“EXPEDIENCY AND AUTHORITY”

Authority can be general or specific in nature. If general, there are expedient means to obeying what God has authorized. There must first be authorization to act before expediency applies. These matters are clear from the scriptures. When considering the question, ‘Is there a need for authority’, the answer is a clear yes from numerous examples in the Bible. The need for authority is seen from the examples of those who challenged those who had rightful authority from God.

1] Moses: when confronting two of his brethren, had his authority questioned in Exodus 2:14 – One of them said to Moses, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us?”

2] John the Baptist had his authority to baptize questioned in John 1:25 – They (priests & Levites) asked him, “…why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

3] Peter & John had their authority challenged in Acts 4:7 – And when they (members of the council) had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

4] Jesus’ authority was challenged by the religious leaders of the day. Matthew 21:23 – “When He entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority’?”

So, the question “Is there a need for authority in religion” is not new. However, it is important that we not misunderstand the issue within the question. The issue is not, ‘Is authority needful in the sense of useful or helpful? Rather, the question should be understood to mean, “Is authority necessary?”

We need to understand this question as asking: ‘Must we have authority prior to what we practice in religion’? Otherwise, what the Bible says about a subject is a moot issue. This is the significance of 1 Peter 4:11 – “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God…so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…”. Authority is not merely an expedient to accomplish what we have determined to do in religion; rather it is the source by which we determine if we can do the thing under consideration. Therefore, if we do not have authority for the practice; we cannot engage in the particular practice. This must be settled firmly in our attitudes toward our religious practices prior to any ensuing decisions. We must determine whether we have the authority to do it, before deciding how we will do it.

Our authority will come from the word of God. Let us never presume to have authority without looking into the “perfect law of liberty, and continue therein”, (Proverbs 19:13; James 1:25); remembering the words of the apostle Peter: “…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” – 2 Peter 1:3-4

“The ROLE of PRAYER in MAN'S CONVERSION”

God does this ‘searching’ of man’s mind through His instructions. He has that right by virtue of Creation. When God says to do things in a certain way, we ought to respect His right by our obedience. Notice, God not only ‘searches’; He also  ‘tests’ our minds. Apart from exercising His authority over us, how else would our minds be tested?

We recognize this in the raising of our own children. We give them instructions, expecting an obedient response. We test and search their minds in this manner. We then do as God does to us...depending upon their reaction, we give to them...“according to their ways...according to the fruit of their deeds”. We were taught this from God.

God’s desire is to bless rather than punish. One obstacle stands between us and these spiritual blessings (i.e., forgiveness). That obstacle is Satan. Satan also tests our minds. He wants the opposite of what God wants. In his craftiness, Satan seeks to confuse us about God’s instructions. This is especially seen in the matter of HOW to respond to God’s instructions. This points to the relevance of accurate preaching. 

Common messages preached on man’s response are: “Accept Him personally”;  “Receive Him into your heart”; and “Call upon His name”. While all of these reflect true aspects of man’s response, it must be noted that all of these instructions are GENERIC in content. We need to consider the SPECIFICS of our response. This is where the scriptures will unite us. Specifically, HOW do you “accept”? HOW do you “receive”? HOW do you “call”?

The answer lies in what the Savior told the apostles to preach on these matters. Their preaching answers the “HOW” with specifics. These specifics explain how to accept; receive, and call upon His name. The book of Acts contains their preaching. The first time salvation was preached “in Jesus’ name” was in chapter 2. When they asked, “what shall we do” what answer was given? It is in verse 38. Did Peter say pray? Look at every example in the book of Acts and you will never find that praying was the instruction given to alien sinners. [NOTE: Remember, Jesus’ teaching on the new birth (John 3:3-5) did not apply while He was yet hanging on the cross.]

What then, is the TRUTH and what is the LIE about the role of PRAYER? Prayer is a most needed resource. However, in preaching it can be cleverly used to mislead about how to accept, receive, and call upon the Lord. People with good intentions; who are under conviction of their guilt, but know not WHAT to do, or HOW to respond, can be deceived as to the correct response. That is the reality. Such occurs when those people are preached that by prayer you accept, receive, and call. 

Prayer is, and always has been, a resource only for those in covenant relationship with God. A sinner must enter that covenant relationship by means of the new birth (John 3:3-5). The book of Acts provides examples of those who underwent this new birth (cf. those on Pentecost; the Samaritans, the eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, Cornelius, Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and the Corinthians). Remember from John 9, in the story of a sinner who was healed by Jesus, that this sinner recognized that a prayer was not heard by one who would not obey. In verse 31, this sinner says, “We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.”

Prayer is said to be an abomination by one who refuses to obey. (Proverbs 28:9) Prayer is not the means by which you are ‘born again’, but a privilege and blessing for those who have obeyed God. A prayer for forgiveness is in order for one who transgresses the covenant. The sin must first be confessed, THEN the prayer, asking for forgiveness is in order. But such is NOT the case for one who has NEVER been in  a covenant relationship (cf. 1 John 1:6-9). This passage is not describing an alien sinner, but a child of God who walks in darkness, while claiming to have fellowship with God. Prayer is wrongfully preached as the means by which a sinner accepts, receives, and calls upon the Lord. Later, when they hear the truth about how accepting, receiving, and calling should be done, that person is confused and often becomes angry and prejudiced against the bearer of truth. This is the danger of false doctrine. Satan is shrewd, cleverly working his will in the hearts of men. The truth is evil spoken of by those with “smooth words and fair speeches” who thus deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18).

If you are one who was told to pray to “accept Jesus”; to “receive Him into your heart”, or to “call upon the name of the Lord”; I ask you only one thing. Look at the examples of those from the book of Acts and ask yourself why none of them was ever told to pray by any of the apostles of the Savior. Compare what you were told, with what the Lord's apostles’ preached. Do as THEY taught, and you can be certain of your salvation. Continue in THEIR teachings (Acts 2:42). Then your prayers will avail.

“DENOMINATIONALISM SELF-CONDEMNED”

 

We sometimes use the expression “systems of errors” but strictly speaking, errors are so inconsistent with each other that they cannot be called a “system”. In the field of philosophy error is called ‘false philosophy’; in the field of science error may be called ‘untrue’; in the field of morals error may be called ‘unethical’; in religion error is designated as ‘false doctrine’.

Denominationalism has some truth—that is, there is some truth taught by all religious bodies. However, there is so much error that the truth is overshadowed by the error. There are distinctive “false doctrines” that give body to the teachings of the denominations. Some of the founders of denominations have been honest enough to condemn denominationalism.

JOHN CUMMING – He was minister of the Scottish National Church in London, England. He lived about the middle of the nineteenth century. He wrote: “The first name, pronounced from heaven, was ‘Christian’; and we may depend upon it, it will be the last; for just in proportion as we grow toward the beautiful original in character, in the same proportion will those assumed human names—‘Presbyterians’, ‘Independents’, ‘Baptists’,’ Episcopalians’, ‘Churchmen’, ‘Dissenters’, drop off. Just as Christ is in a Christian’s heart, all and in all, so, when that inner influence becomes an outer life, ‘Christian’ will be in a Christian’s vocabulary, all and in all, also.” (The Daily Life”, by John Cumming, page 262).

DR. ADAM CLARKE – He wrote in his “Preface to Acts of the Apostles”: “In the book of the Acts we see how the church of Christ was formed and settled. The apostles simply proclaim the truth of GOD relative to the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ; and GOD accompanies their testimony with the demonstration of the Spirit. What was the consequence? Thousands acknowledge the truth, embrace Christianity, and openly profess it at the most imminent risk of their lives. The religion of Christ stands in no need either of human cunning or power. It is the religion of GOD, and is to be propagated by His power; this the book of the Acts fully shows; and in it we find the true model later which every Christian church should be builded. As far as any church can show that it has followed this model, so far it is holy and apostolic. And when all churches or congregations of people professing Christianity shall be founded and regulated according to the doctrines and discipline laid down in the book of Acts of the Apostles, then the aggregate body may be justly called the holy, apostolic, and Catholic (i.e., universal) church.’ (Clarke’s Commentary,” Volume V, page 680).

DR. CHARLES H.SPURGEON – A noted Baptist preacher, condemned denominationalism, and especially the Baptist denomination, in the most severe terms. He said: “I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living. I hope they will soon be gone. I hope the “Baptist” name will soon perish, but let Christ’s name last forever.” (Spurgeon Memorial Library,” Volume 1, page 168).

ALBERT BARNES – A Presbyterian commentator, wrote: “The existence of sects, and denominations, and contentions may be traced to the following causes: 1) The love of power, and they who have control of the consciences of men and of their religious feelings and opinions can control them altogether. 2) Showing more respect to religious teachers than to Christ. 3) The multiplication of tests, and the enlargement of creeds and confessions of faith. The consequence is that every new doctrine that is incorporated into a creed gives cause for those to separate who cannot accord with it. 4) The passions of men–their pride, and ambition, and bigotry, and unenlightened zeal.

MARTIN LUTHER – The founder of the Lutheran Church said: “I pray you to leave my name alone, and call not yourselves ‘Lutherans’, but ‘Christians’. Who is Luther? My doctrine is not mine. I have not been crucified for anyone. St. Paul would not permit that any should call themselves of Paul, nor of Peter but of Christ. How, then, does it befit me, a miserable bag of dust and ashes, to give my name to the children of Christ? Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions; away with them all; let us call ourselves only ‘Christians’ after Him from whom our doctrine comes.’ (Life of Luther,” by Stork, page 289).

JOHN WESLEY – The founder of the Methodist Church, condemned denominationalism, saying: “Would to God that all party names and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world were forgot; that we might all agree to sit down together as humble, loving disciples at the feet of a common Master, to hear His word, to imbibe His Spirit, and to transcribe His life into our own.’ (Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons,’ Volume V, page 60).

Dear reader consider, “WERE THESE MEN WRONG IN THEIR STATEMENTS?” If not, why are their words not heeded? The unity they desired was exactly what our Lord earnestly prayed for. “And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are. 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 17:11, 20-21).

"INALIENABLE RIGHTS!"

 

Today, July 4, 2023 is the 247^th commemoration of America’s independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence framed by the founders contains the following statement: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. This language acknowledges that these inalienable rights are from God. An ‘inalienable’ right is one that cannot be taken away, denied, or transferred to another. All of humanity is endowed with these truths. The Bible declares that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were what God purposed for man from eternity. God was the source of all life (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16). Let us consider:

HOW DID LIFE BEGIN? God ‘spoke’ life into existence. “Then God said…” is a repeated phrase in Genesis 1. We read, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host...he spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” (Psalm 33:6, 9). Life not only began according to God’s word, but life also continues according to God’s word (cf. Psalm 147:15).

WHEN DID LIFE BEGIN?

·         Job 10:11 – You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.

·         Psalm 119:73a – Your hands made me and fashioned me.

·         Psalm 139:13 – You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.

·         Ecclesiastes 11:5 – Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.

·         Isaiah 44:24 – Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb.

The inalienable aspect of life, liberty, and happiness does not mean that man is free of any obligation to God. God gave man understanding for one reason; that he might, “…learn Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:73b). The passages above make it clear that life exists both in and out of the womb. Man should thus value life as God defined life.  

These inalienable rights are visible through things that God has established. For example, God’s love for us has a visible manifestation: His Son given as a sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16). Our inalienable rights exist through three God-ordained institutions: the government, the home (marriage), and the church.

GOVERNMENT: The purpose for Government (i.e., rule) is to uphold justice (cf. Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; and 1 Peter 2:13). Earthly rulers were purposed to be a blessing (cf. Exodus 18:21; 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:9, 2 Chronicles 19:5-10,  and Acts 6:3). Government represents authority, and all humanity has the inalienable right to be governed by honest and righteous leaders. Their selection (or election) is by choice, but again, each choice for earthly authority will be in line with individual attitudes toward God’s authority. God condemns perversion of justice (cf. 1 Samuel 8:1-3; Isaiah 10:2; Amos 5:12). The only person God declared fit for leadership and rule was one who would uphold justice equally.

MARRIAGE/HOME: “…from the beginning of the creation, male and female made he them” (Mark 10:6). God ordained the marriage relationship for man’s benefit and God alone has the right to legislate it. (cf. Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:22-31; Hebrews 13:4). Neither individuals nor governments are at liberty to disregard, redefine, or restrict any human from this blessed right. It is an inalienable right from the Creator. That governments, families, and the church suffer from a failure to honor God’s will on marriage is evident. Life, liberty, and happiness are dependent upon obedience to God (Genesis 2:16-17).

CHURCH: Authority over all things pertaining to the church (its work, worship, and oversight) belongs to Jesus (Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:18-20). Authority can be delegated only as God hath decreed. Jesus was given all authority after His resurrection (John 17:2). Jesus then delegated authority to the apostles (John 17:6-8). All that they ‘bound on earth’ had already been bound from heaven (Matthew 16:19). When any man or government makes declarations regarding human rights, those declarations must be in accordance with God’s will. (1 Peter 4:16).

SALVATION TERMS: Because God “…foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself…” (Ephesians 1:5); His will should be received, not challenged (John 1:12). God has been very clear how to respond to His offer of salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:20-21).

WORSHIP: God alone is worthy of being worshiped (cf. Psalm 148). He has the right to accept or refuse worship (Deuteronomy 12:29-32; Malachi 1:6-8; John 4:24; Colossians 2:18, 20-23).

JUDGMENT: God “hath given all judgment unto the Son; that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him.” (John 5:22-23). God has the authority to deal justly with disobedience (Romans 12:19). Our judgments must honor and respect His judgments (John 7:24).

It is only in the acceptance of God’s oracles that we have freedom from sin as an inalienable right (John 8:36). Christ gave us freedom from sin, not liberty to sin (1 John 1:5-10). Let us, “Live as free men, yet without using your freedoms as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16).

Lesson from James 1:21

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

“RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS”...the implanted word...

The word of God is to be “implanted” in the sense that the change in one's life reflects that a new master rules. Sin no longer reigns because of repentance. What caused this change? The Word? Well, notice that the Word had to be “RECEIVED”...WITH MEEKNESS.

Who was to do the receiving? Would it not be the ‘hearer’ of the Word? Simple to understand isn't it? This shows that salvation involves two parties...God (the provider/source of the Word) and man (the one in need of being salvation). God, because of His grace, offers man salvation thru His Son. Man has a choice; either to accept or refuse this offer. There are terms and conditions laid out by God in His gracious offer, one of which is to repent. Man, in “receiving with meekness” this Word of salvation, must comply with God's command to repent, for God has commanded all to repent (Acts 17:30).

Repentance is but one condition that God has, in His grace, called upon man to do. It is certainly not a work of merit, but simple obedience...or as James words it, the way to “receive with meekness” God's Word. Repentance never occurs without a reason. That reason for choosing to change how you are living, is belief in God’s promise of eternal life thru His Son.

In order for your belief to save, you must “receive with meekness” what God has commanded; you will repent, and live for Christ. Saving faith obeys...this is what the phrase in the Bible “obedience of faith” means (cf. Romans 1:5; 16:26; James 2:17-22).

The “works” of James 2 that “perfects” faith, is obedience. Abraham's offering of Isaac was called a “work”; not a work of merit, but an act of obedience...obedience to a command of God. Abraham believed God, and did as God commanded. In doing so, his faith was made perfect. This “receiving with meekness” is an on-going process. Faith and obedience are to continue. Paul expressed his thanks for the continued obedience of those in the church at Rome (cf. Romans 16:19). Their obedience was “known by all”. Their obedient faith was an encouragement to other disciples.

So will it be with you and me. Do we have saving faith? How can we be certain? Examine your own obedience for the assurance. Obedience is your expression of love for God's word. It ensures your continued fellowship with the Father and with the Son. As the apostle John stated, “He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:9).