Truth Magazine

By Gary C. Kerr

“And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt. 7:28-29).

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:19).

Brethren have come to understand down through the years that Bible authority, or a lack of it, is at the root of most every religious question. As Christians, we understand that the Bible is our only authority in religion. We challenge those we believe to be in error to produce Bible authority for their practice. However, what do we mean by “Bible authority”?

“Authority” (exousia) is “the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed)” (Thayer, 225). Concerning the word “authority,” we also find this: “As regards the church, this derives its authority from Christ. Believers receive their right as such from him (Jn. 1:12; Rev. 22:14). The Lord gives the apostles their authority (2 Cor. 10:8); hence they must use it responsibly (cf. Mk. 13:34; 1 Cor. 9:4ff)” (Kittel, TDNT, Abridged In One Volume 239). Thus, by claiming to have “all authority,” Jesus was claiming the right to rule; the right to command and expect our submission and obedience. When we talk about “Bible authority,” we are really talking about the authority of Christ.

Did Jesus Come to Have All Authority?

Based on the definition of the word, the authority that Jesus claimed was absolute, that which belonged to God alone. Christ received this authority from the Father, and the Father confirmed it by raising him from the dead (Eph. 1:20-23).

The authority of Jesus was different from that of the prophets, or the scribes. They were restricted to a “thus saith the Lord.” Christ’s teaching was authoritative because he said it. This is a part of what amazed the listeners at the Sermon on the Mount. Throughout he said, “You have heard that it was said,” and contrasted that with “But I say to you.” It is not surprising then to find the officers who had been sent to arrest Jesus returning empty-handed and saying, “No man ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46)

Therefore, we need to acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ in everything that pertains to our lives as Christians. Paul admonished the saints at Colosse, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (3:17). To do something “in the name of’ Jesus is to do it by his authority. And, since Jesus claimed “all authority,” there is none left for men.

We Must Recognize the Authority of Christ

Concerning the Plan of Salvation

The “authority” of man admits to many ways to come to God. In fact, since “all roads lead to Heaven” (according to man’s reasoning), any way that you choose to come to God would be allowable. However, if we accept the authority of Christ, we will recognize that Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Christ taught that to be saved, we must “believe and be baptized” (Mark 16:16). If we truly respect the authority of Christ, we will not tamper with his will in this matter.

We Must Recognize the Authority of Christ

In Our Everyday Lives as Christians

Paul said that when we were baptized, we arose from the water to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). He goes on in that same chapter to describe our new relationship to Christ as one of a bond servant or a slave (vv, 18-22). That means that we have agreed to submit ourselves totally to the authority of Christ. A slave is not free to make his own decisions regarding how he conducts himself in his daily life. The authority of the world says that immodest clothing is acceptable, especially under certain circumstances. If we accept the authority of Christ, we will obey his will regarding the kind of clothes we wear (1 Tim. 2:9-10). The world says that it is all right to cheat, or to be dishonest from time to time. The authority of Christ says, “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles” (1 Pet. 2:12). The world says that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle. The authority of Christ still calls it “uncleanness,” “vile passion,” and “shameful” (Rom. 1:24-27). The world says that you may divorce your mate for any reason. The authority of Christ says, “whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and who-ever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matt. 19:9). As we live our lives from day to day as Christians, possessions of Christ, we must always remember that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

We Must Recognize the Authority of Christ

In the Work and Worship of the Local Church

Most denominations abandoned the authority of Christ concerning the church a long time ago. Men decided that we could change the worship, alter the work, and completely revamp the organization of the church to suit our own wants and needs. Faithful Christians have always opposed this departure as a violation of the authority of Christ, and rightly so. Thus, it is distressing to find brethren, those who profess to have respect for the authority of Christ, altering the work and worship of the church in the same way.

The Authority of Christ Provides

For the Organization of the Local Church

The largest working body or organization that we read about in Christ’s word is the local church. It is to have its own elders and deacons (cf. Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1). The New Testament knows nothing of synods, councils, or popes exercising authority over the local church. The authority of Christ does not authorize the elders of one local church to oversee the work of another local church (cf. 1 Pet. 5:1-2). Nor does the New Testament permit women to serve as elders in local churches. According to men, this may be politically correct, but it is a violation of the authority of Christ.

By the Authority of Christ

The Local Church Offers Worship

That worship includes partaking of the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 11:23-26); giving of our means (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:12; 9:6-7); singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16); teaching (Acts 2:47); and prayer (Acts 2:42; 12:5; Eph.6:18). The Lord’s supper consists of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (Matt. 26:26-29), and we observe it each first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

The authority of man says that we may change this worship by adding to or taking away from the things prescribed by Jesus. We can add playing on musical instruments to the singing; we can take the Lord’s supper on any day of the week, and substitute other elements in place of the ones authorized by Christ; “passing the hat” on any day the church assembles; we can raise money for the work of the church by conducting fairs, rummage sales, and other social activities; and on and on it goes. If we really respect the authority of Christ, we will offer only the worship that he as required in his word.

The Authority of Christ Dictates

The Work of the Local Church

According to man, the work of the church is to meet the social and recreational needs of people. However, if we respect the authority of Christ, we will understand that the work of the church involves something entirely different. Christ’s authority decrees that the church preach the gospel (2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:14-18; 1 Thess. 1:8). Christ also instructs the church through his word to provide for its own needy (Acts 4:34-35; 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 5:16). Christ has taught his church to edify itself (Eph. 4:11-16). This is all that the authority of Christ allows for in the work of the local church. To change this in any way, either by adding to it or taking away from it, is to show contempt for the authority of Christ through his word.

Conclusion

Christ claimed all authority. We are taught to do every-thing in the name of (i.e., by the authority of) Christ. Do you submit to the authority of Christ on the plan of salvation? In your daily lives as Christians? In the worship and work of the local church? Those who respect and obey the authority of Christ are promised every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Remember the admonition of James, when he said, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” To fail or refuse to submit to the authority of Christ in all things will cost us our souls in eternity. Are you willing to pay that price?

Guardian of Truth XL: 1 p. 15-16
January 4, 1996

By Roger Hillis

Hell. What an awful sounding word. It brings up all kinds of bad thoughts. Many prefer to ignore it, never think about it, and act like it really is not there. But hell is real and people need to be warned about this other “home of the soul” that awaits the unrighteous.

It is easier to be lost than to go to heaven. More people will spend eternity in hell, separated from God and his glory than will gather around that heavenly throne. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it, because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).

There are 234 references in the New Testament to hell, punishment, and God’s judgment on the wicked. Jesus had much more to say about hell than he did about heaven.

Hell is not some unpleasant experience we have here on earth, it is not merely a condition of an unhappy mind, it is not simply a person’s anguish, sorrow, and trials in this life. It is a real place of torment. It was said of Judas Iscariot, after his betrayal of the Master and subsequent suicide, that he went “to his own place” (Acts 1:25).

The Description

Please carefully read this series of passages about hell and notice both the descriptive phrases that are used and the absolute certainty with which the writers spoke of its existence.

But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, “You fool!” shall be in danger of hell fire (Matt. 5:22).

And if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profit-able for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell (Matt. 5:29-30).

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28).

The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 13:41-42).

Then the king said to the servants, “Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 22:13).

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, “De-part from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).

And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Matt. 25:46).

… where “their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44, 46, 48).

These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (2 Thess. 1:9).

In summary, these verses teach us that hell is a place of fire, wailing, gnashing of teeth, weeping, outer darkness, prepared for Satan and his followers. But, perhaps the worst thing about hell is that it is eternal! Just as heaven is de-scribed as unending bliss and glory for the saved, hell is unceasing torment for the lost.

Notice these verses.

And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name (Rev. 14:11).

And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10).

Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15).

The fires of hell are unquenchable. Hell is a place of misery, confusion, and honor, forever and ever. There is no comfort, not even if some of your earthly family and friends are there with you. And in 50 million years (that’s accommodative language; time will not be measured in eternity as it is now), God will not change his mind and bring everyone up to heaven.

Some have tried to lessen the honors of hell by suggesting that the fire will consume rather than punish the ungodly and after a brief period, they will feel no more pain. But there is nothing in the Bible that justifies such a conclusion. If God could speak to Moses in a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire, he has the power to create such a place as hell, the unquenchable lake of fire and brimstone.

The Inhabitants of Hell

Who will be in hell? This is perhaps the most important part of this study. We should do all we can to make certain that we will not be in this place of eternal torment.

Satan and his servants (Matt. 25:41). Hell was never intended for man, but those who serve the devil will spend eternity with him.

The ungodly (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8). The wicked people of all time will be there. From the Bible, it includes people like Cain (the first murderer), the homosexuals from Sodom and Gomorrah, Jezebel, Judas Iscariot, the Roman Caesars, Nero, and Domitian. From secular history, it includes such people as Benedict Arnold, Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler, and many others.

Some religious people (Matt. 7:21-23). There are many who care nothing for biblical authority and have substituted the teachings of men for the doctrine of Christ (Matt. 15:9; Col. 3:17; 2 John 9-11). In spite of their sincerity, such will be lost because they have not obeyed God.

Lukewarm Christians (Rev. 3:15-17). God will not accept any less than our very best. If we have been apathetic and lukewarm in our service to him, we will hear him say, “Depart from Me, I do not know you.”

All those who have not obeyed the gospel (2 Thess. 1:6-10). This includes all of those who were good, moral people but who did not become Christians  moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, dentists, school teachers, neighbors, doctors, friends, classmates, and spouses. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death . . .” (Rom. 6:23). Sin separates man from God and, unless one is cleansed by the blood of Christ, sin will cause that one to be lost eternally.

The good news is that no one HAS TO go there. By the grace of God, through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and our obedient faith, we can escape the fires of hell and enjoy eternal life in heaven. May we all have the courage to obey the Lord and then share that message of salvation with a lost and dying world.

Guardian of Truth XL: 1 p. 18-19
January 4, 1996

By Lee Forsythe

Fifty-two percent of France does not believe in heaven., Eleven percent of Americans do not either. That percentage increases with a college education (23%), but, interestingly, decreases as people grow older (10%). Many are too occupied with the “here” to give much thought to the “hereafter.” But heaven is a necessary inspiration to us, an encouragement to persist through sickness, financial problems, and even death. Let us notice what heaven is and then discuss who will be there.

Heaven is a perfect place. When the apostles were stunned by Jesus’ prophecy of Peter’s denial, Judas’ betrayal, and his own impending death, Jesus told them of a better place. “Stop letting your hearts be troubled; keep on believing in God, and also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places; if there were not, I would have told you, for I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make it ready for you, I will come back and take you to be face to face with me, so that you may always be right where I am” (John 14:1-3, Charles Williams). Some believe that heaven is on earth or a state of mind, but Jesus was leaving earth  “I go” to prepare a “place.” His words offered stability to the apostles even when their world was falling apart. Heaven would only help by believing deeply (notice “believe” in vv. 1 [2x’s], 10, 11 [2x’s], 12, 29), “believe not only in certain doctrines, but in Jesus himselfin him as able to carry out every promise that he has made.”, They could have peace because of their ultimate victory in heaven.

Heaven is a permanent place. When Jesus spoke of the idea of heaven he often used the phrase “everlasting life”, and “eternal life. It is more than quantity of life, because the wicked will suffer “everlasting punishment” (Matt. 26:46). It is quantity plus the quality of living life as God intended, to the fullest extent possible. Although eternal life is a present possession (Jn. 3:36, “has everlasting life”), it will be fully realized in heaven. A place where we will not be pilgrims (1 Pet. 2:11), nor does it “fade not away” (1 Pet. 1: 4). It will be our “homeland” (Heb. 11:15) forever. We will not be upset by houses failing to sell, furniture being scratched or broken, and, most importantly, saying heartbreaking goodbyes.

Heaven is a place where we will have a perfect body. Who cannot identify with Paul as he cries out, “0 wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7: 24) Paul is not saying that the body, per se, is evil, but that Satan uses the desires of the body to try to destroy us. As Jesus said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). Paul continues in Romans 8:23, ” … even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (cf. v. 11). In heaven our glorified bodies will be like Jesus (Phil. 3:20-21). Our “spiritual bodies” (1 Cor. 14:42-49) will be incorruptible (not subject to decay or sickness), glorious (as opposed to dishonor), and powerful (contrasted with the weakness of the fleshly body). It is comforting to think we will never have to go to a doctor, suffer the limits of old age, or finally “wear out.” Our bodies will be perfectly suited for eternity.

Heaven will be a place of perfect fellowship. Although the word “heaven” is used some 284 times in the New Testament, only about 15 speak of heaven as our future abode.’ Most of the “heaven” references are to the air where the birds fly, the place of the stars, the dwelling place of God and his angels, or in the phrase “kingdom of heaven” (31 times). Instead of “heaven” the Bible often uses the concept of being with God. This “face to face” relationship is the best part of the “treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20, 19:21, Lk. 12:33; Heb. 10:34). A place without people is not home. A while back I visited my grandparent’s old home place. They had been dead for years, but the house still stood. The giant oak that we spent many evenings under was still there. Wonderful memories came to mind. But memories are not as good as being with my grandparents. This is what makes heaven special. We will have intimate fellowship with God. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev. 21: 3).

Who Will Be In Heaven?

Infants will be in heaven. When David had lost his child he said, “Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam. 12: 23). Some would suggest that David was talking about the grave, but why would this console David? David clearly anticipated being with God after death (Psa. 17:15; especially 16: 10) and, thus, he would be reunited with his child. This thought has comforted many a grieving parent, including my wife and me. Several years ago we stood and watched our daughter of six and a half weeks die of congestive heart failure. The pain was intense, but we knew Lana would never feel another needle, experience pain, or cry a single tear. She would be with God.

Young children will be in heaven. Paul claimed that he “was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died” (Rom. 7:9). There was a time when Paul was innocent, incapable of understanding God’s law (Mosaical). But when he reached the age where he could understand, he died spiritually. The “age of accountability” is dependent upon the maturity level of the child. If one dies before he reaches that age, he will go to heaven.

The mentally incompetent will be in heaven. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”(Matt. 28: 19). “Discipline” involves teaching. One must be able to comprehend the gospel and believe in Jesus (John 8:24). Without faith, baptism is merely a dunking in water (John 3:5). A special problem arises with those who are mentally competent but put off obedience unto God. Then some tragedy occurs and they lose their mental competency. They would be judged for the time they were “accountable” (2 Cor. 5: 10).

The redeemed who remain faithful will be in heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way (both the revealer and the redeemer), the truth (reliable, trustworthy), and the life (spiritual life). No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). By the blood of Jesus we are redeemed (Eph. 1:7) and made fit for the kingdom of God. It is only because of this forgiveness that we can have fellowship with a perfect God (Rom. 3:25-26; 1 John 1:5). A person does not need money, education, or to be of a particular nationality to go to heaven. He only needs a humble (Matt. 5:3), receptive heart (Lk. 8:15) that is willing to obey the word of God (Matt. 7:24-25). Although only a few are willing to obey (Matt. 7:14), John depicts heaven as “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Rev. 7:9). Imagine how incredible it will be to stand with that group!

But heaven is not for everyone. Some might say with Machiavelli, “I desire to go to Hell, not to Heaven. In Hell I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings, and princes, but in Heaven are only beggars, monks, hermits, and apostles.”. No, he will not enjoy hell and heaven is far more that he envisions. It is the most wonderful place we could imagine (Rev. 21 & 22) with the best people whoever lived (Matt. 8:11; Heb. 12:22-24). Yet the best part is that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, along with all the heavenly hosts, will be there. It is no wonder that Paul would write, “For we who are in this tent (physical body) groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed (spirit without the body), but further clothed (spiritual body), that mortality may be swallowed up by life” (2 Cor. 5:4).

If we are troubled or afraid, let us meditate more deeply on heaven and receive the peace that Jesus promised (John 14:27). Problems, the apostles learned, were “light . . . for a moment,” but they work “for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). Let us not be satisfied with a description of heaven, but let us live that we may experience heaven. Heaven inspired the apostles. May it inspire us as well.

Footnotes

Rosten, Leo. Religions Of America. New York: Simon and Schuster (1975), pp. 341-342.

Charles Spurgeon. The Treasury Of The Bible, Grand Rap-ids: Baker (1981), VI, p. 511.

Matt. 19:29; Lk. 18:30; In. 3:16; 4:14; 5:24; 6:27, 40, 47; 12:50.

Matt. 25: 46; Mk. 10:30; In. 3:15, 36; 5:39; 6:54; 10:28; 12:25; 17:2, 3.

Arndt, Gingrich, and Danker, pg. 595: Phil. 3:20; Lk. 10:20; Heb. 12:23; 2 Cor. 5:1; Matt. 5: 12; Lk. 6:23; Matt. 6:20; Lk. 12:33; Col. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:4; Lk. 19: 38; Rev. 3:12; 21:2, 10. To these Thayer (465) would add: Matt. 19:21; Mk. 10:21; Lk. 18:22; Heb. 10:34.

Quoted by Bergan Evans, Dictionary of Quotations, 310, supposedly on his deathbed. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1975, pp. 341-342.

Guardian of Truth XL: 1 p. 20-21
January 4, 1996

By Brooks Cochran

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (NASB)

Paul, in answering the charges made against him by false teachers and brethren in Corinth, declares that, “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature”; the old things have passed away and “new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). The particular change, of which he had just spoken; i.e., knowing “no man according to the flesh” (2 Cor. 5:16), is one indication that a transformation has taken place in “any man” who is “in Christ.” At one time, in the days before his con-version, Paul judged Jesus by external standards in the light of the teaching he received from Gamaliel and thus concluded that Jesus of Galilee was not the Messiah (Acts 22:3; Phil. 3:4; Acts 26:9). Now he no longer judges Jesus by such standards. He is a “new creature” old things have passed away and all things have become new. Likewise, it was time for the Corinthians to quit judging him in much the same way. They were placing too much emphasis on externals and should have been emphasizing the spiritual. They were Paul’s “letter, written in” his heart, “known and read by all men; . . . written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God” (2 Cor. 3:2-3).

Many, as the Corinthians, fail to grasp the significance of what it means to be in Christ and the transformation of life and character that goes with such change. Upon examination of this passage one can learn some truths that will help him appreciate and understand what it means to be “in Christ.”

The text emphasizes: 1. The Universality Of The Gospel (“If any Man”); 2. The Location Of The New Life And Relationship (“In Christ”); and 3. The Standard One Is To Follow Once He Makes The Decision To Come Into Christ (“He is A New Creation; The Old Things Have Passed Away; Behold New Things Have Come”).

“If Any Man”

Though Paul is directing his remarks to a specific group of individuals, those designated as being “in Christ,” his words infer that any person can become a member of this group. The group may be limited in number, but the invitation to join is universal. This invitation was extended by the apostles in their “ministry of reconciliation” as they preached the “word of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18-19). Today their word has been left for us in permanent form on the pages of the New Testament.

While the invitation is extended through the “word of reconciliation” one must make a conscious choice as to whether or not they will accept the offer to “be reconciled to” and “receive the grace of God,” namely, the forgiveness of their sins (2 Cor. 5:20; 6:1). In Romans 5:1, 2 one is said to obtain their “introduction by faith into this grace” and as a result has “peace with God.” Such actions on the part of an individual infer a change of heart.

But more than a change of heart is involved. There must also be a change of relationship. I.B. Grubbs, in Exegetical Analysis of The Epistles, states that, “It is a very prevalent error to regard a change of heart as constituting the whole of regeneration. It is, indeed, a fundamental requisite apart from which there can be no new creation. But more is embraced according to the conception of Paul in this and other passages. . . . A change of position or spiritual relationship must follow a change of disposition.” (110)

“Be in Christ”

This change of relationship occurs when one comes “into Christ.” When one submits to the will of God and is immersed in water for the remission of his sins he is brought into this union with Christ and enters a new relationship (Gal. 3:26, 27). He is now reconciled to God “through the death of’ Christ and no longer considered an “enemy” (Rom. 5:10).

Reconciliation with God is possible only for those “in Christ,” since he is the means by which one is made accept-able to God the Father. They will be “saved from the wrath of God” that will be poured out on all unbelievers at the judgment (Rom. 5:9; John 3:36; 1 Thess. 5:9). It is this latter group that has been “destined” for this fate.

One chooses his destiny; either by electing to be among those “predestined to be conformed to the image of” Christ and “glorified” (Rom. 8:29-30), or those that will experience God’s wrath. God allows men to exercise their free will; but they will have to accept the consequences of their choice. That is why the apostles extended the invitation to “be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

“A New Creature”

When one has been reconciled to God he is described as being “a new creature” or “a new creation.” He is now a product of God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph. 2:10). Old things have passed away, new things have come. In the words of Isaiah: “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new” (43:18-19). In commenting on this passage, Hailey states that “the people are urged to cease looking to and appealing to the past (except to learn from its examples and warnings), and to look to the future instead” (Homer Halley, Commentary On Isaiah, 365).

There is the tendency for many “new creatures” in Christ to look back to the past and long for their former manner of life. Such thoughts and desires must be expelled from the mind. Paul forgot what was behind him in his life in the Jews religion and reached “forward” and pressed “on to-ward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). So too, the “new creature” must not entangle himself in the defilements “of the world” of which he has “escaped” (2 Peter 2:20). Such a step back-ward indicates a lack or love and appreciation for the new found blessings “in Christ.”

Conclusion

The world, being under the power and control of Satan (1 John 5:19), does not and cannot make a man “new.” It is the desire of Satan for a man to keep “the old self’ and continue to be “corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit” (Eph. 4:22). One day there will be “new heavens and new earth” (2 Peter 3:13), but it will only be populated by those that are new creatures in Christ. Therefore, it would be in the interest of our soul to become a new creature in Christ and remain faithful to him during the time of our stay on this earth so we might inhabit the “new heavens and new earth” (heaven) with him.

Guardian of Truth XL: 1 p. 17-18
January 4, 1996