Commandments: opposite "CONSTANTS" in preaching

There is one “constant” thing found in preaching. It is present both in false teaching and truth. That ‘constant’ is commands!

The value of this "constant" is in the fact that it enables us to distinguish religious error from truth. In the midst of all the religious confusion and division, anyone, in his search of truth will find truth when they discover the fact that obedience is necessary to salvation. In being obedient, there must be something to obey! THAT "thing" to obey is a COMMAND.

False peaching does NOT stress the need for obedience to commands; truth DOES! Another interesting thing that, careful observance will reveal, is the contradictions of false teaching on this matter. As an example, there is a statement made about the 'purpose' of baptism in water. It says, "baptism is not necessary to salvation, but is necessary to obedience".

Notice what this statement says of the 'purpose' for obedience. Is it not teaching that obedience is NOT necessary to salvation? If this is true, I ask, what then IS the purpose for obedience???

The reality is, this language is designed to circumvent the truth as to the purpose of baptism. The N. T. is clear on the purpose of baptism: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:21.

If these passages are read, the TRUTH as to whether obedience is necessary to salvation, will be clear. If baptism is necessary to obedience, then baptism is also necessary to salvation. The statement above is shown to be false.

Attitudes are shaped from preaching. If God’s commands are set forth in preaching as irrelevant, then obedience will not be seen as important, much less necessary.

Most people do not see obedience to commands as related to salvation. This is in line with what they hear preached.

There is an old saying, “The apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree”. The fruit naturally has characteristics of the seed from which it sprang. This principle is also true in the religious realm.

Moral conduct bears resemblance to religious teaching.

12/13/2018

rdb