). No record is given of how the spies became acquainted with Rahab and what they told her about God, but she was in awe at the works of God and recognized him as the true God. Though a harlot, she evidently had an honest heart.

Were we spies sent ahead into the land of Canaan, would Rahab have been the kind of person that we would have approached? For some very good reasons, probably not, but the point is that we must constantly keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities to help anyone who would hear us. In John 7:24 Jesus told the Pharisees not to judge others according to what they perceived, but to “judge righteous judgment.” Only God can see the hearts of men, so we have no right to withhold the gospel from anyone. There are no limits to the effects that the gospel can have on honest hearts.

Knowing that the destruction of her city was imminent, Rahab talked to the spies about sparing her life. They agreed that because of her help, they would save her and her household if she hung the scarlet cord from her window. Then those in her house at the time of the destruction of the city would be spared. They told her that unless she complied with these conditions, her blood would be on her head.

We have all been in this situation. At some time we have sinned, and in God’s sight what we did was no worse than any sin that Rahab had committed. We then reach a point where we realize that there is a coming destruction and, unless we have God on our side, it will destroy us too. When we come to this realization, our hearts melt within us as we realize our lost condition. Then we look to God for a way out, which he has provided. God has always been willing to accept those who meet his conditions for salvation. Would Israel have saved Rahab had she not hung the scarlet cord out the window? Could she have chosen the “house of her choice” to be in when the Israelites conquered Jericho and still have been saved? After all, she had faith in God and his power and had done good deeds to his people, was not that enough?

Obviously the answer is no and the same applies today. Faith is an important part of our salvation, but God has commanded other steps, which some refuse to accept. Whether men recognize his commandments or not does not change God’s plan for salvation (Acts 5:29). Baptism is as much a part of our salvation as any other step, no more, no less. Some deny baptism and ask us if we “really think that there is any saving power in the water?” What if Rahab had said, “Is there any saving power in the scarlet cord?”

Christ established his church on earth (Matt. 16:18) and there is only one true church, or body of Christ (Eph. 1:23; 4:4). We have no power to pick the “church of our choice” and expect to please God. Let us have the faith of Rahab and confess his power and salvation to all the lost!

Guardian of Truth XLI: 7 p. 18-19
April 3, 1997