Truth Magazine

By Connie W. Adams

Jesus addressed the multitudes and his disciples in Matthew 23 and aimed some of his strongest words at the religious leaders of his time. He said that as long as the scribes and Pharisees taught what the law of Moses said, they should give heed to the law in spite of the fact that these teachers did not always practice what they preached. “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (v. 4). He said they love “the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues” (v. 6). They loved to be greeted in public places as “Rabbi, Rabbi.” Jesus said not to do that “for one is your Master even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (vv. 8-12).

There is much to learn here that should never be forgotten. It is not wrong to study the will of God so as to teach it to others. The teacher bears a great responsibility according to James 3:1-2. It is not wrong for a student to appreciate the preparation and skill of his teacher. “Honor to whom honor” is a clear scriptural principle (Rom. 13:7).

But there is a problem when the student descends to a fawning adulation for the teacher and when the teacher comes to expect and to love such attention. For many years some of our brethren have suffered from an inferiority complex. They have gazed with eager eyes at the “Doctors” of theology of the denominational world. Some of this has generated a hunger for men of distinction among us. During the years leading up to the institutional division there was an increasing amount of deference shown to the “Doctors” among the brethren. I saw newspaper advertisements that “Doctor” so and so of such and such a school would speak in some great “campaign.” A thirst for denominational status was being satisfied.

When Pat Hardeman returned from the University of Illinois to teach at Florida College, his wife annoyed some of the staff when she would call and ask to speak to “Dr. Hardeman.” On a lecture program in the late  1950s, Hardeman defended calling men “Doctor” who had earned their degree. C.R. Nichol followed him that day and referred to the interesting things “brother Hardeman” said. Then he stopped and corrected himself and said “Excuse me, Doctor Hardeman.” That was all he said and it brought a chuckle from the crowd.

It takes a long time and much work for one to earn a Ph.D. Such an effort is honorable. I can understand why schools need to attract teachers who have attained these degrees. What concerns me is the fact that some brethren unrelated to the schools (except as supporters) want to identify certain brethren by titles when they are outside the academic environment. I attended a social function where a teacher from Florida College was the guest speaker. He was introduced by a local brother as “Doctor” so and so. I am sure the teacher did not request this or even desire it. Shall we introduce those who attained an M.A. as “Master” thus and so? If one has a B.A., shall we refer to him as “Bachelor” so and so?

Is it not so that among brethren in the Lord, there is no greater honor than to be known simply as that — a brother in the Lord? I don’t mean to make a title out of “brother” either. I mean simply to denote a spiritual bond, little brother (with a small b) and not big Brother (with a big B).

It has always been hard for schools to maintain a balance between academic credentials and soundness in the faith. Because a professor is needed for a certain department who has a Ph.D., there is a great need to be sure that this degreed professor is sound in the faith and has both feet rooted in the word of God. His influence will be far reaching in the lives of his students. When such men leave the school environment to teach and preach among brethren in the Lord, let them be treated with the same respect as any other preacher or teacher of the word of Life, but no more than that. As far as I know that is the attitude of the men I know who have earned their doctoral degrees. All brethren need to be taught to respect this principle.

Indeed, is there a “Doctor” in the house of the Lord? Or are we all brethren, simply servants of the one Lord?

P.O. Box 69, Brooks, Kentucky 40109

By Richard Thetford

As you glance at the title of this article, your first thought might be that this is going to be an article dealing in the area of personal work. Jesus said: “And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ They immediately left their nets and followed Him” (Matt 4:18-20). However, this article is not dealing with personal work but rather with the idea that if we hold to some of the doctrines that are taught in the religious realm today, then we might as well just “go fishin’” rather than take the time to attend services or do anything religiously. 

“Eternal Life”

A little booklet simply entitled “Eternal Life” is being circulated by the Graceland Baptist Church here in New Albany, Indiana and the contents of its teaching echoe the teaching by most religious evangelical denominations today. They boast of a large membership as do most of the religious bodies who hold to the doctrine that “faith only is a most wholesome doctrine.” Why? Because it is a very simple religion that anyone can live, whether they go to church or not.

Saved By Belief and Repentance

This piece of literature that is being circulated is false propaganda. It begins by saying that we can know that we have eternal life (which I agree), but then proceeds to try to get us to come to the conclusion that eternal life is gained only by belief in Jesus (John 3:16), repentance, and the “sinner’s prayer.” The main premise of the booklet is to let all people know that we cannot save ourselves and cites Ephesians 2:8-9 which states: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” If that is the absolute truth, then “let’s go fishin’!” The Bible student knows that the works mentioned here in Ephesians are our own works that we come up with. It is not talking about the works that God has authorized and asked for us to do. It goes on to teach that Jesus was “delivered over death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Rom. 4:25). It is stated since this is the case it is “good news” because “all who received Him and believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). So if we receive Jesus and believe in Jesus, we are saved. If that is all we must do, then “let’s go fishin’!” But wait, there’s more. It states a point concerning Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved through faith, not of works, yet then says “we must repent of our sins.” Is not repentance a work? Or is repentance something that just happens because we believe in who Jesus is? No, true “godly sorrow” repentance takes serious effort to make a determination to turn from all sin and strive to live for Christ. It takes work to do that, a constant continuous effort on our part, a work. Yet it states in their booklet that works are not necessary, then says that repentance is required.

Saved by Confession

It goes on to say that after we repent, then we must put our faith in Jesus. It then explains that having faith in Jesus is having trust in Jesus, to surrender to Jesus, and cites Romans 10:9-10 which says: “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” This verse is taken and used without any other in this regard. It is stated that salvation is realized by anyone that “confesses the Lord” (by the way, isn’t confessing with our mouth a work?), and believes that Jesus was raised from the dead. Once done, salvation is realized. No other work needs to be done to have salvation. If that is the case, then “let’s go fishin’!” 

The “Sinner’s Prayer”

But there’s more. It then cites that we must surrender our lives to Christ fully and completely and then cites Matthew 7:21. If you don’t know what Matthew 7:21 says, please read it. A key word in that passage is “does.” Does is a work. Yet works are not necessary? Then finally the holder of this little booklet is asked: “Are you willing to place your faith in Jesus right now and turn from your sin (Rom 10:13)? If so, then you need to ask the Lord Jesus to save you. How is this done? They are then asked to read this prayer (often referred to as the “sinner’s prayer”): “Dear God, I know that Jesus is Your Son, and that He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. I know I have sinned and need forgiveness. I am willing to turn from my sins and receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Then it says: “Welcome to the family of God. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, you have just made the most important decision of your life. You can be sure you are saved and have eternal life.” If I have prayed this prayer sincerely, then why do anything else religiously (attending services, singing, praying, giving, etc.), because I am saved? Friends, “let’s go fishin!”

Inconsistencies in Doctrine

Now, let’s look at their inconsistencies: (1) Their main premise is that man cannot do “works in order to be saved” yet they teach that all one has to do in order to be saved is to believe in and surrender to Jesus — this is a work. (2) They say that repentance is necessary, yet they claim works are not — but repentance is a work. (3) They say that confessing the Lord as their savior is necessary, yet claim works are not — but confession is a work. (4) They say that one must say what is referred to by most as the “sinner’s prayer” is necessary in order to be saved, yet claim works are not — but prayer is a work. (5) After one is saved by sincerely praying the prayer, they are asked to pray regularly, attend services, witness for Christ, and be baptized at a convenient time — all of which are works. They cite a Bible verse for the various aspects of what one must do leading up to their salvation (faith, belief, repentance, confession), yet there is no Bible verse mentioned referencing the very act that results in their salvation — “the sinner’s prayer.” Why not? Because there is none. 

What The Bible Says

What does the Bible say? God’s plan of salvation is evident and clearly spelled out in his book. We must believe in Jesus (Rom 10:17; Heb 11:6), repent of our sins (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3; 2 Cor 7:10), confess Jesus (Rom 10:10; Matt 10:32; Acts 8:37), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 8:38; 16:31-33; 22:16; 1 Pet 3:2). The Bible clearly teaches that our sins are only forgiven after we have worked the works of righteousness and have been baptized in the name of Jesus. Prayer does not wash away sins. Baptism does. It is true that man cannot do his own works of righteousness resulting in salvation, but we will be held accountable to do the works in which God has instructed us. God tells us what he wants us to do in our life and salvation is part of that. After we are baptized and added to the church through baptism, then we are expected to “live faithfully until death” (Rev 2:10), meaning to continue to do the works that God has asked of us until we die. A faith in God, without works, is a dead faith, a meaningless faith (Jas. 2:26). We are justified before God by the works that he has given us to do, not by faith only (Jas. 4:24).

“Test the Spirits”

Friends, we must make sure that whatever we are doing religiously is approved by God. Think it through from beginning to end. Any doctrine that teaches us that faith and belief only are all that is required in order to be saved and have eternal life with Jesus is not in harmony with Christ’s teaching. The inspired apostle John wrote: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” If I was a member of a denomination who’s doctrine taught that all I needed in order to be saved was to believe in Jesus and recite the sinner’s prayer, then I would gather up my friends on Sunday and say, “Let’s go fishin’!”

8014 County Line Road, Sellersburg, Indiana 47172 RThetford@juno.com

By Connie W. Adams

As Others See Us

I recently attended a gathering where I saw a number of my former school mates, some of whom I had not seen for awhile. Some of them are surely beginning to look old and wrinkled! Time takes its toll on eyesight, hearing, the gait and posture. Not to mention the memory. Some are battling debilitating illnesses. Some are bowed down with grief over the death of a spouse. Some have bounced back from bouts with cancer or other ailments. Conversations often turned to diets, medications and treatments. But growing older is part of life. “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come” (Psa. 71:17-18).

H.E. Phillips

Recently I had two good visits with my dear friend and brother, H.E. Phillips. At that time he was in the hospital in Tampa. Because of his diabetes, it was necessary to remove his left leg just below the knee and a few weeks later he right leg was removed. For over a year he has been on kidney dialysis three times a week. He has maintained an admirable spirit through it all. His mind was clear and we spoke again of what has always been on his heart — “things concerning the kingdom of God.” He, Polly and their daughters need your prayers. “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jas. 5:16). (Brother Phillips passed from this life on April 5, 2000.)

“Bashing”

It is interesting to watch the developing political scene. If one opposes the public record of his opponent or responds to charges of a foe, he is summarily accused of “bashing” his opponent in the race. The verb “bash” means to hit or smash. There is no doubt that sometimes politicians do exactly that. Sometimes they hit below the belt. But much of what is called bashing is not that at all. Which brings up another matter. Sometimes brethren are accused of bashing each other. Now it is possible to do that. But it is not bashing a brother to comment on, analyze, or even  oppose what he has publicly taught which you believe to be erroneous. If you call in doubt a brother’s character, his honesty, integrity, or if you attribute to him sinister motives, then you have certainly been engaged in bashing. But much of what is being labeled with this odious term is not that at all and it is strange that some who complain the most about bashing have themselves become the worst offenders in that department. “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” (Rom. 2:21). The Golden Rule applies in both directions.

Preacher and Congregation Converted
A recent letter from Edgar Samodal of Iligan City in Mindanao, Philippines is typical of many I have received over the years. I had the privilege of spending quite some time with him last year and hearing him present a very able gospel sermon. In telling of some recent activities, he reported the following:

December 3, we traveled again to answer an invitation for a gospel seminar hosted by a Baptist Church. They invited us because they wanted to hear the gospel fully. The Baptist denomination in Bobo-an is 350 kms. from Iligan City. Preachers who went with us are brethren Apatan, Armada and Calipayan. We are the speakers at the seminar which lasted two days. After question and answer it was successfully done resulting in 23 souls being baptized including their church “pastor.” As of now the sign board on their meeting house was changed to read “Church of Christ.”

Bobby and I spent more than 15 hours riding in the jeepney driven by Edgar. It was a was a thrilling experience to say the least. He maneuvered over bad roads through thickly populated areas with skill and speed. Since the speedometer was broken, we could not accurately determine the latter. But I nicknamed him “Jehu” of whom it was said, “He driveth furiously” (2 Kings 9:20). That is not the end of the story. When their fourth child was born, the son was named Jehu and Edgar now signs letters to me Jehu, Sr. We thank God for all the good being done by good brethren there.

The Villains

Have you ever noticed that in cases where corrective discipline has become necessary in a congregation that the chastised sinner is portrayed, either by himself or some of his relatives as a victim and those who administer the discipline as the villains? Forget about the drinking, or the fornication, or the teaching of error. Whatever wrong has been done cannot equal the censorious, judgmental harshness of those who are trying to save the soul of the sinner and protect the congregation from his evil influence, while at the same time obeying the clear teaching of scripture. And how often is it heard, “It was not what they did but HOW they did it”? If someone ever discovers HOW to practice corrective discipline in such a way as to please every offender would you please publicize that information for the benefit of those of us who don’t know HOW?

Church Ads

I have not been asked to say this. But I want to say a word about the advantage of church ads, such as appear in the last pages of each issue of this paper and several others. We travel a great deal in our work. Every year we buy the new edition of the Directory of Churches published by Guardian of Truth Foundation and we use it. But we have found the ads of much greater help. Sometimes they have extra information which helps to locate the building. The schedule of services is especially helpful, plus often having a choice of phone numbers to call. Since brethren purchase this service they tend to do a better job keeping information updated than is the case with the directory. If the congregation is located near a university, military base, or tourist attraction, it would be helpful to many to be able to find your ad. If you are not taking advantage of this, why not look over these ads and consider placing yours with us. The cost is reasonable and the service of great value to those who want to find brethren with which to worship when away from home.

P.O. Box 69, Brooks, Kentucky 40109

By David Dann

We read in Exodus 20 that as God was in the process of delivering his law to Israel through Moses, he gave his people ten basic commandments that they were to obey. Among other ordinances, these commandments include the instructions, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy . . . Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal” (Exod. 20:8, 13-15).

Many religious people today who claim to be Christians often stress the importance of keeping the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are held in high esteem as a code of religious and moral value. Even the youngest children are taught to memorize them and obey them.

As we notice the great importance placed on the Ten Commandments by so many religious groups, we must ask whether or not we are obligated to keep this set of laws today. According to the Bible:

1. The Ten Commandments were only given to the nation of Israel. It is clear that the instructions given in Exodus 20 were given by God to Israel. In fact, in reviewing the Ten Commandments with Israel, Moses said, “The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day” (Deut. 5:2-3). Obviously, the Ten Commandments were given to the nation of Israel and not to all the nations throughout history.
2.  The Ten Commandments were part of the Old Covenant. In Exodus 34 we read, “And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.’ And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments” (Exod. 34:27-28). The Hebrew writer refers to the tablets of stone that contained the Ten Commandments as “tables of the covenant” (Heb. 9:4). These Scriptures teach that the Ten Commandments were included in the covenant that God made with Israel at Mt. Sinai. (See also Deut. 4:12-14; 9:8-11; 1 Kings 8:9, 21).
3.  The Old Covenant has been done away with. While explaining the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding the plan of God in replacing the Old Covenant with the New Covenant, the Hebrew writer says, “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, ‘Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah’” (Heb. 8:7-8). He then concludes the thought in the following manner: “In that he saith, ‘A new covenant,’ he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away” (Heb. 8:13). Since the Old Covenant has been removed, and the Ten Commandments were included in the Old Covenant, we must conclude that the Ten Commandments have been removed as well. As Paul put it, Christ “took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Col. 2:14).
4. We are now obligated to keep the commandments of the New Covenant. The “New Covenant,” or “New Testament” was brought into force by the death of Christ (Heb. 9:16-17). Jesus referred to his blood which was shed at the cross as the “blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). Since we are no longer under the Old Covenant and the Ten Commandments, does this mean we are free to murder, steal, and commit adultery? Certainly not. Nearly all of the principles contained in the Ten Commandments (with the exception of the command to keep the Sabbath) are repeated in the New Covenant, as revealed in such passages as Colossians 3:5, 1 John 3:15, Ephesians 4:28, and Matthew 5:34, as well as others. We should not murder, steal,  or commit adultery, not because the Ten Commandments say so, but because the gospel of Jesus Christ says so. The gospel of Christ contains the standard by which all nations will be judged (John 12:48; 2 Cor. 5:10).

Conclusion

The Old Covenant Law, including the Ten Commandments, has served its purpose. Paul explains this by using the following illustration: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Gal. 3:24-25).

2121 Rathburn Rd. East, Apt. 106, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 2X3