“APPROVED UNTO GOD”

 

During the 400 years between the Old & New Testaments, the Jews became divided into various sects. Two of these sects that we often read of in the gospels are the Pharisees & the Sadducees. Jesus warned against their teaching (leaven) because of a most crucial reason. It would cause all who believed in it to be lost. In Matthew 23:15, Jesus not only called the Pharisees ‘children of hell’, but He said that those who believed and practiced their teachings would become twice as much a ‘child of hell’ as themselves. Jesus also said in Matthew 16:6, 11-12, to watch & BEWARE OF THEIR TEACHINGS. In Matthew 15, Jesus said that these ‘traditions’:

— transgressed the commandment of God (v. 3).

— were contrary to the Law of Moses (vv. 4-5).

— made void the word of God. (v. 6),

— caused worship to be in vain (v. 9).

The scribes and Pharisees sought to bind this tradition of the elders upon the multitudes. When Jesus’ disciples were observed not keeping these traditions, the Pharisees and scribes objected (v. 2). Mark 7:3-4 lists some of these ‘traditions’ referred to herein. These oral traditions were not from Moses but regarded as equal in authority with the written word. Moses had commanded, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it…” (Deuteronomy 4:2).

WHAT IF SUCH WERE DONE TODAY? Would the results not be the same? There are several SUPPOSED, inspired doctrines that are only “commandments of men” yet are regarded as equal in authority with the Bible by those who teach and practice them. Today, one cannot become a member of any existing denominational church without submitting to that denomination’s ‘statements of faith’. You will not be accepted into their ‘fellowship’ without submitting to their commandments, whether by ‘vote’, ‘letter’, or by ‘baptism’ as their statement of faith declares.

Protestant denominations were founded on just such writings. These ‘statements of faith’ or ‘creeds’ are NOT the inspired word of God, YET THEY ARE THE CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THEIR FELLOWSHIP. They are held up as authoritative as the Bible.

The problem with creeds is seen from the fact that THEY CONTRADICT ONE ANOTHER. For example, the Methodist Discipline, p. 410, reads: “let every adult person, and the parents of every child to be baptized, HAVE THE CHOICE OF SPRINKLING, POURING, OR IMMERSION.” On the other hand, the Hiscox Manual for the Baptist denomination says on p. 20, Note 8: “BAPTISM IS AN IMMERSION…”.

These statements are clearly contradictory. ARE BOTH DOCTRINES TAUGHT IN THE BIBLE? These creeds clearly define the differences of belief between each denomination. They are also undisputable evidence of division. At best, they can only serve to proselyte an individual much as did the scribes and Pharisees of Matthew 23 by their teaching of the traditions of the elders.

Creeds promote a ‘unity in diversity’. The gospel alone provides a standard by which there can be unity and “one-ness” in the sense that Jesus meant in His prayer (cf. John 17:20-21). Are we to understand the unity between Jesus and His Father as “agreeing to disagree”?

How can all creeds be supported by the Bible, yet contradictory? We must remember; it is possible to:

— “corrupt the word of God” (2 Corinthians 2:17)

— “pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-9;)

— “wrest the scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16) and,

— “handle the word of God deceitfully” (2 Corinthians 4:2).

How so? By teaching doctrines and commandments of men. All doctrines taught today must conform to what was revealed by the Holy Spirit to those chosen "men of God" (cf. 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Since the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth, we ought to heed HOW THEY TAUGHT SALVATION. If we teach as they taught, we will not only be correct, but we will also be ‘one’ in the sense that Jesus meant in John 17:20-21.

Many people who are friends, sadly, are divided in their religious beliefs. They can be with one another in many walks of life; they can be involved in many functions, work together, and agree on many things, yet they do not worship God together! I emphasize that they “DO NOT”, rather that they “CANNOT”. The reason for saying “DO NOT”, is because they COULD if their teachings were the same. The Methodist and Baptist creed wordings on baptism bear this out. The Bible does not teach both, nor does it contradict itself. It takes courage to question and investigate one’s personal convictions to see if he was taught inspired doctrine, or a tradition of man. But, if one is sincere in his desire for truth, he will do so. The exhortation of Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to “examine yourselves, whether ye are in the faith”, appeals to such a person. The apostle Peter gave a similar exhortation in 2 Peter 1:10-11.

What about you? Do you have such a desire? Your soul’s salvation is God’s desire. However, your soul’s damnation is Satan’s desire. Choose wisely, that you may be "approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15).

“THE GOOD CONFESSION”

 

“Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called,      and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.”                                 (1 Timothy 6:12)

In his first epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul admonished Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith”. He then reminded Timothy that he was called for this very reason. He then mentioned that Timothy made a profession or confession to that end “in the sight of many witnesses. It is significant that Paul used the past tense (“didst confess”). Whatever this confession was which Timothy made, it was done in the past. Let us consider what this confession was, and when it was made. 

Paul connects this ‘good confession’ with the ‘good fight of faith’. Then he states that Timothy was “called” to fight this ‘good fight’. The ‘good confession’ which Timothy made was when he responded to the gospel call (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:15; see also: Romans 10:10; 2 Corinthians 9:13; and 1 Timothy 6:13).

While this ‘good confession’ is to be upheld, there is an initial confession to be made. From Hebrews 3:1 we know that this is a confession about Jesus rather than about ourselves.

Most all denominational preachers tell sinners to confess their SINS. A text often cited in support of confession of sins is Romans 10:10, 13: “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” The mistake made in citing this text, is a MIS-use of “WHO” is being addressed in this context. This epistle was written to Christians, not sinners (see Romans 1:7). The confession that is to be made is clear from the text, for in v. 9 we read, “That if thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth THE LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Another text that is cited for support of confession of sins is 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Again, this passage is written to Christians, NOT sinners (cf. 1 John 2:1, 18, 28; 3:1, 18; 4:1, 7, 13-21) Every N. T. epistle was written to those who already had “called upon the name of the Lord”.

The ‘good confession’ about Jesus is initially made by an alien sinner. It is found throughout the book of Acts. It was NEVER an admission that one is a sinner. The first time we find this ‘good confession’ being made was by those Jews on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Notice the example of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. His confession is clear. The eunuch (a sinner) wanted to be immersed in water; Phillip told him that he had to CONFESS something about JESUS. His confession was the same as the Jews’ confession on the day of Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:36 with Acts 8:37).

This confession that the Jews and the eunuch made about Jesus could NOT be confessed PRIOR to Jesus’ being raised from the dead, for Jesus was neither “Lord” nor “Christ” prior to his resurrection. This is why those examples of sinners being saved prior to Jesus’ resurrection are NOT applicable today. While on earth, Jesus spoke forgiveness to many: 

The crippled man – Luke 5:16-24 – “Man thy sins are forgiven thee” – v. 20 FORGIVENESS WAS MERELY SPOKEN. 

The sinner woman who anointed His feet – Luke 7:36-50 – “Thy sins are forgiven” – v. 48 FORGIVENESS WAS MERELY SPOKEN. 

The thief on the cross – Luke 23:43 – “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise”. Again, FORGIVENESS WAS MERELY SPOKEN. 

These people, as sinners, were healed of physical infirmities, and had their sins ‘spoken’ away. But these instances were PRIOR to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus! What about NOW? Is this how people are saved TODAY? Had God’s eternal purpose been accomplished BEFORE Jesus shed His blood? None of these 3 could believe and confess what Paul stated in Romans 10:9-10, The reason is because Jesus had not even been put to death at this time, much less raised from the dead. 

We cannot look to any example PRIOR to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for our example of how to be saved TODAY. A sinner must confess Jesus as Lord and Christ; possessing ALL authority. The commands that Jesus meant for those who desire His saving blood to be applied to their sins, are the same commands that He gave to the apostles shortly before His ascension. They are recorded in Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; and Luke 24:44-47. It was these commands that the apostle was referring to when he mentioned a ‘form of doctrine’ that must be obeyed by the sinner to reach Christ’s blood now that it has been shed (cf. Romans 6:17-18). Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 reflects this: 

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” 

Acts 2:36 – “God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ.”

Neither of these things could be believed or confessed of Jesus by the sinner woman, the crippled man, nor the thief on the cross. In each recorded case of conversion, following belief, repentance, and confession of their faith in Jesus, each sinner was commanded to be baptized in water FOR remission.

THE GODHEAD

 

Where does one begin in his search to understand God? May I suggest as a starting point that you begin with a proper understanding of the term G-O-D. The word GOD is not a name like Peter, David, or Barnabas, are human names.  The Hebrew word for God (ELOHIM), is a plural term referring to more than one being. The scriptures clearly show this plural aspect of the term.

In Genesis 1:26, when describing the creation of man, Moses wrote, “And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…”. These plural pronouns refer to more than one being. After man sinned, Moses again wrote in Genesis 3:22, “Behold, the man is become as ONE OF US…”. After the flood, when the descendants of Noah attempted to build a tower to reach heaven, God, in displeasure stopped the efforts by confounding their language. Moses again wrote in Genesis 11:7 that God said, “Come let US go down…”. The prophet Isaiah, when commissioned to go preach, recorded in Isaiah 6:8, that he “heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘who will go for US’.”

Who are the plurality of beings that are God? The Bible mentions three: the Father; the Word, who became flesh and thereafter was the Son (cf. John 1:1-3; Philippians 2:5-10); and the Holy Spirit. These three beings are whom the apostle Paul referred to as the “God-HEAD”. This term GODHEAD is found three times in Scripture:

Acts 17:29 – “...we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man.”   

Romans 1:20 – For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity-ASV(Godhead-KJV)

Colossians 2:9 – ...for in him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily...

We see from this a clear connection between the Creation and the Godhead. From Romans 1:20, we see that the term GODHEAD is having reference to the divine nature or divinity of God. A divine being is not bound or limited as human beings are. The three entities who comprise the Godhead have neither beginning nor end and as such are eternal in nature. This is seen from God’s interrogation of Job in Job 38 & 39.

All three beings were involved in the creation:

1] The WORD: (Psalm 104:5-9; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17.0; Hebrews 1:2; 2:10; 2 Peter 3:5-6; Revelation 4:11).

2] The SPIRIT: (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; 27:3; 32:8; 33:4; Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 42:5).

3] The FATHER: (Acts 14:15; 17:24). 

John wrote of the eternal nature of the Father and the Son in 1 John 1:1-2. (cf. John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:12-17). We read of the eternal nature of the Spirit from Genesis 1:2 and Psalm 139:7-10. 

Understanding how several individual divine beings comprise but one Deity is no different from understanding how several individual human beings comprise but one humanity. Note the illustrations below.

As the term humanity refers to a plurality of human beings, so the term God refers to a plurality of divine beings.

In the O. T., we don’t read of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Rather, we read of Jehovah; God; the Lord; or the Lord God. The reason is simple; the ‘WORD’ had not yet become flesh. However, in the N. T., the word God may refer to all three beings, or only the Father (cf. Philippians 2:5 with Philippians 2:10; see also 2 Corinthians 13:14). The context will determine this. After the WORD became flesh, the terms SON and FATHER were prominent. Jesus often referred to His FATHER in heaven (cf. Matthew 15:13; 16:17, 27; 18:10). All three (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are mentioned in the following scriptures: Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; 15:26; Acts 2:33-34; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:2.

We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16 that, “All Scripture is inspired by God.”. We read in Hebrews 1:1 that “God spoke to our fathers by the prophets…”. Yet we find in 2 Peter 1:20-21 that men spoke from God being moved by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Peter 1:10-11 Peter stated that the Spirit of Christ was in the prophets.

 

Let us remember: “If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit ...” (Romans 8:11).

“WHAT MY GOD SAYS”

 

“Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, ‘Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them and speak favorable’. But Micaiah said, ‘As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak’.” 

(2 Chronicles 18:12-13).

 

You may read the full story in 2 Chronicles 18 to see what God told the prophet Micaiah to say. Afterwards, recall this incident the next time you hear someone ask, “Why can't we all just agree to disagree”?

The word which Micaiah spoke was NOT in agreement with the word from other prophets. However, Micaiah WAS in unity with God. The reason was simple: Micaiah spoke what God wanted. Because the king did not like what God spoke through Micaiah, the king called Micaiah’s word ‘evil’. Such accusations continue toward those who disagree with God’s words.

When God’s word reproves your lifestyle, it is God's way of pointing out to you what is wrong in your life, as well as what changes are needed. At this point, in your life, you have a choice to make; change, or do as this king did...call God’s word ‘evil’, and NOT change. While you may consult with other people who would tell you a “word” that is “favorable” like these other prophets did to the king, in your heart, God’s word will continue to disturb you, because it has revealed the truth about your life to yourself. You can’t escape truth; you may “mask” or “suppress truth” (Romans 1:18), but this decision will not save. Only by doing “what my God says” will you be saved on the day of Judgment.  

Today, “what my God says” is by Jesus (cf. Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:3). Only Jesus’ “words” will bring true unity. God desires and accepts this type of unity only from us. It can exist, but it comes with a price...just as it did with Micaiah.  You will not be united with most others in your beliefs and practices just as Micaiah was not united with the other prophets in their words to the king.

Unity is what Jesus wants of all believers. But unity can’t exist if God’s word is mishandled (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17; 4:2). Gospel preaching and teaching must be uniform on doctrinal matters (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 1:9; 2:2). 

John 17:20-21:“Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.”

Simply agreement between men does not necessarily mean that God is in agreement with them. “Two or three” being gathered does not mean He is in our midst (Matthew 18:20). The phrase “IN MY NAME” dictates whether the assembling is pleasing to God. 

Jesus prayed for all who believe on Him to believe on Him through their (i. e., the apostles’) word. “Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.” (John 17:20-21).

God gave Jesus His WORD (John 12:49). Jesus said in John 17:8, “...I have given unto THEM [the apostles] the words which thou gavest me...”. (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37). Likewise, the unity that is “of the spirit” is to be united as the Holy Spirit declared through the pen of those who preached the gospel (cf. Ephesians 4:1-6).

Joshua pointed out the two choices that we have when we encounter what God says (cf. Joshua 24:15). The apostle John was given this ‘word’ from the Holy Spirit. “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.” (2 John 1:9-11).

The apostles’ attitude toward God’s word were as Micaiah’s: “what my God says, that I will speak”. (cf. Acts 4:20 and 5:29). “Abide” or “go beyond” what God says; “remain in” or “not receive” what God says. What choice have you made?

“CHURCH MEMBERSHIP”

 

What is involved in membership in a local church?  How important is it? Many people claim membership or affiliation to a church.  The ‘criteria’ varies but in general, membership in a local church is something that is commemorative of one’s conversion.

Quite often, on Memorial Day, there are homecomings or special services held and people will return to and attend the church wherein their conversion occurred. From this, we see that it is much like a reunion.  Such behavior reveals the attitude that prevails toward membership in a local church.

 

Several years ago, I read an article about someone very prominent in the religious realm, who “switched” membership from one church to another church.  It further substantiates that membership is at best a ‘token’ commodity with most. Let me first share a scenario about church membership and see what you would conclude as to my claim of church membership.

 

What if I had never lived in Somerset, KY, and had only occasionally visited this congregation over a span of 55 years?  What if my residence had been in Miami, FL.?  What if I said I was retiring and switching my membership to New Orleans, LA.?  (I still live in Miami).  The reason for this is that I have long maintained a close relationship with the preacher in New Orleans, and that he had worked with me over the years.  I’m unable to travel now and watch the worship services of the New Orleans church on TV.   Upon what basis might I claim membership at Southside or at New Orleans?

 

I now share with you a factual situation regarding church membership. The date is December 29, 2008 – Dallas Morning News contained this article:

 

[After more than half a century as a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, the Rev. Billy Graham has switched his membership to a church closer to his home in the North Carolina mountains.

The famed evangelist, 90, was voted in as a member of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., on Sunday.

The Rev. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas, said he had been contacted by Mr. Graham's personal assistant in recent days about the membership switch.

"We'll always treasure the relationship," Dr. Jeffress said.

Mr. Graham joined First Baptist Dallas during his first crusade in the city, held at the Cotton Bowl in 1953. First Baptist Dallas was then led by the Rev. W.A. Criswell, and was widely considered the preeminent church in the Southern Baptist Convention.

But the globe-trotting evangelist has never lived in Dallas, and visited the church only rarely through the years.

Mr. Graham has long lived in Montreat, N.C., and is essentially home-bound there now. He watches TV broadcasts of First Baptist Spartanburg services.

The pastor of First Baptist Spartanburg, the Rev. Don Wilton, has preached for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and has ministered to the evangelist in recent years.

"He has been faithfully visited by Dr. Wilton, whom he refers to as his `TV pastor,'" said Larry Ross, a spokesman for Mr. Graham.

Mr. Ross added, "This was not an easy or quick decision by Mr. Graham, but he increasingly felt it was important to unite with First Baptist Spartanburg, as that has had his attention and focus, especially through television, in recent years."

The evangelist has relayed to Dr. Jeffress his "love and appreciation" for First Baptist Dallas and Dr. Jeffress' ministry, Mr. Ross said.]

 

What is involved in membership?  How important is it? 

 

The importance of membership in the local church can be seen from the example of the apostle Paul. In Acts 9:26, we find that Paul, shortly after his own conversion purposefully tried (‘assayed’ (KJV) to “...join himself to the disciples...”, when he arrived at Jerusalem.

 

The apostle Peter’s directive to the overseers of a local church (cf. 1 Peter 5:2), suggests that membership in a local church is necessary. He told the elders to “Feed the flock...‘among you’...” (i.e., ‘under your care’). We find from Acts 14:23 that each local church had elders appointed.  Elders must be able to determine who is and who is not “under their care”.

 

Membership in any organization involves both benefits and responsibilities. This is recognized in the physical realm. A company employee enjoys the benefits of employment yet has responsibilities to his employer. Club membership has privileges as well as obligations to remain ‘in good standing’.

 

Such is also true in the spiritual realm as it relates to church membership. A member is under obligation to contribute his time, his talent, and monetarily in support of the gospel. The spiritual benefits are pardon from sin and continued fellowship with God.

 

Each local church is to be independent and self-governing (autonomous) as it carries on the divinely ordained work of evangelism, edification, and benevolence of its needy.

 

Let each of us take heed that we fulfill our responsibilities in supporting the gospel message, remembering the words of Jude: “...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3).

“IN HOPE OF UNITY, BRETHREN”

Perhaps no problem is greater among brethren than is the problem of maintaining unity. There has been division among brethren for ages, much of the division has been unnecessary. There are areas of division which were seemingly unavoidable, such as the questions over doctrine. There have been areas of division which should neverl have occurred. Some of these areas will be discussed below:

1. Jealousy has long been a source of division among brethren and congregations. The author of the Song of Solomon has well stated the facts regarding jealousy, (8:6) “. . . jealousy is cruel as the grave . . .”. There is no question that among men the problem of jealousy has tended to corrupt relationships into schisms which ought not have existed. We are all men of passions; therefore we should temper this passion as best we can that unity among ourselves in the spiritual realm might be continued. Stemming from this passion are many hurtful actions:

    (a) Assassination of character is one of the most prevalent. When men allow jealousy to run rampant, their tongue becomes a tongue of slander. Whether justified or unjustified, the attacks upon others' character are damaging and very destructive to unity. Unity cannot be maintained in a climate of character assassins.

    (b) Creating imaginary intentions upon the part of someone else, is another outward characteristic of those possessed of jealousy. We are prone to see other’s good fortune through unholy motives when we are possessed of jealousy. We must not determine unholy motives of brethren who are more successful than we in a chosen endeavor unless action upon their part suggests impure motive. We must not conjure up motives simply because we failed where he has succeeded.

As one can reasonably observe from the thoughts presented on the subject of jealousy, unity cannot be maintained where jealousy has found a home. Jealousy has created enemies among brethren and among congregations, where had it been replaced with justice and reason, unity might have been continued.

2. Arrogance is another area which has always been a unity destroyer among brethren and congregations. The person beset of arrogance is the man who . . . overestimates himself in importance, is overbearing, haughty, and contemptuous. This person is a hindrance to unity because he:

    (a) Cannot accept defeat in matters of judgment. We are all prone to want our way in matters of judgment but are willing to sacrifice our ideas on occasion for the sake of peace and unity. The arrogant man cannot give up his idea. He considers his idea almost equal to the authority of God’s. Therefore, unity is destroyed or strained greatly at every discussion of means or methods in doing something, regardless of how minor (Romans 15:1-3).

    (b) Is contemptuous of authority. This man will never be pleased with those in authority over him. Many have been the occasions where elders found out about this man's character too late to salvage the total membership of the congregation where he has been working, due to the undermining of their authority by him. There was no reason for division and confusion, but the arrogant man succeeded in dividing the church because he could not submit to the elder’s authority (Hebrews 13:17).

3. Self-righteousness is another destroyer of unity among men and congregations. The person who is guilty of this attitude (a self-righteous attitude) is a potential source of division because he:

    (a) Tends to look down upon those who are not as strong in one area as he seems to be. None of us is perfect; therefore, we ought to guard against unjust criticism of brethren because of weakness (1 Corinthians 10:12). Indeed, we must all strive to be as nearly perfect as we can in our spiritual walk, but we must never become so self-exalted that we are void of compassion toward the weak and feeble (Romans 15:1).

We should not tolerate sin in brethren’s lives but must point out their error to them; not to everyone else. We need to be fair and equitable toward brethren and seek to restore and teach them in a spirit of love and compassion, not in a spirit of self-righteousness.

Conclusion: Unity among brethren in faithful churches can be maintained if the above attitude is prevalent among all parties involved in areas of judgment.

by: Garreth L. Clair

“IS THY HEART RIGHT WITH GOD?”

From Acts 17, we find two common reactions to gospel preaching from those in the cities of Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.  Some “believed” yet others “believed not” (cf. vv. 4-5, 11-13, 32-34). God has revealed in His word why these are the two reactions people have when “Jesus and the resurrection” are preached (v. 18). It is because of the nature of religious truth as opposed to religious error.  Truth contains commands which a sinner must submit whereas error does not.  Whenever truth is preached, these commands will be declared.  The grace of God teaches man to turn from sin, rather than continue sinning “that grace may abound” (Titus 2:11-12; Romans 6:1).

A comparison of Acts 17:3 with Acts 2:36 reveals that Paul and Peter preached the same message. Do you suppose the Jews who heard Paul, had the same question in their minds as those Jews on the day of Pentecost, (i.e., “What shall we do?”).  Do you suppose that Paul gave them the same answer that Peter gave? Would not Jesus’ commands given to the twelve apostles also apply to Paul?  Jesus commanded that “...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47).  Jesus commanded the twelve, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...” (Matthew 28:18-20). In Acts 1:2, we are told that Jesus had “given commandments” to the apostles regarding their preaching.  These commandments also pertained to how a sinner was to “call upon” the Lord.  All this is found in the book of Acts.

Let it be pointed out that in “calling upon the name of the Lord”, there is a ‘form of doctrine’ to be obeyed “from the heart”.  (cf. Romans 6:17). This ‘form’ must correspond to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

We learn from Romans 10:17 that, “…faith cometh by HEARING…the WORD OF GOD”.  Was the word preached by Paul?  Yes, for we read that Paul, “…reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”  Yet we find that others who heard the same message “believed not, and moved with envy” (v. 5). 

Consider the difference as to why some believed Paul while others did not believe. Today, why is it that some readily accept truth while others reject and despise the message of truth?  The key lies in Jesus’ teaching about the heart of man (cf. Luke 8:4-15).

Three other texts that show why some can understand truth clearly while others cannot:

1) John 3:16-21 – Some cannot understand the truth because their deeds are evil, and they don’t want their evil deeds reproved.  The truth is not beyond their ability to understand, rather their heart’s desire is to continue in evil. Others obey out of a desire to ‘walk by faith’ (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17).

2) John 7:14-18 – Some cannot understand the truth because of their ‘will’. They refuse to yield their will to God's will (read again, John 3:16-21 above). Others, have no problem understanding or obeying, for God’s approval is their desire.

3) 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 – Some cannot understand the truth because of their love for sin’s pleasure. Others love truth because they desire freedom from their sin. For these, obedience is not a problem (John 8:32).  Those who had a prior desire for freedom from sin, upon hearing that their freedom was through Jesus responded readily. This was why they were described as being God-fearing or devout.  Their hearts were honest and sincere, as was Cornelius, Lydia, and Saul of Tarsus, who “lived in good conscience” even during his persecution of Christians (Acts 23:1).  However, those with an evil heart believed not and moved with envy. 

So likewise, will people do today when the truth exposes their evil deeds. The word of God is described as “…quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

How people react to the truth reveals whether they are just religious, honoring God with their lips while their heart is far from Him (Matthew 15:8-9).  If one’s heart is honest and sincere, whenever they see that they are not in harmony with what Jesus commanded, they will change (repent), because their will is “…to do the will of the Father.”

What about you; have your affections been nailed to the cross (Proverbs 23:7)?

 

“UNDERSTANDING SALVATION FROM JOB”

Note Jehovah’s words to Job: The only way that salvation could be earned........if man could do what Jehovah declared here to Job!

“Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his? ‘Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor. Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on everyone who is proud and abase him. Look on everyone who is proud and bring him low and tread down the wicked where they stand. Hide them all in the dust together; bind their faces in the world below. Then will I also acknowledge to you that your own right hand can save you’.” (Job 40:9-14).

Obviously, NONE of these things can be performed by man. 

Does baptism in water qualify as an “UN-PERFORMABLE” act? If so, how was it possible for you to be baptized in water?

Seems as if preachers who reject the Lord’s teaching to the apostles, have convinced their audiences that it is impossible to “be” baptized for remission of sins, but POSSIBLE to “be” baptized for other reasons.

Seems that they are powerful enough to PERFORM the baptizing on someone, but NOT for remission....that is an impossibility according to their rationale.

The Lord COMMANDED the apostles to preach these words:

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, he that believeth not, shall be damned. [Mark 16:16 (cf. Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47]

Phillip preached “Jesus” to the eunuch, and he asked, “See here is WATER, what doeth hinder me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:35-38). What prompted this eunuch to ask about being immersed in water when JESUS was preached?

There is only one conclusion: Phillip preached “if you believe and are baptized, you shall be saved” (Mark 16:16) when he preached JESUS to this eunuch.

“BIBLE PROPHECY”

 

Bible prophecy will ever be appealing to man because it deals with “what is to come”, and man has an innate desire to know what the future holds. The prophets ‘of old’ spoke the future and modern-day ‘self-proclaimed’ prophets appeal to this desire of man.

I submit that Bible prophecy is NOT a difficult subject! However, Bible prophecy must be understood in accordance with God’s eternal purpose. That is the key! This great purpose of God is main theme of scripture. Notice:

·         Amos 3:7— “For the LORD God does nothing without revealing his secret (counsel) to his servants the prophets.”

·         Psalm 25:14— “The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them.”

·         John 7:17— “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God…”

·         1 Corinthians 2:9-10— “…it is written, ‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit’.”

It is clear from these passages that God’s will would be revealed and therefore, could be known. I believe the clearest, ye concise explanation of God’s eternal purpose is from Ephesians 3:6: “…the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel…”. Repeatedly in his epistles Paul affirmed that eternal life in Christ was promised and purposed:

–  Titus 1:2 – In hope of eternal life, which God…promised before the world began.

–  Titus 3:7 – That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

–  2 Timothy 1:1 – Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.

This eternal life was purposed for all in Christ, and the church (His body) is comprised of those from every nation who have obeyed the gospel (cf. Ephesians 1:3-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

The manifold wisdom of God has been made known by this uniting of Jew and Gentile into the same body. Paul wrote: “For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace…” (Ephesians 2:14-15). 

THIS ‘salvation’ was the subject of bible prophecy (1 Peter 1:10-12).