EMMAUS DOCTRINAL PAPERS

Emmaus Doctrinal Papers are a comprehensive compilation of important Biblical subjects. They are invaluable to a counselor who wants to answer questions, clarify a subject, or furnish additional information to his student.

You may ask the Home Office to send the student a copy of any of the papers by indicating the number and letter on the TAB. If you would like a copy of any paper for yourself, please request it on the Request for Supplies form.

1. a. Angelology

2. BAPTISM a. Water Baptism b. Baptism of Infants

3. a. How Do We Know the Bible Is Complete? b. c. Bibliology Revelation/ Illumination/ Inspiration

4. a. Capital Punishment - Scriptural?

5. DANCING a. Dancing - a Sin?

6. DEATH a. Death b. Accountability after Death of Babies, Children, Still Born c. Accountability after Death of Children and "Childlike" Retarded

7. DISCIPLES/APOSTLES a. What Is a ? b. Apostles’ Authority

8. DRUGS a. Drug Usage

9. ELECTION/PREDESTINATION a. Explain Election/Explain Predestination

10. EMMAUS a. Denomination?

11. ETERNAL SECURITY a. Hebrews 10 Explained b. Eternal Security (Radio Bible Class) 12. EVOLUTION a. Evolution

13. FAITH a. Faith ABOUT vs. Faith IN b. What Is Faith (O.J. Smith)

14. FASTING a. Teaching of N.T. Concerning Fasting b. Fasting (Scripture Ref. & Note)

15. GOD a. Theology Proper b. Where Is God? Is God Dead? c. Can God Be Seen by Man? d. Does Everyone Hear of God?

16. HEALING a. Healing (Through Faith? Working?) b. Some Notes on Sickness, Infirmities, and Healing

17. HEAVEN a. Heaven

18. HELL a. Sheol and Hades

19. HOLY SPIRIT a. Pneumatology (Study of Holy Spirit) b. Baptism of the Holy Spirit c. The Gift of Tongues d. Receipt of Holy Spirit by Disciples

20. HOMOSEXUALITY a. Biblical Thoughts on Homosexuality

21. CHRIST a. Advents of Christ b. Did Jesus Have Brothers? c. Christology d. Christ’s Testimony to Deity e. Is Jesus God? f. Is the Lord Jesus in a Literal, Physical Body in Heaven Today? g. Could Jesus Have Sinned? h. Was Jesus White? i. "Touch Me Not" (to Mary, John 20)

22. JUDGMENTS a. Judgments 23. LAW/GRACE a. Under Law or Under Grace? b. The Law and the Christian’s Relationship to It

24. MAN a. Anthropology b. Innate Total Depravity of Man c. In the Image of God d. What Is difference between Soul and Spirit

25. PRAYER a. Prayer

26. PRIESTHOOD a. Priesthood

27. a. Prophecy (Gift of/Description) b. The Rapture c. Millennium

28. RESURRECTIONS a. The Resurrections

29. SABBATH a. Sabbath (When changed? etc.) b. Additional Notes on the Sabbath c. As Believers Are We to Observe the Jewish Sabbath?

30. SALVATION a. How Can a Person Be Sure He Is Saved? b. Decisions c. Letter d. Are the Heathen Lost? e. Human Will f. Explain Why Salvation Is Not of Works g. Old Testament Salvation h. Repentance i. Understanding Repentance (D.Hogue) j. Repent! About What? (Ryrie) k. Hebrews 10 Explained

31. a. Satan

32. SIN a. Sin--What Is It? b. The Forgiveness of Sins c. What Is the Unpardonable Sin? d. 33. SINNERS a. Sinners During the Millennium

34. SUICIDE a. Suicide and Salvation

35. SWEARING a. Swearing aa. The Master Artist

36. TEMPTATION AND TRIALS a. Temptation and Trials--How to Resist? b. Persecuted for Christ

37. TRINITY a. The Doctrine of the Trinity b. Is It Possible to Comprehend the Trinity? (From Areopagus Proclamation)

38. WOMEN a. The Ministry of Women

39. MISCELLANEOUS a. Who Was Cain’s Wife? b. Cain’s Wife: It Really does Matter 1a

ANGELOLOGY

PERSONALITY OF ANGELS 1 Pet 1:12 Things into which the angels long to look (intellect) Lk 2:13 Multitude of heavenly host praising God (emotions) Jude 6 Angels did not keep their position (will)

ANGELIC CLASSIFICATIONS Dan 10:13 One of chief princes, Eph 1:21, 3:10, 6:12 Rule, authority, power, dominion, principalities 1 Tim 5:21 Elect angels Ezek 1:5 Living creatures--cherubim Gen 3:22-24 Cherubim as guards in Eden Ex 25:17-20 Make two cherubim of gold Isa 6:1-3 Seraphim Rev 4:6 Four living creatures.

INDIVIDUAL ANGELS Isa 14:12 Lucifer, son of morning Dan 12:1 Michael, the great prince Dan 9:21 Rev 9 :11 (Heb) Apollyon (Gr)

SATAN’S CREATION, ORIGINAL STATE AND FALL Ezek 28:11-19

SATAN’S 5 “I WILLS” Isa 14:13,14

3 STAGES OF SATAN’S FUTURE JUDGMENT Rev 12:7-12 cast to earth Rev 20:1-3 Into the pit Rev 20:10 Lake of fire and sulphur

SATAN’S WICKEDNESS 1 Tim 3:6 Shows Satan’s ambitious pride Jn 8:44 Satan’s untruth, lying Rom 1:21-22,25, 28-31 The lie that there are other God’s 2 Thes 2:1-12 Believing what is false

4 INDICTMENTS GOD BRINGS AGAINST SATAN 1:9 Job only hired Lk 4:1-13 Temptation--eg. worship me. Jn 13:2 Prompted Judas Eph 6:11 Dealings with --wiles and snares

SATAN’S COUNTERFEIT RELIGION 2 Tim 3:1-5 Holding the form of religion (godliness )-false form 1 Tim 4:1,2 Doctrine of devil Rev 2:9, 3:9 Synagogue of Satan 2 Cor 11:13-15 False ministers

3 CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMONS Matt 12:43-45 Spirits bodiless – go out of a man Mk 5:1-13 Into pigs – seek to enter bodies Matt 10:1 Wicked, unclean, viscous

OTHER USEFUL REFERENCES Heb 12:9; 2:7,9 Subject to Father of spirits, lower than the angels Jn 4:24 God is Spirit Eph 1:20,21 Christ raised from dead – sits at right hand Ezek 28:14-15 Satan, original state/fall – Eph 2:2 power of air Rev. 12:7,Jude 9 Michael fighting against dragon, Michael Heb. 1:7 Who makes his angels winds & servant flames of fire Lk 10:20 The spirits are subject to you 2a

WATER BAPTISM

“What about the views of water The Bible clearly states that baptism? What is so important about “SALVATION IS OF GRACE baptism? Is it necessary for salvation?” THROUGH FAITH . . . THE GIFT OF GOD . . . NOT OF WORKS” or doing Mark 16:16 seems to indicate that (Ephesians 2:8,9). Also read Romans baptism is an essential of salvation, but 1:9,10 and John 3:16,18,36, which indicate Scripture context elsewhere teaches such assent of mind and heart is involved. And is not true. In my opinion in the early baptism is “doing” obediently AFTER transition period it was intended as a salvation. specific evidence of faith - telling Judaism particularly – “I have trusted and received Because of factionalism, the Apostle the rejected One.” From the we Paul was glad he had baptized just a few in learn the function now is an act of loving Corinth. This grand evangelist and teacher obedience. believed in baptism, and taught it as an ordinance of Christian obedience (see The word “baptism” is used in the Romans 6:4-6). Yet he told the New Testament to describe a variety of Corinthians his main interest was not acts or experiences. These are discussed in baptizing, but preaching the gospel of much detail in an Emmaus course entitled God’s grace to them that perish BURIED BY BAPTISM. It is my intent to (1 Corinthians 1:11-13). discuss water baptism as an act of loving obedience, by one who is already a The gentiles in Caesarea (Acts l0:44) believer in Jesus Christ as Savior and received the Ho1y Spirit when they Lord, by whom baptism was ordained believed, which signified they belonged to (Matthew 28:10). Christ (Romans 8:9). After receiving the Holy Spirit, that is after being saved, they Since the Apostolic Age, baptism has were baptized (Acts 16:25-35). A classic been practiced by every major group of the example of water baptism is that of the Christian church. Three different modes of -- saved first, then baptism have been used: ASPERSION baptized -- (not in a church but nearby (sprinkling); AFFUSION (pouring); and water.) Read Acts 9:36-39, particularly IMMERSION (dipping). The Greek word where reference is made to “down into” for baptism implies pouring out, on, into, and “up out of” water. dipping, submerging -- hence the three modes are dependent upon persuasion. The In as much as the obedience of baptism mode is important, but the heart condition is the knowledgeable act of a believer, it is primary. follows that baptism prior to salvation is meaningless. There are some churches which insist on baptism as a requirement of church So it is today, the believer is saved by membership, and/or as an essential for grace through faith. Then in salvation. There is no Scripture to acknowledgeable, loving obedience (Acts substantiate these points of view. About 8:12) one publicly honors our Lord in the 150 passages of the Bible condition ordinance of baptism. Being baptized after salvation on FAITH ALONE, versus just a salvation signifies identification with few which seem to make baptism as an Christ in His death, and determination to essential part of salvation. These few are walk in newness of the Christian life (see examined in the course, BURIED BY Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:6,7). BAPTISM. 2b

BAPTISM OF INFANT

Infant baptism neither saves nor those who die before they are mentally dedicates to a church - both conditions, of capable of making a decision? While necessity, involve assent of mind and heart Scripture does not answer directly, there of the individual. If salvation were are some indirect references which it is possible, the faithful actions of human believed furnish a satisfactory answer. beings would be required - if uncaring people, then loss of salvation would be In Matthew 19:14 the Lord Jesus said, involved. Such a loss is not consistent with “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, the love of God, who is not willing to come unto me; for of such is the (desiring) that any should perish (2 Peter kingdom of heaven.” Also, in Luke 19:10, 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4). Salvation is by our Lord is addressing Zaccaeus, an adult, grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9), and and He said, “For the Son of man is come involves assent of mind and heart (Romans to seek and to save that which was lost.” 10:9,10: John 3:16,18,36). Infant baptism But in Matthew 18:11, where the subject (which is not a knowledgeable act of a of the passage is little children, He said, believer) is of no significance - nor are the “The Son of man is come to save that particular words mentioned by the one which was lost.” (the words “to seek” not who does the baptizing, nor the method of being used). This comparison seems very baptism. It is the attitude of the heart significant, and in the light of the (before God) which is significant for those statement in Matthew 19 it appears that who are mentally capable. those who die before reaching the mental and spiritual capability of understanding, Accountability (before God) of are saved by the redemptive work of children and the “childlike” retarded, Christ. after death? It appears there is no direct statement in the Bible about the status of It should be understood, however, that those who die before reaching a state of this is not because of the “innocence” of accountability. The Bible tells the basis of the child or “childlike” retarded, for salvation, and the way it is made effective Scripture plainly states in Ephesians 2:3 in the individual, (see John 14:6). On that we “were by nature the children of God’s side, “without shedding of blood wrath even as others.” No one is innocent there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). and many scriptures teach that all men There is no other basis on which He can or need to be saved. In the case of a person will forgive sins. On man’s side, it reaching an age of accountability, he must becomes effective through faith in Christ, receive Christ by faith (John 1:12 thru 14), and the acknowledgement of Him as our in order to be saved. Therefore, it is Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9,10). concluded that a person who dies, before reaching the stage of development where The application presents no problem in the capable of decision, is accepted by God case of normal adults. But what about because the death of Christ avails for him. 3a

HOW DO WE KNOW THE BIBLE IS COMPLETE?

In Jude 3, we read, “…ye should sense in which he completed the Word of earnestly contend for the faith which was God. His writings concerning the truth of once delivered unto the saints.” Notice the church, the rapture, and the other especially the expression, “the faith once mysteries of the New Testament completed delivered.” In the original language of the the body of truth. None of the later books of New Testament, the word “once” used here the New Testament added new truth. They does not mean “once upon a time” but “once dealt with subjects that had already been for all.” In other words, the Christian faith revealed elsewhere in the Bible. was once for all delivered to the saints while Jude was still living. It was recorded by the The Apostle John warned his readers writers of the New Testament, and we have against those who pretended to have new it today in its complete form. In the light of truth, in addition to that which was already this, it is impossible for anyone to claim to given by the New Testament apostles and have a revelation from God in addition to prophets. what we have in our . “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth In Revelation 22:18,19 a curse is not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. pronounced on anyone who adds to or takes He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he away from the words of the book of this hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John prophecy. Although this refers primarily to 9). the last book in the New Testament, it would just as truly apply to any part of the sacred The literal meaning of the word Scriptures. “transgress” is “to go beyond.” In other words these false teachers were going Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Whereof I beyond the bounds of Christian doctrine. am made a minister, according to the The faith had already been defined, but dispensation of God which is given to me some were already trying to add to it. for you, to fulfill the word of God.” To fulfill the word of God means to complete it. A final verse on this subject is Proverbs Even though the apostle did not write the 30:6: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he last book of the New Testament, there is a reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” 3b

BIBLE TRANSLATIONS

“Are not so many Bible translations such close and repeated scrutiny as the confusing?” In view of the varied Bible. Its historical statements have often backgrounds from which we come, and our been questioned, only to be confirmed by varying degrees of spiritual growth, it is further research. Though written at a time remarkable that so great a unity of thought is when man’s scientific knowledge was very found among true believers in Christ. This is limited, it does not contain any of the gross an evidence that they are indwelt by the fallacies which were commonly held in same Holy Spirit who is the Author of the those days. The Bible is not a treatise on Book. scientific subjects, but it does not make statements contrary to any established facts “Has the Bible changed - what about of science. However, what the Bible says revisions, marginal readings, etc?” It is may be contrary to some theories held by not the divinely inspired text which is certain scientists. revised, but translations from the copies which are available. None of the original In the time when some of our earlier writings are in existence. In ancient times, translations were made, less material was all copying was done by hand, which has available from which to make a translation resulted in some variations in the copies. than in later years when other manuscripts Sometimes marginal notes were made, and were discovered. Much research was done to later copied into the text. Sometimes obtain as accurately as possible the text of copyists inadvertently altered the text or the original writing. Most of the omitted something. This is not surprising. It discrepancies in the various copies are of is rather amazing that the text is fully minor importance, and we know of no major authenticated (so that for the most part) doctrine of Scripture which rests upon a scholars and researchers are agreed as to it. disputed text.

“Capitalization and italicized words?” Apart from the question of the text to be Deity is worthy of more than we can give. translated, there is another reason for Capitalization denotes respect. Yet various revisions. Our usage of words changes with translators held to their own little rules, the passage of time. In any “living” which are difficult to outline. For myself, I language changes are constantly taking think in terms of capitalization of every place, so that a word which properly personal reference to Deity. In translation, it translated the original a hundred years ago is often difficult to express fullness of might not be a good translation today. An thought. Often translators “fill in” (to carry example is the use of the old English word along in depth) meanings of words - hence “Let”, which used to convey the meaning of the italics to so indicate. hindering. Today it means the opposite. Also, the old English word charity meant “How can we know the Biblical report love - today it conveys the thought of is true or accurate, in view of translation welfare. Revisions of translations enable us difficulties?” Much of what is contained in to have the Word of God expressed in the the Bible can be tested for accuracy, and language used today. probably no other book has been subjected Another problem is one which is mental training in the languages but who is involved in all use of language. Words often also indwelt by the Holy Spirit. To be have an ambiguous meaning, so that it is divinely guided, the translator should be a possible to take them in either of two or deeply Spiritual man. more meanings. One translator may have taken an expression in one sense, while The problem is not one of revision of the another may see it in another light. We are original writings, but of the translation often helped in understanding ambiguous which convey the text of those writings in expressions, by considering the context in the languages used today. which the word is found. The passage may require a particular translation to convey the Concerning the basic truths of salvation, thought of the paragraph. Also, in cases virtually all evangelical groups are in where there is a question, we may agreement. Obviously, a deeper knowledge sometimes find guidance from the use of the of the Bible requires various forms of study, word elsewhere in Scripture. This does not although it is amazing how persons with always follow, since it may be used little learning can gain a deep insight into elsewhere in a different context. spiritual truth under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12-15). If we We find help in the guidance of the Holy approach the Bible in humility with a Spirit, since He who inspired the writers of teachable spirit, using the helps available to Scripture indwells every believer. In cases us, we may be confident of growing in where the correct interpretation requires grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and spiritual discernment, he is best fitted to Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). make the translation who not only has the 3c

BIBLIOLOGY

GOD’S REVELATION:

Thru nature Psa 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God Rom 1:19-23 His power and deity seen in creation Thru miracles Acts 2:22 Jesus did signs and wonders Heb 2:4 Jesus did signs and wonders Thru Incarnation Jn 1:14 And the Word became flesh Heb 1:1,2 In the last days He has spoken by His Son Thru Scriptures 1 Jn 5:9-12

ARGUMENT: 2 Pet 3:16 Shows Paul’s writings as scripture ALL SCRIP. INSPIRED 1 Tim 5:18 Quotes Deut 25 and Lk 10 as scripture 2 Pet 3:2 Links apostles and prophets Rom 4:17

ILLUMINATION Heb 4:12 Word of God - living, sharper than a sword 1 Pet 1:23 Word liveth and abideth forever Jn 6:63 The Words are spirit and life Power over Unsaved 2 Tim 3:15 Able to make wise unto salvation Psa 19:7 Law converts the soul Power over saved 1 Thes 1:13 The word at work in believers Isa 55:10,11 Word shall not return void

VERBAL INSPIRATION 1 Cor 2:13 Words taught by the Spirit Jer 36:1-11 Lord spoke words to

PLENARY INSPIRATION 2 Tim 3:16 All scripture

PRESERVATION Psa 119:152,89 Founded forever 1 Pet 1:23 The living and abiding Word of God 4a

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

Capital Punishment -- Scriptural? His command was stringent, “Who so sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his To my mind and heart there is no doubt. blood be shed.” (Genesis 9:6). The highest Man was not heir to physical death at the function of government is the judicial taking time of creation -- see Genesis 2:9, 16, 17, of life. Now, who are to be the executioners 25; Gen. 3:22, 24. He was created innocent, or dispensers of justice? The people of God and was commanded to remain in that state alone? (Read 4:17). The (Genesis 2:16, 17). Failure to obey was to representative of human government is “the result in physical death (verse 17), and minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath separation (spiritual) from the presence of upon him that doeth evil.” “He beareth not God (Genesis 3:10). Man’s disobedience of the sword in vain” (Romans 13:4). God is God resulted in pronouncement of physical not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33) death (Genesis 3:19; Romans 6:23). Note and the Noahic Covenant of Genesis 9:1-6 also Romans 5:12-21 carefully. has never been abrogated and modified. It is still in full force, as the Magna Charter of The opposite of government is anarchy. Human Government. Romans 13 is our Its characteristic is absence of regulating confirmation today, as is Titus 3:1 and 1 power in any sphere -- disorder, confusion, Peter 13, 14. Liberal sociologists disagree. lawlessness, utter negation of order, chaos. Law enforcers know where just penalties are Before the flood, when man was governed not enforced, violent crimes increase. by conscience alone (Genesis 3:7), corruption and violence filled the earth. During Old Testament times, God used (Genesis 6). God brought the flood of death war as an instrument of judgment against upon man as judgment, but found ungodliness. Humanly speaking, nations grace (Genesis 6:8). After the flood God “take the law into their own hands” by ordained human civil government as a means of war, whether mistakenly or bolster or help for man’s conscience. Its otherwise. And God takes some home early, jurisdiction is not governed by God, but it is via physical death, as a judgment (1 Cor. confined with certain limitations by Him. 11:29-31; 1 John 5: 16, 17). 5a DANCING - A SIN?

Is dancing a sin in view of Psalm 150:4 and Luke 15:25?

Sin is easily recognized - that which is practice, causing it to become unfit for a questionable is a weight (or a drag). Christians are religious purpose. In the primitive times, told to “lay aside every weight, and the sin (small however, solemn and stately dances were faith) which doth so easily beset us, and let us run deemed appropriate to festival periods and with patience the race that is set before us. Looking religious rejoicings, and among the more moral unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who tribes and nations had nothing unseemly about for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, them.” despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1,2). In summary, we may note: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy Word” (Psalm 1. In the cases of the dancing led by Miriam (Exodus 119:9). “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill 15) and the dancing in which participated the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). (2 6), mixed groups were not involved; men and women were separated. The same was You’ll be interested in the comments of the late true of the kind of dancing described in Judges Robert J. Little, (former Radio Pastor of Moody 21:19-21. Apparently men normally were not Bible Institute) to the question. present.

“The first mention of combining music and 2. The dancing was in many cases spontaneous, to song in the worship of God seems to be Exodus express their unbounded joys and only their purity 15:20, where Miriam and the women of of motive kept it from becoming indecent, as replied to the song of with a kind of seems clear from David’s answer to the criticism chorus, using timbrels (or tambourines) to voiced by his wife. However, this illustrates accompany the music, while they also danced. something of the danger of even such dancing This was not social dancing, and there was no which was intended to glorify God and not to mingling of men and women. gratify any fleshly desire.

“From the time of David, music became part 3. Where purity of motive and devotion to God were of worship (2 Samuel 6:15; 1 Chronicles 23:5; not the chief characteristics, the dancing soon 25:1-6), and was adopted into the Temple service degenerated into sin, as can be seen from Exodus from its first establishment (2 Chronicles 5:12). 32:6, 19, 25. The New Testament says nothing about the use of music in the church unless 1 Corinthians 14:7 4. Dancing, though practiced to a degree, was not be considered an obscure reference to it. But that incorporated into any divinely appointed ritual. passage seems to be speaking more of music accompaniment in heaven. For most of the 5. Apart from the direct references to dancing, the Church, the use of music in worship has not been ethics of Christianity teach separation from a repugnant, although some groups do not permit social custom which, if not usually corrupt, easily it.” lends itself to moral collapse. Dancing can be dangerous, and even disastrous, spiritually. On the contrary, Ellicott’s Commentary says: Social dancing often excites fleshly desires “Dancing, though adopted into religious which can easily lead to taking liberties which would worship by many nations, sanctioned by the not be taken at other times. Also one may submit to present passage (Exodus 15:20), by the example minor indignities while dancing which can be of David (2 Samuel 6:16), and by expressions in followed later by more overt acts. Since various the Psalms (149:3; 150:4), has never found an forms of social dancing have been at times a prelude entrance into Christian ceremonial, unless among to immorality, it would seem that a believer would a few fanatic sects. The reason of this is to be want to seek more spiritual ways of social pleasure. found in the abuses which, through human At the very least, it would seem to be a weight or infirmity, became by degrees connected with the “drag” - see Hebrews 12:1 again. 6a DEATH

“The Lord God formed man of the dust of the we know in part, but then shall we know even as also ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the we are known” (1 Corinthians 13:9,10,12). breath of life (God given spirit), and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7, see also Proverbs 20:27). Of these, the Apostle Paul speaks in 1 Thessalonians CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER DEATH 5:23. They are obviously divisible, you will note from Hebrews 4:l2 and 2 Corinthians 5:8. The Bible implies conscious recognition after death, and I look forward to meeting the Lord Jesus Death comes to all men. The Bible tells in and loved ones in the glory. Those with Jesus on the Ecclesiastes 12:7 that “the dust (body) returns to the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) knew earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God, one another, even though they had never met Moses who gave it.” In Psalms 89:48 two great questions and (who are identified in each of the are asked –“What man is he that liveth, and shall not accounts, not only by the writers of the Gospel see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of records, but also by those present on the mount). the grave?” (This latter expression is more correctly There is every reason to believe that, in the spirit translated as “the power of Sheol”). Sheol or Hades is world, people recognize not only those whom they the place to which the souls of the unsaved sinners go knew on earth, but everyone else there. This may be (Luke 16:19-31) to await the final judgement of part of the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:12, “Then which we read in Revelation 20:11-15. “It is shall I know, even as also I am known.” The word appointed unto men once to die, but after this the KNOWN is in a form which means “to know fully.” judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). However, there is There is no basis for thinking we shall lose our power possibility of deliverance and salvation of the sinner of perception; rather, they would be enhanced. The NOW (2 Corinthians 6:2), for the gospel of Christ rich man in hell was told to “remember” and perhaps is the power of God unto salvation to everyone he would have liked to forget. Read this solemn that believeth (Romans 1:16,17 and 10:9,10). account in Luke 16:19-31. For the believer remembering will give occasion for praise and When a Christian dies, the Apostle Paul says thanksgiving to God. the believer is “absent from the body … present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6,8) who is in Heaven, The Psalmist expected much, for he said “As for “which is far better” - (Philippians 1:23). The body me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be of the unbelieving thief was left on the cross, but satisfied, when I awake with thy likeness” (Psalm that day he was in (:43). The soul 17:15 and 16:11). Our natural body will be raised a and spirit are given a heavenly covering (2 Cor- spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:44), “like His inthians 5:1-4) until the resurrection of the believer’s glorious body” (Philippians 3:21), “we shall be like body (see 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 and 1 Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Thessalonians 4:l3-18). It will be “raised as a “For we know in part -- but when that which is spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44), “like His perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be glorious body” (Philippians 3:20) for “we shall be done away. For now we see in a mirror darkly like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John (faintly); but then, face to face now we know in part, 3:2). The Lord Jesus ascended to Heaven after the but then we shall be known even as also we are resurrection (Acts 1:9-11), but He has promised to known” (1 Corinthians 13:9,10,12). “come again” to receive Christians unto Himself, that where He is, there believers may be also (John 14:1- 3). This is the blessed hope of all believers -- some day in Heaven, forever with the Lord.

The Psalmist expected much, for he said, “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15; 16:11). “For we know in part...but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. For now we see in a mirror darkly (faintly): but then, face to face; now DO THOSE NOW WITH CHRIST HAVE AN That the dead do not know what is happening on AWARENESS OF EARTHLY AFFAIRS? earth seems to be the force of the statement in Ecclesiastes 9:5, “...the dead know not anything, So far as I understand the Bible, those in heaven neither have they any more a reward; for the memory do not know what is taking place on earth. It would of them is forgotten.” This is not saying (as some be difficult to see how those in heaven would have people teach) that the dead know nothing where they peace if they saw members of their families living in are. Rather, I take it, they no longer know, nor have sin on earth, or were aware of loved ones in a lost any portion in what is taking place on earth. Heaven eternity. We read in Luke 16 of the rich man being is not a projection of earth; it is an entirely different concerned about his five brothers on earth, but this sphere. While we shall know one another there, those seems to relate to what he remembered of them. now living cannot communicate with those who have There is no suggestion that he saw what they were already died, nor are the dead any longer concerned doing at that time. with life on this earth.

6b ACCOUNTABILITY of Babies, Children, Still Born

What happens to babies or children who die Bold infidelity, turn pale and die. before they reach the age of accountability? What Beneath this stone four sleeping infants lie: about still born babies? Say, are they lost or saved? If death's by sin, they sinned, for they are here. We have every reason to believe, from the Word If heaven's by works, in heaven they can't appear. of God, that children who die before they reach the Reason, ah, how depraved! age of accountability go to be with Christ in heaven. Turn to the Bible's sacred page, the knot's untied: They died, for sinned; they live, for Jesus died. 1. The strongest Scriptural proof of this is found in Luke 18:16, “But Jesus called them unto Him, and 3. Another further suggestion that children are safe said, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and in Christ is this. When the Lord Jesus was speaking forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of of His ministry to adults, like , He said, heaven.’” “… the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Mattjew 18:11). The thought here is Notice especially the last words, “... of such is that little children have not wandered away from the kingdom of heaven.” Heaven is populated by Him, needing to be sought. But, they are lost, and He little children and by those who become like little comes to save them. Adults need to be sought before children through the simplicity of their faith. See also they can be saved. Mark 10:3. 4. Another verse that bears on this subject is This is further stated in Matthew 18:3, “…except Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that you despise not one ye be converted, and become as little children, ye of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Adults must become like little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Little children do Little children are here said to be represented by not have to become like adults. angels before the throne of God.

2. Although children are born in a state of sin, it is 5. The Bible does not directly answer the question commonly believed that they are sheltered by the as to still born babies. Although they may never have blood of Christ. If they die before they reach the age had life in the normal sense, yet they lived within the of accountability, that means that they have never mother’s womb. We can safely trust them to God had the opportunity to accept or reject the Savior. with the confidence that the Judge of all the earth will Although they might know nothing about the work of do what is right (see Genesis 18:25). the Lord Jesus, God knows about it, and He reckons the value of that work to them. 6. The age of accountability will vary with different children. It is impossible to know what it is in any The sufficiency of the work of Christ is taught in particular case. Therefore, we ought to be faithful in Romans 5:12-21. In commenting on these verses, Dr. presenting the gospel to children as soon as they are Ironside quotes an epitaph on a tombstone of four able to understand. children in Scotland:

6c ACCOUNTABILITY of Children and “Childlike” Retarded

It appears there is no direct statement in the that which was lost.” But in Matt. 18:11, where the Bible, about the status of those who die before subject of the passage is little children, He said, “The reaching a state of accountability. The Bible tells the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (the basis of salvation, and the way it is made effective in words “to seek” not being used). This comparison the individual (John 14:6). On God’s side, without seems very significant, and in the light of the shedding of blood there is no remission (Heb. 9:22). statement in Matt.19 it appears that those who die, There is no other basis on which He can or will before reaching the mental and spiritual capability of forgive sins. On man’s side, it becomes effective understanding, are saved by the redemptive work of through faith in Christ, and the acknowledgement of Christ. Him as our Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9,10).

It should be understood, however, that this is not The application presents no problem in the case because of the “innocence” of the child or the of normal adults. But what about those who die, “childlike” retarded, for Scripture plainly states in before they are mentally capable of making a Eph. 2:3, that we were “by nature the children of decision? While Scripture does not answer directly, wrath even as others.” No one is innocent, and there are some indirect references, which it is many scriptures teach that all men need to be saved. believed furnish a satisfying answer. In the case of a person reaching an age of accountability, he must receive Christ by faith (John 1:12-13) in order to be saved. Therefore it is In Matthew 19:14 the Lord Jesus said, “suffer concluded that a person who dies before reaching the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; stage of development where capable of decision, is for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Also, in Luke accepted by God because the death of Christ avails 19:10, our Lord in addressing Zaccaeus, an adult, for him. said: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save

7a WHAT IS A DISCIPLE

The disciples first called by the Lord Jesus are (Mark 6:13; Luke 9:6), sometimes attempted to do so named in Matt 10:2-4. The word disciple means without success (Matt. 17:16). They recognized follower. Altho there were many others who became Jesus as the Christ of God (Matt. 16:16; Luke 9:20), followers also, the first twelve were called Apostles. and ascribed supernatural power to Him (Luke 9:54) They were chosen for the special purpose of being but did not have a high understanding of His spiritual heralds or messengers of Jesus’ message, and were mission (Matt. 15:16; 16:22; 17:20,21; Luke 9:54; given miraculous powers to authenticate the divine 24:25; John 16:12), and acknowledged the weakness message. For us today who trust Christ as Savior, the of their faith (Luke 17:5). Jesus taught them to Word of God is given for our instruction that we may understand the spiritual meaning of His parables walk in Him - see Col. 2:6,7. (Mark 4:10, sq.; Luke 8:9, ff), and yet when He was removed from the earth their knowledge of His Apostles - the official name of those twelve kingdom was very limited (Luke 24:21; John 16:12). disciples chosen (see Matt.10: 1-4) by our Lord to be Apparently loyal at heart, when He was arrested they with him during his ministry, and to whom he all forsook Him and fled (Matt. 26:56). Before His intrusted the organization of His Church. These He death our Lord promised to the Apostles the Holy chose early in His ministry, and ordained “that they Spirit, to fit them to be founders and rulers of the should be with Him.” The number twelve doubtless Christian Church (John 14:16,17,26; 15:26,27; 16:7- was with reference to the twelve tribes of Israel, and 15), and after His resurrection He confirmed their was fixed so that the apostles were often called call, and commissioned them to “preach the Gospel simply “the twelve” (Matt. 26:14,l7/ John 6: 67; John to every creature” (John 20:21-23; Matt. 28:18-20). 20:24; 1Cor. 15:5). Their names were Simon Peter (Cephas Barjona) Andrew, John, Philip, James, Shortly after Christ’s ascension they, under divine Bartholomew (perhaps same as Nathanael), Thomas guidance, chose Mathias to be the successor of Judas (Didymus), Matthew (Levi), Simon Zelotes, Jude Iscariot (Acts 1:26). On the day of Pentecost the (Lebbaeus Thaddaeus), , Judas Holy Spirit descended upon the Church (Acts 2), and Iscariot. the apostles became altogether different men, testifying with power of the life and death and The original qualification of an apostle, as stated resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:22; 2:32; by Peter (Acts 1:21,22), was that he should have been 3:15; 5:32; 13:31). Their first work was to the personally acquainted with our Lord’s ministry from building up of the Church in (Acts 3-7), his baptism by John to His ascension. Amongst other and then they carried the Gospel into Samaria (Acts essential qualifications, an Apostle was to be an eye 8:5-25). With this ends the first period of the witness of His resurrection Ministry (Acts 1:22; 1 apostles’ ministry, with its center at Jerusalem, and Cor. 9:1), which is manifestly impossible today. By Peter as its prominent figure. In this age Peter repre- this close personal intercourse with Him they were sents Jewish Christianity, Paul Gentile Christianity, peculiarly fitted to give testimony to the facts of and John the union of the two. The center of the redemption. Shortly after their ordination. “He gave second period of the apostolic agency is Antioch, to them power against unclean spirits to cast them where a Church was soon built up, consisting of Jews out, and to heal all manner of diseases;” “and sent and Gentiles. Of this and the subsequent period them forth two by two, to preach the kingdom of St.Paul was the central figure, and labored with the God” (Mark 3:14; Matt. 10:1-5; Mark 6:7; Luke other apostles (Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-5). In the third 6:l,13; Luke 9:1). They accompanied our Lord on His period the twelve almost entirely disappear from the journeys, saw His wonderful works, heard His sacred narrative, and we have only bits of personal discourses to the people (Matt. 5:1; Luke 6:13-49) history, which will be found under their respective and those addressed to the Jews (Matt. 19:13, ff; names. Luke 10:25, ff). They sometimes worked miracles APOSTLES’ AUTHORITY

Gary Inrig, in his book, Life in His Body, has this William McRae in his book, The Dynamics of to say concerning the gift of apostleship (1 Cor. Spiritual Gifts, says: 12:28; Eph. 4:11): “There are none with the authority of the ancient “This is the most important gift and was apostles and as direct revelation ceased with the specifically the prerogative of the twelve disciples completion of Scripture, we conclude that the gift of and Paul. An apostle was one who had not only seen apostleship was a temporary gift in the first century the risen Christ (Acts 1:21-23; 1 Cor. 9:1) but who church.” had been personally commissioned by the living Lord of the Church, and not just by men (Gal. 1:1). The The New Testament seems to suggest a twofold essence of the apostle’s gift was his reception of divine revelation, his ministry is establishing use of the word apostle. Technically it refers to the “TWELVE”. Generally it refers to any “SENT churches, and his authority over the churches. They ONE”. The Scriptures do distinguish between those were thus the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20; 3:5). As such they held a unique position and were who were “apostles of the churches” and those who were “apostles of Jesus Christ.” Some were apostles given unique powers and authority for the purpose of (sent out, messengers) of the churches. was establishing new groups of believers and building them up in their faith. Apostles are not in the church such a one but he was not an apostle of Jesus Christ. today and they have not passed along their authority 1 Cor. 14:37 speaks of the special authority that to others.” the apostles and prophets were given when they spoke the commandments of God as revealed to them directly from the Lord.

Their practices are precepts for the church (1 Cor. 4:17).

8a DRUG USAGE

Drug Usage - in my opinion it is primarily due to without Him to help, the sufferer can do nothing for an attitude of “more for me.” It may be for personal good (John 15:5). To one who trusts in believing acceptance or exploratory curiosity due to a jaded faith, there is judicial forgiveness from the eternal attitude towards life, etc. Its result is evidence of penalty of sin. Those who believe can say, “He hath God’s law of recompense, as stated in Gal. 6:7,8. made us accepted in the Beloved; in whom we have Unquestionably there are circumstances of life, redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of which are highly contributory, as one seeks to sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1 combat difficulties without help, in one’s own :6,7). And for sins in the Christian life, there is a strength. This may be true of one without spiritual remedy (see Prov. 28:13; l John 1:9). The Christian help from Christ as Savior, as well as of one who is a is told to “work out your own salvation with fear and believer but out of fellowship and communion with trembling, for it is God who worketh in you both to the Lord. will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil.2:12,13). Reference is not to working for salvation from the What to do? In all efforts of life, the will to do is judicial penalty of sin, but rather to working out the essence of step one. In my understanding, drugs salvation from the dominion of sin in the Christian sap the will, which leaves the sufferer virtually life. As indicated in Romans 6:11-13, there must be defenseless against demands of the abused body. a yielded attitude. This attitude involves heart Professional and lay helps are available, which recognition of two things - personal inadequacy vs. endeavor to rehabilitate through group therapy and the greatness of God’s love and ability and desire to supervised living/working schedules. Efforts are help His own (Lord, I can’t but you can.) Then made also, through supervised usage of combative direction and help is supplied by Almighty God (Phil. medicines. Municipal and hospital authorities can 2:13; Heb. 4:16; Psa 37:5). Lay hold of Psa. 37:5 refer to care centers, such as Gateway House, etc. from mind and heart. Ultimately the opposite Sadly, the efforts of natural man alone too often are condition (of that which sparks addiction) may be not too effective. achieved in Him – “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). “The blessing of the Lord, it Is there little hope? The Bible states that “with maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it” (Prov. God all things are possible” (Mark 10: 27), yet 10:22). 9a

ELECTION - PREDESTINATION

If some are chosen by God, then does that not mean that there is nothing the others can do about it anyway?

The Bible teaches that God chose certain Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that individuals to belong to Christ before the world cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” The first began. This is what is meant by election. He elected part of the verse teaches election. The last part or chose certain men and women to be saved teaches man’s responsibility. (Ephesians 1:4). It is wrong to say that because God has chosen The Bible also teaches that God decreed that some to be saved, there is nothing a person can do those who would be saved would be adopted as about it. God commands all men everywhere to sons in His family and would eventually be repent (Acts 17:30). If they do this and trust the conformed to the image of His Son. This is what is sinner’s Savior, they will be saved. meant by predestination. He foreordained those whom He elected to a place of honor and glory There is only one way to know whether a person (Ephesians 1:5: Romans 8:29). is elect - that is by the manner in which he responds to the Gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:4,5). Those who Nowhere does the Bible teach that God chose accept It as the Word of God and receive it into their certain people to be damned. The fact that some are lives demonstrate in this way that they are among chosen to be saved does not mean that some are God’s chosen ones. Those who reject the message chosen to be lost. If anyone is lost, it is because he prove that they were never chosen by God. has failed to put his faith in the Lord. It is his own fault, not God’s. The doctrine of election should not cause anyone to complain against God (Romans 9:19-24). If all The same Bible that teaches election and men received what they deserved, they would all go predestination teaches that man has been given a free to hell, because they are all sinners. Does not God will. He can use that will to be saved or to be lost have the right to show mercy to some of those who (John 3:36). would have perished anyway?

God makes a genuine offer of salvation to all men It is impossible for the human mind to fully everywhere (John 5:24). Anyone who truly repents understand how God can elect some and still give and receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will be man a choice in the matter. Even if we cannot saved. understand these truths, we should believe them. Those who study the Bible must be willing to give The two truths of God’s election and man’s God credit for understanding things which they responsibility are found in John 6:37: “All that the cannot understand. 10a

DENOMINATION

To What Denomination Does Your Bible School local church. A few come from independent Bible Belong? churches and evangelical denominational churches.

Emmaus Bible School is not sponsored or financed by any denomination. It is supported by the free-will Are All the Members of Your Faculty from this offerings of Christian individuals and assemblies, and Denomination? is not controlled by any outside group or organization. The members of the faculty are commended to the work of the Lord by New Testament assemblies of believers and are supported by free-will offerings. Are All Your Students from One Denomination? Those meeting in these local churches are sometimes called Plymouth Brethren. However, we repudiate Most of our students come from independent this name since it separates us from other Christians assemblies of Christians who seek to follow the and is a denial of this unity of the body of Christ. instruction laid down in the New Testament for the 11a

HEBREWS 10 EXPLAINED

Hebrews 10: 26-29, 38, 39 - this is one of the persons there is “no more sacrifice for sin.” They difficult passages of Scripture, (see 2 Peter 3:16). have rejected the only sacrifice that can save. They share the “fiery indignation which shall devour the The Lord told His disciples that “the Holy Ghost adversaries.” We take it that these individuals never shall teach you all things” (John 15:26). Later the were truly saved, or born again. Apostle Paul made the inspired comment that “the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of Hebrews 10:29 – “hath counted the blood of the God” (1 Cor. 2:10). The Church also has been given covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy teachers (Eph. 4:11-13), and I refer to Robert J. thing.” Ironside and Grant are in agreement that the Little’s book “Here Is Your Answer” (Moody Press), sanctification is positional. Israel was set apart by which has been a help to me. I quote for your help the blood of the old covenant at Sinai, yet any too. Israelite lacking faith could turn from all the privileges of that blood. The Christian assembly of Here we see that the sin is a willful one hence it is Hebrews abode under the blood of a better covenant. a deliberate rejection of Christ. The person is said to But this did not preclude the possibility of abjuring have “trodden under foot the Son of God.” This this covenant sign and refusing the blessedness which verse is not speaking of falling into sins of it has purchased. In my view, it is profession vs. immorality, but of counting the blood of Christ “a confession, possession vs. rejection. Other Scriptures common thing.” A person who does this is saying which I view in similar manner are 1 John 2:2 and 1 that the shed blood of Christ has no more redeeming Tim. 4:10. The truth is there but it must be value than the blood of any other person. Since this appropriated in trusting faith. Lastly, the Apostle sin is deliberately committed, we take it to be similar John speaks of the gnostics, deniers of Christ’s Deity, to that referred to in chapter 6, where some who had who left the assembly (1 John 2:19), because they espoused Christianity later purposefully rejected were not truly part of a redeemed group. Him, thus “treading him under foot.” For such 11b

ETERNAL SECURITY

Many of God’s people are sharply divided in their 5). If God did not do the keeping, the believer would understanding of the problem of sin in the life of a be under obligation to maintain his own salvation. believer. All Christians agree that sin is possible This would engender pride in the person who feels after salvation, but not all see eye to eye on how it that he is good enough to keep himself free from sin. affects the believer’s relationship with God. Some, The Bible teaches that the Christian still has the old emphasizing the responsibility of man, teach a nature which is in conflict with the new nature he conditional security. They say the believer is to received at the new birth (Gal. 5:16,17). No believer maintain a high degree of holiness and separation can therefore keep himself saved; his security is in from sin to prevent him from “falling from grace.” Christ. Others emphasize the grace of God and His power to “keep you from falling, and to present you faultless The distinction between a believer’s relationship before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” with God and his fellowship with Him is very (Jude 24). important. Whenever a Christian experiences doubt or falls into sin, he loses the joy and peace of his Most of the objections to the doctrine of eternal fellowship with God - but not his relationship with security are caused by perversion of the doctrine. God. David lost the joy of salvation because of his Nowhere does the Bible state that a person is free to sin with Bathsheba (Ps. 51:12). The very fact that he live in sin after he is saved; in fact, just the opposite repented, however, is evidence that he was truly a is taught in Scripture (Rom. 6:1,2; 2 Tim. 2:19). The saved man (read Psalm 51). Bible says that the believer is a new creation and has a new nature from God (2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Pet. 1:4), and indicates that he would not want to live in sin. If a Therefore, though we are convinced that it is person claimed to be a Christian but wanted to God’s power that keeps us, we also believe that continue living in sin, one could seriously question continuance in a godly pattern of life is the evidence his salvation. of a genuine commitment to Christ.

The Bible teaches that God keeps those who RADIO BIBLE CLASS belong to Him (John 10:28,29; 17:11,12; 1 Pet. 1:3- COUNSELING DEPARTMENT 12a

EVOLUTION

We are firm believers in special creation by God occurs all the time, and in fact is necessary for the of the life forms as we now know them, and organism to survive in a changing environment. therefore, we do not accept the evolution of species However, adaptation never results in a “new “over millions of years” in any way, shape or form. species”, but only in the same species better able to Evolution can rather easily be disproved simply on live and reproduce in a given environment. the basis of some facts (which have not been very well publicized). We suggest a book by Josh Furthermore, the theory of evolution directly MacDowell entitled Evidence That Demands a contradicts a well established and accepted scientific Verdict. There are many other reliable books dealing law – the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This law with the subject of creation versus evolution -- The observes the natural phenomenon that everything in Genesis Flood; Jesus Christ, Creator; The Early Earth the universe is in a state of decay i.e., it is “winding and others. Here are a few facts: down”. Nothing left to itself becomes more complex, but rather is reduced to a simpler and The Heidelburg man was built from a jaw that simpler state. This process is easily observable in the was conceded to be quite human. natural world. Leave your car out in the sun and rain for fifty years (or less!) and it will gradually rust, The Nebraska man was built up from one tooth - break down and disintegrate into the soil. - later found to be that of an extinct pig. The question of time is an interesting one. The Piltdown man was found to have been Carbon-dating is highly unreliable. A living mollusk reconstructed from the jawbone of a modern ape. was tested by this method and declared to have been dead for 3000 years! Geologists claim the oil in the The existence of Peking man, supposedly earth is 80 million years old, however, its pressure if 500,000 years old, can no longer be substantiated continuing at the present rate would have been or supported by any scientific evidence. dissipated long ago. The present pressure of oil indicates an age not over 10,000 years. The Biblical At the International congress of zoology (1958), account records that God created the earth and life Dr. A. J. E. Cave said that his examination of the upon it within a period of 7 days, and specifically famous Neanderthal skeleton found in France indicates that “morning and evening” occured on over 50 years ago showed it to be the skeleton of each of those days. Intellect is not insulted by faith an old man who suffered from arthritis. in a living and omnipotent God. The same God who became Man and entered history in the Person of The New Guinea man has been found alive in Jesus Christ in order to redeem fallen man back to regions just north of Australia. Himself, is the same God who created light, earth, starfish and people back in Genesis. We accept the The Cro-Magnon man has the best established old Testament record as literal. We cannot consider fossil evidence, yet if he were given a suit and Genesis to be non-literal because parts of it conflict tie, he would not even be noticed as he walked with present-day humanistic theories. Remember to down the street. keep a consistent hermeneutic.

Evolution’s basic formula equals mutation plus We consider evolution to be the humanistic natural selection plus time. This theory, however, alternative (and a rather weak one at that) to special raises so many questions as to be nearly untenable. creation, which requires the existence of an Mutation occurs even today as a result of disturbance intelligent Superior Being. In fact, in view of its in the gene pool for various reasons. Unfortunately, problems evolution requires a greater step of faith in not a single mutation has ever been found to be its adherents than that required of those who know beneficial to the organism. Be careful that you do the Creator. Have you ever considered the not confuse mutation with adaptation. Adaptation difficulties involved in explaining the simultaneous and exclusive evolution of male and female (all by We hope we have been able to give you some chance, of course), the present interdependence of food for thought. Remember that the tested and true life forms which evolved millions of years apart (do finds of science have never contradicted the you really think a Venus Flytrap could have waited statements found in the Word of God. Evolution, that long for its first meal?), the inability of species to which speculates to such a high degree, gets onto interbreed (the mule, for example cannot reproduce), some very thin and unscientific ice. Investigate it for or the reason why we do not see evolution in effect yourself. Learn the facts and test the theories by the and in process today? The question of “missing standard of truth you can trust -- the Bible. Seek the links” is overwhelmingly valid. truth because you are committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will guide you into it. 13a

FAITH ABOUT VS. FAITH IN CHRIST

ABOUT versus IN statistics of air travel, yet will not trust IN air travel Is there a difference? to the extent of committing their being to the same. Therefore, faith about air travel cannot become Perhaps consideration of dictionary definitions operative for them, as can faith in air travel become will prove helpful. operative for those who believe or trust and commit themselves to the same. Note from the dictionary that definitions of ABOUT have an ambiguity to them. Legally the Faith about Christ is non-operative, until word is equivalent to “more or less”, but the variation accomplished by faith in/on Christ. legally permissible varies with what appears as reasonable in the contemplation of the parties under Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Bible, the circumstances. The general definition is gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and “concerning, with regard to, on account of, processes. BORN AGAIN (new birth) is a Greek touching.” word, which in English is also translated as “regeneration.” Therefore, being “born again” or In contrast dictionary definitions of the word IN “regenerated” (Titus 3:5 and 6) is a creative act of are specific in character. Primarily IN denotes sit- God the Holy Spirit (John 3:6 thru 8), within one uation or position with respect to a surrounding, who believes. Although we may not have great encompassment, or enclosure, denoted by the understanding, we can trust and know thru believing governed word. It indicates location, or direction, or faith. (See Eph. 2:8 and 9). relation to a whole. It indicates situation, nature, or state. Importantly, it indicates that to which an action Like the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:25-34), one is limited - see John 3:16. My dictionary also states may be saved on the basis of very simple knowledge. IN was formerly used (and still is used) where “on” is But faith and belief in/on the person and work of now preferred - see Acts 16:31. Christ on are essential. Read Romans 10:9,10 which indicates believing involves assent of Many people know ABOUT the excellent the mind and the heart. 13b WHAT IS FAITH by Oswald J. Smith, LL.D.

Faith - what does it mean? God’s Word says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be You are drowning. Someone throws you a saved” (Acts 16:31). But what does it mean to lifebelt. Do you ignore it? Do you cast it from you? believe? How does faith save? Certainly not. You grasp it. You rest your weight on it. You trust it. That is faith. You must rely on 1. Faith Means Accepting Christ as a Gift another. “Put your trust in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31. N.E.B.). No one would ever dream of paying for a Christmas gift, for the moment payment is made it Oh, how simple! Why not trust Him now? ceases to be a gift. All you can do is to take it and say Intellectual faith will not do. “The devils believe and “Thank you.” You do not work for it. You cannot tremble.” To believe ABOUT Christ will never save earn it. And so it is with Christ. He must be accepted you. You must TRUST Him. My friend, have you in exactly the same way. For just as you believe in done it? Do not look within. You are not to examine the sincerity of the one who sends you a gift at your feelings. Cast the anchor outside. Lay hold of Christmas, so too, you must believe in the Christ. genuineness of God’s offer and accept His gift, Christ. Faith reaches out a hand and takes. Thus the You believe that “him that cometh to me I will in Lord Jesus Christ becomes your Savior. no wise cast out” (John 6: 37); but, have you “come”? You believe that, “as many as received 2. Faith Means Receiving Christ as a Guest Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God” (John 1: 12); but, have you “received” Him? “Behold,” He says, “I stand at the door, and You must take the initiative; you must act upon what knock. If any man hear my voice, and open the door, you believe if you are to be saved. Have you done it? I will come in” (Rev. 3:20). In other words, He waits In fact, that is the only thing that matters, after all. outside your heart’s door, but He will never force His The head has little or nothing to do with it, for way in. You must invite Him in. And the moment according to God’s Word, it is “with the heart man you open the door He enters. Thus you can honestly believeth”. But you say you can’t understand. God say, “Jesus is in my heart.” doesn’t ask you to understand; He tells you to ACCEPT His Son. You insist that you can’t believe. Oh, my friend, let Him in. Be courteous. You My friend, God asks you to RECEIVE. would not dream of keeping a guest standing on the threshold, would you? Well, then, why keep Christ Do I understand radio? Certainly not. But do I use outside? Why not be courteous and invite Him in? it? Most assuredly. Can I explain how the food I eat Thus you may receive Him, and receive Him now. becomes nails and skin and hair and bones? Impossible. But do I eat food? Certainly. Why? Because I know it works even though I can’t explain 3. Faith Means Coming to Christ as a Pauper how.

That, you remember, was the way the prodigal My friend, if you will come just as you are, with son came to his father. He had nothing. His money all your intellectual difficulties and problems, with all was gone. He came in rags. He knew he was your doubts and fears, yes, and with your beliefs as unworthy. And so he simply cast himself on his well - if you will but come and RECEIVE Jesus father’s mercy. He came just as he was. And so must Christ as your Savior, you will be saved. And then, you. Do not wait to reform. Do not endeavor to better your head will follow your heart, and all your yourself. Come as you are, for after all you are misunderstandings will be gone. nothing but a sinner.

4. Faith Means Trusting Christ as a Savior What God is demanding of you is simply that you ACCEPT His Son as your Savior. And if you do, old “CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL things will pass away and all things become new. SERVE.”

Therefore; WILL YOU DO IT? DO IT, AND DO IT - NOW 14a

THE TEACHING OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CONCERNING FASTING

The Meaning of Fasting determine whether the fasting was voluntary or involuntary. The first is 2 Corinthians 6:5, where Paul To fast means to abstain from food. Sometimes is listing some of the things which he encountered in the word is used in the New Testament to describe his Christian service: voluntary abstinence as a religious exercise, as for example: “In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings.” “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face” (Matthew 6:17). The other is 2 Corinthians 11:27, another catalog of Paul’s sufferings and privations: At other times, it is clear that fasting was involuntary. By this we mean that no religious “In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in significance was necessarily involved. For instance, in cold and nakedness.” Matthew 15:32, we read: Perhaps W. E. Vine is correct in concluding that “Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, while these latter two cases of fasting are primarily and said, I have compassion on the multitude, involuntary, they might include voluntary abstinence because they continue with me now three days, as well. and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.” Does Fasting Mean Complete Abstinence?

Here the fasting was obviously unplanned. The The question inevitably arises as to whether people became so interested in the miracles of our fasting necessarily means complete abstinence from Lord that they remained with him rather than to return food. home for their meals. In connection with the Lord’s temptation in the Another instance of involuntary fasting is found wilderness, Matthew simply tells us that He fasted: in the account of the storm at sea during Paul’s voyage to Rome: “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered” “And while the day was coming on, Paul (Matthew 4:2) besought them all to take meat (food), saying, But then in the companion passage, Luke 4:2, it is This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried clearly stated that He ate nothing: and continued fasting, having taken nothing” (Acts 27:33). “Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they While it is possible that Paul’s pagan shipmates were ended, he afterward hungered.” may have been fasting to appease their gods, it is more likely that they were preoccupied with their This shows that in its strictest sense, fasting peril and refrained from eating for this reason. means doing without food completely.

There are two passages in which it is difficult to In a broader sense, fasting is taken by some to mean the eating of a very minimum amount of food Following this revelation of the Lord’s will, the for a certain period of time. In order to give himself to brethren fasted and prayed again, then laid their hands prayer, a man may eliminate his regular meals but on Barnabas and Saul, and sent them away (verse 3). take an occasional glass of milk, for instance. If he took no nourishment at all, he might develop such an Again in Acts 14:23, we read: acute headache that the very purpose of the fasting might be hindered. Yet by taking only a small “And when they (Paul and Barnabas) had amount, his senses would be preserved keen and alert. ordained them elders in every church and had There is no Scriptural counterpart for this limited type prayed with fasting, they commended them to the of fasting, but if it helps a person in his spiritual Lord on whom they believed.” exercises, who can forbid it? In these passages it appears that fasting The Reasons for Fasting accompanied prayer as an acknowledgment of deep earnestness in discerning the will of God and of a sol- We come now to a consideration of the reasons emn awareness of the responsibility of obeying His for fasting. guidance.

1. First of all, this practice is associated with Disputed Uses of the Word “Fasting” in the New mourning. In Matthew 9:14, 15 (and the companion Testament passages, Mark 2:18-20 and Luke 5:33-35), the disciples of John asked the Lord why they fasted, as There are four disputed uses of the word did also the , but Jesus’ disciples did not “fasting” in the New Testament. Many ancient fast. The Savior answered them: authorities omit it in these four verses; others maintain that it should be left in. “Can the children of the bride chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bride groom The first is Matthew 17:21. The Lord had just shall be taken from them, and then shall they cured a demon-possessed lad. When the disciples fast.” asked, “Why could not we cast him out?”, the Lord The meaning here is clearly that it would not have replied, according to the King James Version, “This been appropriate for Jesus’ disciples to fast as long as kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” In the He was with them. But after His departure from the Revised Version, verse 21 is omitted entirely. world, they would have occasion to mourn and fast. The companion passage is Mark 9:29. In the King 2. Secondly, fasting is associated with prayer. The James Version, it reads, “And he said unto them, This godly widow Anna served God with fastings and kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and prayers night and day (Luke 2:37). fasting.” In the Revised Version, the words “and fasting” are left out. In the book of Acts, fasting is three times linked with prayer in connection with crises in the church, The third instance is in Acts 10:30, where we when momentous decisions were being made. read:

And Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was Thus, in Acts 13:2., it was after the prophets and fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I teachers at Antioch had fasted and prayed that the prayed in my house . . .” Holy Spirit said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” Here again the Revised Version omits any mention of fasting, by rendering the verse: Here a reward is promised for those believers who fast in secret. The Lord sees It as an act of self- “And Cornelius said, Four days ago, until denial, aimed at praying or preaching more effec- this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer tively, or otherwise worshipping or serving Him in my house...” better.

The final passage is generally agreed to be one Fasting Should Be Secret where the reference to fasting should be omitted. It is 1 Corinthians 7:5: Although Christians are not specifically commanded to fast, they are instructed that when they “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be do abstain from food, they should do so without with consent for a time, that ye may give public display of any kind: yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the incontinency.” hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto This verse permits the voluntary abstinence from the men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their intimacies of married life, by mutual agreement and reward. for a limited time, in order that one might give himself undistractedly to prayer. Most of the better “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine manuscripts do not contain the word “fasting,” and head, and wash thy face; the Revisers accordingly omit it. “That thou appear not unto men to fast, but Fasting Not Meritorious for Salvation unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” One thing about which we can be certain in (Matthew 6:16-18). connection with fasting is that it is absolutely valueless as a means of gaining God’s favor. It is not It is apparent from this that fasting is a private a meritorious act as far as salvation is concerned. This matter between a person and his Lord, and should is clearly taught in the parable of the Pharisee and the never be used to create an Impression of superior publican (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee boasted that he sanctity. fasted twice in the week and gave tithes of all that he possessed (verse 12). But this did not avail to bring The Fast, a Jewish Holiday him the justification he sought (verse 14). God’s favor can only be obtained by trusting in His Son, the Lord There is one other mention of the word “fast” in Jesus, and thus being accepted in Him. the New Testament which should be quoted in order to give a complete picture. It is in Acts 27:9: At the same time, we should remember that when a Christian fasts in order to please the Lord, this act “Now when much time was spent, and when will be rewarded by Him: sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them...” “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not Most Bible students are agreed that the fast unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in referred to here is the Day of Atonement, an secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall important date in the Jewish calendar, but not reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:17,18). applicable to the Christian church. Benefits of Fasting In conclusion, we would say that fasting is neither commanded nor forbidden in the New It cannot be denied that fasting can be an aid in Testament, but it is encouraged by the offer of reward. one’s personal devotional life as well as in one’s Those who fast are taught to do so secretly. The service for Christ. One can pray more effectively practice of fasting can be an aid to one’s prayer life, while fasting than one can do after a heavy meal. delivering the person from dullness and sleepiness. It Thus, if there is some great prayer burden which is is also recommended for special times of crisis when weighing on a believer’s heart, it is not out of order to one wishes to discern the will of God. Public suggest that he give himself to a time of fasting in preaching can be more effective if one has not eaten order that his prayers might be unhindered by beforehand or has eaten only lightly. It is largely a drowsiness or mind-wandering. matter of one’s individual exercise of soul before God, and, as with everything else in the Christian life, The same is true with regard to public preaching it should be done to the glory of God and with a of the Word. Many servants of the Lord prefer to desire to please Him and to serve Him more abstain from food or to eat very lightly before effectively. preaching in order that their minds might be clear and alert. William MacDonald

Even apart from spiritual considerations, it is generally agreed that there are physical advantages to periodic fasting. Many doctors recommend it as a means of resting bodily functions.

Summary 14b

FASTING

References to fasting can be found in the following Scripture references:

Matthew 6:17 Matthew 15:32 Acts 27:33 2 Corinthians 6:5 2 Corinthians 11:27 Matthew 4:2 Luke 4:2 Matthew 9:14, 15; Mark 2:18-20; and Luke 5:33-35 Luke 2:37 Acts 13:2 Acts 14:23 Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29 Acts 10:30 KJV (The Revised version omits “fasting” in this verse) 1 Corinthians 7:5 Luke 18:9-14 Matthew 6:16-18 Acts 27:9

To summarize the information given in the if one has not eaten beforehand or has eaten only above references: Fasting is neither commanded nor lightly. It is largely a matter of one’s individual forbidden in the New Testament, but it is encouraged exercise of soul before God, and, as with everything by the offer of reward. Those who fast are taught to else in the Christian life, it should be done to the do so secretly. The practice of fasting can be an aid glory of God and with a desire to please Him and to to one’s prayer life, delivering the person from serve Him more effectively. (Note: Certain physical dullness and sleepiness. It is also recommended for ailments make it unwise to fast, such as diabetes, special times of crisis when one wishes to discern the etc.) will of God. Public preaching can be more effective 15a

THEOLOGY PROPER

PERSONALITY ATTRIBUTES Omniscience Psa 139:1-12 Sensibility Jer 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love Holiness Rev 15:4 For thou alone art holy Justice Rom 3:26 He justifies Justice Rev 15:3 Just and true are Thy ways Love Rom 5:8 God commendeth His love Goodness Rom 11:22 God’s kindness Truth Rom 3:4 Let God be true Will Eph 1:11 The counsel of His will Freedom Isa 40:13,14 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent Rev 19:6 God the Almighty

CONSTITUTIONAL ATTRIBUTES Simplicity Jn 4:24 God is spirit; worship in spirit and truth Unity Deut 6:4 The Lord our God is one Lord Infinite 1 Ki 8:27 Heaven & the highest heaven cannot contain Thee Eternity Jn 8:58 Before was I am Immutable Psa 102:24-27 Endure Omnipresence (Immensity) Eph 4:6 Above all, through all, in all Sovereign 1 Sam 2:6-8 Kills and brings to life etc.

ELECTION & RETRIBUTION Election Eph 1:4 He chose us before the foundation Retribution Rom 9:22 Jude 1:4 1 Pet 2:8 NAMES OF GOD Jehovah Ex 6:3, 3:14 Jn 8:56-59 Elohim Deut 6:4 Adonai Isa 6:8-11 I heard the voice of the Lord

CHRIST’S ATTRIBUTES Omnipotence Phil 3:21 Omniscience Jn 10:15 As the father knows me, I know the Father Omnipresence Jn 1:48 Nathaniel

METHOD USED IN INCARNATION Lk 1:35 The H.S. will come upon you

CHRIST’S HUMANITY His names Matt 1:21 You shall call His name Jesus His human parentage Rom 1:3 Descended from David according to the flesh His human body, soul, sp. Matt 26:38 My soul is very sorrowful Limitations Jn 19:28 Thirsty on cross

DEITY OF SPIRIT He is called God Acts 5:3,4 Associated with God Jn 15:26 The Spirit who proceeds from the latter God’s attrib are predicated to Holy Sp. 1 Cor 6:19 Your body in the temple of the H.S. H.S. is blasphemed Matt 12:31 Blasphemy against the Spirit 15b

WHERE IS GOD? IS GOD DEAD?

Where is God? Is God dead? According to the common purpose, and always act in absolute Word of God, He is at hand, and alive for evermore harmony and unanimity. (Rev. 1:18). Because God is a Spirit, (John 4:24), He cannot be perceived with our natural senses - see l There is no direct statement in the Bible that God Cor.1:20). That which is of Him is spiritual1y subsists as a Holy Trinity, but the truth is implied. discerned, for “the things of God knoweth no man, The doctrine of the Trinity is that while there is one but, the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:l1-14). “In His word and only one God, there are three Persons in the God do I hope...” (Psa. 130:5), “for salvation is by the head: God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Holy Spirit. The fact that there is only one God is stated in 1 Tim. 2:5 – “For there is one God and one Who created God? He is the ETERNAL GOD mediator between God and man, the man, Christ (Deut. 33:27), the King eternal (1 Tim. 1:17), the Jesus.” everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6). The Godhead is composed of a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy The fact that the Father is God is taught in such Spirit. That the members of the Godhead are without passages as Romans: 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 6:6; Gal. 1:1; beginning or ending (Heb. 7:3) is one of the Eph. 4:6; etc. Jesus Christ is said to be God in John mysteries of Godliness (1 Tim. 3:16), which the 1:1; 10:30; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:8, believer accepts in faith. etc. The Holy Spirit is shown to be God in Acts 5:1- 4. In verse 3 (Acts 5) Peter accused Annias of lying Many deny the Deity of Christ, as well as His to the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). Then he said in verse incarnation, and teach that Christ was a created 4 “ . . . thou hast not lied unto me, but unto God.” In being. The 0. T. prophesied that God would be born other words, the Holy Ghost is God. See also 2 Cor. as a chi1d in the flesh. See Isa. 7:14; 9:6. Please 3:17). note the word IMMANUEL (God with us), and that He was to be called the “Mighty God,” etc. Read the When it is said there are three Persons in the account of God becoming a man also, in Matt.l:18- Godhead, what is meant by “person” ? Generally a 25; Luke 2:1-40. That He was God eternally is person is regarded as a being who has intellect, clearly taught in John l: l,2. He is without beginning emotions and will. In Scripture passages too of days or end of life (Heb. 7:3), as God. That He numerous to mention, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit was also God born in the flesh is taught in John 1:14; are all spoken of as knowing, feeling, and willing. Philipp. 2:5-11. “Great is the mystery of Godliness” (2 Tim. 3:16). For “knowing” see Psalm 139:1,2,4; Matt. 6:8; John 4:1; 1 Cor. 2:11. Almighty God subsists as a Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit - a fact clearly developed For “emotion” see John 16:27; 11:25; Eph. 4:30. in a multitude of Bible references. The three Persons of the Godhead are in perfect fe1lowship, and share For “will” see Matt. 18:14; John 17:24; Rom. alike in the Divine nature and attributes, have a 8:27 15c

CAN GOD BE SEEN BY MAN?

There are verses in the Old Testament which of God being seen by men. It must be remembered speak of man seeing God. In what seems to be a that they only saw God in an assumed form and not contradiction, there are also verses in the Old and in His essential deity. New Testaments which say that God cannot be seen by man. When we come to the New Testament, we find that both John and Paul deal with this subject. John Exodus 33:20,23 says on the one hand, “Thou 1:18, 5:37, and 1 John 4:12 all refer to God in His shalt not see my face: For there shall no man see me, essential being; John’s statements agree with Exodus and live.” However, Numbers 12:8 says that Moses 33:20,23. 1 Timothy 1:17, written by Paul, also refers would behold the similitude (form) of the Lord. to God in His essential deity. As such, God is invisible. But all who saw the Lord Jesus Christ saw The difficulty can be cleared up if it is realized God; they saw Him in the form of a Man. that when anyone saw God, he only saw Him in an assumed form. (This is called a theophany.) He did The conclusion then must be that whenever the not see God in His essential being. scripture speaks of God being seen, it refers to an assumed form - a theophany. When it speaks of God For example, in Genesis 32:30 said, “I being invisible, it speaks of God in His essential have seen God face to face.” But verse 24 shows that deity. he saw God in the form of a man. Exodus 24:10, Numbers 12:8, and Judges 13:21 are further instances 15d

DOES EVERYONE HEAR OF GOD?

Does everyone in the world in some manner hear of God? What about the professed atheist? In The correct translation of Ecciesiastes 3:11 tells proving guilt of the world, God’s will (as revealed in us that God has set awareness of eternity in man’s the law and the prophets of the Bible) is brought to heart. Prayer under stress, in foxholes, etc. confirms bear against the pagan, through the witness of heart the point. This truth is confined also by the fact that and creation. The Bible declares that the hearts of man universally has a concept of life in another world. Such a life is required to give any meaning men really speak of God, and creation testifies of and value to this life on this earth. If a man died like God. “For that which may be known of God is a beast, with no future life, there would be no reason manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them” to aspire to moral or spiritual values on earth. (Romans 1:18,19). “The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen . . . Jesus Christ is the Living Word, who was declared amongst us (John 1:1,2,14). Salvation is by understood . . . even His eternal power and Godhead; the Word of God (1 Peter l:23), and “Faith cometh by so they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). This hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans truth is developed also in Psalm chapter 19. 10:17). “Without faith it is impossible to please Him (be right with Him); for he that cometh to God must Against the moralist, the witness of conscience believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them (Rom. 2:15) is directed (see Acts 24:25 as an that diligently seek Him”(Heb. 11:6). Whosoever example), and against the Jew (Romans 2:17-21) the responds to the light received, and shall call upon the witness of Scripture. The Scripture speaks to men name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13). today (Rom. 3:23; John 3:16; Eph. 2:8,9; 2 Tim. In past ages, salvation also was through believing 3:15; Romans 1:16). faith - see Heb. 11:4,7; Romans 4:3,6,7,8.

15d 16a

HEALING

Healing – this is an area and subject of great ravaged earth. And there are evidences of recovery controversy today. Is there healing thru faith? What from sickness that astonish man. The will of God are the workings of it? (directive or permissive) is not always understood by man. The Apostle Paul had an ailment (thorn in the Healing of the sick is another of the signs of f1esh), according to 2 Cor. 12:5-10. In spite of three confirmation used of God during the Apostolic pleas for healing, it remained. And it appears that period (Mark l6-15-20). Our Pentecostal brethren Biblical miracles of healing were selective, for make much of faith healing today - as do many spiritual lessons. “The Lord while upon earth did not charlatans. And it is true that God obviously raises heal every sick person He met. Instead of healing, some from beds of sickness, when according to His God promised grace to endure for Paul. Christ own divine will. Hence, the promise potential of received no deliverance from His suffering (is there James 5:14-15 cannot be ignored. However, it is also much difference between suffering from persecution obvious that many, many believers become ill and or illness, all the consequences of Adam’s and our sin die, because the time has not arrived for entering in this world?) In the meantime, we await that upon our full inheritance, which is “reserved in glorious promise - the adoption, the Heaven” for us (1 Peter 1:4). Until then we have the redemption/regeneration of our body (Romans 8:18- Holy Spirit indwelling as “the earnest of our 25). inheritance until the redemption of the promised possession.” (Eph. 1:l4). Meanwhile, we who “have Theologians differ as to the meaning of Psa, the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan 103:3 - last phrase. Reference to some other passages within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the may help understanding - see Ex. 15:26; Isa. 53:5; redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). Bodily Psa. 147:3; Jer. 17:14. I’m helped as I consider that healing for the believer is inherent in His work at Israel confidently expected earthly blessings, when in Calvary in the ultimate sense, as is victory over a path of obedience. Today we are blessed with death. (Rev. 21:4). spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Is there no hope today for the sick? Read Matt. In Matt. 9:12 the Lord Jesus said, “They that are 9:12 again, which tells physicians are for the sick. well need not a physician, but they that are sick.” And modern medicine is at its zenith - and God is Unquestionably God heals today, usually thru means able - and obviously upon occasion does over rule. of medicine, surgery, and other specific therapies. And Paul, who did not receive the expected reply to But not always. The inevitable process of “body his thrice requested prayer, advises us that the grace decay unto death” is hastened in some because of he received may be our portion too - see Heb. 4:16. exposure to various phases of this sin cursed and 16b

SOME NOTES ON SICKNESS, INFIRMITIES, AND HEALING

1. Reasons why God permits sickness and suffering a. Sometimes as a result of sin (1 Corinthians 11:30); but not always (John 9:2,3). was sick not because of sin, but because of the work of the Lord (Philippians 2:30). b. To test the reality of our faith (1 Peter 1:7; James 1:3). c. To purge out the dross (Job 23:10, cf; Job 2:7). d. To develop certain graces. 1) Humility (2 Corinthians 12:7). 2) Patience (Romans 5:3; James 1:3). e. To enable us to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). f. To glorify God in 1) Our patient enduring. 2) Our healing (John 9:3). g. To assure us of His love and our sonship (Hebrews 12:6-8). h. To teach us the sufficiency of His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). i. To wean us from earth and make us long for heaven (2 Corinthians 5:4). j. To bring us closer to God (Psalm 119:67,71).

2 Is it always God’s will to heal? Obviously not, or the foregoing purposes would be defeated. But note also:

a. Paul did not heal (2 Timothy 4:20). b. Timothy was advised to use medicine (1 Timothy 5:23). c. Epaphroditus was not miraculously healed (Philippians 2:25-30). d. Gaius was apparently not in good physical health (3 John 2), but no word about healing. e. Paul was not delivered from the thorn in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). f. Christ implied that sick people need a physician (Matthew 9:12). g. That physicians are not contrary to the divine will is implied in Colossians 4:14 where Luke is called “the beloved physician.” h. If it were always God’s will to heal, some would never die.

3. How does God heal? a. By natural means - rest and food. cf. Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-8). b. By medicines. cf. Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:7). c. By miracles. full of illustrations.

4. Are there other types of healing? a. Imaginary healing - when the sickness was only imagined. b. Perhaps Satanic healing (Matthew 7:22).

5. Is healing in the atonement? a. 53:4 was fulfilled during Christ’s earthly ministry (Matthew 8:17), and not on the cross. b. Healing is spoken of as a mercy from God (Philippians 2:25-30), and not as something that is ours by right.

6. Is failure to be healed evidence of a lack of faith on the part of the sick? a. When he saw their faith (Mark 2:5). Not the sick person’s at all.

7 Are the modern healing campaigns scriptural? a. Christ healed all that were brought to Him (Matt. 8:16). b. His cures were 1) Instantaneous, not gradual (Mark 1:42). 2) Complete, not partial (Matthew 8:15). 3) Permanent, not temporary (Luke 7:15). c. Christ commanded His servants to heal freely (Matthew 10:8). d. In James 5:14, the sick person is to call for the elders, not vice versa. e. Faith healers (or Christian Scientists) do not live any longer, on the average, than other people. f . More is demanded from the patient today, and less from the healer than in the days of our Lord.

8. Is there any harm in the modern healing campaigns? a. Yes, thousands who go and fail to get healed judge the power of Christ by this and are turned from the faith.

9. What about James 5:14,15?

This passage teaches that a sick person may call for the elders of the church. They in turn may pray for him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. In such cases, the prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise up the person.

My personal opinion is that this passage refers to a person whose sickness is the direct result of some sin affecting the church or other individuals. I base this on two considerations-

a. In verse 15, we read “and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

b. Verse 16 adds, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”

In other words, healing in this section seems to be directly connected with confession of sins, either to the elders or to an individual.

Suppose that a person has caused dissension in a local church. Some time later, he becomes ill. Realizing the cause of his illness, he calls the elders and makes an apology to them. They pray over him, anointing him with oil. God promises restoration in such a case.

The passage obviously cannot be used as a blanket promise to cover all cases of illness, because it is not always God’s will to heal. This is proved by the fact that everyone dies eventually, unless of course the Lord comes in the meantime.

With regard to the use of oil, some teach that this refers to oil as a medicine. Others claim that it is the ritual use of oil. In either case it is important to notice that it is not the oil that is efficacious, but the prayer of faith.

“The prayer faith” is a prayer that is assured of a positive answer because of some definite promise of God to that effect. Here the elders can be sure that God will raise up the repentant person because He has promised to do so. 17a

HEAVEN

There is little that is specific about it, but many heaven.” Scriptures refer to its reality. Several Scriptures tell it is the dwelling place of God. See Acts 7:49; We know our Lord is in heaven today. After He Hebrews 8:11; Revelation 4. It is a place of was raised from the dead, He ascended in a body of happiness (Matt. 5:12; 13:43; 1 Cor. 2:9; 13:12; flesh and bones. He carried glorified humanity into 1 Peter 1:4; Rev. 7:16, 17; 14:13; 21:4; 22:3). Best heaven. Read Luke 24:38, 39, 51; 1 Pet. 3:22; Heb. of all, we will be with Him. See John 14:1-3. 1:3.

The Scriptures clearly teach there is a place for There is a great host of believers in heaven, for all who know and love our Lord Jesus Christ. when the true Christian dies, he is “absent from the Heaven is a place. The word is used in the Bible in body - present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). These three different ways: believers are enjoying the presence of Christ “which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). 1. The region of the clouds is called heaven (Gen. 1:8). What is heaven like? The writers of the 2. The area where the stars are located is Scriptures could not find language that would known as heaven (Gen. 1:17). describe it. In Rev. 21:10-27, John describes the 3. The word is used to describe God's dwelling foundations, wall, gates, and street of the heavenly place. Paul calls this the “third heaven” and city. Our hearts are attracted by its beauty. We “Paradise” (2 Cor. 12:2-4). know there will be no sickness, sorrow, tears, pain or death in that fair place (Rev. 21:4). But best of all, Heaven is always mentioned as being “up”. the Lord Jesus Christ will be there, and He will be the Satan said in Isaiah 14:13, 14, “I will ascend into supreme delight of every believer’s heart. 18a

SHEOL AND HADES

Sheol/Hades - the unseen world to which spirits change from the one state to the other after death, for of the Old Testament went. Luke 16:23 shows that when the unsaved man who was in hades saw Abraham and Lazarus, they were (1) Often, therefore, it is spoken of as the “afar off”. Verse 26 states that between the two equivalent of the grave, where all human places there is a great gulf fixed, so that no one can activities cease; the terminus toward which all pass from one to the other. human life moves (e.g. Gen. 42:38; Job. 14:13; Psa. 88:3). Some interpreters think that Eph. 4:8-10 indicates a change in the place of the departed (2) To the man “under the sun,” the natural believers occurred at the resurrection of Christ. It is man, who of necessity judges from appearances, certain that all who are saved go at once into the sheol seems no more than the grave. presence of Christ (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23). Jesus told the penitent thief “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Paul was “caught up to the (3) Scripture reveals sheol as a place of sorrow (2 Sam. 22:6; Psa. 18:5; Psa. 116:3), into third heaven ... into paradise” (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Paradise is a place of great joy and bliss but this bliss which the wicked are turned Psa. 9:l7); and is not complete until the spirit is reunited with a where they are fully conscious (Isa. 14:9-17; glorified body at the resurrection of the just (1 Cor. Ezek. 32:21). Compare 2:2; what the 15:51-54; l Th. 4:16-17). Though both sheol and belly of the great fish was to Jonah, sheol is to those, who are therein. The sheol of the O.T. hades are sometimes translated “grave” (cp. Gen. and hades of the N.T. are identical. 37:35; l Cor.15:55), they never indicate a burial place but rather, the state of the spirit after death. The Greek word hades (like its Hebrew “Hell” in Acts 2:27-31 should read “Hades”. equivalent, sheol) is used in two ways; (1) To Our Lord’s soul did not go into Hell, but it did go indicate the condition of the unsaved between death and the great white throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). into Hades, which until His resurrection included the Luke 16:23,24 shows that the lost in hades are abode of the saved and that of the lost, though these were separated by “a great gulf fixed” and conscious, possess full use of their faculties, memory, impassable (Luke 15:26). At His resurrection He etc., and are in torment. This continues until the final took with Him to Heaven all the saved out of Hades, judgment of the lost (2 Peter 2:9, ASV), when all the and since that time, the saved, at death, go unsaved and hades itself, will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:13-15). (2) To indicate, in general, the immediately to “be with the Lord” in Heaven (Eph. condition of all departed human spirits between death 4:8-10; 2 Cor. 5:6-8). It is only the saved spirits which go to God. The lost go to their “own place” and the resurrection. This usage is found (Acts 1:25), awaiting the Great White Throne occasionally in the O.T., but rarely, if ever, in the N. judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). T. (cp. Gen. 27:35; 42:38; 44:29,21). It should not lead anyone to think that there is a possibility of 19a

PNEUNATOLOGY (Study of the Holy Spirit)

DIVINE ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Eternity Hebrews 9:14 The eternal spirit Omnipotent (All powerful) Psalm 104:30 Identifies creation with the Holy Spirit Omnipresent (Everywhere) Psalm 139:7-10 Omniscient (All knowing) 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 The Spirit searches all things, etc. Loving Galatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit is love Faithful Galatians 5:22 Truthful 1 John 5:6 Holy Matthew 28:19 Threefold name of God in commission

DIVINE WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Creator Genesis 1:2 Strives with man Genesis 6:3 Acting as a judge, pleading a cause, etc. Inspiration 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture God-breathed Inspiration 2 Peter 1:20,21 Generation of Christ Luke 1:35 The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee Convicts of sin John 16:7-11 Restrains 2 Thessalonians 2:6,7 Restrains the wicked one Regenerates John 3:1-21 Illumination 1 Corinthians 2:9,10 As a paraclete John 16:7 Comforter, Companion - continually Witnessing Romans 8:16 Gives inner assurance Anointing (indwells) 1 John 2:27 Indwelling (also 1 Corinthians 6:19; Baptism 1 Corinthians 12:13 John 14:17; Romans 8:9) Seals Ephesians 1:13 Filling Ephesians 5:18 Intercession Romans 8:26,27 He prays for us Sanctification Positional 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Experiential 1 Thessalonians 4:3,4 At end of life--final 1 John 3:1-3 An earnest Ephesians 1:13,14 Like a promise

AUTHOR OF PROPHECY & 2 Peter 1:20, 21 Prophecy comes through holy men SUBJECT OF PREDICTION by the Holy Spirit 2:28-32 A prediction of Pentecost and end of tribulation CONVICTING OF UNSAVED John 16:7-11 He will reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment SPIRIT FILLING Ephesians 5:18 Grieve not Ephesians 4:30; Quench not 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Walk in Galatians 5:16

3-FOLD SANCTIFICATION OF THE BELIEVER: Positional 1 Corinthians 1:30 Experiential (progressive) John 17:17 Ultimate 1 John 3:2 At the moment of rapture 19b

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

There is one, historic, and collective baptism 3. Another manifestation of the one baptism was to of the Spirit of all believers into one body. All who a small group of disciples, believe today, share in it as an accomplished fact, whose knowledge was limited, but who heard but not as an individual experience. In this manner, and trusted a greater revelation of the gospel baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at the time of through the preaching of Paul. See Acts 19:6. salvation. It is a fact but not an event. See 1 Corinthians 12:12,13; Ephesians 1:22,23; Hebrews 4. The other manifestation was to Cornelius and 12:23. The believer is never exhorted to be baptized other heathen Gentiles with whom the Jews with the Spirit, but is commanded to be filled could have no lawful association. See Acts (Epheslans 5:l8). These truths are spoken with 10:34-48. That which “God hath cleansed” the authority in the Epistles, see 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Jew was now “not to call common.” Acts 10:15. Peter 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:2, so that we may “rightly divide the Word of Truth.” By one baptism Every believer is born of the Spirit (John 3:6; 1 of the Spirit (albeit by four diverse manifestations) John 5:1), indwelt by the Spirit, whose presence various kinds of believers were united into one makes the believer’s body a temple (1 Corinthians Church Body. It is not a feeling or an experience, 12:12,13; 1 John 2:20,27), thus sealing him for God but a fact at the time of salvation. (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). Having the Spirit is true of all believers - being filled with the Spirit is the Although baptism of the Spirit was one baptism, Christian’s privilege and duty. (Compare Acts 2:4 it was manifested on four separate occasions. The with Acts 4:29-31, see also Ephesians 1:13,14 with wisdom of God is shown, in thus dealing with four Ephesians 5:18). There is one baptism of the Spirit different types of believers. (which accompanies salvation), but the possibility of many fillings of the Spirit. Read about the fruit 1. The JEWS had to be baptized in the name of the of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23. The believer is very One whom their nation had rejected and not to grieve the Holy Spirit, by sin in the crucified, and they thereby repudiated the Christian life (Ephesians 4:17-31). When sin is national rejection. See Acts 2. present, it is to be confessed for forgiveness and cleansing (Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:19). Nor is 2. The were despised of the Jews, the Spirit to be quenched, through failure to obey and were “religious” rivals. A separate His leadings (1 Thessalonians 5:19 and James 4:7). manifestation of the Spirit’s baptism “at the Rather the believer is to be filled by the Holy Spirit, hands of two Jews, Peter and John, provided as indicated in the illustration of Ephesians 5:18. The unity rather than proud discord (that is Rome and Emmaus course entitled THE HOLY SPIRIT AT the East). See Acts 8:14-17. WORK is informative and interesting. 19c

THE GIFT OF TONGUES

The first mention of the gift of tongues in the In 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, we have still further New Testament is found in Mark 16:17: instruction concerning the gift of tongues:

“And these signs shall follow them that a. It is one of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, believe; . . . they shall speak with new tongues.” v. 8,9.

The Lord had just commanded the disciples to b. These gifts are given for the profit of all, go into all the world and preach the gospel to every v.7, that is, for the common good and not for creature, v.15. He told them that, when the message personal glory. was received, certain miraculous events would follow. One of these was that those who believed c. The Spirit does not give all the gifts to would speak with new tongues. everyone and does not give the same gift to everyone, but divides to every man severally The expression “new tongues” does not mean as He will, v. 11. This means that He makes languages that had never been known on earth an individual distribution, as He chooses. before, but rather foreign languages with which the people themselves had never been familiar. d. The gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues are mentioned last This prediction of the Lord Jesus was fulfilled in in the list of the Spirit’s gifts, v. 10. This part, at least, on the day of Pentecost. The apostles may be a rebuke to the attitude of the were “filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak Corinthians; they exalted the more with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” spectacular gifts such as tongues, and (Acts 2:4). depreciated some that were more important, such as prophecy. The following verses prove conclusively that these were foreign languages. The record is that at e. In verses 12-27, Paul teaches that every that time, there were Jews in Jerusalem from every member of the body is needed. There is one nation under heaven, v.5. They heard the Gospel body but many different organs in the body. preached in their own language, v.6. It amazed them If the body were all eye, it would be a that these apostles from should be able to monstrosity. Then there would be no speak languages which they had never studied, vv. 6, hearing or smelling. So no Christian should 8, 11. consider himself unnecessary; neither should he look down on other believers who Two other occurrences of the miraculous gift of might have a less spectacular gift than he. tongues are found in the book of Acts. The first is in 10:46, when the Gentile Cornelius and his household f. In verses 28-30, Paul applies the illustration. received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke with God has set men with different gifts in the tongues. The other is in 19:6 when John’s disciples church. Not all are apostles - or prophets -or miracle workers. Not all have the gift of a. were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, healing. Not all speak with tongues. Not all v.5 interpret. The proper functioning of the church depends on each one carrying out his b. had the Apostle Paul’s hands laid on them, own allotted work. v.6 g. In v.31, Paul teaches that some gifts are c. received the Holy Spirit, v.6 more important than others. In Ch. 14, for instance, we will learn that prophecy is more d. spoke with tongues and prophesied, v.6. important than tongues. We should covet the best gifts and not just those that produce the biggest display. had the gift of prophecy. This gift is greater Paul’s magnificent chapter on love, Ch. 13, is because it has a wider usefulness, v. 5. closely related to the subject of tongues. A person may speak with the tongues of men and of angels, yet e. Even if Paul himself spoke to the if he has not love, he has become as sounding brass Corinthians in tongues, it would not benefit or a tinkling cymbal. Love is the unselfish giving of them unless he spoke to them in a manner oneself for the good of others. If a man uses the gift they could understand. He must have a of tongues merely for personal honor and glory, it is divine message (“by revelation or by utterly useless. It should rather be used for the good knowledge”) and it must be delivered in an of others, as we shall see in Ch. 14. understandable manner (“by prophesying or by doctrine”), v.6. The temporary nature of tongues is stated in v. 8. shall fail; tongues shall cease; knowledge f. Even musical instruments are valuable only (supernaturally imparted) shall vanish away. But love insofar as they play notes that are clear and never falls. distinct. Otherwise there would be no tune or melody, v.7. So too, the notes of a The longest section on tongues in the Bible is trumpet must be recognizable. The soldiers found in 1 Corinthians 14. This chapter was written must be able to distinguish the battle call to correct the abuses that had arisen in the assembly from other calls, v. 8. in Corinth. The Christians there were showing an immature preference for the gift of tongues. Those g. The same applies to human language. who had the gift were priding themselves on being Unless the human tongue speaks words that able to speak languages they had never learned. The are distinct and understandable, you might others were coveting this gift more than the gift of as well talk into the air, because no one will prophecy, for instance. It was largely a matter of know what you are saying, v. 9. There are display, and not what was for the spiritual benefit of many different languages in the world, and the local church. each has its own separate vocabulary. But if I don’t understand the language a man is Therefore, Paul seeks to show the folly of their speaking, we are like foreigners to each attitude: other, vv. 10, 11.

a. When a man speaks in a foreign language in h. Therefore, in desiring spiritual gifts, we the church, God understands him but the should desire those that will help us in people do not. It may be that he is speaking edifying the church, v. 12. very deep truths, but even deep truths are valueless when they are not understood, v. i. If a man has the gift of tongues, he should 2. pray that he might also have the miraculous gift of interpretation, v. 13. Apparently a b. When a man prophesies, he is talking in the man who had the gift of tongues could language that the people understand, and understand what he was saying but was not they are therefore built up, and encouraged, permitted to convey it to others without the and comforted, v. 3. gift of interpretation.

c. That is the difference. A man speaking in a j. When a man prays in a foreign tongue he foreign language (miraculously received) understands what he is saying, but his edifies himself, while the one who understanding doesn’t help anyone else. It is prophesies edifies the church. The first is for unfruitful, v. 14. one’s own good only; the second is for the good of others, v.4. k. What is the conclusion then? Simply this. It is better to pray with the spirit and at the d. Paul recognizes that tongues are a gift of the same time be understood. It is better to sing Holy Spirit, and he would not disparage with the spirit and at the same time be them. So he wishes that all the saints spoke understood, v. 15. Otherwise, those who are with tongues. But he would rather that they listening won’t be able to say a sincere AMEN since they have not understood what edifying the church; otherwise it is not has been said, v. 16. For the speaker has acceptable, v. 26b. We have already seen truly been giving thanks but the others have that speaking in tongues without an not been edified, v. 17. interpretation edifies no one but the speaker.

l. Paul himself had the gift of tongues to a b Only two, or at the most three may speak in greater extent than any of them. But in the tongues in any one meeting. In addition, church he would rather speak five words these may not all speak at once, but in turn, and be understood by the others than speak v. 27. ten thousand words in a foreign language, vv. 18, 19. c. Tongues may only be used when there is an interpreter present. If there is no interpreter, m. We should take a mature view on these then the speaker must remain silent, v. 27, things. It is childish to be occupied with 28. display, with that which is spectacular, but which does not edify. Only in malice should d. Women must not participate, “for it is not we be children. Otherwise we should be permitted unto them to speak, but let them men, v. 20. be in subjection, as also saith the law” vv, 34 - 35. n. In the Old Testament, God spoke to His people for centuries in understandable e. Tongues should not be forbidden, but their words but they rejected His message. employment must be decent and orderly, v. Finally, He declared that He would speak to 39, 40, for God is not a God of confusion them in a foreign tongue, as a judgment but of peace, v. 32. upon their unbelief. He did this by sending the Assyrian hordes to invade the land. These instructions are not optional; they are the When Israel heard the enemy speaking the commandment of the Lord, v. 37. Assyrian language, it was a sign to them of God’s retribution, to confirm and In closing this study on tongues, there are two consummate their unbelief, v. 21. important questions that merit consideration:

o. So tongues are a sign to unbelievers, not to First, does the Bible teach that the reception of believers, v.22. Speaking in a foreign tongue the Holy Spirit is always accompanied by the gift of doesn’t produce conviction in the unbeliever tongues, We believe the answer to be “No,” for the who has rejected God’s message. He can’t following reasons: understand what is being said. a. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 teaches that the gift of p. So too, if strangers come into a church tongues is given by the Spirit, not to every building and find the Christians speaking one who receives the Spirit, but to those with tongues, but without interpretation, whom He chooses. they will think it is sheer insanity. No conviction will be produced, v.23. b All the Corinthian believers were indwelt by the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:19: q. On the other hand, if they hear the Christians prophesying, they will understand “. . . your body is the temple of the Holy what is being said, and may be convicted Ghost.” and converted, vv. 24, 25. They all had been baptized by the Spirit In view of the abuse of the gift of tongues, it was into the body of Christ. “For in one Spirit necessary for the Spirit of God to institute certain were we all baptized into one body... and controls in public meetings of the church. These were all made to drink of one Spirit” (1 controls are given in 1 Corinthians 14:26-40: Corinthians 12:13).

a. First of all, all ministry must result in Yet not all of them spoke with tongues, as is evident from 1 Corinthians 12:30, where “For we know in part, and we prophesy in Paul asks: part. But when that which is perfect is come (the complete Word of God), then that “Do all speak with tongues?” which is in part shall be done away.” v. 8- 10. The answer to this and the previous questions must of necessity be “No.” Not all are apostles, prophets, teachers, workers CONCLUSION of miracles! Not all have the gift of healing, tongues or interpretation! In summary, it may be said that the gift of tongues was the miraculous ability given by the Holy c. In Acts 8:17, we read of the Samaritans Spirit to speak an actual human language which one receiving the Holy Spirit, but we read had never studied. nothing of their speaking with tongues. It was a sign to unbelievers, not of favor, but of d. Down through the ages, there have been God’s judgment on them because of their unbelief. many men of God, filled with the Holy Their inability to understand the tongue was a sign of Ghost, who have never spoken with tongues. the darkness which had come upon them because of their rejection of God’s Word. The second and final question is, “Are tongues intended for use in the church today?” For a person to use the gift of tongues in a meeting of the church obviously created serious While there is no direct statement in the Bible problems. What should be done? Should their use be that tongues have ceased, there are strong suggestions prohibited altogether? The Apostle Paul did not that that is the case. believe that to be the answer. Rather he laid down a set of standards which were to regulate or control the a. First of all, it was important at the outset of use of tongues in the church, namely: the church that the Gospel should be 1. No more than two or three could speak in proclaimed to people of different languages tongues in a meeting, and they must speak in quickly. God made this possible by enabling turn men to speak foreign languages without having studied them. Today we have time to 2. There must be an interpreter. learn foreign languages. Even those who profess to speak in tongues have to learn the 3. The contents of the message must be of an native languages when they go to the edifying nature. mission field. 4. Women must not participate. b. At the outset of the Christian dispensation, God confirmed the message of the Gospel 5. All must be done decently and in order, without “with signs and wonders, and with divers confusion. miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4). If these instructions were obeyed today as the With the completion of the written Word of commandments of the Lord, they would eliminate the God, the need for such signs ceased. Today Latin services of the Roman on the we are called upon to believe the Gospel, one hand and the excesses of various Protestant not because of miracles, but because the groups on the other. Bible says it is so. There is a strong suggestion in the Scriptures that tongues were intended only for the early days of This is strongly implied in 1 Corinthians 13. the Church dispensation, and that with the coming of the complete Word of God, the need for this and “ . . . whether there be tongues, they shall other sign gifts passed away. cease. . .” William MacDonald 19d

RECEIPT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BY THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS

AND WHEN HE HAD SAID THIS, HE BREATHED ON THEM, AND SAITH UNTO Pettingill further states, “We ought not to take THEM, RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST. the experience of the apostles and first disciples as John 20:22 the norm and pattern of our own experience. They were saved before the cross and before the New When did the Disciples receive the Holy Spirit? Testament advent of the Holy Spirit; we are saved long afterwards.” I do not believe they actually received the Spirit at the time mentioned in John 20:22. Consider John In the present (age) dispensation every believer: 14:16 and 17. Part of the promise is “That He may abide with you forever.” Although the Holy Spirit 1. Is born of the Spirit, John 3:3-7; James 1:18; 1 dwelt in times past with those whose “faith is Peter 1:23-25 counted for righteousness” (Rom. 4:5), the new promise stated also that “HE SHALL BE IN YOU.” 2. Is baptized by Him into the body of Christ, 1 David’s grief stricken cry is Psa. 51:11 was (in part) Cor. 12:12,13; Rom. 6:1-3: Gal. 3:27 “take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” Samson was a 3. Receives Him as the Anointing by whom we are man of faith (Heb. 11:32), but at a time of failure to be let into the truth 1 John 2:20-27; John “…Wist not that the Lord was departed from him.” 14:16,17; John 16:12-15 (Judges 13:25 thru 16:20). 4. Is sealed by him unto the day of redemption, 2 Cor. 1:21,22; Eph. 1:13 and 4:30 The disciples were men of faith who knew and 5. Is indwelt by Him, 1 Cor. 3:16 and 6:19,20; had the Spirit dwelling with them, but not IN them. Romans 8:9. The indwelling came at Pentecost. God’s time and procedure had to be observed. At retirement one All of these things are true of every believer; but might say to sons, “Take my business and do well not every believer is filled with the Spirit. This we with it.” Before they received it in fact, and to fulfill are commanded to be: the giving, legal procedures which are time consuming must be observed. BE NOT DRUNK WITH WINE, WHEREIN IS EXCESS; BUT BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT. Ironside says, “It was not that He actually gave Eph. 5:18 them the Spirit at that time, but they would under- stand later at Pentecost, when the Spirit actually As we yield to Him, He fills us, and as He fills us, He descended and abode upon them and dwelt with controls us and transfigures us “into the same image them, that He was given by their exalted Lord.” from glory to glory” 2 Cor. 3:18. 20a

SOME BIBLICAL THOUGHTS ON HOMOSEXUALITY

Regarding any particular subject, we must not sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans rely on earthly sources or the opinions of men. But 3:23) rather, we must go to the Bible, God’s own Word, for the answers to all questions. That message is:

According to the Holy Word of God, we shall try “Repent, therefore, and be converted, that to answer some of today’s questions regarding the your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19) subject of homosexuality. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) HOMOSEXUALITY? “ . . . repentance toward God, and faith “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21) womankind: it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22) “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the a woman, both of them have committed an third day: and that repentance and remission of abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their sins should be preached in His name among all blood shall be upon them.” (Leviticus 20:13) nations.” (Luke 24:46,47)

(Abomination: Something loathsome; something The Good News (Gospel) that God has for all that is hateful and disgusting (to GOD) - Webster) mankind is that each one of us should repent (turn from his sins - Acts 17:30), and believe that Jesus “The abominable. . . shall have their part in the Christ, through His death on the cross of Calvary, lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” (Rev, shed His blood for the remission (forgiveness) of our 21:8) sins. For, “without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22) WHY IS HOMOSEXUALITY WRONG? “For God so loved the world, that He gave “ . . . for even their women did exchange the His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth natural use for that which is against nature: and in Him should not perish, but have everlasting likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the life” (John 3:16). woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working that which is unseemly." WHAT IS GOD’S MESSAGE TO THE (Unseemly - not decent or becoming - Webster) CONVERTED HOMOSEXUAL? (Romans 1:26, 27) Since a man who is saved by God’s grace is now Read Romans 1:18-32. a new creation; he will have a new outlook on God’s God created the woman for the man (Gen. 1:18- law, for he is “not under the law, but under grace.” 25; 1 Cor. 11:8, 91, and by a sovereign act of creation (Romans 6:14) Instead of disregarding God’s law, he placed a natural attraction within a man for a woman. will now gladly obey his Lord and Master. To “exchange” this “natural use” which God has created, for the “unnatural affections” (Rom. 1:31) of “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a a homosexual relationship is to despise and reject the new creation; old things are passed away, way that God has created man. behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). WHAT IS GOD’S MESSAGE TO THE HOMOSEXUAL? “If you love me (said the Lord Jesus), keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). God’s message to the homosexual is the same as it is to every person that breaks God’s law, which According to the Lord Jesus’ teachings on the includes each and every one of us, for: “all have heart and sin (Matt. 5:27, 28), the converted homosexual will not only cease from outward acts of sin with other men, but he, by the power of God’s God’s viewpoint on this subject isn’t very Holy Spirit, will cease from lust in his heart toward popular in the world today. But then again, down other men. through the ages, the majority of men have spurned God’s law and His judgments against sin.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 we read: “Know ye not “Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor destruction, and many there be which go in there idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers at: Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the of themselves with mankind (homosexuals) . . . shall way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be inherit the kingdom of God.” But, praise be to God! that find it” (Matt. 7:13, 14). Such ones can be saved from their sins (Matt. 1:21). Through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Listen to the Apostle Paul’s glorious Christ, you can be one of those “few”, who will not proclamation in the following verse: “AND SUCH only enjoy the peace of knowing your sins are WERE SOME OF YOU: but ye are washed, but ye forgiven here on earth, but will, with all the are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the redeemed, enjoy the eternal benefits of everlasting Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. life in heaven. 6:11). 21a

ADVENTS OF CHRIST

What are the advents or “comings” of Christ? 1) The return of Christ is an event, not a process, The First and Second Advents of Christ: and is personal and corporeal (Matthew 23:39; 24:30; 25:31; Mark 14:62; Luke 17:24; John 14:3; Acts 1) The Old Testament foreview of the coming 1:11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:14- Messiah is in two aspects that of rejection and 17). suffering (example in Isaiah 53), and that of earthly glory and power (example in Isaiah 11, 2) His coming has a three fold relation. Jeremiah 23, 37). Often these two aspects blend in one passage (example Psalm 22). The a) To the Church - the descent of the Lord prophets themselves were perplexed by this seeming into the air, to raise believers who have died, and contradiction (1 Peter 1:10,11). It was solved by to change the living Christians, is a constant partial fulfillment. In due time the Messiah, born of expectation and hope (1 Corinthians 15:51- a according to Isaiah’s prophecy (7:14), 52; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; appeared on earth among men and began His 4:13-17; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 2:13; Revelation ministry by announcing the predicted kingdom as “at 22:20). hand” (Matthew 4:17). This was His first coming or advent. The rejection of king and kingdom followed. b) To Israel - the return of the Lord to the earth is to accomplish the yet unfulfilled 2) Thereupon the rejected king announced His prophecies of Israel’s national regathering, approaching , resurrection, departure, conversion, and establishment in peace and and return (Matthew 12:38-40; 16:1-4,21,27; Luke power under the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 24:25; 12:35-46; 17:20-36; 18:31-34; 19:12-27). 7:8-17; Zechariah 12:8; Luke 1:31-33; 1 Corinthians 15:24). 3) He uttered predictions concerning the course of events between His departure and return (Matthew c) To the Gentile Nations - the return of 13:1-50; 16:18; 24:4-26). Christ is to bring the destruction of the present political world system (Daniel 2:34-36; 4) This promised return of Christ is a prominent Revelation 19:11), and the judgment of Matthew theme in the Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. 25:31-46, followed by world wide Gentile conversion and participation in the blessings of Taken together, the New Testament teaching the kingdom (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:10; 60:3; concerning the return (second coming or advent) of Zechariah 8:3,20-23; 14:16-21). Jesus Christ may be summarized as follows: 21b

DID JESUS HAVE BROTHERS?

There are several verses of Scripture which seem to indicate that the Lord Jesus Christ did have Acts 1:14: “These all continued with one accord brothers. in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Matthew 12:46: “While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood 1 Corinthians 9:5: “Have we not power to lead without, desiring to speak with him.” See also Mark about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as 3:31,32. the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?”

Matthew 13:55: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Galatians 1:19: “But other of the apostles saw I Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, none, save James the Lord’s brother.” James, and , and Simon, and Judas?” See also Mark 6:3. It is true that the word “brother” in the Bible may sometimes mean cousin or other relative. John 7:3,5: “His brethren therefore said unto him However, when so many verses link “brethren” with Depart hence, and go into , that thy disciples “mother” and even “sisters” (Mark 6:3), it becomes also may see the works that thou doest.... For neither extremely probable that Jesus had half-brothers and did his brethren believe in him.” half-sisters who were born to Mary and after His birth.

EMMAUS BIBLE SCHOOL 21c

CHRISTOLOGY

CHRIST’S PRE-EXISTANCE (5) Jn 1:1-4, 14 In the beginning He was. Jn 6:33,38 etc The Bread of Life. I have come down from heaven. Jn 8:58 Before Abraham was I Am Jn 17:5 Asks for visible glory back. Phil 2:6 What He was originally

CHRIST’S BAPTISM (4) Matt 3:15 To fulfill righteousness 2 Cor 5:21 To identify with Israel and remnant who believed Isa 53 John’s message Jn 1:31-34 He was identified as Messiah Acts 10:38 The occasion of Jesus’ public anointing with H.S. Anointing for public service CHRIST’S TEMPTATION (2) Heb 4:15 We have a high priest who has been tested Heb 2:17,18 He suffered, being tempted. Can help those tempted.

PROPHECIES OF CHRIST’S DEATH Major Historical Prediction Psa 22 The Savior in His suffering and resurrection Major Doctrinal Prediction Isa 52-53 Suffering Messiah, sinbearing substitution Minor Predictions (3) Gen 3:15 Serpent and Woman’s Seed Zech 12:10 They shall look on me whom they have pierced Zech 13:6,7 Strike the shepherd Christ’s Own Predictions Matt 16:21 17:22-23 20:17-19 26:12,28,31 RESURRECTION NECESSARY? Acts 2:24 Because He was God man 2:25-31 To fulfill Davidic covenant Col 3:1-4 He must rise to become source of resurrection life. Eph 1:19-21 He must rise to become source of resurrection power. Eoh 1:20-23 He must be head over all things to the Church. Rom 4:25 Raised for our justification 1 Cor 15:20-23 To be 1st fruits of them that sleep.

OBSERVANCE OF LORD’S DAY ON FIRST DAY OF WEEK Matt 28:1 He arose on 1st day Acts 2:1-4 H.S. descended on day of Lord. Acts 20:6,7 Believers came together to break bread 1 Cor 16:2 On 1st day they set aside an offering

SECOND ADVENT Jude 1:14,15 Judgment of ungodly 2 Thes 1:7-10 Rest, joy for Christians Dan 2:34,35 Sovereignty of Christ Dan 11:36-45 Deliverance for Israel Matt 23:37-25:46 Rev 19:11-16 Glory and Splendor of Christ. 21d

CHRIST’S TESTIMONY TO DEITY

The Lord Jesus Called Himself (a) He applied to Himself the Jehovistic I AM. the“Son of God” (The pronoun “he” is not in the Greek; cp. Jn. See John 5: 25. In this passage of Scripture (John 5: 8:24,56,57,58. The Jews correctly understood 17 – 47) the Lord Jesus not only calls Himself the this to be the Lord’s claim to full deity (v. 59). Son of God, but claims equality with the Father. See Jn. 10:33; 18:4-6; where, also, “he” is not in Because the Lord Jesus’ testimony was not received, the Greek text. He brought to attention the testimony of John (v. 32). (b) He claimed to be the ADONAI of the O.T. There is now the testimony of , which (Mt. 22:42-46, see Gen. 15:2). can be received “in court”. Other witnesses are (c) He asserted His identity with the Father (Mt. Jesus’ works (v. 36), the witness of the Father (v. 37), 28:19; Mk. 14:62; Jn.10:30). That the Jews so and the witness of the Scripture (v. 39). To me there understood Him is shown by Jn. 14:8-9; 17:5. is an interesting sequence – true witness (vv. 32,33), (d) He exercised the chief prerogative of God – greater witness (v. 36), the Father himself (v. 37), and forgiveness of sins (Mk. 2:5-7; Lk. 7:48-50). the record of all in the Scriptures (v. 39). (e) He asserted omnipresence (Mt. 11:6-8); omnipotence (Mt. 28:18; Lk. 7:14; Jn. 5:21-23; The Deity of Jesus Christ 6:19); mastery over nature, and creative power Is Declared in Scripture (Lk . 9:16-17; Jn. 2:9; 10:28). (f) He received and approved human worship of (1) The O.T. both intimates and explicitly Himself (Mt. 14:33; 28:9; Jn. 20:28-29). predicts His Deity. (a) The theophanies intimate the appearance of (3) The N.T. writers ascribe divine titles to Christ God in human form, and His ministry thus to (Jn. 1:1; 20:28; Acts 20:28; Rom. 1:4; 9:5; 2 Th. man (Gen. 16:7-14; 18:2-23, especially v. 17; 1:12; 1 Tim. 3:16; Ti. 2:13; Heb. 1:8; 1 John 5:20). compare 32:28 with Hos. 12:3-5; Ex. 3:2-14). (b) The Messiah is expressly declared to be the (4) The N.T. writers ascribe divine perfections Son of God (Psa. 2:2-9), and God (compare Psa. and attributes to Christ (Mt. 11:28; 18:20; 28:20; 45:6-7 with Heb. 1:8-9; Psa. 110:1 with Mt. Jn. 1:2; 2:23-25; 2:13; 5:17; Heb. 1:3,11-12 with 22:44; Acts 2:34 and Heb. 1:13; Psa. 110:4 with Heb. 13:8; Rev. 1:8; 17:18; 11:17; 22:13). Heb. 5:6; 6:20; 7:17-21; Zech. 6:13). (c) His virgin birth was foretold as the means (5) The N.T. writers ascribe divine works to through which God could be Immanuel, God Christ (Jn. 1:3,10; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3). with us (compare Isa. 9:6-7 with Mt. 1: 22, 23). (d) In Prophecy of His death He is called the (6) The N.T. writers teach that supreme worship Lord’s “fellow” (cp. Zech. 13:7 with Mt. 26:31). should be paid to Christ (Acts 7:59-60; 1 Cor. 1:2; (e) His eternal being is declared (cp. Mich 5:2 2 Cor. 13:14; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 1:5-6; with Mt. 2:6; John 7:42. 5:12-13).

(2) Christ Himself affirmed His Deity. (7) The holiness and resurrection of Christ confirm His Deity (Jn. 8:46; Rom. 1:4). 21e

IS JESUS GOD?

There are many proofs in the Bible that Jesus Isaiah saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, with Christ is God, that the Jesus of the New Testament is seraphim worshipping Him as LORD the Jehovah of the Old Testament. (Jehovah) of hosts. John plainly declares that Esaias (Isaiah) saw Christ’s glory and spoke of 1. John 1:1,14: “. . . the Word was God.” “And Him. the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” The Word, in these verses, can only refer 7. John 20:28: “Thomas answered and said unto to the Lord Jesus Christ. him, My Lord and my God.” Jesus accepted this worship from Thomas. 2. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” Here Jesus Christ claimed to be one with the Father. 8. 1 John 5:20: “We are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, 3. Romans 9:5: “. . . Christ came, who is over all, and eternal life.” What could be clearer than God blessed for ever. Amen.” This is a clear this! Jesus Christ is the true God! statement by the Apostle Paul that Christ is God. 9. Colossians 1:16: “By him (Christ) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are 4. Colossians 2:9: “For in him (Christ) dwelleth in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” If be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or words mean anything at all, these words teach powers.” See also John 1:3, 10. In all these the full deity of the Savior. verses, Christ is spoken of as the Creator. Compare Hebrews 3:4, “He that made all 5. Hebrews 1:8: “But unto the Son he (God) things is God.” saith, Thy throne, 0 God, is for ever and ever.” God, the Father here addresses the Lord Jesus 10. 1 Timothy 3:16: “Without controversy great is as God. the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh . . .” The only Person to whom this 6. By comparing Isaiah 6:1-3, 9, 10 with John could apply is the Lord Jesus Christ. 12:39-41 it will be seen that Jesus is Jehovah. 21f

Is the Lord Jesus in a literal, physical body of flesh and bones in heaven today?

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus rose from Mark 16:19 describes Christ, in His resurrection the dead with a literal, physical body, that He body, speaking to His disciples, then being received ascended to heaven with that same body, and that He up into heaven. “After the Lord had spoken unto is in heaven today in a body of flesh and bones. them, He was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God.” I. First of all, Christ rose from the dead with a literal, physical body. This can be proved first by In Luke 24:50,51, we see the Lord lifting up His several Scriptures which speak of the place where the hands to bless His disciples, so He obviously had a Lord’s body had been, but where it was no longer, physical body. While He blessed them, He was after His resurrection. carried up into heaven. This can only mean a bodily ascension. Matthew 28:5,6, “...come, see the place where the Lord lay.” After Jesus ascended to heaven, the angels said to the disciples, “... this same Jesus, which is taken Mark 16:6, “...behold the place where they laid up from you into heaven, shall so come in like him.” manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” He departed with a literal, physical body; therefore, He John 20:12, “...where the body of Jesus had will return with the same body. lain.” III. The third main point is this: Christ is in heaven The point to notice in these verses is that the today in a body of flesh and bones. body of Jesus was no longer in the sepulcher. When Stephen was martyred, he looked up into In Luke 24:39, the risen Lord clearly stated that heaven and saw Jesus standing on the right hand of He had a body of flesh and bones. “Behold, my hands God (Acts 7:55,56). and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me At His second coming, the Lord’s feet will stand have.” upon the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4). Other passages speak of His coming in a visible, bodily Again in John 20:27, He invited Thomas to form. thrust his hand into His riven side. “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy We therefore conclude that Christ ascended in hand and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, the same literal body of flesh and bones with which but believing.” He rose from the dead, and that He has that same body in heaven today. II. Christ ascended into heaven with the same body He had after He rose from the dead. In closing, perhaps we should add that

the resurrection body of the Savior was the same body as being a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:44), body which He had before His death, yet in a he does not mean that it is non-material, intangible glorified form. For instance, while He was still and invisible. Rather he means that it is suited to life recognizable by His disciple, He could enter a room in heaven, whereas a natural body is suited to life on while all the doors were shut (John 20:19,26). It was earth. a body which could eat broiled fish and honeycomb Emmaus Bible School (Luke 24:42,43), yet it was no longer subject to death (Romans 6:9). When the apostle Paul speaks of the resurrection

21g

COULD JESUS HAVE SINNED

Heb. 4:15 - Could Jesus have sinned? If we Satan to get behind Him. In resisting these three believe that Jesus was both God and man, He could challenges Christ had exhausted Satan’s storehouse not have sinned without involving and compromising of temptation. His Deity. Therefore, it was not possible for Him to have sinned. Scripture teaches plainly in many If Christ could not sin, does not this invalidate the passages, the absolute Deity of Christ. One such temptation? It is not the presentation of temptation passage is John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the from without which constitutes sin, but response Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word from within. Resistance to temptation does not was God. The same was in the beginning with God. invalidate the temptation, but it vindicates the person All things were made by Him, and without Him was who resists. The fact that there was nothing in the not anything made that was made.” This is a clear Lord Jesus to respond to sin in no way vitiates the statement that the Being called “the Word” was God actuality of the temptation. When gold is given the and coeternal with the Father. It also makes clear acid test it is to prove that it will not respond. If it that the Word had divine power and was, in fact, the were not pure, it would respond. The test is as actual Creator of all things. Verse 14 then states that genuine as the gold. Before a newly constructed “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and bridge is put into general use, often it is tested by we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten heavier weights than it is expected to bear. The fact of the Father), full of grace and truth.” The next that the bridge stands such a test raises no question of verse relates the testimony of John the Baptist: “This the reality of the test, but it establishes the validity of was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is the bridge as a public thoroughfare. A test is not less preferred before me: for He was before me.” This valid because the subject passes the test. positively identifies Jesus as the One called the Word. There can be no doubt of the Deity of Christ. How can Christ sympathize with us in our failures This guarantees what is called His “impeccability,” if He could not have sinned? While He did not which means that He could not have sinned. We learn experience failure in the sense of having any that He Who was God eternal could never change, deficiency in Himself, yet He was subjected to always holy - see Heb. 13:8. rejection. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief: and we hid How could it be said that He was tempted in all as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and points like as we are? We must not confuse we esteemed Him not” Isaiah tells us (53:3). temptation from without, with response from within. Further, while He bore our griefs and carried our He had presented to Him all the categories of sorrows, “Yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten temptation. 1 John 2:16 states: “All that is in the of' God, and afflicted.” Prophetically it is said of world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, Him in Psalm l02:23-24, “He weakened my strength and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the in the way; He shortened my days. I said, 0 my God, world.” All temptation to sin falls within these three take me not away in the midst of my days.” Isaiah categories. The Lord Jesus faced all three in His 49:4 says, “Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have temptation in the wilderness, at the very beginning of spent my strength for nought, and in vain; yet surely His ministry. After fasting forty days it was my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my suggested to Him to change stones into bread, both to God.” Acts 13:47 applies Isaiah 49 to the Lord Jesus, satisfy His hunger and to prove His Deity. But He quoting from verse 6. At the end of His three and a had taken upon Himself the form of a servant and half years of ministry the Lord Jesus had fewer hence would do nothing except His Father’s will. It disciples than Peter won on the day of Pentecost, and was also suggested that He cast Himself down from even His closest disciples forsook Him in the Hour of the pinnacle of the temple, so that the angels would His greatest trial. bear Him up and this would display His Deity. But here again it would have been a display of pride and Psalm 41:9 says: “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in would have “tempted” God. Finally He was shown whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath all the kingdoms of the world and all the glory of lifted up his heel against me.” When this was them in an appeal that He should worship Satan, who fulfilled by Judas, the Lord Jesus said: “Friend, would then give it all to Jesus. But the Lord Jesus wherefore art thou come?” (Matt. 26:50) Psalm not only scorned this offer, He then commanded 69:20 says: “Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take Hebrews 5:8-9 says: “Though He was a Son, yet pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I learned He obedience by the things which He found none.” So although the Lord Jesus had no suffered; and being made perfect, He became the element of deficiency in Himself, He knew the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey disappointments of His work not being accepted, and Him.” This is amplified in 2:17-18: “Wherefore in Himself being rejected. all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful In what sense was Christ “made perfect” through high priest in things pertaining to God, to make suffering? Does this imply previous imperfections? reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that This expression occurs more than once in the book of He Himself hath suffered being tempted, and He is Hebrews. In Hebrews 2:10 we read: “For it became able to succor them that are tempted.” There was no Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all imperfection at any time. But the sufferings were things, in bringing many sons to glory; to make the very real, and accomplished the important purpose of captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” enabling Him to be a merciful and faithful high priest The word here translated “perfect” means to for us. But this did not require that Christ should be complete, or bring into maturity. There are many able to sin, and we believe the other considerations things which can only be known experimentally. show that this was not the case with Him. 21h

WAS JESUS WHITE?

Without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness. “God was manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. It is a matter of historical book records that Jesus 3:16). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was born as a Jew. You may read the Biblical record was with God, and the Word was God. The same in Matthew 1:18-25. His risen glorified appearance is was in the beginning with God. And the Word was awesome. Some indication is given in Revelation made flesh, and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1,2,14). 1:13-18. Note, He was to save from sin (verse 21), God does not think like us, nor act like us (see Isaiah for He was Immanuel, God with us. You may read 55:6-11; Romans 11:33-36). He came to seek and to of His death by crucifixion in Matthew 27:27-50. An save the lost, to become the Sin Bearer and Savior of account of His rising from the dead is recorded in all who believe (John 3:16). In the mystery of God’s Matthew 28:1-10. He had told His disciples of His wisdom, the Jews were chosen to give us the returning to Heaven (read John 14:1-6), and the Scriptures and the Messiah, the Christ. He who was record of His ascension to Heaven is stated in Acts God, became a swarthy Jew, and my Savior. I do not 1:1-11, note verses 9 and 11 particularly. And John understand much, but “in His Word I hope” (Psalm 14:1-3 tells of His future return for believers. 130:5), for “I believe God” (Acts 27:25). 21i

John 20:17 vs. Luke 24:39

Perhaps we misunderstand Our Lord’s words to the Apostle John had laid his head on Jesus’ bosom, Mary: “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to but when He was the Lord in His glorified state, my Father...” These words are more literally according to Revelation 1, John “fell at His feet as rendered “Do not cling to me” (Berkely version, and dead.” The disciples’ personal relationship with others). He did not mean He was not to be touched Christ while He was on earth was a temporary but that He would not return to the former relationship, never to be resumed. relationship. He must ascend to the Father, and assume a new relationship to His disciples. Paul The incident related in Luke 24:39 was in an wrote of this in 2 Cor. 5:16. “Henceforth know we entirely different setting. There the disciples were so no man after the flesh; yea though we have known far from trying to re-establish the old relationship that Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Christ had to convince them that He was the very Him no more.” same Person who had died on the cross, and was now resurrected. Hence He said, “Behold, my hands and Mary had to learn she could not continue my feet, that it is I, myself: handle me, and see.” clinging to Christ in the flesh. She must learn to This word handle has more the force of “touch.” know Him now as glorified - He was on His way to They were to feel His flesh, and know that He was a ascension into Heaven. During our Lord’s lifetime, real Person in their midst. 22a

JUDGMENTS

I’m indebted for the fol1owing, to the notes of C. E. Scofield:

John 12:31 - this passage concerns the most 20:11-15). The time of this judgment is “when the blessed of all judgments, that of Him Who was made Son of man shall come in His glory,” i.e. at the “to be sin for us”, This judgment refers to Jesus second coming of Christ after the tribulation. The Christ as bearing the believer’s sins, which have been subjects of this judgment are “all nations,” i.e. all judged in the Person of Jesus Christ “lifted up” on the Gentiles then living on earth. Three classes of cross. The result was death for Christ and individuals are mentioned: (1) sheep, saved Gentiles; justification for the believer, who can never again be (2) goats, unsaved Gentiles; and (3) brethren, the put in jeopardy (John 5:24; Rom. 5:9; 8:1; 2 Cor. people of Israel. The scene is on earth; no books are 5:21; Gal. 3;13; Heb. 9:26-28; 10:10; 10:14-17; 1 opened; it deals with the living rather than with those Peter 2:24; 3:l8). translated or missed from the dead. The test of this judgment is the treatment by individual Gentiles of 1 Cor. 11:31 – self-judgment is not so much the those whom Christ calls “My brethren,” living in the Christian’s moral condemnation of his own ways and preceding tribulation period when Israel is fearfully habits, as of himself for allowing such ways. Self- persecuted (cp. Gen. 12:3). The good works judgment avoids chastisement. If self-judgment is mentioned are the proof but not the ground of faith neglected, the Lord judges, and the result is and salvation. The fact that the righteous and the chastisement, but never condemnation (v. 32; 2 Sam. unrighteous are still mingled and require separation 7:14-l5; l2:l3-l4; l Cor. 5:5; l Tim. 1:20; Heb.l2:7). after the establishment of Christ’s throne on earth See Prov. 28:l3; l Jn. 1:9. makes evident that no rapture or translation of the saints could have taken place at the time of Christ’s 2 Cor. 5:10 - the judgment of the believer’s coming to the earth after the tribulation. In such a works (not sins) is under discussion here. Sins have case the separation here described would have been atoned for and are remembered no more forever already occurred before the establishment of the (Heb. 10:17; but every work must come into throne. The sheep are Gentiles saved on earth during judgment (Mt. 12:36; Rom. 14:l0; Gal. 6:7; Eph. the period between the rapture and Christ’s second 6:8; Col. 3:24-25). The result is reward or loss of coming to the earth. reward “but he himself (the Christian) shall be saved” (1 Cor. 3:11-15). This judgment occurs at the return Jude 6 - the judgment of fallen angels, The of Christ for his Church (1 Cor. 4:5; 2 Tim. 4:8; “great day” is the day of the Lord (Isa. 2:9-22). As Rev. 22:12). the final judgment upon Satan occurs after the 1000 years and preceding the final judgment (Rev. 20:l0), Ezek. 20:37 - the passage is a prophecy of future it is congruous to conclude as to the time, that other judgment upon Israel, regathered from all nations fallen angels are judged with him (2 Peter 2:4; Rev. (Gen. 12:3). Under the future kingdom (which is set 20:10). Christians are associated with Christ in this up at start of the Millenium), the ancient method of judgment (1 Cor. 6:3). administering the theocratic government over Israel is to be restored - see Isa. 1:26. According to the Rev. 20:12 - read verses 10-15. Reference is to prophets, Israel (regathered from all nations, restored the final judgment. The subjects are the “dead”. As to her own land and converted) is yet to have her the redeemed were raised from among the dead 1000 greatest earthly exaltation and glory. The issue of years before (v.5) and have been in glory with Christ Ezek. 20:37 judgment determines who of Israel in during that period, the “dead” can only be the wicked that day will enter kingdom blessing. (Psa. 50: 1-7; dead, from the beginning of human history to the Ezek. 20:33-44; Mal. 3:2-5; 4:1,2). setting up of the great white throne in space. As there are degrees in punishment (Luke 12:47-48), the dead Matt. 25:32 - read verses 31-46. This judgment are judged according to their works. The book of life of individual Gentiles is to be distinguished from is there to answer such as plead their works for other judgments in the Scripture, such as the justification (e.g. Matt. 7:22-23) - an awfu1 blank judgment of the Church (2 Cor. 5:10-11, the where the name might have been. judgment of Israel (Ezek. 20:33-38), and the judgment of the wicked after the millenium (Rev. Rev. 20:14. The “second death” and the “lake of fire” in this verse are identical terms and are used and false prophet are still there, personally of the eternal state of the wicked. It is “second” existing. The words “forever and ever” (unto the relatively to the preceding physical death of the ages of the ages), cp. v. 10, are used of God (1:l8; wicked in unbelief and rejection of God; their eternal 4:9,10; 10:6; 15:7), of the glory of God (Gal. 1:5, state is one of “eternal death” (i.e. separation from etc.) and of the dominion, the reign of God (1 Peter God) in sins (John 8:21,24). That the second death is 4:11; Rev. 1:6; 5:13, 14; 7:12; 11:15), and plainly not annihilation is shown by a comparison of Rev. mean eternal in the sense of unending. 19:20 with 20:10. After 1000 years in the lake of fire 23a

UNDER LAW or UNDER GRACE?

Romans 6:14 -- Christians are “not under the law, but after the flesh, but after the spirit” (Romans 8:4). under grace.” However, the Ten Commandments are They are enjoined to seek things above, and to set profitable for “instruction in righteousness” (2 their affections on things above (Col. 3:1, 2). Timothy 3:16, 17). Nevertheless, believers are not Christians are to present their bodies as a living sacri- subject to legalism, but to a much higher code - that fice, holy acceptable unto God (Romans 12:1, 2). of love. “This is love, that we walk after his The Scriptures give many admonitions (negative and commandments” (2 John 6). “All the law is fulfilled positive) for holy living, and encourage a “walk in in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16). Those who obey are richly neighbor as thyself” (Gal. 5:14). Christians are not to rewarded. See Gal. 5:22, 23. continue in sin (Romans 6:1, 2), and are to “walk not 23b

THE LAW AND THE CHRISTIAN’S RELATI0NSHIP TO IT

The law was given to the nation of Israel (Ex. Christ did not come to destroy the law but to 20:2), but while the law was not given to Gentiles fulfill it (Matt. 5:17). He kept it perfectly in His life (Rom. 2:14a), they have the works of the law written and paid its awful penalty in His death. He said that in their hearts (Rom. 2:14,15). Each will be judged not one jot or tittle would pass from the law till all be on that basis (Rom. 2:12). In giving the law to Israel, fulfilled (Matt. 5:18). For the believer, the law was God used that nation as a sample of the human race. fulfilled in the work of Christ at Calvary. Israel’s failure proved the failure of the race (Rom. 3:19). There is no justification by the law (Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2:16,21; 3:11). It was never God’s The law is holy, just, good, and spiritual, (Rom. intention that anyone be saved by the law. Even if a 7:7,12,14,16; 1 Tim. l:8). But it had bad raw person could keep it perfectly from this day forward, materials to work with (Rom. 7:7-9). It was weak he still would not be justified because God requires through the flesh (Rom. 8:3). It made nothing perfect that which is past. (Heb. 7:19). The Spirit is not received by law-keeping (Gal. The essence of the law is love to God and love to 3:2). one’s neighbor (Matt. 7:12; Matt. 22:36-40; Rom. 13:8,10; Gal. 5:14). Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13; 4:4,5). The law’s purpose is to produce conviction of sin (Rom. 3:20; Matt. 19:16-22; Luke 10:25; Rom. 4:l5; The believer is dead to the law by the body of 5:20; Rom. 7:7; 1 Cor. 15:56; Gal. 3:19; 1 Tim. Christ (Rom. 7:4,6; Gal. 2:19). Christ is the end of l:8,9). It is good if it is used for this purpose. the law for righteousness to those who believe (Rom. l0:4). Now that Christ is come, we are no longer Sin is not imputed (as transgression) where there under law (Gal. 3:25). Those who are led by the is no law (Rom. 5:13). Spirit are not under law (Gal. 5:18). The law is done away for the believer (2 Cor. 3:7-11). There is no virtue in hearing the law; it demands obedience (Rom. 2:13). The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in those who walk after the Spirit (Rom. 8:4). The penalty for breaking the law is death (Gal. While the believer is not under law but under 3:10). It is impossible to be under the law without grace (Rom. 6:14,15), he is not lawless. Rather he is being under the curse (Gal. 3:10). The law demands enlawed to Christ (1 Cor. 9:21). perfect and complete obedience (Gal. 3:10; 5:3; The gospel does not make void the law; it James 2:10,11). To break one law is to break all. establishes the law (Rom. 3:31). The penalty which the law demands has been paid by the Lord Jesus. The law told men what to do but didn’t give “Stern justice can demand no more, and mercy can them the power to do it. It had the effect of stirring dispense her store.” up dormant desires and appetites in man (Rom. 7:9,10). The law itself is not dead. It has never been repealed. The law was not God’s ultimate program. It was added till the seed should come (Gal. 3:19). It was Nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in our schoolmaster until the coming of Christ (Gal. the New Testament, but they are not repeated as law, 3:24). with penalty attached, but as instruction in righteousness for the people of God.

Commandment New Testament Reference

1. Thou shalt have no other God Matt. 4:10; 1 Cor. 6:9,10; 10:7,14; before me. 1 John 5:20,21

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:23; 1 Cor. 10:7 a graven image, etc.

3. Thou shalt not take the Name of Matt. 5:33-37; James 5:12 the Lord, thy God, in vain.

4. Honor thy father and thy mother. Eph. 6:2; Col. 3:20

5. Thou shalt not kill. Matt. 5:2l,22; 1 John 3:15

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Matt. 5:27,28; 1 Thes. 4:3-5

7. Thou shalt not steal. 1 Cor. 6:9,10; Eph. 4:28

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness Matt. 5:43-48; Eph. 4:25 against thy neighbor.

9. Thou shalt not covet. Rom. 7:7

The one commandment which is not repeated is the one commanding Sabbath observance. Christians are never taught to keep the Sabbath (even though we admit that there is a principle in the Word of one day in seven).

Christ and not the law is the believer’s rule of life (1 John 2:6). He is our standard, our pattern, our example (John 13:15; 15:12; Eph. 5:1,2,8,15,16; 1 John 3:16).

Grace and law cannot co-exist (Gal. 4:30). Faith and law are contrary principles (Gal. 3:12). But the law is not against the promises of God (Gal. 3:21). 24a

ANTHROPOLOGY

IMAGE OF GOD Gen 1:26-28 Let us make man in Our image Gen 2:7 God formed man from the dust; breathed Eph 4:22-25 New nature created after the likeness of God Col 3:9-10 New Nature renewed after the image of its creator

TRADUCIAN THEORY Heb 7:9-10 Levi paid tithes through

MAN’S INNOCENCY & FALL TAKEN AS LITERAL Job 20:4-5 The exulting of the wicked is short, joy of the Job 31:33 godless is but for a moment. Matt 19:4,5 He made them male and female Rom 5:12-21 Sin came into the world through one man 1 Tim 2:13-14 Adam formed first, then Eve

SPIRITUAL DEATH Jn 5:25 The dead will hear the voice of God

PHYSICAL DEATH 1 Cor 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death

SECOND DEATH Rev 20:14 This is the Second death

CARNAL DEATH 1 Tim 5:6 She who is self indulgent is dead even while she lives Phil 3:11 The resurrection from the dead (Paul’s carnal …?)

FRUITLESS DEATH James 2:17 Faith by itself, without works is dead Rom 6:21-23 No return from things you are not ashamed of

LIBERATING DEATH Phil 3:10 Becoming like him in his death

PENALTY ON SERPENT Gen 3:14 SATAN 3:15 EVE & WOMAN 3:16 ADAM & MEN 3:17-19 WHOLE RACE 3:20-24 LORD JESUS 3:15

FORGIVENESS Eph 4:32 Forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave

JUSTIFICATION Rom 3:26 He justifies him who has faith in Jesus

THE SIN NATURE Eph 2:3 By nature the children of wrath Psa 51:5 In sin did my mother conceive me

ALL HAVE SINNED Gal 3:22 The scripture concludes all under sin Rom 11:32 God has consigned all men to disobedience Col 1:13 He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness Eph 2:1-2 Following the prince of the power of the air

CHASTENING 1 Cor 11:31-32 When we are judged we are chastened Heb 12:4-15 The Lord disciplines him who He loves SCOURGE Heb 12:6 RETRIBUTION Rom 12:19 Vengeance is mine. I will repay.

FINAL TRIUMPH OVER SIN 1 Cor 15 :25-28 God has put all things in subjection under his Rev 20:11-22:7 Christ will adjust everything to His Father’s

FUTURE OF MATERIAL PART OF MAN 1 Cor 15:35-37

VERSES TO BE EXPLAINED FROM DICHOTAMOUS VIEW 1 Thes 5:23 Heb 4:12

MAN CREATED Gen 1:26-28 Creation of man

IMAGE CREATED 1 Cor 11:7 Man is the image of God

CHRIST INCARNATE 2 Cor 4:4 Christ is the likeness of God

IMAGE CONTINUED Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God

MAN RECREATED Col 3:10 Nature being renewed in knowledge

IMAGE CORRECTED Eph 4:24 New nature created after likeness of God

MAN GLORIFIED Rom 8:29 Conformed to the image of the Son

IMAGE CONQUERING 1 Jn 3:2 When He appears we shall be like Him

MAN FALLEN, IMAGE CORRUPTED Rom 1:23 Exchanged glory of God for images

MAN UNREPENTANT, IMAGE CONDEMNED Gen 9:6 Will require blood for murder for God 24b

INNATE TOTAL DEPRAVITY OF MAN

This doctrine suffers from misconceptions. It does not mean man is bad as can be, for many are 2. They are spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1) - physical good, kind, generous, moral, etc. Rather the true death is a result of spiritual death (Romans 5:12). definition lies in the fact that natural man is as bad off as he can be, before a Holy God. What’s 3. Also man (who is under sin and spiritually dead) involved? Not man’s estimation of man, but God’s is under condemnation (John 3:18, 36; Romans estimation of man. The Scriptures do not measure 1:18; 2 Thess. 1:9). men by men, but by GOD who has created them. The doctrine of depravity does not refer so much to 4. Also, natural man is under the power of Satan, conduct, but rather to state. In Galatians 3:22 we find under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19; 2 “the Scripture hath concluded all under sin” - a Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:1-3; Col. 1:13). universal pronouncement. When Adam fell, it was all the way. He became totally depraved, unable to 5. Finally, the doctrine of depravity presents the do anything to please God - “short of the glory of truth that natural man is lost. This condition is God” (Romans 3:23). presented in Eph. 2:12, and the answer for it is given quickly in verse 13. There are three aspects of sin: There is only one answer for change - JESUS 1. The personal aspect is of acts - manifestations of CHRIST. “There is therefore now no condemnation the exercise of a person’s will (Romans 3:23) to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Salvation is by grace, through faith - the gift of God - 2. Another aspect refers not to acts, but to the not of work (Eph. 2:8, 9; Romans 10:9, 10). nature which produces those acts (Romans 7:25; 8:2). In Romans 3:10-21 some of its fruits are The Word of God contrasts human wisdom with listed. the wisdom of God. See 1 Cor. 1:18-25. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of 3. The third aspect is stated in Gal. 3:23 – “all God; for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he under sin” refers to the state in which man has know them, because they are spiritually discerned” been placed by God. See Romans 3:9. (1 Cor. 2:13, 14). But the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convince man of sin (John 16:7-11), and to Man must recognize five great facts to minister through the Word (the Bible), for “faith understand the doctrine of depravity: cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). “Whosoever shall call upon the 1. All men are under sin (Gal. 3:2; Romans 3:9). name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). 24c

IN THE IMAGE OF GOD

Is Man Made in the “Image and Likeness of God”?

This image is found chiefly in the fact that man is a personal, rational, and moral being. While God Man was created in innocence, placed in a is infinite and man finite, nevertheless, man possesses perfect environment, subjected to a simple test, and the elements of personality similar to those of the warned of the consequences of disobedience. He was divine Person: thinking (Genesis 2:19, 20; 3:8), not compelled to sin, but tempted by Satan, he chose feeling (Genesis 3:6) willing (Genesis 3:6, 7). That to disobey God. The woman was deceived; the man man has a moral nature is implicit in the record and is transgressed deliberately (1 Tim. 2:14). The further attested by the New Testament usage stewardship of innocence ended in the expulsion (Ephesians 3:23, 24; Col. 3:10). Man is also, from Eden. (Genesis 3:24) “But God commendeth according to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, a triunity, made His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, up of body, soul and spirit. But because “God is a Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “He that believeth Spirit” (John 4:24), this tripartite nature of man is not on Him is not condemned …” (John 3:18). to be confused with the original “image and likeness” of God which, being spiritual, relates to the elements of personality. 24d

What is the difference between soul and spirit? Do animals have a soul and a spirit?

It is very difficult to explain the difference the spirit and the soul. We know that the body is between the soul and the spirit because both are distinct from the soul and spirit because at physical invisible and non-material. death these are separated from the body (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). In general, the word “soul” carries the idea of a breathing creature. A dead dog has only a body, but a Hebrews 4:12 teaches us that there is a living dog has life or breath in its body. Thus we say difference between soul and spirit, but it is only in the that a living animal has a body and a soul. The soul Word of God that we find this division between soul here simply means animal life. The soul distinguishes and spirit. The soul and spirit are never viewed as a living being from a dead one. separated one from the other. Thus we find it hard to note where the distinction lies. Generally speaking, In Revelation 16:3, we read that “every living the soul is that part of our being which has to do with soul died in the sea.” This simply means that every our emotions and feelings, and through the soul we creature in the sea that had breath died. It refers, of are able to know about ourselves. The spirit is the course, to fishes and sea mammals. part of us which enables us to worship and to have communion with God. Usually, the word “soul” is translated “creature” when referring to animals. Thus, the same word Angels are spoken of as ministering spirits translated “soul” in Genesis 2:7 when speaking of (Hebrews 1:14). They are spiritual and superhuman man is translated “creature” in the following passages beings. The lesson notes state that they do not have when referring to animals (Genesis 1:21; 1:24; 2:19; HUMAN bodies or souls. This does not mean that 9:10, 15, 16; Leviticus 11:46). they only have a spirit; it simply means that they do not have a body and soul like ours. Now the Bible teaches that man has not only a body and a soul but a spirit as well (1 Thessalonians Sometimes the words “soul” and “spirit” are 5:23). We all readily recognize what the body is be- used interchangeably in the Bible, but at other times, cause we can see and feel the body. It is that part of as in the references given above, they are us by which we are conscious of the world around us. distinguished. It is more difficult to define the difference between 25a

PRAYER

Prayer is an attitude of heart of the Christian, The effectiveness of praying does not depend on before his God. Therefore it can be expressed in particular features of the prayers themselves, other many ways. I have communicated with the Lord in than their being in the will of God. It is rather a prayer, off my knees, with eyes open, while driving a question of the state of the one who prays, in his car on a crowded expressway. As to kneeling when relationship to God. Ordinarily, prayers should be we pray, this is proper since we are addressing the specific, yet we are instructed in Scripture to engage God who made us, the One to whom we all shall give in some praying which is not specific. For instance account of our lives. Yet the Bible describes in 1Tim. 2:1-2 the Apostle Paul wrote, “I exhort different postures for prayer. At the dedication of the therefore that ...supplications, prayers, intercessions, Temple at Jerusalem, knelt (1 Kings 8:54), and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and in Eph. 3:14 Paul speaks of bowing his knees in and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a prayer. In administering the Old Testament rituals, quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” the priests commonly stood, and we read of David, in “All men” is as general as any term could be; and 2 Samuel 7:18, that he went in “and sat before the while “kings, and all that are in authority” is more Lord,” to offer his prayer of thanksgiving to God. So specific it can hardly be classified as a specific one may stand, kneel, or sit while praying, and it can request. Yet verse 3 says, “For this is good and be acceptable to God. The question of posture in acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” prayer, like the question of praying with eyes closed or open, is a matter of why we do what we do and The general and specific are combined in Eph. what effect it has on our communion with God. 6:18-19; “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit ... with all perseverance and In the Bible we find numerous conditions which supplication for all saints; and for me, ... that I may believers must meet if they are to receive the open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery petitions they ask of God. These conditions can be of the gospel.” Some persons pray only in general placed in two different categories: (1) The thing we terms. But needs are often very specific, and I ask for must be in His will for us. (2) We must be in believe we ought to pray for people by name, and for a right relationship with God; we must be on what particular needs. This constitutes a prayer ministry, someone has called “praying ground.” While there and enables us to share the burdens of work which are many places in the Bible where these conditions God has given others to do. In praying for all men, are not mentioned, they are implied, since they are or people in a certain country or category, we ought given elsewhere in the Bible. I believe it is wrong to to obtain as much information about them as take a general statement such as is found in John possible, so that our hearts will be really burdened 14:14 and claim it as a promise without considering about their needs and their welfare. Then we can be other conditions. There Christ said, “If ye shall ask sure that our prayers on their behalf will not be anything in my name, I will do it.” without value. 1 John 5:14,15 clearly states that acceptable prayer must be “according to His (God’s) will,” and Answered prayers, how known? Obviously, James 4:3 says, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye when answers are according to preconceived desires, ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” there is no problem. However, in most lives prayer 1 John 3:20-22 makes it clear that our hearts must be request are according to “wants” and not to “needs” - right with God. James l:5-7 shows that our asking see Phil. 4:6,7,19. To recognize answers to such must be in faith, in keeping with our Lord’s words in prayers present no problems. In my opinion, it is Mark 11:24, “What things soever ye desire, when ye easier to recognize God’s answers to prayers of faith, pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have by the backward look over life’s path, rather than them.” “now”. Then His answers (which probably do not conform to our expectations) are possible of The verses which follow that promise of Christ recognition. They are part of a life pattern. show that we must have a forgiving spirit toward others. These verses do not refer to salvation but to Prayer - directly to God? - through the Lord the believer’s communion with God. It is broken if Jesus? We are urged to “come boldly unto the throne we harbor an unforgiving spirit toward others. The of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to parables of Luke 11 and 18 show that we must be help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16). Also, we are told urgent and persistent in our praying. to be in a constant attitude of prayer - see 1 Thess. 5:17. Personally, I approach the Father, asking in the name of the Lord Jesus - see John 14:13,14; 15:16; to approach God outlined in the words of the Holy 16:23, 24. There is no other name or manner in which Bible. 26a

NEW TESTAMENT PRIESTHOOD

Aaron and his sons typify Christ and believers of “the holiest of all”, and that but once a year the Church Age. Aaron is a type of Christ as our (Heb. 9:7); but when Christ died, the veil, a type High Priest. Christ is a priest after the order of of Christ’s human body (Heb. 10:20), was rent, Melchizedek (Heb. 7) but he executes His priestly so now the believer-priests, equally with Christ office after the pattern of Aaron (Heb. 9). See the High Priest, have access to God in the holiest Genesis 14:18-20 (verse 18). Aaron’s sons are a type (Heb. 10:19-22). The High Priest is corporeally of believer-priests of the Church Age (Rev. 1:6; cp. 1 there (Hebrews 4:14-16; 9:24; 10:19-22). Peter 2:9). 5. In the exercise of his office the New Testament New Testament Priesthood believer-priest is:

1. Until the law was given, the head of each family a. a sacrificer who offers a four-fold sacrifice: was the family priest. (Genesis 8:20; 26:25; 31:54) * his own living body (Rom. 12:1; Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:6; James 1:27; 1 John 2. When the law was proposed, the promise to 3:16); perfect obedience was that Israel should be unto God “a kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6); but Israel * praise to God, “the fruit of our lips violated the law, and God shut up the priestly giving thanks to his name,” to be office to the Aaronic family, appointing the tribe offered continually (Heb. 13:15; cp. Ex. of Levi to minister to Israel, thus constituting the 25:22, “I will commune with thee from typical priesthood (Ex. 28:1). above the mercy seat”);

3. In the Church Age, all Christians are * his substance (Romans 12:13; Galatians unconditionally constituted a “kingdom of 6:6, 10; Titus 3:14; Hebrews 3:2; 16:3; priests” (verse 9; Rev. 1:6), the distinction which John 5 - 8); and Israel failed to achieve by works. The priesthood of the Christian is, therefore, a birthright, just as * his service, i.e., “to do good” (Hebrews every descendant of Aaron was born to the 13:16). priesthood (Hebrews 5:1). b. The New Testament priest is also an 4. The chief privilege of a priest is access to God. intercessor (Col. 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:1). Under the law the high priest only could enter 27a

PROPHECY

Paul valued the gift of prophecy more highly NT Scriptures. than any other gift (except that of Apostle) (1 Cor. 14:1). In the NT predictive prophecy occurs in seven cases as that of when he predicted a famine Prophets were another foundation gift given by (Acts 1l:27, 28) and troubles for Paul in Jerusalem the ascended Christ to the Church. The gift of (Acts 21:10,11). However, the prediction of future prophecy is distributed by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. events was secondary and coincidental. Forthtelling 12:11). One refers to an office; the other to an rather than foretelling was the substance of edifying gift. prophetic gift.

The Greek verb “propheteo” means to forthtell, “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to speak out concerning divine things. The noun to the prophets” (1 Cor. 14:32). “prophetes” refers to one who has insight into divine things and who speaks them forth to others. The idea “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the of foretelling (prediction) is secondary and others judge” (1 Cor. 14:29). incidental. Prophesyings were not to be despised (1 Thess. The essence of the prophetic gift was the 5:20) but their utterances were to be carefully judged reception of direct revelation from God (1 Cor. (1 John 4:1; Rev. 2:2). When the NT was completed 14:29-31). The common element was that the Holy the office of prophet ceased. It was no longer Spirit was directly guiding His people through needed. Our appeal now is to the inspired Word, not prophets prior to the completion of the NT Scriptures. to man. There are no more revelations to be added to The prophets brought “edification,” “exhortation” the sacred Scriptures of truth. and “consolation” to the church (1 Cor. 14:3) and conviction and repentance to unbelievers (1 Cor. In a secondary sense of the word “prophet”, we 14:24-25). Prophecy is spirit-inspired utterance do have those who exercise the prophetic ministry of dealing with present needs. Thus the prophets proclaiming God’s written Word in a manner which guided, directed, taught, edified, exhorted, consoled edifies, exhorts and gives direction to believers. the believers in the absence of the sacred cannon of Those who bring the right Word for the occasion. 27b

THE RAPTURE

The Bible tells that the Lord may come at any would be undoubtedly a considerable number of moment. This is stated in 1 Thess. 5:1-11. I persons professing Christianity, who never understand the Bible to teach that believers living experienced the new birth. No one would be able to today should be looking for the coming of Christ discern that the living, true believers in Christ had described in 1 Thess. 4:13-18, which is referred to as been caught up to heaven. That it is more likely to be the “Rapture” of the Church (from the Latin term for this way seems probable from the fact that Scripture “catching away”). Scholars take this to be “the says of those who previously heard the Gospel and blessed hope” of Titus 2:13. This is the event the did not believe it, “For this cause God shall send Thessalonian converts awaited (1 Thess, 1:9-10). them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie” Read of this also in Philippians 3:20-21 and l Cor. (2 Thess. 2:11). If recognized that the Rapture had 15:51-57. Note that the statements of 1 Thess. 4:13- taken place, it would seem they would more likely 15 (about those who “sleep in Jesus”) have reference believe the truth. But there will be no “second to the bodies of believers which had been buried after chance.” See 2 Cor. 6:2. death. These bodies will be raised first (verse 16). Then the living saints (who will not experience That the Rapture will take place prior to the death) will meet the Lord in the air (verse 17). Great Tribulation is apparent (to me) from Rev. 3:10. Confirmation is given in the context of 2 Thess. 2:1- Some suppose the rapture of the church will take 12. It is important to note that the correct translation place under tranquil circumstances, so that the of 2:2 is “the day of the Lord” (Tribulation), as ren- sudden disappearance of believers in Christ could be dered in the earliest manuscripts. The KJV readily identified. But I know of nothing in Scripture translation “the day of Christ” (Rapture) is incorrect. to suggest that this event will occur in that way. If, Note the assurance to the persecuted believers of instead, there should be an atomic explosion, or a Thessalonica in verse 3, “that day (Great Tribulation) sudden declaration of war (with perhaps additional shall not come except” etc. - verse 1 speaks of the catastrophic events such as earthquakes, whirlwinds, Rapture. or other natural phenomenons which would distract (the minds of men) it does not seem likely (in my There are differences of opinion, about when the opinion) it would be noticed that believers had Rapture will occur, due to the various views of disappeared. dispensational teaching, etc. Two Emmaus courses are helpful – “Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth” In the event of such catastrophies, unbelievers and “Countdown to Eternity.” might also be destroyed. Of those remaining, there 27c

THE MILLENNIUM

The term “millennium” is simply the Latin for the Old Testament far more is said of that time than “a thousand years.” It is taken from Revelation 20, of Christ’s first advent into the world. Isaiah 2:4 and where six times the duration of Christ’s earthly 4:3 state that at that time “they shall beat their kingdom is said to be a thousand years. But the word swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning “millennium” has taken on a technical significance, hooks: Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, as representative of all that is said of Christ’s earthly neither shall they learn war any more.” At that time reign in other passages as well. Hence, today many the curse of sin shall be removed from the earth persons speak of the “millennium,” not so much (Rom. 8:21), so that “instead of the thorn shall come signifying its duration of a thousand years, but a time up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up or condition in which there shall be universal peace the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, and prosperity, because these things are prophesied for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off” (Isa. of Christ’s Kingdom. 55:13). Many other prophecies tell of Christ ruling in righteousness, resulting in universal peace (Isa. 32:1- It would not be possible within a limited scope to 17). This is usually what people have in mind in refer to all the passages relating to this kingdom. In speaking of the millennium. 28a

THE RESURRECTIONS

Two resurrections are yet future, which are who were martyred, I believe are the last cohort of inclusive of “all that are in the graves” (John 5:28). the first resurrection. They are distinguished as the “first resurrection,” which is one “of life” (John 5:28,29; 1 Cor. 15:22, The saints of all ages (overcomers) will be 23; 1 Thess. 4:14-17; Rev. 20:4-6), and a “second associated with Christ in the millennial reign - Rev. resurrection” which is one of “damnation”, (more 3:21; 5:9,10; 11:15-18; 15:3,4; 19:16; 20:4,6. Daniel properly translated as judgment) - see John 5:28,29; prophesied of the time coming when “the saints (Old, Rev. 20:5-15. They are separated by a period of New, Tribulation) will possess the kingdom.” For 1000 years (Rev. 20:5). reference see 1 John 5:4,5; Rev. 2:11; 3:21; 20:4,6.

Bear in mind that the first resurrection (Rev. Those saints who shared in the first resurrection 20:5,6) is not an event, but rather an order of will inhabit the eternal state in the heavenlies after resurrection. It is first in contrast to the last raising or the Millenium. Abraham, as typical of saints, desired second resurrection, (after the Millenium), of the “a better country, that is an heavenly; wherefore God wicked dead, unto everlasting judgment (the second is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath death) - see Rev. 20:5-15. The Lord Jesus was the prepared for them a city” (Heb. 11:10-17). After the first one raised from the dead with a resurrection Millenium the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:2) will be the body - the firstfruit from the dead (1 Cor. 15:20). dwelling place throughout all eternity for saints of all Matthew 27:52,53 seems to indicate another actual ages (Heb. 12:22,23). Those born and saved during resurrection, of a token number of saints – “graves the Millennial kingdom period will inhabit the new were opened”, and later “many bodies of the saints earth forever. I believe Rev. 21:1 and 2 Peter 3:1- which slept arose.” Other saints (O.T. and N.T.) will 13 give confirmation. be raptured, when the Lord returns “in the air” to gather up His own, prior to the Tribulation period (1 You will find very interesting and instructive an Thess. 4:13-18). That O.T. saints will be included, I Emmaus course (“Rightly Dividing the Word of understand from Heb. 11:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Truth”). Much of it deals with dispensational truths. Thess. 4:16. The Tribulation saints of Rev. 20:4, 29a

THE SABBATH

When was the Sabbath changed to the Lord’s 20:7). Day? c. It is the day appointed by God in which The Sabbath was never changed to the Lord’s Christians should hold a collection and lay by in Day. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, or store as the Lord has prospered them (1 Cor. our Saturday. The Lord’s Day is the first day of the 16:1, 2). week, or our Sunday. d. It is the day on which the Holy Spirit was What is a Christian’s relation to the Sabbath? given (Acts 2:1; compare Lev. 23:15, 16).

Although God Himself rested from the work of To the believer, the Lord’s Day is not a day of creation on the Sabbath day (Gen. 2:2,3), He did not duty, which he keeps under threat of punishment by command anyone else to do so until He gave the death. Rather it is a day of privilege, when he should manna to the Nation of Israel (Exodus 16:26). Later seek to praise and serve the Lord in a special way, He included the keeping of the Sabbath in the Ten since he is released from his daily occupation. Commandments (Exodus 20:8,10). “The true character of the Lord’s day is The Sabbath was a day of responsibility. The illustrated in our Lord’s use of it. He comforted Jews were forbidden to do servile work. Those who weeping Mary; walked seven miles with two broke the Sabbath, even by gathering sticks for fire perplexed disciples, giving a Bible reading by the wood, were put to death (Numbers 15:32-36). way; sent messages to other disciples; had a private interview with backslidden Peter, and imparted the Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians Holy Spirit to the men in the upper chamber.” ever commanded to keep the Sabbath. C. I. Scofield

What is a Christian’s relation to the Lord’s Day? Did a make the change?

In this age of grace, believers set aside the No pope changed the Sabbath to Sunday. The Lord’s Day in a special way for worship and service Sabbath is still the seventh day, and the first day of because: the week is the Lord’s day.

a. The Lord Jesus rose from the dead on that day, a proof that the work of redemption was “Under the law, after a week of work, rest was completed (John 20:1). needed. But when all the work has been done, it is a different matter. We can begin the week with rest, for b. The early disciples met on that day to break our Lord Jesus has done all the work necessary for bread, showing forth the Lord’s death (Acts our salvation.” F. W. Dixon 29b

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON THE SABBATH

1. Sabbath-keeping is one of the Ten collection on the first day of the week (1 Cor. Commandments, and these are definitely said to be 16:1,2). “done away” for the believer in Christ (2 Cor. 3:7- 11). It is futile to argue, as some do, that this passage 4. Jews under law have their day of rest at the end refers to the ceremonial law and not to the moral law. of a week of toil. Christians under grace begin their In verse 7 the law is described as “the ministration of week with a day of rest, because Christ has finished death, written and engraven in stones.” This could the work. only refer to the moral law, that is, the Ten Commandments. Then in verse 11 we read that the 5. The Sabbath was a day of obligation. The ministration of death, though glorious, is “done Lord’s Day is a day of privilege. Released from away”. Nothing could be clearer than this. The secular occupations, we are enabled to devote it to Christian is not obligated to keep the Sabbath. Him in a special way.

2. No Gentile was ever commanded to keep the 6. The Sabbath commemorated the first creation. Sabbath. The law was given to the Jewish people (Ex. The Lord’s Day is linked with the new creation. 31:13). Although God Himself rested on the seventh day, He didn't command anyone else to do it at that 7. The Sabbath was a shadow of what was to come, time. Sabbath-keeping was first commanded at Mt. but the substance belongs to Christ (Col. 2:16, 17). Sinai, and then only to the children of Israel. 8. Christians cannot be condemned for failing to 3. It is not true, as some allege, that the Sabbath keep the Sabbath (Col. 2:16). was changed to Sunday by the decree of some Pope. Christians set aside the Lord’s Day in a special way Sabbath-keepers answer this by claiming that for worshiping and serving the Lord because: “sabbath-days” in Col. 2:16 (KJV) refer to all sabbaths except the weekly sabbath. But the critical a. The Lord Jesus rose from the dead on that day, versions have the singular “sabbath” in this verse. a proof that the work of redemption was completed (John 20:1). Also He met with His 9. The law is fulfilled in loving one’s neighbor disciples that same evening and on the (Rom. 13:8-10; Gal. 5:14), not in the rigid following Sunday (John 20:19,26). observance of a day.

b. The Holy Spirit was given on the first day of 10. Sabbath-keepers argue that the Ten the week (Pentecost was the seventh Sunday Commandments enshrine moral principles that are after the resurrection). for every age. They do not see that the commandment concerning the Sabbath is more c. The early disciples met on that day to break ceremonial than moral. The keeping of a day is not bread, showing forth the Lord’s death (Acts inherently right or wrong in itself. The only reason 20:7). that it was wrong to work on the seventh day was d. Paul instructed the Christians to take up a because God said so. 29c

AS BELIEVERS ARE WE TO OBSERVE THE JEWISH SABBATH?

Since the Sabbath was so intertwined with the Lord”. All the standard Greek lexicons (Moulton ceremonial law given to Israel (sabbatic years, year and Milligan, Kittel, Arndt and Gingrich, etc.) of Jubilee in Leviticus 25), it has no formal understand the word as referring to Sunday. The relationship to the believer today. The “sabbatic expression is used to stand for Sunday in such principle” of one day in seven still is in effect, but early Christian writings as the Didache and there is evidence that the early church saw this as Ignatius’ Letter to the Magnesians. being changed to the first day of the week. Evidence for this is seen in the following facts: 6. The testimony of second-century writers uniformly attests to an unquestioned practice 1. Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the since apostolic days of Sunday worship: week (Jn. 20:1), sanctifying it as a special day in the order of the “new creation”. “But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first 2. The promised coming of the Holy Spirit was day on which God, having wrought a change fulfilled on the first day of the week (Acts 2:1 in the darkness and matter, made the world; ff.). (See Hoekema’s Four Major Cults, page and Jesus Christ our Savior on the same day 165.) rose from the dead.” (Justin Martyr, First Apology, ch. 67; see 3. At Troas the believers assembled for worship on also his Dialogue with Trypho, ch. 26 and the first day of the week (Acts 20:6, 7). of Barnabas, sect. 15).

4. Paul instructed the Christians at Corinth to make 7. Finally, the Apostle Paul warns believers about contributions on the first day of the week (1 Cor. those who would condemn them if they did not 16:2). observe the dietary laws, the feasts, or the Sabbath day (Col. 2:16). Those who observe 5. The Apostle John in Revelation 1:10 said, “I was these and impose them on others are serving the in the Spirit on the Lord’s day”(en tee kuriakee “shadow of things to come”, where now we have heemera). The Greek word kuriakee is an the substance of those shadows - Christ (v.17). adjective meaning “the day belonging to the 30a

HOW CAN A PERSON BE SURE HE IS SAVED?

This question may be handled by answering two simple questions: Do you believe what God says? God says that if you receive His Son, He will save you. First, has the person done what God has told him to do? You say you have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. Well, has God saved you? He says in His Second, does the person believe what God Word that he saves all who come to Christ. You say says? you have come to Christ. Well, has God saved you? Do you believe what God says? First, has the person done what God has told him to do? God says that, in order to be saved, we must You see, it is a matter of believing God. come as guilty, lost sinners, and receive Jesus Christ Assurance of salvation comes through believing that as Lord and Savior. He says that we must believe on He has done what He said He would do. It comes the Lord Jesus Christ, that is, commit ourselves to through believing the promises of the Word of God. Him - spirit, soul and body. He says we must accept the Savior as the One who died as our Substitute on But, you say, I don’t feel saved? That may be the Cross of Calvary, paying the penalty which our true. God did not say you would feel saved. He said sins deserved. He says we must abandon any hope of you would be saved. Assurance of Salvation does saving ourselves, or even helping to save ourselves; not come through feelings; they are most undepend- we must rely completely on the Person and work of able - up one day and down the next. Assurance of His Son for our salvation. salvation comes through something which never changes - the written Word of God. So the first question that must be answered is this: Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ the So if you have received Jesus Christ as your best way you know how? Can you honestly say that Savior from sin and as Lord of your life, then believe you have no hope of getting to heaven apart from the promise of His Word that you are as sure of Him? If so, you are ready for the second question. heaven as God can make you. 30b

DECISIONS

Years ago, , Roman Governor of the Province of Judea, was faced with a decision. He And that is the most serious decision a person had to decide whether he would crucify Christ or can make. Think of it! God’s own Son, the Creator of crown Him. He wanted to do neither - to make no the universe, has condescended to become a Man. choice at all. More, He has even tasted death and a shameful, terrible death at that for you. He rose from the dead But life’s not like that. The decision to do and is alive forevermore. Now He presents to you the nothing with Jesus is, in reality, a decision to reject opportunity of receiving him as your Savior and Him and His claims. So, Pilate’s anguished cry Lord. And you can’t make up your mind to accept “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Him. Christ?” comes ringing down the ages. Sooner or later everyone of us must stand where Pilate stood Is it any wonder that the sin of sins (in the last and decide either for or against yielding to the claims analysis, the unforgivable sin) is the sin of rejecting of God’s own Son. Christ as personal Savior?

It’s easy to see why indecision is really a What will you do with Jesus? decision. Suppose you are waiting for a bus but when Will you receive Him? or reject Him? Crucify Him? or crown Him? it comes along you cannot make up your mind whether or not to get on board. While you are still God does not permit neutrality on a decision of debating the pros and cons the bus leaves. Your this importance. indecision is a decision - a decision NOT to get on the bus. Just so, to neglect receiving Jesus as Savior We’d be interested to know what you decide. is actually a negative decision - a decision to reject Him for now. 30c

GOSPEL LETTER

The Bible tells “the gospel of Christ is the power 3:16,18,36.) “It is appointed unto man once to die, of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” but after this the judgment (Heb.9:27). This (Rom. 1:16). “For whosoever shall call upon the judgment is for unbelievers, who have not put their name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13). And trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. You may read about it God “commandeth all men everywhere to repent” in Rev. 20:11-15. All unbelievers will be cast into (Acts 17:30). the lake of fire - separated forever.

Repentance is from a Greek word “metanoes” God is love and desires that no one will be lost. meaning to have another mind, to change the mind. (Rom. 5:6,8; 2 Peter 3:9). He gave His Son, the Lord It is used in the New Testament to indicate a change Jesus, who came into the world to save sinners (1 of mind and heart, in respect to sin, God and self. Tim. 1:15). The Lord Jesus Himself said “For the Repentance is not an act separate from faith, but Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is saving faith includes and implies that change of lost” (Luke 19:10). On the cross “Christ died for our mind, which is called repentance. See Acts 17:30,31. sins” (1 Cor. 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24). The Bible says we Feelings relative to repentance are diverse. One is need only believe or put our trust in Him as Savior contrite about sin and failure, and glad about change (Acts 16:31). of mind and heart in regard to same. (Psa. 34:18; 51:17; Isa. 66:2). There is nothing man can do to be saved, for “by the deeds of the law (doing good) there shall no flesh Why repent? Because without repentance, a be justified in His sight” (Rom. 3:20). This salvation change of mind and heart (about sin, God, and self), is a rescue, a deliverance, a saving operation. It is the Lord Jesus stated ye shall perish (remain given freely on the basis of simple trusting faith. separated from God forever) - see Luke 13:1-5; John Christ is the One “In whom we have redemption thru 3:18,36. There must be faith, trust, submission of His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the mind and heart unto God for salvation. The change is riches of His grace.” (Eph. 1:7). When a believing from trusting self and distrusting God, to distrusting Christian dies, the Apostle Paul says death is “absent self and trusting God (a complete turn- from the body … present with the Lord” ( 2 Cor. around/change). Salvation is from the penalty of sin 5:6), “which is far better” (Phil. l:23). The Lord forever, from the dominion of sin in this life as the Jesus ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:9-11) after believer is yielded unto God, and ultimately from the resurrection, but He has promised to “come again” to very presence of sin when the believer reaches receive the Christians unto Himself, that where He is, Heaven. Salvation involves reception of the living there they may be also ( John 14:1-3). This is the Lord in His Person, not simply in acknowledging blessed hope of all believers ... some day in Heaven certain facts about Him. “As many as received Him forever with the Lord. (put trust and hope In Him, and submitted unto Him), to them gave He power to become the sons of God” Conscience can convict of sin (see John 8:9), but (John 1:12). He is to be received as Savior and Lord conviction is spiritually meaningful only when of the (Master of Life). Holy Spirit of God (John 16:7-11), who will not always strive with man (try to convince) - see Gen. The Bible tells that God created man as innocent, 6:3. “Now is the accepted time - now is the day of without sin. Read the story in Genesis chapters 1-5. salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). However, in the garden of Eden man sinned, by disobedience of God’s rules. By Adam’s Salvation is the great inclusive word of the disobedience, all born thereafter received a sinful Bible, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and nature, and commit sins in their lives (Rom. 5:12-21). processes. “Born again” (new birth) is a Greek word, The Bible says that in God’s sight “there is none which in English is also translated as “regeneration”. righteous, no, not one, for all have sinned and come Therefore, “being born again” or “regenerated” (Titus short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:10,23). That we 3:5,6), is a creative act of God the Holy Spirit (John are sinners and do sin are self evident truths. The 3:3-8) within one who believes. Altho one may not consequence of sin is separation between man and a have great understanding, one can trust and know holy, righteous God. This separation is referred to in thru believing faith (see Eph. 2:8, 9). Like the the Bible as being lost or condemned. (Read John Philippian jailer (Acts 16:30-34), one may be saved on the basis of very simple knowledge. But faith and strength of our faith - what counts is the worthiness belief in the Person and Work of Christ on Calvary of Him, the object of our faith (1 Peter 2:24; 2 Cor. are essential. Romans 10:9,10 indicates believing 5:21; Heb.7:25). involves trust, assent of the mind and the heart. Only one sin separates from salvation thru Christ Salvation involves trusting and not feeling. We - unbelief. Failure to believe God will be disastrous can be Sure! The Psalmist spoke great truth (130:5) forever and forever (Read John 3:18,36). During a – “In His Word do I hope.” The Apostle John says great storm at sea the Apostle Paul received word “These (the Scriptures) are written, that ye might from God, and declared to his shipmates, “I believe believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and God” (Acts 27:25). God speaks to you thru the that believing ye might have life through His name” Bible - do you believe God? (John 20:31). “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye Yours for Him, may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17). It is not the amount or 30d

ARE THE HEATHEN LOST?

The Bible teaches that ALL men are lost because beauties and marvels of creation proclaim His eternal all have sinned (Romans 3:10-19). Since the wages power and Godhead (Romans 1:20). of sin is death (Romans 6:23), all men are doomed to die. Then there is also the witness to God in a man’s conscience. Although he might never have heard of It makes no difference whether a man is a Jew or the law of God, his conscience serves as a monitor, a Gentile, a church member or a pagan, a civilized accusing or excusing him (Romans 2:14,15). socialite or a savage heathen, he is a lost sinner. Unless he is born again, he will never see the The light of God in creation or conscience is not kingdom of God (John 3:3). enough to save a person. However, if a heathen were to live up to the light of God in creation and There is only one way by which a person can be conscience, their God would make sure that he born again - that is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ received the Gospel. But the trouble is that most (Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus said, “I am the heathen people do not live up to the light they have way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the received. Instead, they reject the knowledge of the Father but by me” (John 14:6). true God, worship idols, and give themselves over to vile passions (Romans 1:21-32). But what about the heathen who has never heard the Gospel? Notice God’s answer to the question, “Are the heathen lost even though they have never heard the The Bible teaches that God has revealed Himself Gospel?” “SO THEN THEY ARE WITHOUT to the heathen in two ways: EXCUSE” (Romans 1:20c).

a. by creation. It is because the heathen are lost that Christians b. by conscience. are commanded to go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Matthew 28:19,20). The most unenlightened savage can know that there is a God by the creation about him. The “Therefore, go ye.”

Emmaus Bible School 30e

HUMAN WILL

Does man have a choice relative to acceptance of is the accepted time ... now is the day of salvation” God’s righteous demands? Only to a limited extent - (2 Cor. 6:2). When a sinner gives assent of mind and he may choose to believe thru assent of heart and heart in trusting faith to God’s offer of salvation mind, or he may choose to remain in unbelief. The through Christ Jesus, the miracle of the new birth confirmation is given in John 3:18,36. See Acts occurs (John 3:5). It is all of God (John 1:13). Read 17:30,31. Romans 10:13, 17 carefully.

It is impossible for man to understand the God does not hate the sinner, but rather the sins. “Mystery of Godliness” with the natural mind (1 Because He is Holy, Righteous, and Just, sin (and Tim. 3:16). The Word of God contrasts human therefore the sinner) is condemned before Him wisdom with the wisdom of God - see 1 Cor. 1:18- because righteousness cannot be compromised. We 25. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the gain some understanding of righteousness Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him, compromised, in the viewing of “light and neither can he know them because they are spiritually inequitable sentences” of criminals, before our bars discerned” (1 Cor. 2:13,14). God is a spirit (John of justice. That God does not hate the sinner, but 4:24), and says of Himself, “My thoughts are not rather loves the sinner, is abundantly clear in the your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isa. Bible. Amongst other verses, see 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Tim. 55:8). God is eternal (a fact beyond our 2:4; 2 Cor. 8:9; Rom.5:6,8; John 3:16; 1 John 4:10. I comprehension), and when asked by Moses of His have some understanding, because I love my children identity could say “I am That I am” (Gen.3:13,14) even when I hate some of their actions. God showed The Bible states “without faith it is impossible to His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe (unlovely and unlikeable), Christ died for our sins. that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb.11:6). He who is “almost persuaded” and dies will be altogether lost. And it is appointed unto men once to Our conscience can convict us of sin (see John die, but after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27). Scripture 8:9), but conviction is spiritually meaningful only speaks of a man who exercised many choices, for he when of the Holy Spirit of God (John 16:7-11), who said “I will” again and again. But God said … - see even to this day is striving with man (Gen.6:3). “Now Luke 12:16-21.

Be not ashamed . . . To serve others for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be looked upon as poor in the eyes of the world. If you possess riches do not glory in them, nor in friends; but glory in God who provides you with all things, and above all, desires to give you Himself. THOMAS A. KEMPIS 30f

WHY SALVATION IS NOT BY WORKS

Works and faith are two mutually exclusive principles. You must take one or the other; you 7. Even if a man could live a perfect life from this cannot mix them. day forward, he would not be saved. God requires that which is past (Ecclesiastes 3:15), This raises the interesting question, “Why did and the sins of his life up to this moment would not God decide to offer salvation on the principle of still have to be atoned for. good works?” The following considerations will explain why: 8. To suggest that man can save himself by his own works is to deny the necessity of the work of 1. First, no one would be saved. All men are dead Christ. If salvation could be through human in trespasses and in sins, and therefore cannot actions or character, then the Savior did not need produce good works for God. “All our to die (Galations 2:21). But the Scripture teaches righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). that there is no other way of salvation, “For other Good works cannot begin until after a man has foundation can no man lay than that is laid, been saved. which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

2. Secondly, if man could earn his way to heaven, 9. The notion that man can save himself, or assist in he would make God his debtor. God would owe his own salvation, denies the sufficiency of the him salvation in return for the life he had lived. work of Christ (Colossians 3:11b). “There are This is clearly impossible. God owes nothing to multitudes of baptized men and women who anyone (Romans 11:35). There is nothing which profess to honor Christ, but in reality do Him man can do to put God in his debt. great dishonor. They give Christ a certain place in their system of religion, but not the place 3. If man could be saved by his own works or his which God intended Him to fill. Christ alone is character, he could boast before God. But this, not ‘all in all’ to their souls. No! It is either too, is unthinkable (Romans 3:27). In heaven, Christ and the Church or Christ and the God will have all the glory. He will not give His sacraments or Christ and his ordained ministers glory to a creature. It would spoil heaven to have - or Christ and their own repentance or Christ boastful men there. and their own goodness - or Christ and their own prayers - or Christ and their own sincerity and 4. Again, if man could save himself, he would charity, on which they rest their souls” obviously be his own savior. In that case, he could worship himself. But this is clearly 10. In connection with salvation, as with everything forbidden by the first commandment – “Thou else, God must always have the place of shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus supremacy, the place of the more blessed One. 20:3). If man could even assist in his own For instance, the Lord Jesus taught, “It is more salvation, then he could take the place of a co- blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). savior, sharing the glory of saviorhood with the That being so, God will always have the place of Lord Jesus. We have already shown that this is the more blessed One. He will do the giving, and impossible. man will do the receiving.

5. The idea of salvation by works is further ruled 11. Again it should be mentioned that since Christ out by the fact that God has decreed, “Without finished the work of salvation, it is impossible shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews for man to add to it. You simply cannot add to a 9:22). Good works involve no blood-shedding. finished work. Christ did not come into the Therefore, there is no salvation in them. world to help save sinners, but to save them (1 Timothy 1:15). 6. Those who think they will win heaven by good works forget that God demands absolute The idea that men are saved by keeping the law perfection. Keeping one commandment is not is very widely held, but it has no Scriptural enough. Even keeping nine out of the ten foundation. God did not give the law as a means of commandments will not do. God must have salvation. He never intended that men should use it as perfect obedience (James 2:10). a stepladder to heaven. Rather, the law was given in order to reveal sin. Its purpose was to show men the emphasizes (James 2:14-26). He demands to see depth of their depravity so that they would then turn good works as the proof that a man has been justified to the Lord and cry out for mercy. “The law entered, by faith. Faith itself is invisible, but good works are that the offence might abound” (Romans 5:20). “By the visible manifestation of true faith. A man may say the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in he has faith, but if his life is not characterized by his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” good works, then his faith is not genuine. Just as the (Romans 3:20). The law was given to stop men’s body without the spirit is dead, so faith without mouths, to convict them as sinners, and to bring them works is dead also. It is only a say-so faith if it does as penitents to the feet of the Lord (Romans 3:19). not result in good works. “Grace cannot begin with us until the law has reduced us to speechless silence” - C.I. Scofield. One final point! The good works of believers will be rewarded in a coming day (1 Corinthians And yet while we strive to emphasize that 3:14). Although they do not contribute anything to a salvation is not by good works, we must make it person’s salvation, they will contribute a great deal to equally clear that salvation is unto good works his enjoyment of heaven. (Ephesians 2:10). Good works are not the root of salvation but the fruit of salvation (Titus 2:14). It is Such is the grace of God! He saves men freely faith that brings salvation to the soul; then salvation through faith in His Son, and without works. He in the soul produces good works. gives them the power to produce good works for Him and rewards them when they do so. It is this side of the truth which the apostle James

William MacDonald Emmaus Correspondence School 30g

OLD TESTAMENT SALVATION

How were people saved in Old Testament times?

People living in the Old Testament period were As Dr. Ironside used to say, “Old Testament saved by faith in the Lord. “And he (Abram) believed saints were saved on credit. They looked forward to in the Lord; and he (the Lord) counted it to him the cross of Christ, just as we look back to it. They (Abram) for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). were saved on the basis of His atoning death which was still in the future; we are saved on the basis of There has been, is and will be only one way of His death which took place 1900 years ago.” salvation, and that is by faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God God taught the people in the Old Testament that must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of He could be approached only on the ground of shed them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). blood. The sacrificial system was designed to remind them that without the shedding of blood, there is no Whenever a person in the Old Testament truly remission of sins. The death of the sacrificial animals put his faith in the Lord, God saved him. The Old did not remove the sins of the people in that day, Testament believer was saved on the basis of the however. They merely pointed forward to the coming work of Christ which was still future. of the Lamb of God who would shed His precious blood so that sins might be put away. Even though the believer in the Old Testament might not have known about what Christ would yet It is important to remember that people in the accomplish at the cross of Calvary, God knew about Old Testament were not saved by keeping the law. it, and God reckoned the value of Christ’s death, Nobody can ever be saved on that basis. God saves burial and resurrection to all who put their trust in only those ungodly sinners who come to Him in Him. repentance and in faith. 30h

REPENTANCE

REPENTANCE is from a Greek word one may be saved on the basis of very simple “metanoes” meaning to have another mind, to change knowledge. But faith and belief in the Person and the mind. It is used in the New Testament to indicate Work of Christ on Calvary are essential. Romans a change of mind and heart, in respect to sin, God and 10:9,10 indicates believing involves trust, assent of self. Repentance is not an act separate from faith, but the mind and the heart. saving faith includes and implies that change of mind, which is called repentance. See Acts 17:30, Salvation involves trusting and not feeling. We 31. Feelings relative to repentance are diverse. One can BE SURE! The Psalmist spoke great truth is contrite about sin and failure, and glad about (130:5) - “… in His Word do I hope.” The Apostle change of mind and heart in regard to same. See 2 John says “These (the Scriptures) are written, that ye Cor. 7:8-11. might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His Conscience can convict of sin (see John 8:9), but name” (John 20:31). “These things have I written conviction is spiritually meaningful only when of the unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, Holy Spirit of God (John 16:7-11), who will not that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (l John always strive with man (try to convince) - see Gen. 5:13). “Faith-cometh by hearing, and hearing by the 6:3. “Behold, now is the accepted time … now is the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). It is not the amount day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). or strength of our faith - what counts is the worthiness of Him, the object of our faith (1 Peter 2: Salvation is the great inclusive word of the 24; 2 Cor, 5:21; Heb. 7:25). Bible, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes. “Born again” (new birth) is a Greek Only one sin separates from salvation thru Christ word, which in English is also translated as - unbelief. Failure to believe God will be disastrous “regeneration.” Therefore “being born again” or forever and forever. (Read John 3:18, 32). During a “regenerated” (Titus 3:5,6), is a creative act of God, great storm at sea the Apostle Paul received word the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8), within one who be- from God, and declared to his shipmates, “I believe lieves. Altho one may not have great understanding, God” (Acts 27:25). God speaks to you thru the Bible one can trust and know thru believing faith (see Eph. - do you believe God? 2:8,9). Like the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:30-34), 30i

UNDERSTANDING REPENTANCE

There seems to be some confusion about the Some will tell you “to repent” means to “feel words “repent” and “repentance” and how they relate sorry for” or “to turn from” your sins. If that’s true, to salvation. The Bible tells us in Mark 6:12 that the then how sorry do you have to feel? Sorry enough to twelve apostles preached that people should repent. be sad? Sorry enough to cry? Sorry enough to beg Luke 13:3-5 tells us that unless we repent we shall forgiveness? And how far do you have to turn? perish. But what does it mean to “repent”? Ninety degrees? One hundred-eighty degrees? Any time someone tells you that you have to do something The Greek words “metanoeo” and “metanoia” that can be measured to be saved, disregard it which are translated “repent” and “repentance”, are because it smells like smoke and comes from the pit used all fifty-eight times in the New Testament when of Hell. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; repentance is linked to salvation. Both words mean and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of basically the same thing - “to change your mind; Works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). reconsider; or to think differently.” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). Notice there is no degree to The next question we need to ask is “to think believing, either you do or you don’t. differently about what?” About sin? About God? About yourself? Lets look at scripture for the Maybe the confusion lies in the fact that the answer. But first think about what the unsaved man Hebrew word “nacbam” in the Old Testament which thinks is required to get to Heaven: church is translated “repent” does mean “to be sorry, be membership, church attendance, tithing, being good moved to pity, have compassion.” But this word is or some other form of good works. never used in the context of salvation. “Repent” is also found seven more times in the New Testament, In Mark 1:15 Jesus tells us to “Repent, and translated from the Greek word “metamellomai” , believe in the gospel.” That’s the answer! To change which means to “regret”, but it is never used in the our mind, to reconsider, to think differently about context of salvation. what is required of us to get to Heaven! All we have to do is believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ! Of As you read your Bible, if you will ascribe the course, the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our original meaning of repent, “change your mind and Savior we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and then He believe the gospel” to the words “repent” and guides us and convicts us to change our mind in other “repentance” when dealing with salvation, you’ll find areas, such as sin, God and self. that it fits every time. M. D. Hogue 30j

REPENT! ABOUT WHAT?

I saw a cartoon the other day in which a scraggly turn from whatever conception we had of Jesus old man was carrying a placard which said, “Repent. Christ and turn to Him as our Savior from sin. That The end is near (provided we can get the paperwork brings salvation. Repentance is not a precondition to done)!” If you asked several people about the faith; it is an inseparable facet of faith. To change meaning of repent in this quip, the answers might be one’s mind about Christ as Savior is to believe in as numerous as the people. Him.

Our Lord preached repentance (Matthew 4:17). Sometimes the Bible uses repentance in So did Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). So connection with the Christian life. Christians need to can we, if we clearly understand what it means. repent. In the case of the man at Corinth who sinned and who, changed by the discipline of the church, Repent, like other words in our Christian came back to the Lord, the church was overly harsh vocabulary, has a basic, generic meaning which has on him, not being willing to restore him to full to be pinned down more specifically whenever it is fellowship (2 Coriuthians 7:9-11). Paul exhorted the used. Salvation is such a word. Saved from what? church to repent of its harsh stand and receive the From imprisonment in Rome? That’s the way Paul man again in fellowship. used it in Philippians 1:19. From eternal condemnation? That’s the way Peter used it in Acts In 2 Timothy 2:25 Paul plainly states that 4:12. Redeem is another such word. It means to Christians, or at least professing Christians, need to purchase. Purchase what? A field in Matthew 13:44. repent of sins in their lives, particularly those Our salvation in 2 Peter 2:1. connected with promoting and accepting teachings of false teachers. Repent means to change one’s mind. But we need to ask, “What do you change your mind about?” In the letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor An individual can genuinely repent about things is a cluster of exhortations to Christians to repent. which have nothing to do with eternal salvation. The Ephesians were warned to repent over their loss Such repentance is not necessarily superficial, but of first love (Revelation 2:5), those in Thyatira of neither is it saving. Do you remember the story our their immorality (2:21-22), those in Sardis of their Lord told about the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32)? deadness (3:3), and the Laodeceans of their One said he would do his father’s bidding but did not. lukewarmness (3:19). Clearly, Christians need to The other said he would not, but later repented and repent and change their minds and actions about any obeyed. His repentance had nothing to do with number of sins. salvation; it meant he went to work in his father’s vineyard. This was no superficial repentance. It To sum up: Is repentance a condition for resulted in a change of actions. But it did not bring receiving eternal life? Yes, if it is repentance or eternal life. changing one’s mind about Jesus Christ. But no, if it means to be sorry for sin or even to resolve to turn But there is a repentance which saves eternally. from sin. What kind of repentance is that? Not a sorrow for sins or even a change of mind that decides to clean up Is repentance a precondition to faith? Must the one’s life. Tears about the past or new resolutions sinner turn from his sin in order to believe? Must he about the future do not save. A sense of sorrow and or she turn from sin in order to receive the Savior? To need may stir up a person’s mind or conscience so these questions the uniform answer is no. Our Lord that he or she realizes the need for the Savior; but if came to seek and save those who are lost (Luke there is no change of mind about Jesus Christ there 19:10), simply because those who are healthy do not can be no salvation. need a physician (Matthew 9:12).

And that’s what saving repentance is - changing Everyone who believes repents (changes his your mind about Jesus Christ. Whatever you thought mind and relationship to the Lord). But not everyone of Him formerly, good or not so good, you now who repents (changes his mind about any number of replace with acceptance of Him as the one who paid things, including sin), is necessarily saved. So when the penalty for your sins. In saving repentance we you ask someone to repent, be sure you direct the change toward the Lord, so that the person will from sin. acknowledge and receive Him as his own Savior Charles C. Ryrie 30k

HEBREWS l0 EXPLAINED

This is one of the difficult passages of Scripture, have rejected the only sacrifice that can save. They (see 2 Peter 3:l6). The Lord told His disciples that share the “fiery indignation which shall devour the “the Holy Ghost shall teach you all things” (John adversaries.” We take it that these individuals never 15:26). Later the Apostle Paul made the inspired were truly saved, or born again. comment that “the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Cor. 2:10). The Church also Hebrews 10:29 – “hath counted the blood of the has been given teachers (Eph. 4:11-13), and I refer to covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy Robert J. Little’s book “Here Is Your Answer” thing.” Ironside and Grant are in agreement that the (Moody Press), which has been a help to me. I quote sanctification is positional. Israel was set apart by for your help too. the blood of the old covenant at Sinai, yet any Israelite lacking faith could turn from all the Here we see that the sin is a willful one hence it privileges of that blood. The Christian assembly of is a deliberate rejection of Christ. The person is said Hebrews abode under the blood of a better covenant. to have “trodden under foot the Son of God.” This But this did not preclude the possibility of abjuring verse is not speaking of falling into sins of this covenant sign and refusing the blessedness which immorality, but of counting the blood of Christ “a it has purchased. In my view, it is profession vs. common thing.” A person who does this is saying confession, possession vs. rejection. Other Scriptures that the shed blood of Christ has no more redeeming which I view in similar manner are 1 John 2:2 and 1 value than the blood of any other person . Since this Tim. 4:10. The truth is there but it must be sin is deliberately committed, we take it to be similar appropriated in trusting faith. Lastly, the Apostle to that referred to in chapter 6, where some who had John speaks of the gnostics, deniers of Christ’s Deity, espoused Christianity later purposefully rejected who left the assembly (1 John 2:19), because they Him, thus “treading him under foot.” For such were not truly part of a redeemed group. persons there is “no more sacrifice for sin.” They 31a

SATAN

Satan, also called the Devil, is a person (Rev. 12:31; 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4; Luke 4:35; 9:1, 42; John 12:9). 10:21).

There is not a single, impersonal reference to Although Satan is supernatural and superhuman, him in the whole Bible. Personal names, personal he is not all knowing, which would be omniscient. pronouns, personal acts, personal planning and Nevertheless, through His followers’ observations, plotting, personal reasoning and scheming are all there is great awareness of our frailties and attributed to him, showing him to be an actual limitations. He can influence greatly by many person, as truly as God is a person, as truly as men means, (but he cannot possess). If he were not are persons. Satan is not merely an evil influence or limited, then it could not be said: “Greater is He that an evil principle. is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). I thank God that Satan cannot tempt us in any way Satan is a person of great dignity (Jude 8, 9). without God’s permission, and that with every Originally created perfect, he fell from his high estate temptation God Himself makes means of escape (1 thru pride. Doubtless he is the spiritual king of Tyre Cor. 10:13). described in Ezekiel’s prophecy (compare Ezek. 28:11-17 with John 8:44 and 1 Timothy 3:6). Unlike Nevertheless, Christians are exhorted to “put on the fallen angles of Jude 6, he is not under restraint, the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to but “as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom stand against the wiles of the devil, for we wrestle he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness Satan is not in hell. Though that awful place is in high places” (Eph. 6:11, 12). “We are to put on especially for him and his angels (Matt. 25:41), and the whole armour of God - taking the shield of faith, he will certainly be cast at last into the lake of fire with which ye shall be able to quench all the fiery (Rev. 20:10), his residence during the present age is darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:13-18). chiefly in the heavenly realms, where he has access to God’s presence and accuses the saints before Him The Christian is not to give place to (or heed) the day and night (Job. 1:6-12; Rev. 12:10). His devil (Eph. 4:27), but rather is to submit to God. As ejection from heaven, described in Rev. 12:9 is yet we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee future. The Lord Jesus spoke of the same event from us (James 4:7). Satan is a strong adversary - prophetically in Luke 10:18, and John 12:11. When whom we are to resist steadfast in the faith (1 Peter Satan finally reaches hell it will be to suffer eternal 5:8, 9). torment. He will be “cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are, Satan seeks to influence Christians to turn from and shall be tormented day and night forever and serving and worshipping Almighty God. But as we forever” (Rev. 20:10). put ourselves under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God, Satan is overcome and flees. The Lord Jesus Meanwhile Satan is now a ruler - the ruler of the defeated Satan by means open to Christ’s humblest host of wicked, demon spirits in the heavenly realms, follower, the intelligent use of the Word of God. See the prince of the power of the air, the prince of this Matt. 4:4, 7, 10. And remember the Lord said, “I will world and the god of this age (Eph. 2:2; 6:12; John never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). 32a

SIN -- WHAT IS IT?

The Scofield Reference Bible footnotes are SIN: interesting and instructive. It reports the literal meanings of the Hebrew and Greek words variously * Originated with Satan (Isaiah 14:12-14). rendered “sin,” “sinner,” etc., disclose the true nature of sin in its manifold manifestations. * Entered the world through Adam (Romans 5:12).

* Was, and is, universal. Christ alone excepted (Romans 3:23; 1 Peter 2:22). SIN IS: * Incurs the penalties of spiritual and physical * transgression: an overstepping of the law, the death (Genesis 2:17; 3-19; Ezekiel 18:4-20; divine boundary between good and evil (Psalm 6:23). 51:1; Rom. 2:23). * Has no remedy but in the sacrificial death of * iniquity: an act inherently wrong, whether Christ (Acts 4:12; Hebrews 9:26) availed of by expressly forbidden or not (Romans 1:21-23). faith (Acts 13:38, 39).

* missing the mark: a failure to meet the divine Sin can be summarized as three-fold: standard (Romans 3:23). 1. An act, the violation of, or want of obedience to, * error: a departure from right (Romans 1:18; 1 the revealed will of God. John 3:4). 2. A state, absence of righteousness. 3. A nature, enmity toward God. * trespass: the intrusion of self-will into the sphere of divine authority (Ephesians 2:1). Christians can sin in thought, word, action, inaction, and small faith. But there is forgiveness * lawlessness: spiritual anarchy (1 Timothy 1:9). and cleansing, from Him. See Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9. The old nature wars against the new nature of * unbelief: an insult to the divine veracity (John the believer (Gal. 5:17). But the believer is helped to 16:9). obey God’s instructions by the Holy Spirit of God, who fills those who are yielded. 32b

THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

In considering the subject of the forgiveness of as Savior, we receive complete forgiveness of sins as sins, the student should always keep in mind that far as the penalty is concerned. there are two principal types of forgiveness. The first of these is known as judicial forgiveness and the What happens then when a Christian sins? The second as parental forgiveness. The first has to do answer is that fellowship with God is broken. The with the penalty of sin, and the second has to do with happy spirit of communion between the Father and the restoration of fellowship that is broken by sin. His child has been severed. Fellowship remains broken until that sin is confessed and forsaken. When When we say that the Christian has been we do confess these sins, He is faithful and just to forgiven all his sins - past, present and future - we are forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all referring to the judicial forgiveness of sins. This unrighteousness. Here we are speaking about parental means that the believer will never have to pay the forgiveness. It is not a judge forgiving a criminal, penalty of his sins because Christ paid the penalty on but a father forgiving his child. the cross. When the Lord Jesus died, all our sins were in the future. Therefore, He died for all our sins - William MacDonald past, present, and future. The moment we trust Him 32c

THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

What is the unpardonable sin? The ”) says, “It is debatable whether such a sin could ever be committed today. When our The two principal passages dealing with the Lord spoke, the Holy Spirit was present in a power unpardonable sin are Matthew 12:22-32 and Mark which streamed forth from one who was truly man; 3:22-30, but was also God. Could such conditions ever revive?” Mr. Chafer is absolute in stating that the sin In both these chapters you will notice that the cannot be committed. Mr. St. John says it is Lord Jesus had been performing wonderful miracles debatable, but clearly leans towards the view that it is of healing. not possible.

His enemies came and said that He was Is it the same as the sin unto death? performing these miracles by the power of the devil, instead of by the power of the Holy Spirit. The unpardonable sin does not seem to be the same as the sin unto death, mentioned in 1 John Thus His enemies spoke against the Holy Spirit, 5:16,17. Bible scholars are not agreed as to the exact or blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. The Lord meaning of the sin unto death. Some think it is a sin Jesus said that there was no forgiveness for this sin, which results in physical death (see James 5:14,15; 1 either in this age or in the age to come (His coming Cor. 11:30). Others believe it is the sin of apostasy, kingdom on earth). that is, the sin of renouncing Christ after having been convinced of the truth concerning Him and after The unpardonable sin, then, is blaspheming having professed faith in Him. While it is true that it against the Holy Spirit by saying that the miracles of is impossible to renew an apostate unto repentance Jesus were done by the power of Satan rather than by (Hebrews 6:6), the Bible does not speak of this as the the power of the Spirit of God. In other words, the unpardonable sin. Neither does it describe a sin unpardonable sin was charging Christ with being which results in physical death as the unpardonable Satan-possessed (Mark 3:22) or demon-possessed sin. (Mark 3:30). Is rejection of Christ unpardonable? Can it be committed today? A person may reject Christ many times before he It is the opinion of many reliable scholars that is finally saved. But if he dies while still rejecting this sin cannot be committed today. Dr. Lewis Sperry Christ, he is forever lost. Yet, this is not the Chafer, for instance, says Christ is not here on earth unpardonable sin mentioned in Matthew 12 and Mark to do such miracles at the present time; therefore the 3. In those passages, the unpardonable sin consisted possibility of speaking against the Holy Spirit does of accusing Christ of being devil or demon not arise. Mr. Harold St. John (see “An Analysis of possessed, and of ascribing His works to Satan. 32d

ORIGINAL SIN

Original sin came into being, because God gave the glory of God.” The Greek word for “sinned” to angels, and later to men, the power of choice. In means to “miss a mark,” and Vincent gives two the exercise of that choice, Satan (not satisfied with illustrations: a warrior who throws a spear and fails the place God gave him) decided to elevate himself. to strike an adversary; or a traveler who misses his Apparently a large number of angels joined in his way. Anything short of perfection is sin. rebellion against God. Later, Satan persuaded Eve and through her, Adam to seek greater portion than Exodus 34:7 uses three words for sin: iniquity, God had assigned to them as His creatures. See transgressions, and sin. These suggest perversity; a Genesis 2:17; 3:1-24; Romans 5:12. violation of what is right, or the rights of another; and failure to fulfill one’s responsibility. Original sin was disobedience to God’s command, eating the fruit of a tree which was 1 John 3:4 says, “Sin is transgression of the forbidden by God. Since this was done before Adam law”, though a better translation is “sin is lawless.” and Eve had any children, the entire human race is This suggests a spirit of rebellion against the perfect viewed as having shared in that sin (Romans 5:12). will of God. Romans 5:15-21 shows that just as all We therefore share in the effects of that sin; we are human beings inherit the sinful state of Adam, so all born with a sinful nature (Eph. 2:3) and are subject to believers in Christ share in the fruits of His the law of sin and death. We cannot be cleansed or atonement, including the forgiveness of sins, and the delivered from sin by “good works,” baptism, etc. gift of eternal life. Many texts in the New Testament show it is faith in Christ which brings us into Sin has many aspects. A word commonly used possession of this salvation, e.g., John 1:12, 13; 5:24; for it in the New Testament is found in Romans 3:23 3:36. where we read, “All have sinned and come short of 33a

SINNERS DURING THE MILLENNIUM

Are sinners on earth during the Millennium? Isa. 65:20 seems to indicate that no one will die, due Yes, without question as I understand Scripture. to frailty in infancy or old age. Nevertheless, the However, all who enter the Millennium are saved. same verse (last phrase) indicates an age of Scripture referring to that period speaks of children - accountability, when judgment and death will result indicating there will be births during that time. The from unbelief. Psa. 101:8 has been rendered, curse is to be removed from the earth, making it more “Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked of fruitful. It appears also that human life shall be the land, that I may cut off all wicked doers from the greatly extended - see Isaiah 65:22. Such longevity city of the Lord.” does not involve glorified bodies, as will be true of those who shall inhabit heaven. It means that the law From Rev. 20:1-3 we learn Satan is bound and of death which works in our bodies now will be unable to deceive during the Millennium. However, overcome by the changed condition of the earth and when that period is ended, Satan is loosed. The its surroundings. Students of the Bible have long Millennial age is designed by God to be the final test noticed that before the time of the flood, men lived of fallen humanity many hundreds of years, the longest-lived being Methuselah, whose age was 969. It is believed that * under the most ideal circumstances, conditions in the millennium will be such that long life will be universal except those which die under * surrounded by every enablement to obey the judgment of God. And since human bodies will the rule of the King, not then be in the glorified state, births will be the natural outcome, and these - as in the early days - * from whom outward sources of temptation will probably be spaced at far greater intervals. have been removed.

Throughout all dispensations salvation is by But there is failure again. Satan finds hearts that grace, through believing faith - the gift of God (Eph. have not responded in faith to the Savior - obviously 2:8, 9). Man of all ages are accounted righteous by amongst those born during the thousand years period. faith (Rom. 4:3; Heb. 11:l3; John 3:1-18). This truth Gathered together, they war against the earthly Saints pertains also to those saved (born again) during the and are defeated by God (verse 9). Satan is cast into tribulation period. During the Millennium period, the lake of fire and brimstone and tormented forever many will be born. And many will be born again! (Rev. 20:7-10). Those defeated with him will face the However, even under conditions with the Lord great white throne judgment for unbelievers (Rev. reigning in righteousness, with Satan and incentive to 20:11-15). Then begins the eternal state. sin put away, all hearts will not be responsive to Him. 33aa 27c

WHAT IS THE MILLENNIUM?

Millennium - the term is simply the Latin for “a the Old Testament far more is said of that time than thousand years.” It is taken from Revelation 20, of Christ’s first advent into the world. Isaiah 2:4 and where six times the duration of Christ’s earthly Micah 4:3 state that at that time “they shall beat their kingdom is said to be a thousand years. But the word swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning “Millennium” has taken on a technical significance, hooks: Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, as representative of all that is said of Christ’s earthly neither shall they learn war any more.” At that time reign in other passages as well. Hence today many the curse of sin shall be removed from the earth persons speak of the “Millennium,” not so much (Rom. 8:21), so that “instead of the thorn shall come signifying its duration of a thousand years, but a time up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up or condition in which there shall be universal peace the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, and prosperity, because these things are prophesied for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off” (Isa. of Christ’s Kingdom. 55:13). Many other prophecies tell of Christ ruling in righteousness, resulting in universal peace (Isa. 32:1- It would not be possible within a limited scope to 17). This is usually what people have in mind in refer to all the passages relating to this kingdom. In speaking of the millennium. 34a

SUICIDE AND SALVATION Will a Christian go to heaven if he commits suicide?

In other times I would not have attempted to Christians to fail to claim those promises which are answer this question. It is a question that generates theirs by the grace of God. more heat than light anyway, so why bother with it? When one asks whether a Christian goes to But suicide has become more common. It’s so heaven if he commits suicide, at least one thing is prevalent among college students that in some areas settled: He is talking about a Christian. Some persons it’s even referred to as the “cap and gown disease.” contend that no Christian would commit suicide, Among youths in the 15-24 age group, suicide is the which I believe does not fit the facts at all. fourth-ranking cause of death, after accidents, cancer We have to go to the Word of God to see if the and homicide, and it takes 2500 lives each year. It matter of suicide is explained. If there is any has been estimated that there is at least one suicide guidance on it, I have not found it. That is, there is no attempt each minute and between 60 and 70 verse which says that those persons who commit successful suicides each day. It seems obvious, then, suicide can or cannot be saved, or go to heaven. But that individuals must reconsider this matter since it what about that matter of murder? In 1 John 3:15, the will no doubt affect more and more people. Yes- question is not suicide. This verse says, “Whosoever terday people could just sit back and argue about hateth his brother is a murderer.” suicide, but now it is much more likely that they will Are people then to contend that everyone who be forced to encounter people considering it - and hates his brother will not go to heaven? It is not a fact there is quite a difference. to be proud of but one which is real that there is con- Suicide does not play a very prominent place in siderable hate displayed among the children of God. the Scriptures, nor do they have any specific teaching Surely such sins greatly affect reward’s (1 Cor. 3:12- on the subject. There are only seven suicides 17) and are not to be considered trifles. But to say recorded in the Bible. According to 2 Samuel 17:23, that such sins keep a child of God out of heaven Ahithophel saw that Absalom did not heed his seems to me to be going farther than the Scriptures counsel, so he went home, put his house in order and go. If a person has a consistent, longstanding, deep- hanged himself. Saul fell on his sword in order to kill burning hate, then he should check to see if he ever himself (1 Sam. 31:4). It would seem from 2 Samuel was a Christian. 1:5-10 that he was not successful and an Amalekite On the other hand, I believe it is only realistic to had to finish the job, but Saul’s intent was say that a child of God may occasionally get caught nonetheless suicide. Saul’s armorbearer was number up in hate. Hatred is very much a part of the three (1 Sam. 31:5). Zimri committed suicide as a believer’s sin nature. However, a truly spirit- result of a conspiracy that failed (1 Kings 16:18). controlled child of God will not let it last, and he will Abimelech made a foolish move in the taking of a repent. True, the suicide victim does not have time to tower and got hit on the head with a stone thrown by repent, but his eternal salvation is not taken away a woman. Not wanting to face the indignity of being from him any more than the eternal salvation is taken killed by a woman, he had his armorbearer kill him from the child of God who has been harboring hatred with his sword (Judges 9:54). Samson pulled the or bitterness for a time. house down on his own head (16:30). And number Some believers contend, that anyone who has seven was Judas (Matt. 27:5; Acts 1:16-18). committed suicide was not in his right mind. That For many people the reasoning concerning could be so. In a study of the seven biblical suicides, salvation and suicide goes something like this: “No it seems that each one was under some pressure at the murderer has eternal life (1 John 3:15), and since time. Many believers today may not believe that suicide is self-murder, that settles that!” But I wonder those pressures were enough to justify suicide - but if the answer is that simple? these believers were not present then. Today’s In writing this column I have been guided by two believers are living in an age of great despair, fear, great fears - that I shall give comfort where it is not pain, incurable disease, guilt feelings, impossible deserved, and that I will not give comfort where it is social pressures, poverty and so on. Individuals had deserved! It is a grave error for persons to draw better be careful how they judge others who have comfort from the promises of God when they have much more to cope with than they do. Too many not made those promises theirs by placing themselves believers are quick to judge others before first trying under the protection and provision of God. I’m afraid to walk in their shoes. Actually, one would hardly a good many people think that they will dwell in the know how he would react if he was caught in a house of the Lord forever, although they have not similar situation. Since individuals can never put made the Lord their Shepherd (Psa. 23)! On the other themselves in the place of anyone who commits hand, it is just as far off the track for others who are suicide, let them be very slow to judge. Many of the problems that Christians suffer in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). merely point out that believers, for the most part, live Paul further. admonished, “Be careful (anxious) for far below their privileges. Christians have been nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication promised peace, joy and hope. But somehow many with thanksgiving let your requests be made known do not know how to appropriate these fruits of the unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all Spirit to themselves. If believers are to remain sane understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds and spiritual in this world, they will have to learn through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6,7). more and more the words of Paul: “Let this mind be

What about suicide? Suicide is the voluntary and intentional act of one taking his own life. Three classic examples of suicide are recorded in Scripture: Saul (1 Sam. 31), Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17), and (Matt. 27). Several observations from these texts can be made: First, believers and non-believers both have taken their lives; second, in each instance terribly distressing circumstances affected each life; and third, in two of the examples there was direct demonic or satanic activity involved. It is no wonder that Satan’s involvement in human life produces thoughts of suicide. Jesus reveals in John 8:42-44 that the devil is both a murderer (“from the beginning”) and a liar (“the father of lies”). In a weakened state, even a believer can become so emotionally distressed that he can murder himself. Satan’s unchecked attacks are vicious. When one takes his own life he usurps, in criminal fashion, a right belonging only to God - the right to take life. The suicide of a believer leaves a damnable brand on Christ and Christianity because the devil exploits the information of it to the farthest extreme in the minds of unbelievers. 35a

SWEARING

From Exodus 20:7; Deut. 5:11 we learn the sin. There is some discussion of cursing God, in Job Lord’s name is not to be taken in vain. The word 1:1 - 2:10. Note the piety of Job relative to “vain” implies foolishness, fruitlessness, knowledge of forgiveness in 1:5 (without doubt there ineffectuality, etc. Some Bible translations render was spiritual teaching by Job to the sons also). Read the word as “vanity” or “falsehood”. Obviously His also of Peter, who was “afar off” (out of fellowship), name is often used profanely. All the definitions and who denied the Lord three times with oaths and embrace much of what man calls cursing or curses (Luke 22:54-62). He, of course, was restored swearing. Those who indulge will not be held and forgiven. And so can the same be true of guiltless (Deut. 5:11). How much better to call upon Christians who sin today. See Prov. 28:13; 1 John His name for salvation (Romans 10:13), and to give 1:9. 1 John 1:7 tells of cleansing and forgiveness for thanks in His name (Eph. 5:20). all sin. The verse in Proverbs speaks of confessing and forsaking (cut it out). Heb. 11:6 indicates that those who seek God will find Him. It is through the Word of God (Romans Joel 2:25 - Are sin marred and broken lives 10:17). The doing of His will for salvation is told in hopeless, as far as Christian service is concerned? John 6:28, 29. Not according to Him, who is eternal (and who reckons not only of time as does man, but rather of Is cursing God forgiveable? Except for the sin His unlimited and sovereign power). of unbelief, believers are capable of performing any 35aa

THE MASTER ARTIST

An American writer tells the story of a most Once more a great window threw its beautiful wonderful stained glass window in a certain light into the dim aisles of the old cathedral. The cathedral. From far and near the people came to see splendor of the new far surpassed the glory of the it. It was indeed a masterpiece of art. old, and its fame once more filled the land and brought pilgrims to view its beauty from far and near. One day. during a great storm, the violence of What a tragedy of spoiled lives one meets with the elements forced in the window, and it crashed to among the children of God! If there has not been a the floor, shattered into hundreds of pieces. The violent fall, there has been, in a multitude of cases, a fragments, however, were carefully gathered up and declension of soul that has involved abandonment, stored in a box which was placed in the crypt of the one after the other, of cherished ideals. cathedral. But is the position hopeless? Not if the Master Some time afterwards a visitor arrived to see the Artist comes upon the scene. Not if He takes in hand beautiful window. When he learned of its fate, he the broken fragments. Not if His skill is available to inquired what had become of the fragments. They restore and replace. showed him the broken pieces of glass. He asked if he might have them, a request which was readily What then must we do? granted, as they seemed to be of no further use. * Hand over our broken lives to Him. The visitor carried the box away. Weeks passed; * Own our faithlessness, our folly, and the futility then came an invitation to the cathedral authorities to of all our efforts to make things different. inspect a stained glass window in the studio of a * Put ourselves unreservedly into his hands. famous artist, noted for his master skill in glasscraft. * Abandon wholeheartedly everything concerning On arriving at the studio there shone before their which we have a will of our own. astonished gaze a window of stained glass surpassing * Bring the cross to bear upon every concession in beauty anything of the kind that they had ever that we have made to the flesh. seen. As they stood looking at its rich tints and marvelous workmanship, the artist said: Then, filled with the Holy Spirit, our lives shall once again he radiant with Christ, and something of “This window I have wrought from the frag- His beauty shall shine in us. ments of your shattered one, and it is now ready to be Harold P. Barker placed in position.” 36a

TEMPTATION AND TRIALS

Temptation and Trial -- How to Resist? Cor. 10:13. The Spirit filled man remembers the admonitions of Scripture stored in the heart, that he Living for God, how achieved? Christians may not sin against God (Psalm 119:11). Without cannot live for Him in their own strength. The flesh such support the believer would be sure to fail, but lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the God has “given unto us all things that pertain unto flesh; and these are contrary (against) the one to the life and Godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). other, so Christians cannot do the things they would. (Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:15-25). Therefore the Every believer is born of the Spirit (John 3:3-6; 1 Bible exhorts Christians to walk in the Spirit, and not John 5:1), indwelt by the Spirit, whose presence fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). And the makes the believer’s body a temple (1 Cor. 6:19), and Holy Spirit indwells each believer (Ephesians 1:13; baptized with the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:12, 13; 1 John Romans 8:9), and gives power to live for God. 2:20, 27), thus sealing him for God (Eph. 1:13; 4:30). Having the Spirit is true of all believers - The how is graphically revealed in Ephesians being filled with the Spirit is the Christian’s privilege 5:18. A drunken person is not himself, but rather is and duty. (Compare Acts 2:4 with Acts 4:29-31; one under the influence of or under the control of also Eph. 1:13, 14 with Eph. 5:18.) There is one another force - liquor. The state of drunkenness is baptism of the Spirit (which accompanies salvation), the result of steadily imbibing (absorbing) strong but the possibility of many fillings of the Spirit. drink. In like manner the Christian is to be filled Read about the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22. The with the Spirit - to be under the influence of or believer is not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God by sin under the control of the Spirit (not himself ). As in the Christian life (Eph. 4:17-32). When sin is Christians absorb the Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15- present it is to be confessed for forgiveness and 17; Psa. 119:11), seek help in prayer (Psalm 138:3; cleansing (Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9). Nor is the Spirit Hebrew 4:16), confess sins (Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9), to be quenched through failure to obey His leadings there is strengthening with might by His Spirit in the (1 Thess. 5:19; James 4:17). Rather the believer is to inner man (Eph. 3:16). The believers are becoming be filled by the Holy Spirit, as indicated in the filled with the Spirit and enabled to walk in the illustration of Eph. 5:18. The Emmaus course Spirit. As temptation assails, “the way to escape” is entitled “The Holy Spirit at Work” is interesting and found, that “believers may be able to bear it”. See 1 informative. 36b

PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST

Persecuted for Him? The Apostle Peter, a Jew, to be an epistle (letter) known and read of all men (2 suffered for Christ’s sake. From his own experience, Cor. 3:2). Thru our lives we are to show the love of and used of the Holy Spirit, he wrote 1 Peter 1:1-8, God in action (James 1:22). It isn’t easy, but it is etc., to the scattered ones (because of persecution for pleasing to God (1 Cor. 10:33). The lesson of Acts Christian testimony), and to you too. 4:13 is very pertinent.

It is impossible to understand some happenings There is a friend that sticketh closer than a of life. Many circumstances grieve and disturb us. brother (Prov. 18:24). “God showed His love toward Complexities of today’s life bear down upon us, and us in that while we were yet sinners (unlovely and leave us fearful. We are told to look unto our Lord unlikeable) , Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). The and to cast all our “care upon Him, for He careth for Messianic Psalm 22 gives us some understanding of you” (1 Peter 5:7). When we cast our burden upon what the Lord Jesus endured for us. “Forsaken and the Lord, the promise is given that He will sustain or far from help” (v. 1), “despised” (v. 6) “none to help us (Psalms 55:22). This means He will give us help” (v. 11), “compassed and enclosed” (v. 16). In grace and ability to endure and to rise above, and Isaiah 53:3 His aloneness is described very vividly. possibly see the problems corrected. You are urged Because He was so tried, He is able to succor, to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, to obtain comfort and help all who come unto Him through mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” faith. See Hebrews 2:18; 4:15, 16. The Apostle Paul (Hebrews 4:16). also experienced aloneness. See 2 Tim. 4:16. Yet he reminds us of the One who will never leave, nor The actions and failures of other people can forsake - Who never changes (Heb. 13:5, 8). The cause difficulty in many ways. Still the Christian is loneliest person in the world (who knows Christ as told to “be kind one to another, tender hearted, Savior) has a blessed promise - “I will come again, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). We are to remember ye may be also” (John 14:3). Ours is indeed a most that Christ died for the sins of everyone, and we are glorious hope! 37a

THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

The doctrine of the Trinity is: While there is one and only one God, Matthew 28:19, “… baptizing them in the name there are three Persons in the Godhead. of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” God, the Father is God. God, the Son is God. John 14:16,17, “And I (the Son) will pray the God, the Holy Spirit is God. Father, and he shall give you another Comforter…even the Spirit of truth.” The fact that there is only one God is stated in 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and one 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, “Now there are diversities mediator between God and men, the man, Christ of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are Jesus.” differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the The fact that the Father is God is taught in such same God which worketh all in all.” passages as Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 8:6; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 4:6, etc. 2 Corinthians 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the Jesus Christ is said to be God in John 1:1; 10:30; communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Amen.” Hebrews 1:8, etc. Ephesians 4:4-6, “… one Spirit … one Lord … The Holy Spirit is shown to be God in Act: 5:1- one God and Father of all.” 4. In verse 3, Peter accused Ananias of lying to the Holy Ghost. Then he said in verse 4, “…thou hast 1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the not lied unto men but unto God.” In other words, the foreknowledge of God the Father, through Holy Ghost is God. See also 2 Corinthians 3:17. sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” When we say that there are three Persons in the Godhead, what do we mean by “person”? Generally a No human mind can fully understand the Trinity. person is regarded as a being who has intellect, God is greater than human intellect and will always emotions and will. In Scripture passages too be beyond the power of His creature’s full numerous to mention, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit understanding. are all spoken of as knowing, feeling and willing. Here are examples: It is true that the word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but that does not disprove the truth. The word The Father knows (Psalm 139:1.2,4; Matthew “Trinity is simply a name which has been given to 6:8) describe the truth of one God, with three Persons in The Son knows (John 4:1). the Godhead. The Spirit knows (1 Corinthians 2:11). Wm. MacDonald

The Father has emotions (John 16:27). The Son has emotions (John 11:35). The Spirit has emotions (Ephesians 4:30).

The Father has a will (Matthew 18:14). The Son has a will (John 17:24). The Spirit has a will (Romans 8:26).

All three Persons of the Trinity are mentioned together in: 37b

“Is It Possible to Comprehend the Trinity?” by Daryl E. Witmer

Christians are monotheistic - we believe in one the Scripture clearly affirms. As is true with any God. But we are also Trinitarian - we believe in a analogy, however, flaws and limitations remain. God who is revealed in three Persons. Each Person of What follows is, at best, an attempt to translate the the Godhead is fully Divine, yet distinct from one language of the infinite into the idiom of the finite. another.

 H20 Water, ice, and steam. All three share The word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible common attributes but exhibit themselves in per Se, but the concept of a Triune God has always distinct form/roles. been a key mark of historic, orthodox Christianity. As a matter of fact, the doctrine of the Trinity is one  An Egg The white, the shell, the yolk. If I hold tenet that often separates aberrant teaching from the up any one component and ask you what it is, you sound and established position of the Church down will say, “It’s an egg, of course.” Yet there is a through the ages. When any member of the Godhead most definite distinction between each of the three is made out to be less than fully God, a charge of components. heresy is substantiated.  Mr. Witmer People address my father as ‘Mr. But how is one to understand the doctrine of the Witmer’. But I, too, am ‘Mr. Witmer’. And so is Trinity? Can the Trinity be explained? The answer is my son - as a matter of fact, all three sons are ‘Mr. “not exactly - not fully.” A.W. Tozer wrote in his Witmer’! If someone walked into a room where book The Knowledge of the Holy that “our sincerest we all happened to be present and said, “Now, effort to grasp the incomprehensible mystery of the would the real Mr. Witmer please raise their Trinity must remain forever futile, and only by hand”, we would all raise our hands. We all share deepest reverence can it be saved from actual many attributes, we are all ‘Mr. Witmer’, and to presumption.” some extent we all have a common identity. Yet we are also certainly three distinct persons. Nevertheless, it is possible to gain some insight into this mystery. The diagram above, for instance, is  PWh Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, in his helpful in demonstrating the Biblical position on the book How Do We Know There Is a God?, says inter-relationship between the members of the that theoretical physicists might identify an Godhead. And there are five illustrations that I have electron as PWh, where P = particle properties, W come by over the years that have aided me in my = wave properties, and h = quantum properties. own effort to grasp, at least in measure, that which While these various properties and characteristics the sea. It signals that the sea is near. It even has a may be mutually exclusive, in order to give separate existence. Yet it still is the sea. proper weight to all relevant data, the subatomic entity itself is known as, and referred to as, PWh. In Genesis 1:26 God says, “Let Us make man in Our image...” But who are the ‘Us’ and the ‘Our’ if  The Ocean A nuclear scientist by the name of they’re not references to the three members of the Robert W. Faid published a book in 1993 entitled Trinity? Certainly not the angels or the cherubim. A Scientific Approach to Biblical Mysteries. He Throughout Scripture the Father, the Son (Jesus), and says that one day while standing by the shore of the Holy Spirit are all repeatedly recognized as being the sea he was struck by the analogy it afforded fully God. The testimony is unequivocal. There re: the Trinity. If the sea itself is compared to certainly remains the mystery of that which man can God, we might then think of a wave as repre- never wholly know about God, but without senting God the Son. A wave has an identity of its disengaging the mind, and with what Tozer calls own, and it comes from and returns to the sea. Yet “reverent reason”, it becomes incumbent on us at this it is never separate from the sea. Further, we point to bow low before the totality of the truth of might think of the salt air as the Holy Spirit. It God’s revelation regarding Himself as the great invigorates and penetrates and even draws one to Three-in-One. 38a

THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN

“It is very easy to become one-sided in regard to . And he (though an eloquent man and Scriptural doctrines and principles. One would seek mighty in Scriptures) was not too proud to learn from to preserve the golden mean and recognize the her. To teach in an authoritative way is forbidden the breadth of Scripture, as well as its clearly defined woman. To instruct in a class while maintaining her limitations. I do not see how anyone, desiring to be womanly character is quite in keeping with the subject to the Word of God, can refuse the plain doctrine of Scripture. definite instruction in regard to women’s place in the assembly as set forth in 1 Cor. 14, and 1 Tim. 2. “There is another point, however, which it is When the assembly is gathered together in a well to keep in mind. When things had gone wrong Scriptural way, then a woman’s place is one of in Israel, and men had proven recreant to their trust, silence so far as public ministry is concerned (and God raised up a woman judge and gave to Deborah a also I take it so far as public prayer goes). She place quite contrary to the orderly condition of recognizes the headship of the man through whom things. We need not to be surprised, if in the present Christ speaks to His Church, which is aptly pictured confusion of Christendom (when men have failed by the subject women. This is no slight upon the wretchedly to maintain the truth of God) He raises up woman. It is simply the recognition of her proper a host of holy women, to hold aloft the banner of place in nature. In the new creation there is neither truth which has fallen from the hands of the Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, but all are one in unfaithful men. Christ Jesus. But this fact does not alter our natural standing as men and women living in this world. “Some years ago, Dr. H.H. Snell (an English Outside of the assembly of God other conditions Bible Teacher of repute) was walking along a busy prevail, which are not necessarily governed by the street with a brother in the Lord. Attention was passages. 1 Cor. 11 is to my mind utterly attracted to two women who were conducting a street unintelligible, unless it indicates a sphere of more or meeting, giving out the Gospel to a great throng of less publicity, where women in the company of men both sexes. The unnamed brother (a rigid stickler as are at liberty under certain conditions to pray and to the letter of the Word) turned to the Doctor and prophesy. Such liberty, however, needs to be said, ‘what a disgusting thing to see those women so carefully guarded lest it develop into license, and the forgetful of their place as to be preaching in public.’ women aspire to a place from which God in His Dr. Snell replied, ‘My brother, it is wisdom would shield her. because you and I are not there that God is using them’.” “The blatant feminism of the present day is one of the signs of the end-times. It is but one symptom Dr. H.A. Ironside of the lawlessness of the closing days of the dispensation. Christian women should be the last to encourage anything of this kind.

“Some have raised the question as to the right of a woman to teach a bible class or instruct in school, where both sexes are present. I should say that this has nothing whatever to do with the prohibitions mentioned above. Such a class or school does not constitute an assembly of God. It is a voluntary arrangement in which people agree to go together for instruction and help. If they choose to sit under a woman teacher she certainly could not be charged with usurping authority. Priscilla evidently took precedence over her husband in the instruction of 39a

CAIN

Who was Cain’s wife? Did not God forbid this later under the law of Moses? Cain married one of his own sisters. Many people assume that Adam and Eve had only two God did forbid this practice later, when He gave children - . But in Genesis 5:4 we are the law to Moses. See Leviticus 18:9, and also told that Adam begat sons and daughters. One of Ezekiel 22:11. those sons is mentioned by name - Seth - in Genesis 4:24. Today, the backlog of genetic defects makes it unwise for a person to marry a near relative. But in Was it permissible for Cain the early days of man’s history, God permitted men to marry his sister? to marry sisters or relatives so that the earth might be populated. At that time in the world’s history, there was no divine law against a man marrying his own sister. Genetic defects would not be the expected result of such a union because the race was still pure. 39b

CAIN’S WIFE: IT REALLY DOES MATTER! by Ken Ham

Over the past fifteen years of full-time involvement in the creation ministry, the question I In other words, we are told certain details about have been asked more than any other is, “Where did three sons born to Adam and Eve. It is recorded in Cain get his wife?” Genesis 3:20, “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” Thus When I am a guest on Christian radio programs, all human beings are descendants of the first woman, invariably the host or a caller poses this question. I Eve. There were no other women - just one woman, also am asked this question at seminars, at churches Eve. where I am a guest preacher, in homes I visit - it goes on and on. I even have the same thing happen in the In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Paul tells us that “the secular world (e.g., non-Christian students in public first man Adam was made a living soul.” In other schools and on secular-radio talk shows). I’ve been words, Adam was the first man - there were no other asked this same question so many times I almost feel men at the beginning. And in Acts 17:26, Paul states like I know Cain and his wife as next-door that the God who made the world “hath made of one neighbors! blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” All human beings are related, because The fact that I am asked about Cain’s wife so they are all descendants of the first man, Adam, and often by Christians and non-Christians, tells me three the first woman, Eve. things: As marriage in the Bible specifies one man for First, the church, by and large, either has not one woman for life, this means Christians have to be given, or cannot give the answer to this question; able to explain how Adam and Eve’s sons could marry and have children to propagate the human Second, this question is obviously a problem to race. Thus we need to be able to answer the question many Christians, and the fact that they cannot answer concerning Cain’s wife. it, causes many, I believe, to doubt that they can defend the book of Genesis. This also affects their One can actually answer this question with just a witnessing to non-Christians; little Bible knowledge. Genesis 5:4 tells us that Adam and Eve “begat sons and daughters.” Josephus, Third, for many non-Christians, this is a the Jewish historian, states that “The number of stumbling block hindering them from believing that Adam’s children, as says the old tradition, was thirty- they can trust the Bible as being a true record of three sons and twenty-three daughters.” The point, of history, from the first book, Genesis, onwards. course, is that Adam and Eve did have many children. But, besides the fact that this is an easy question to answer, does it really matter whether or not we can Therefore, brothers must have married sisters at answer it? Should we make an issue of this or not? the beginning. Remember that the law against close intermarriage was not given until the time of Moses - First of all, it is vitally important for the e.g., “none of you shall approach to any that is near Christian to be able to answer this question, as it of kin to him” (Leviticus 18:6). There was nothing relates to defending the fact that all humans are wrong with brother and sister marriages, originally. If descendants of Adam and Eve; and, secondly, that it you think about it, that is the only way to populate is only their descendants that can be saved. Let me go the world, starting with only one pair. Notice that through these two aspects in some detail. Abraham married his half sister with no condemnation from God, even though this was later 1. All humans are descendants of Adam and forbidden. Eve. Also, as Adam and Eve were created perfect, In Genesis 4:1,2, we read, “And Adam knew Eve their genes would have been perfect. As the curse his wife: and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, God placed upon creation started to operate only after I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again they sinned, their descendants would not have had bare his brother Abel.” And in Genesis 5:3, we read, many mistakes in their genes. These mistakes “And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and (harmful mutations) add up only after a long period begat a son in his own likeness, after his image: and of time. called his name Seth.” So brothers and sisters (Adam and Eve’s The Bible teaches, of course, that the atoning children) could have married and not had the death of Christ was “for the sins of the whole world” problems of deformities in their offspring as might (1 John 2:2). In fact, it was only when “by one man well happen today, if such close relatives married and sin entered into the world” that death came into the had children. This is because today humans have lots world and then “passed upon all men” (Romans of mistakes - because of the curse - in their genes. 5:12). This may cause problems when matching pairs are inherited from both parents, as is much more likely Thus the idea that there were “pre-Adamite men” with close intermarriage. or other human-like creatures in the world unaffected by Adam’s sin is theological nonsense. “As by the Some people, though, say that there must have offense of one judgment came upon all men to been people other than Adam and Eve, because Cain condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one went to the land of Nod and found his wife. First of the free gift came upon all men unto justification of all, the Scriptures quoted above make it obvious that life” (Romans 5:18). there was only one man and one woman from whom came all other human beings. Since all men and women are descendants of Adam and Eve, and “all the world” has “become Secondly, the Scripture says that Cain went to guilty before God” (Romans 3:19), and since “the the Land of Nod and “knew” (had sexual relations grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to with) his wife. John Calvin, in his commentary on all men” (Titus 2:11), all people - of every age and Genesis, and most other conservative expositors, every place - can be saved, if they simply believe on make the point that Cain was married before he went the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). to the land of Nod. This wonderful solution to the problem of sin Since men and women lived to be hundreds of and death is beyond anything we finite humans could years old in the primeval world, populations grew ever imagine. God made another Adam! He, Himself, rapidly, and Cain had plenty of time to marry a sister in the person of Jesus Christ, the perfect sinless son (or possibly a niece), move to Nod, and build a city of God, came to earth to be a man born of a woman - for his own descendants and others. a perfect man - man as God intended man to be. Paul calls Christ the “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45). The “God-man” died on the cross of Calvary and 2. Only Adam and Eve’s descendants can be “became sin for us,” and then was raised from the saved. dead, so that we might have a living sacrifice - a new representative head. Only as we are united to him do The most important aspect of the topic is this: If we have the gift of eternal life with our Creator. we cannot defend the fact that all humans can trace their ancestry back to Adam and Eve, then the whole And just think of what Jesus Christ has done for gospel message has problems. us. He became a man (but is also God) and will remain a man, God and man in two distinct natures, When the first man, Adam, sinned, he forfeited but one person, forever, so we will have a Savior. his right to live with a holy God. God, who is infinitely just, had to judge this rebellion with death. What a wonderful message! What a wonderful Adam and all of his descendants would have been al- Savior! What a blessed redeemer! What a God of ienated from God forever. However, God, in his grace and mercy! Oh, how we should praise Him - infinite mercy, provided a means of deliverance from and for those of us who do love and trust and serve sin and its final effect of eternal separation from the Him, we will praise Him forever and ever. Creator God. In Hebrews 9:22, we learn that “without shedding of blood is no remission.” This is why we send missionaries to the Australian Aborigines, and the New Guinea natives. God required the shedding of blood for This is why we are commended to preach the gospel remission of sin. But, as Adam, the federal to “every creature.” This is why we can talk about our (representative) head of the human race brought sin brothers and sisters in Christ. And this is why we and thus death into the world, another man (another need to be able to answer questions such as, “Where representative, without sin, but also a member of the did Cain get his wife?” without speculating that God human race) was required to pay the penalty for sin - created any (non-existent) “other people,” or that the penalty of death. there were “soul-less humans” at that time. PASS IT ON

New Christians have special needs. The delights when you come to Him. And He can following suggestions for getting them started in give you the peace you desire. Read: Philippians spiritual growth have been gleaned in part from a 4:4-7; 1 Peter 5:5-10. past issue of Our Hope, a magazine edited by Arno C. Gaebelein. These salient points are appropriate not 7. Learn and grow in the school of secret only for new Christians but for any believers, young prayer. You can be sure that when you feel least or old. Pass them on! inclined for prayer, your soul is most in need of it. The more you pray, the more you want to 1. Renounce any thought that your acceptance pray. Soon prayer will become an ongoing state before God depends on anything you do or can of mind as well as a specific act in time. Read: do, or anything you are or can be. When you put Matthew 26:36-46; 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18; 1 your trust in Christ, He clothed you with His Peter 4:7. righteousness. You now stand forgiven and accepted before God because of what Christ did 8. Never refuse any teaching just because it is for you. Read: Romans 4:24,25; 5:1,2; 8:1-4; new to you; but never accept anything new till Ephesians 1:3-7. you see it for yourself in the Word of God! Be slow and certain as you acquire truth. Although 2.Remember that you are now a Christian. you may get truth through a human channel, seek “Christ’s one,” and as such you should seek to truth from God. Learn at the Master’s feet and honor “that noble name by which you are called” you will have no need to learn to unlearn. Read: (James 2:7). Read: Acts 11:26; Ephesians 3:14- John 16:12-15; 2 Peter 3:1,2,17,18. 21. 9. Learn from the Bible by reading (2 Timothy 3. Be careful to have a good conscience. Such 2:15; 3:16,17), searching (Acts 17:11), finding a pure and sensitive conscience is gained as you (Psalm 119:162), meditating (Jeremiah 15:16), are instructed by Scripture. If you sin, confess it and practicing (James 1:22-27). at once, not as a sinner to God but as a child to the Father. Read: Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 1:5,6; 10. Never look for a perfect example of Hebrews 13:18; 1 John 1:9,10; 2:1,2. Christianity from Christians. If you want the perfect and the real, get your eye on God’s 4. Be as lenient concerning the faults of others perfect One, Christ. Spend time learning about as you are hard on your own. You’ve heard of Him and from Him. Jesus said, “. . . without Me the three R’s in education. Well, here are three you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Seek God’s important F's in the Christian life: Forbear- help to abide in Him so that you will intuitively Forgive - Forget. If you detect in your heart the follow in His steps and walk as He walked (1 smallest grain of malice toward another, do not Peter 2:21-24). rest until it is removed. Read: Romans 12:9-21; Ephesians 4:1-3,30-32; Philippians 2:1-18; When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he said, Colossians 3:12-17. “as your faith is increased.” This little phrase in 2 Corinthians 10:15 should speak volumes to us also. 5. Keep a large heart as you walk the narrow The apostle anticipated and expected the continued way. What do I mean by a large heart? One that spiritual growth of the believers in Corinth. includes all believers. The path through the ruin of this world becomes increasingly narrow, but a At every stage in the Christian experience, there heart filled with the love of Christ expands and is the need for growing faith. This will be embraces those who are members of His body. accomplished in us as we take in the Word of God Read: Ephesians 1:15; 3:17-19; Colossians 1: 4. and then appropriate that Word. If we know the Word but do not make it a part of our thinking and living, 6. In any difficulty, let the Lord be your first re- we will never develop or increase our faith. It is true, source. No wiser, kinder, or stronger friend do without question, that we need to be doctrinally cor- you have than the Savior. Whatever the care of rect. But unless the Word of truth becomes part of your heart, a burden about your home, school, our daily practice and lifestyle, no increasing, business, church, go to Him alone about it. He working faith will be produced in us. that his name means “Son of Encouragement.” What diverse fields of service await believers as they make themselves available to God! He has Bitter trials are a part of life for God’s people. equipped everyone to be His special servant, each in Needed: more Christians who will be “sons of en- his own unique manner. He did not intend for all of couragement.” You may not be called to engage in us to be pastors, missionaries, committee chairmen, public ministry, but you may stand by fellow believ- ushers, or church janitors. But He does have ers quietly and prayerfully in the time of testing. important work for each of us to do. One such task is God’s children need the encouragement of other mentioned in Acts 4. travelers on the earthly pilgrimage. A loving touch, a spoken word, a breathed prayer. Pass it on! Among the many people mentioned in this chap- by Paul Van Gorder ter is Barnabas. The Holy Spirit was careful to record

52a THE UPWARD WALK

The apostle Peter began his first epistle with Yes, the Christian walk is always upward. It’s a these words: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the continual striving to match our lives with the pattern “sojourners” scattered …” (1 Peter 1:1). The Greek set by the Lord Jesus. It’s a process; not a finished word translated “sojourners” carries with it the idea product. It’s precisely at this point that some of “aliens” and “pilgrims” - people who are on a long believers have their greatest difficulty. They journey. Elsewhere, the Bible makes reference to the somehow cannot accept their repeated failures. They narrow way and the straight path. demand of themselves a perfection now that is promised for them later. Consequently, they always Sometimes a traveler loses perspective along the feel bad about themselves. They become depressed. way. He finds that he has hard choices to make, he And they are a discouraging factor for others on the struggles with weariness, and he forgets some impor- pathway with them. But if they will acknowledge the tant things he should remember. Therefore, it seems limitations of their humanity, and if they will daily wise to consider again some of the facts the Bible claim the promise of 1 John 1:9, they will find the gives us about our Christian journey. journey easier.

THE BEGINNING The apostle Paul was locked in the same conflict between the ideal and the actual. He expressed his The gateway to the Christian walk opens with a frustration in the concluding verses of Romans 7. Yet decision - the choice to receive Jesus Christ as at the end of his life he could write, “I have fought a personal Savior. No matter how good one’s life may good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the be, he is not walking the pilgrim walk until the new faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). This doesn’t mean that he life from above is born within him. The moment a achieved perfection in this life; rather, it says that he person opens his heart to Christ, he embarks upon the learned to accept the hills and valleys, to keep his eye pilgrim journey. on the goal, and to accept God’s forgiveness along the way. Now, this doesn’t mean that bells start to ring and skyrockets explode when a person is saved, THROUGH ALIEN TERRITORY although some will show the excitement. Rather, it means that the new Christian’s life is totally changed. As the Christian progresses on his journey to Before he was of his “father, the devil,” walking in heaven, he’ll become increasingly aware that he is in darkness (John 8:44). But now the light of God enemy land. He’s a foreigner, an alien in the dwells within, cleansing every shadow of sin and kingdom of this world. He’s passing through territory making him a citizen of heaven. His journey on earth, ruled by the prince of darkness. Every step of the therefore, is a pilgrim journey through hostile way he’ll face the temptation to adopt its lifestyle, to territory. On the front of his passport is emblazoned downgrade his standards to the lowest level. the words, “Kingdom of Heaven.” AN UPWARD WALK The apostle Paul warned us about this tendency. He knew how weak the flesh is and how alluring the The pilgrim journey is always upward. The bright lights of carnal living can be. So he advised us, destination is conformity to the One who purchased “ ... be not conformed to this world, but be ye our redemption and blazed the original trail - the transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans Lord Jesus Christ. Because His was a walk in perfect 12:2). obedience to the will of the Father, we cannot ever fully attain it in this life. But it’s our worthy goal. Two elements are vitally important in the The apostle Paul said in a letter he wrote to the Christian walk through alien territory. First, we must believers at Philippi, “Brethren, I count not myself to not conform to the world. We cannot take its value have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting system nor its shortsighted, self-serving goals as our those things which are behind, and reaching forth own. Second, we must think like a citizen of heaven. unto those things which are before, I press toward the With renewed minds, we must look at the pagan mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ landscape through the eyes of faith. This will enable Jesus” (Philippians 3:13.14). us to withstand the siren song of fleshly temptation. BEWARE OF THE LION strength and protection in the supernatural struggle in which we are involved. Let us call upon all of them The more a Christian matures, the more he increasingly as we continue on the pilgrim journey. becomes aware that he’s not only involved in a struggle with the world and the flesh but also with the A SONG OF JOY devil. Peter warned us, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion Finally, as the Christian continues onward, he walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 can experience deep joy and genuine happiness. Peter 5:8). Isaiah wrote, “Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). Because of the reality of satanic opposition, we And Psalm 1 describes the happy man as one who need the help of God. We’re in a supernatural delights in the “way of the Lord.” struggle. But we are not defenseless. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer to teach us the truth and to Truly, the old song “Singing I Go Along Life’s strengthen us for the battle. And we are given Road” applies to us. We have no valid reason for spiritual armor to protect us from the foe and give us unhappiness as we travel on. Ahead lie the parapets weaponry for the conflict (see Ephesians 6:12-18). of heaven. The flags of glory wave majestically Furthermore, we have the advantage of direct before us. The King awaits our coming. Let us not communication with our Commander-in-chief, for we become discouraged on the way. Let us not allow our are to be “praying always.” failures to defeat us. Rather, with eyes fastened on our goal let us joyfully continue on the upward walk! Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit, and prayer - these are the sources of our By David C. Egner 52b MAINTAINING YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH

It happened before you knew it. You had been The self is a most powerful foe. The cravings of walking closely with the Lord and steadily growing the flesh lure the dedicated believer back toward the in your Christian life. But almost imperceptibly the darkness. It may be through physical appetite, pride, maturing process began to slow down. Then, lust, or a whining self-pity. Or it may be a craving for somewhere along the line, it stopped altogether. You material things or an honest desire for having the even began to slip backward. Some of the old best. attitudes returned. You began saying things you hadn’t said for a long time. You were trying This was a problem with the believers in Rome. frantically to solve all your problems on your own. Instead of ruling over the flesh, they were ruled by it. Your thoughts were becoming irreverent and That’s why Paul wrote: obsessed with the self. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies Then came the sudden, startling realization that of God, that ye present your body a living sacrifice, you had suffered a mild spiritual crack-up. You holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable recognized the signs immediately and took the steps service (Romans 12:1). prescribed in the Bible to restore fellowship with God: confession, repentance, accepting forgiveness, Some Christians feel the sacrifice of self-denial and renewal. has to be perfect before God will accept it. Knowing they fall short, they become discouraged. But God But the nagging fear remains: What if it happens accepts you because you have been made perfect in again? How can I maintain spiritual health? This Christ. article offers several suggestions for staying in shape spiritually. True, you will fail. But fellowship is restored by confessing your sin and receiving God’s forgiveness WALK IN THE SUNSHINE (1 John 1:9). The time to confess and forsake that sin is the very moment you are aware of it. Don’t wait A careful study of Romans 6 will give the until the next communion service. believer a view of himself that should produce a victorious attitude toward sin. The contrast in this FOUR MARKS OF chapter is between two ways of living: The unsaved SPIRITUAL MATURITY person, still under law, is “dead” to God and “alive” to sin. He is, in effect, a “walking dead man,” for he 1 A willingness to name and confess to God is under the control of the enemy and susceptible to every known sin. sin. 2. A refusal to let the shortcomings of others affect your relationships. The believer, on the other hand, is spiritually 3. An ability to cope with the gap between alive. He is regenerated; he is given new life. He is your ideal view of the Christian walk and resurrected with Christ. He is now “dead” to sin and where you actually are. “alive” to God. Spiritual life surges within him. He 4. A determination not to alter the truth to fit has come out of the murky graveyard and into the the circumstances. bright sunshine of God’s Easter love. He is alive! Even though he still transgresses, he walks in the REFUSE TO CONFORM sunlight. TO THE WORLD

In the process of maintaining spiritual health, it’s The way of the world is diametrically opposed to important to see yourself as spiritually alive. Count the Christian view of life. Therefore, we are not to yourself dead to sin and see it as powerless over you. conform to it. We’re not to love the world. This Don’t let the shadow fall. Stay in the sunlight by doesn’t mean that we should always wear black, or walking the path of obedience (Romans 6:16,17). that we should use horses and buggies instead of automobiles. But we must continually push away the VIEW YOUR BODY AS A SACRIFICE attitudes and thoughts of a lifestyle that has no regard for God. Paul wrote: you are aware that they have appeared, deal with And be not conformed to this world, but be ye them at once. Put down feelings of pride, hostility, or transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye whatever can be used by Satan to drag you down may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and spiritually. perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). God has given the Christian a number of A renewed mind thinks of things from the spiritual resources: truth that wards off Satan, the viewpoint of God. It looks into the darkness from the father of lies; righteousness that gives the enemy no vantage point of the bright sunlight and sees it for room for advantage; peace that keeps doubt from the what it really is. mind and heart; faith that shields us from the enemy’s attacks; salvation that keeps us safe in ACKNOWLEDGE THE conflict; the Word of God as a sword in our hands to SPIRITUAL BATTLE combat our foe.

The Christian who maintains his spiritual health In summary, maintaining spiritual health is will remember that he is always locked in an intense possible if you will walk in the sunshine of battle with a powerful foe. To give Satan the slightest resurrection power, offer yourself as a living advantage is to invite disaster. sacrifice, and think like a citizen of heaven.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness... (Ephesians 6:12).

Keep impure thoughts out of your mind. When by David C. Egner

52c WHAT IS A CULT

Qualities which can be recognized as cultic in boundaries against the outside world which confine terms of a theological definition (i.e. constituting members and attack or threaten those who would deviations from orthodoxy) would include the leave. following: 2. Economic exploitation or an enslaving 1. A false or inadequate basis of salvation. organizational structure. This factor is both The Apostle Paul drew a distinction that is utterly obvious and self-explanatory. Ordinary gumption basic to our understanding of truth when he said, “By ought to steer one clear of a group in which the grace are you saved through faith; and that not of leaders live in luxury while the “lay” members toil to yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest support the organization; likewise beware of any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Inasmuch as the arrangements which bind the convert to serve the central doctrine of biblical Christianity is the group in return for “training” or other forms of ad- sacrificial death of Christ for our sin, all cultic vancement through the ranks. deviations tend to downplay the finished work of Christ and emphasize the importance of earning 3. Esotericism. This quality may well be the moral acceptance before God through our own most damning evidence of all; unfortunately, it is the righteous works as a basis of salvation. most difficult to document. The concept of the “esoteric” simply refers to a deliberately created gap 2. A false basis of authority. Biblical between the truth about the cult which is given to the Christianity by definition takes the Bible as its “inner circle” and a misleading image which is yardstick of the true, the false, the necessary, the per- projected to the public at large. In cult evangelism, mitted, the forbidden, and the irrelevant. Cults, on recruiters usually conceal either the identity of the the other hand, commonly resort to extra-biblical group or its real purpose until the convert has become documents or contemporary “revelation” as the vulnerable or has already established a preliminary substantial basis of their theology. While some cult commitment. One legal scholar has referred to this groups go through the motions of accepting the factor as a “segmentation of the joining process,” and authority of Scripture, they actually honor the notes that “what is distinctive about this process is group’s or leader’s novel interpretation of Scripture that, although the potential convert may be given a as normative. general idea of the activities and teachings that will be offered at the next stage, at no point early in the Many groups use biblical scriptures to validate process is he given an opportunity to elect to embark their claims, but plainly jettison any concept of on the entire journey.” biblical authority in favor of the pronouncements of a charismatic leader. To bring the discussion around once more to the theological question, the element of “esotericism” is In authentic Christianity, at least, there is no perhaps the clearest distinction between Christianity prophet or guru who does not stand under the judg- and cultism. There is nothing in the beliefs and ment of Scripture, as do the rest of us. practices of authentic Christianity that is not - in principle - discoverable to a modestly diligent in- Non-theological standards will also be helpful in quirer through any public library. In contrast, the identifying cults. Most such guidelines concern central core of cultic belief is - as a matter of techniques of acquiring and training converts, and principle - commonly hidden from the eyes of include (among others) the following: outsiders.

1. Isolation or “involvement" of the recruit It should be understood, of course, that the above to the point that the group controls all incoming discussion does not pretend to be either exhaustive or information. One of the most critical stages of cultic conclusive. At best it is a tentative and preliminary conditioning requires that the new member be effort to define an amorphous and marginally useful insulated from any opinion, data, or interpretation term. In the context of those reservations, we hope that does not conform to the group’s purposes and that this article might help to clarify the thinking, understanding. It is one thing to withdraw from the talking, and writing of our brothers and sisters. world’s turmoil for a period of reflection or training. It is an insidiously different matter to create fortified by Brooks 53a OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

The faces we see in shopping malls and the fact that He has a special place and purpose for each conversations we engage in with friends can of us can give peace of mind and a joy-filled heart. sometimes leave the impression that people in This can come even when everything seems to be general are serene and happy. But if we could spend going wrong and we have that “short-changed” a day in the office of a trained counselor or minister, feeling. When you’re tempted to complain because of or if we took some time for serious and open circumstances, remember, God knows all about it. He discussion with our neighbors, we would get a dif- knows what He’s doing. He makes no mistakes. And ferent impression. We’d conclude that the world is what He does is always right. Referring to the Lord filled with people who are dejected, unhappy, and God, Moses declared, hurting. Many, in fact, merely go through the motions of living, while masking their true feelings He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His of despondency. In some cases, it’s been months or ways are justice; a God of truth and without iniquity, even years since they really enjoyed anything. They just and right is He (Deuteronomy 32:4). take little interest in their work. They’re withdrawn. They’re restless and irritable. They see themselves as Yes, we’re in the hands of the One who is “just worthless. They vacillate between self-reproach and and right.” self-excuse. They talk about their heavy feelings of guilt. They feel tired all the time. They can’t sleep. ADMIT TO GOD’S PREROGATIVE They complain about aches and pains. Sometimes they wish they were dead. And no wonder! The second step to overcome depression is to admit to God’s prerogative. You must recognize that Medical research shows that such people have God has an absolute and perfect right to do with you more heart attacks and a higher rate of cancer and as He pleases. The apostle Paul included this arthritis than the population as a whole. The interesting and rather arresting truth relating to God’s continual inner tension apparently interferes with the sovereignty: natural functions of the body. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness In this lesson we’ll consider five important steps with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, “I in overcoming depression - one of the worst of all will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I human afflictions. They are: will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” So, then, it is not of him that willeth,  Acknowledge God’s Providence. nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth  Admit to God’s Prerogative. mercy. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, “Even  Accept God’s Pardon. for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I  Abound in God’s Love. might show My power in thee, and that My name  Appropriate God’s Provision. might be declared throughout all the earth.” Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S PROVIDENCE mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto Me, “Why doth He yet find fault? For The first step in overcoming depression is to who hath resisted His will?” Nay but, O man, Who acknowledge God’s providence. You should art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing recognize that God has made you, He has a purpose formed say to Him that formed it, “Why hast thou for your life, and He has your eternal good in mind. made me thus?” Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto Many people are dissatisfied and complain about honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, their appearance, their temperament, their abilities, willing to show His wrath and to make His power and their circumstances. They magnify the negatives known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels and overlook the positives. It’s true that some do of wrath fitted to destruction; And that He might seem to get more than their share of what the world make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of calls “bad breaks.” They’re physically deformed. mercy, which He had before prepared unto glory? They’re lonely. They’re chronically ill and destitute. (Romans 9:14-23). But an acknowledgment of God’s providence and the When you’re tempted to complain because of from the stress of tension, and liberation from that your circumstances, when you’re feeling sorry for awful feeling of worthlessness and alienation from yourself because everything about you seems wrong, God. Yes, there are wonderful emotional as well as when you’re blue because others have it so much spiritual blessings awaiting those who trust Christ for better than you, remember Paul’s words in Romans salvation and experience the reality of sins forgiven. 9:20, Remember, God wants to forgive you. So Nay but, O man, who are thou that repliest confess your sins to Him, agree with Him about your against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that failures, and then accept His forgiveness, His formed it, “Why hast thou made me thus?” cleansing, and the removal of your guilt. It’s essential in moving from the darkness of depression into the God has the right to do with us as He pleases. sunlight of peace and assurance. And we as His creatures should accept whatever He sends. In fact, we should rejoice when He exercises ABOUND IN GOD’S LOVE His sovereignty, and be confident that His ways are perfect. When Abraham was interceding with the The fourth step to overcome depression is to Lord on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah, he said, abound in God’s love. Jesus said, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). So admit to God’s prerogative. Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thy Rather than bemoaning your circumstances, rejoice heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. in God’s goodness, wisdom, and power. Gladly This is the first and great commandment. And the surrender to His will. As you do, it will make a second is like it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as tremendous difference in your overall outlook. thyself (Matthew 22:37-39).

ACCEPT GOD’S PARDON Yes, you should abound in God’s love. By that I mean you should love the Lord supremely and your The third step to overcome depression is to neighbor as yourself. When you do that, you become accept God’s pardon. It’s vital to the removal of so busy worshiping and serving the Lord and doing depression. Guilt, whether involving actual, specific things for others that you don’t have the time to think sins of the past, or merely a general, sinful feeling, is about your own problems. And because of the a basic aspect of the problem. The person plagued satisfaction you experience with such a life of with a guilty conscience finds himself in a most unselfishness and service, it’s easier to accept distressing situation. He doesn’t love himself. He yourself the way you are. The love of God per- can’t love anyone else. He doesn’t think they love meating your life and reaching out to others makes him. And he sinks deeper and deeper into a state of you more attractive and pleasant. Others will enjoy despondency. your company, and you will win new friends.

It is therefore imperative to begin the journey out If you’ve been self-centered, endeavor with of the darkness of depression by receiving the God’s help to show a genuine interest in others. Look forgiveness and the real freedom from guilt which for someone who needs a friend. Go out of your way God so graciously offers. For the unbeliever, this to be of service. means an acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Although there is such a thing as false guilt, There’s always something you can do. And once this fact in no way minimizes the existence of real you start doing what God wants you to do, and you guilt. The person who has never been saved must abound in His love, you’ll have taken another acknowledge his sin and receive Christ as his Savior. important step on the pathway of deliverance from The Lord Jesus, through His perfect life, sacrificial depression. death, and glorious resurrection, paid the price for our sins. The Bible tells us, APPROPRIATE GOD’S PROVISION

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned The fifth step in overcoming depression is to every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on appropriate God’s provision. Having acknowledged Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). His providence, having submitted to His prerogative, having accepted His pardon, and having reached out To all who believe on Him, Christ’s death on the to others by demonstrating the love of Christ, you cross brings freedom from the torment of guilt, relief must exercise your faith to appropriate the Lord’s blessings. But you can never do it in your own God. Remember, Christian friend, we are destined for strength. eternal glory by our Lord Jesus Christ. The best is yet to come. We ought to say with the apostle Paul, You may ask, “How can I avail myself of God’s provision?” Step number one is to think of all He has …though our outward man perish, yet the done for you! Reflect upon your salvation. He has inward man is renewed day by day. For our light given you new life through the miracle of affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a regeneration. He has placed the Holy Spirit within far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, you. He has given you His righteousness. He has While we look not at the things which are seen, but at made you a citizen of Heaven. He has introduced you the things which are not seen; for the things which into His family. He has blessed you with the church are seen are temporal, but the things which are not and the fellowship of other believers. He promises seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). you His guidance. He assures you that He will supply all of your needs. And He invites you to the throne of The cares and concerns of this life grow dim grace to find help in time of need. when we see them in the light of eternity. So keep your eyes fixed upon the eternal and not the Recognizing God’s abundant provision, you will temporal. This too can help lift the clouds of draw upon His strength and be able to do what’s depression. I like what the apostle Paul wrote in right. You’ll start feeling better about yourself. And Philippians 4, you’ll be delivered from spiritual defeat. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by TAKE THE FIVE STEPS prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of I wonder, have you let depression get the best of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep you? Are you downhearted? Are you afraid? Are you your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus discouraged because of failures in your Christian (Philippians 4:6,7). life? Then I would encourage you to take the five steps we’ve been discussing. Here they are again: (1) Before you can experience the peace OF God, Acknowledge God’s Providence. (2) Admit to God’s you must first of all know the peace WITH God. It Prerogative. (3) Accept God’s Pardon. (4) Abound in comes by placing your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Love. (5) Appropriate God’s Provision. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). So When you do these things, you will see how admit your sinfulness and need of salvation and your life will change. Discouragement will be receive the Lord Jesus. Then as you walk with the replaced by joy, fearfulness by confidence, and Lord in faith and obedience, you can experience the bitterness by love. You’ll be more attractive to others blessing of both the peace WITH God and the peace and to yourself. And above all, you’ll bring honor to OF God.

54a DOWN, BUT NOT OUT

It is enough! Now, O Lord, take away my life; enough! Now, O Lord, take away my life,” is the cry for I am not better than my fathers. 1 Kings 19:4 of a despondent man. Other Old Testament men of God like Job and David knew in differing degrees An old legend tells of an who was sent by and for various reasons the agony of soul that plagues God to inform Satan that all the methods he uses to a person who is really down. But these saints and defeat God’s children would be taken from him. The countless others of God’s children have emerged devil pleaded to be allowed to keep just one. “Let me from the “slough of despond” stronger in faith than retain depression,” he begged. The angel, thinking before. this a modest request, agreed. “Good!” he exclaimed, as he laughed to himself. “In that one gift, I have If you are a Christian struggling with depression, secured all.” be patient with yourself and with God. The light of His love still shines behind the dark clouds of your In his book Depression, What It Is and What to bleak existence. God brought Elijah out of his Do About It, Roger Barrett describes this condition as depression, and He can do the same for you. “a miserable, wretched experience that leaves you exhausted, uninvolved, and in deep, hopeless despair. When plunged in darkness and despair, There seems to be absolutely nowhere to turn and not Our hope is in the Lord; one single thing you can do to escape these horrible Not once does He withhold His care feelings. You feel doomed, trapped, and at the end of Or fail to keep His Word. your rope.... It’s awful !” THOUGHT: It is better to walk in the dark with God Down through the centuries, Satan has than to go it alone in the light. capitalized on this emotional state in the lives of some of God’s choicest servants. Elijah’s cry, “It is by Dennis J. De Haan

54b HOW TO DRIVE AWAY DOUBT

Do you have times when you doubt everything A second antidote to doubt is a right attitude. your life is built upon? Have you begun to Spiritual uncertainty flourishes in an atmosphere of question God and your salvation? Here are some hatred, pride, resentment, envy, or ingratitude. Take suggestions for restoring your confidence and time each day to reflect upon all the good things God hope. has done for you. Give Him thanks. When you really appreciate His love, you will be delivered from A lady recently wrote me and said, “I am in hatred, resentment, and envy. desperate need of help because I’m on the verge of losing my faith. Until recently, I found it easy to A negative attitude will keep you from sensing believe. Then my husband left me for another God’s presence in your life. Discipline your thinking. woman. A little later I lost my job. I have prayed for Consciously reflect upon the wonderful things God my husband to come back to me, but I don’t think has done and promised to do. Paul said that God fills he’s going to. I can hardly make ends meet. I’m us with joy and peace “in believing” (Romans 15:13). having trouble with my teenagers. I’m beginning to The best preventive against debilitating uncertainty is wonder about everything I once believed.” a positive, believing, grateful, loving attitude.

Nagging doubts are ruining the happiness of PRAYER many Christians. Sometimes they arise in the minds of believers who encounter strong arguments against The third antidote to doubt is a daily time of Christianity. But more often they are produced by private prayer. Paul told us that if we would pray in adverse circumstances and emotions. People can every situation we would experience God’s become negative about themselves, get discouraged wonderful peace. “Be anxious for nothing, but in with others, be disappointed in prayer, and then just everything, by prayer and supplication with sink into a state of depression - plagued by doubts. thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all This article suggests five antidotes to doubt. If understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds you’re suffering from this spiritual malady, I suggest through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7). The apostle that you take a good dose of each of them. John told us how to keep the line of communication open between us and the Lord. “If we confess our INFORMATION sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1 :9). The first antidote to doubt is information. Many times doubts arise because people are uninformed When we confess our sins daily, give God about some of the basic truths of the faith. They are thanks, and tell Him everything that is on our hearts, unclear about how the Bible came to us. They don’t we will experience a peace which is “better felt than fully grasp the doctrine of salvation by grace through telt.” Praying overcomes doubt. faith. They know almost nothing about Bible terms like justification, sanctification, and regeneration. FELLOWSHIP Solid information in these areas will avert many doubts. The fourth antidote to doubt is fellowship. From the very beginning of Christianity, believers have You don’t need to be a Ph.D. to gain this associated with one another. The first converts knowledge. Clear, easily read booklets are available “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and from Radio Bible Class and other Christian fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” organizations that explain how we got our Bible and (Acts 2:42). In the apostolic age, the people who that define basic salvation truths. When you know accepted Christ would immediately join the these things, you’ll be better equipped to deal with community of saints. Paul repeatedly reminded his disappointments, failures, and feelings of readers to exhort one another, comfort one another, unworthiness. encourage one another, and pray for one another. He knew the value of friendship. ATTITUDE God never intended for us to be spiritual loners. He has designed us to gain strength through self-sacrificial service is an effective counteragent to fellowship with others. We rob ourselves of a doubt. provision God has made for us, and we make ourselves susceptible to doubt when we try to live If you are plagued with nagging doubts, don’t our Christian lives in isolation. make the mistake of thinking you will have to live with them until you die. Don’t destroy yourself by SERVICE letting your guilt feelings drive you into depression. Don’t resort to the practice of seeking supernatural The fifth antidote to doubt is Christian service. A signs or of repeatedly going forward in church. You believer who doesn’t work for God is bound to feel are not sinning if you have honest intellectual guilty. If he doesn’t take corrective measures, these questions you are trying to resolve. You need not be justified guilt feelings will fill his mind with negative overwhelmed with guilt by the doubts that arise from thoughts. Jesus continually emphasized discipleship your emotions. Take in a good-sized dose of solid as the path to spiritual joy, and discipleship involves information, adopt a Christlike attitude, spend time in working for Him. Paul often spoke of his own labors. prayer, participate in Christian fellowship, and get He thanked God for the believers in Thessalonica as busy in active service. It is sure to drive the doubts he remembered their “work of faith, and labor of away. love” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

To remain spiritually fresh, you must take in spiritual nourishment - and give it out. Active and by Herbert Vander Lugt

55a HOW TO HANDLE YOUR DOUBTS

A 21-year-old girl recently wrote me that she is was buried, and He rose again the third day.” plagued with doubts about her personal salvation. Remind yourself that God loves you (John 3:16); that She said that at times she actually panics Christ is your living Savior (1 John 2:1, 2); and that momentarily when she walks into an empty room you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you (1 because she’s afraid the rapture may have occurred. Corinthians 6:19). F. B. Meyer used to portray three Yet her letter reveals a good grasp of what the Bible soldiers named Fact, Faith, and Feeling walking teaches about sin and salvation, and it appears that single-file. He said that Fact was in front, and that she was sincere when she placed her trust in Christ. Feeling followed along nicely, while Faith kept his Furthermore, I am confident she isn’t harboring a eye on Fact. But confusion and disorder began secret unconfessed or unforsaken sin. whenever Faith started looking back at Feeling. By dwelling on the facts of the Bible, you keep your This girl represents thousands of dedicated mind in control, and not your emotions. believers who are beset by feelings of insecurity, even though they are convinced that the Bible is true AVOID A VAGUE IDEALISM and that God will faithfully fulfill all His promises. I’m going to present a synopsis of the letter I wrote to Third, I cautioned my young friend against an her. I pray that it will help many who are burdened abstract, altruistic, and vague idealism. She said in like she is. her letter that she had told the Lord she didn’t want to be just an ordinary Christian. Therefore, she expected MAINTAIN SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY God to send her hardship and suffering to make something special out of her. Now, we should I first encouraged this young woman to continue earnestly desire to be like Christ, and we’re not to be reading the Bible, praying, attending church, and surprised when God sends adversity. But we living an obedient, love-filled life. The devil would shouldn’t develop a hero-martyr complex that causes like to have a doubting believer become so us to feel guilty about being happy or enjoying God’s discouraged that he abandons these practices. Any physical and material blessings. Instead, we ought to Christian who neglects these means of grace God has accept gratefully the good things the Lord sends us, provided will remain uncertain, unhappy, and realizing that it isn’t always His will that faithful unfruitful. Christians be afflicted.

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS My friend, accept life as it comes. Don’t invite morbid thoughts by suspecting that every silver cloud My second admonition to this girl was that she must have a black lining. And be thankful for every get her emotions under the control of her mind by blessing. concentrating upon the great redemptive facts of the Bible. Paul summarized a few of them in 1 by Herbert Vander Lugt Corinthians 15:3, 4, “Christ died for our sins ... He

55b GUILT

A common emotional problem confronting Christians today is guilt. Even believers oftentimes Such acts of disobedience produce feelings of feel beaten down or overwhelmed by it. Dwelling on guilt. We feel guilty because we are guilty. We have their inadequacies and failures, they fret about their a disturbing sense of remorse, regret, and shame weaknesses. They would like to undo the past, but because we have in fact sinned against the Lord. We they know they can’t. When they look around them, have lost self-esteem; we expect some kind of everyone else seems to be happy and carefree, while punishment. We may even feel that no one else wants they themselves are burdened down by haunting us around because we’re so bad. feelings of wrongdoing. It is never advisable to deny the reality of As a result, such persons (often the most high- objective guilt. If we did actually violate the will of principled and sin-sensitive souls) are spiritually God through disobedience to Him, we must face up crippled. They are falling far short of their potential to the fact and deal with it before we can be at peace as servants of Christ. They brood, dwelling in dark with Him, ourselves, and others. valleys of self-incrimination, simply because they’ve never learned how to face and resolve the problem of Dealing with subjective guilt, however, is a guilt. different story. You see, subjective guilt is not real – it’s only imagined. And because of its nature, Because it affects so many Christians, I want to understanding and overcoming it isn’t quite so easy. show you in this lesson how to handle and Artificial factors may be at the root of our huge, successfully overcome guilt. As I do, my prayer is overpowering guilt feelings. True, they may be there that you will recognize how unresolved guilt can because of things we have done that were sinful, but keep you from experiencing the Christian life at its it’s also possible that we are plaguing ourselves best, that you will see the remedy God has provided unnecessarily because of other strong forces at work for it, and that you will deal with your guilt in a in our emotions. direct, courageous, and biblical manner. I am convinced that this in turn will make you a more Some people, for example, habitually establish confident, effective, and joyful follower of Christ. unrealistic expectations for themselves. They set the standards so high that it is absolutely impossible to OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE GUILT reach them. And when they fall short, they’re disappointed and discouraged. They feel guilty In treating the subject of guilt, it’s very because they’ve failed again. They’re caught in a important to distinguish between objective and vicious circle. The guilt is not real, however, since subjective guilt. The first (objective guilt) is real, they have simply failed to reach some arbitrary goal while the other (subjective guilt) is not. It’s only a which has no moral base or relationship. misdirected feeling. The first is judicial; the second emotional. The first has a direct cause; the second We should be careful, then, to distinguish involves a misunderstood effect. In the first, you are between objective and subjective guilt. The first guilty of violating some law or code; in the second, comes from an actual, outright violation of some you only feel guilty - whether you did anything moral commandment of God. The guilt in this case is wrong or not. real, and it must be dealt with forthrightly and biblically. The second, however, is only imagined. Yes, it is important to distinguish between It’s not real. Such an emotional illusion sometimes objective guilt which is actual, and subjective guilt comes from setting unrealistic goals for ourselves, which is only imaginary. Objective guilt results from making unreasonable comparisons, or having a disobedience to laws that God Himself has supersensitive conscience that has been improperly established. You see, the Lord has laid down certain conditioned. Its distortions leave a person feeling standards for mankind and has revealed them in the guilty even though he has no good reason for it. The Bible. If we break those laws and violate His will (by effect on individuals thus plagued can be devastating, murdering someone, for example, or being covetous), and the problem must be resolved. we bear actual, objective guilt. We did something wrong! THE CURE FOR GUILT guilty! How senseless to be obsessed by that which In this lesson I would like to focus your attention has been forgiven, and to be haunted by the specter upon the cure for objective or real guilt. You see, of some past indiscretion which God Himself has God did not intend for His children to be perpetually determined to forget. Why go on carrying a heavy overwhelmed with feelings of shame and failure. load of feeling guilty when, in response to your Rather, He has provided a way for us to be happy confession, the Lord of grace has forgiven you? He believers - free from self-condemnation and the has removed the actual guilt of your transgression. debilitating drain of ongoing feelings of guilt. Yes, David wrote, you can escape those dark clouds of remorse. The way to freedom is to appreciate and appropriate the He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor free forgiveness of our loving Heavenly Father. rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is Please remember that I am talking about those His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as who have believed what the Bible says about Christ the east is from the west, so far hath He removed and His sacrifice on the cross, and who have placed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:10-12). their trust in Him for salvation. If you are born again, then consider with me some of the biblical truths And Jeremiah records this word of the Lord relating to sin and forgiveness. Then, believing those pertaining to Israel: things, experience for yourself a wonderful release from the burden of a troubled conscience. You can I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember know both the joy of peace with God and the peace of their sin no more (Jeremiah 31 :34). God, because He stands ready and willing to forgive and forget every sin. God will do the same for you. Remember, the Lord offers complete forgiveness. And when God forgives, Sometimes people say; “I know God forgives He also forgets. sin, but He doesn’t know how bad I’ve been.” But when they talk that way, it’s a sure indication that There are times when we would like to banish they have failed to comprehend the scope of God’s some dark, troubling memories from our minds. But forgiveness - that it extends to every possible sin we try as we might, we just can’t seem to forget them. could commit, no matter how great or heinous. When Because of this, it’s hard for us to realize that God Christ died on the cross, He paid for every can and does do just that. He completely puts out of transgression of all mankind. Therefore, we can His mind those sins we’ve committed and sincerely believe and claim this promise: and honestly confessed.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to The story is told of a man who, though genuinely forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all converted, was having quite a struggle with a unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). longstanding habit. He had resolved to give it up, and he was trying his best to overcome it. But time and Did you really hear what that verse says? It tells again in weak moments he stumbled and fell. On us as believers in Christ that there is cleansing from each occasion he would confess his failure to the all unrighteousness. Those are John’s very words as Lord. He succumbed to temptation so often, however, inspired by the Holy Spirit. that he began to wonder how often the Lord would keep on granting him forgiveness. After losing The forgiveness of God is therefore not limited another spiritual battle, he cried out to God with a to certain classifications of sins. Rather, it is broad broken heart, “O Lord, I’ve done it again. I’ve done it enough to cover every sin of every believer - there again!” Expecting a stern rebuke, the fearful soul was are no exceptions! stunned and comforted by the Lord’s reply. The Heavenly Father said, “You did what again?” This is Never does God become weary of honest and not a true story; it is simply a parable. But it meaningful confessions, nor does He ever run out of emphasizes the point that when God forgives a sin, patience and refuse to forgive those who sincerely truly and completely removing its guilt, He also acknowledge their transgressions and determine to forgets it. live victoriously. The Lord stands ever ready to hear and to remove the guilt of the penitent soul. Therefore, if you are having a struggle with something in your life that’s displeasing to the Lord, How foolish, then, for a believer to go on feeling don’t let it get you down. Rather, confess it. Try with God’s help to forsake it. And claim the forgiveness will be transformed. and cleansing promised in 1 John 1:9. Having done that, you have no cause for self-condemnation. So, If, in spite of all we’ve said, the problem break free from your feelings of guilt by accepting persists, and you’re still unable to sort out your the forgiveness God has already granted you. feelings and pinpoint what is causing you to bear a heavy load of depressing guilt, I would make a PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS further suggestion. Seek out a friend in whom you have confidence, a minister who truly believes and I’d like to offer some practical suggestions that knows the Word of God, or a qualified Christian may help you overcome a nagging sense of guilt. counselor. Share your concerns and burdens with They will help restore the joy and peace which can him. Ask for help in evaluating your circumstances. and should be yours. Sometimes others can help you see the picture more clearly and from a different perspective. Doing that, 1. Revise your expectations. If you’ve been they can assist you in ridding yourself of guilt - setting standards too high for yourself and then whether it be real or imaginary. feeling like a failure every time you fall short, it’s time to become a little more realistic. No one is a FORGIVENESS IN CHRIST super man - or super woman. Admit your own fallibility, your own humanity, and go on from there. If you have never experienced God’s forgiveness through receiving the Lord Jesus as your personal 2. Establish a forgiving attitude. Perhaps Savior, you have good cause for feeling guilty. This your entire household has adopted a spirit of is simply because, “All have sinned, and come short faultfinding and condemnation. If so, very likely the of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). first false step any member makes, everyone is quick to point it out. This creates an atmosphere of Yes, all have sinned. Every person is a sinner by judgment and guilt. In such a situation, the main birth and by choice. The guilt and charge against us purpose for living becomes escaping the accusing is removed, however, when we place our faith in finger of others rather than obeying the Lord out of a Christ. In Him is true forgiveness. heart of love and desire to please Him. The Lord Jesus paid for our sins through His You yourself, however, can reverse that cycle in death on Calvary. He bore the penalty our sin your home. Begin by being forgiving - as Christ demanded, and now because of what He forgave you. Do what you can to set a sunshiny accomplished on the cross, God is willing and climate of love and forgiveness. You’ll be amazed to waiting to grant full pardon and forgiveness to all see how quickly the clouds of guilt and self- who accept Him. When you do, instead of the verdict condemnation disappear. Everyone will be happier, guilty, you will be declared justified. The Bible says, more confident, and better able to handle the pressures of modern life. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3. Walk in obedience to the Lord. As you 5:1). travel the pathway of righteousness, you are not only free from objective guilt, but you also experience the If you’re not a Christian, acknowledge that you are a joy, satisfaction, and peace that comes from sinner and in need of the Savior. Admit that you fellowship with the Heavenly Father. A sense of could never earn your own salvation and ask the Lord spiritual well-being is the most effective antidote for Jesus to save you - and He will. In and through Him self-condemnation and false feelings of guilt. As you you’ll find full forgiveness. trust in God and do what’s right, your whole outlook

56a GUILT AND FORGIVENESS

One serious problem that plagues Christians is That’s not all. God forgets. He actually blots guilt. Whether the guilt is genuine or imagined, it has from His memory, every sin covered by the blood of a real and devastating effect on those who are Christ (v.17). At least seven Scripture verses verify troubled by it. Guilty feelings can immobilize a child this amazing and wonderful fact: Psalm 103:12; of God to such an extent that he becomes ineffective Isaiah 38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Jeremiah 31:34; Micah as a witness for Him. Cecil Osborne wrote, “Guilt is 7:19; Hebrews 8:12. Look them up in your Bible, and probably the most destructive of all emotions: It is a thank God for each promise! form of self-hate. The virtuous part of the personality accuses the guilty portion. This accusation is hurled Coping with Guilt Feelings by the conscience with such vehemence, in some instances, that the entire organism suffers. The usual You might say, “All right, I believe all this, and result is that an all-pervasive, generalized anxiety is yet I cannot get away from this gnawing feeling of felt.” guilt. I feel so condemned!” The answer for you is in 1 John 3:20. You see, even though your heart may What is true guilt? Paul Tournier describes it as condemn you, God is greater than your heart. He “that which results from divine judgment, coming knows that the blood of His Son was shed for the sins from the things with which men are reproached by you cannot seem to forget, and that you are truly God.” J. Dwight Pentecost describes it as “the forgiven. Agree with God and tell yourself, “I am individual’s response to his consciousness of having forgiven!” Don’t remind the Lord about what He has violated God’s holiness.” Such Scripture portions as already forgotten. Stop acting as if He hasn’t really Matthew 5:19,20; Romans 3:19,23; Galatians 3:10; forgiven your sins. Accept as fact that which He so and James 2:10 leave no doubt that all men stand clearly promises in His Word. Believe it because God guilty before God for breaking His laws. says it, even though at times you may not “feel” forgiven. Romans 8:1 should help to convince you: Dealing with the Fact of Guilt “There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus.” The solution to this problem of guilt is found in the full and free forgiveness that God provides in the “Well, then,” you reply, “why does God keep person and work of Jesus Christ. He graciously reminding me of my past life and make me feel so forgives all the transgressions of those who come to guilty?” Wait a minute, friend. Who is doing the Him as guilty sinners - turning from their sins, con- reminding? We just saw that God has not only fessing them, and receiving His salvation as a free forgiven but forgotten all of your sins. Therefore, He gift (Ephesians 2:8,9). The one who receives Christ cannot be the one bringing them to your mind. can be assured that “the blood of Jesus Christ, [God’s] Son, cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Then who is? From Job 1:6.12 and from Why is it, then, that so many of God’s children suffer Revelation 12:10, where he is described as “the from the memory of past sins? Why are they bur- accuser of our brethren,” I frankly believe we can dened and depressed by regrets and remorse over blame Satan when we are being harassed by the their failures? Why are they robbed of the perfect memory of past sins. peace which is the rightful heritage of God’s people? And if he is responsible, then how do we deal I believe it’s because we do not understand the with him? “Resist the devil, and he will flee from real nature of God’s forgiveness. Hyder wrote, “Only you,” advises James 4:7. forgiveness can give peace. Forgiveness from the man who has been wronged can help greatly; Defeating Satan forgiveness from God can eradicate guilt feelings completely.” Why is this? Read Hebrews 10:1-18 and If we are going to defeat Satan’s attempts to you will find that the one-time sacrifice of the Lord crush us with a burden of guilt over past sins, we Jesus at Calvary’s cross was sufficient to forgive all must recognize the authority God has given us over the sins of all men once and for all. No further him because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. sacrifice or punishment need ever be paid. We must never forget that “greater is He [the Lord Jesus Christ] that is in you, than he that is in the world [Satan]” (1 John 4:4). By His death and Jesus Christ. Exercise your prerogative and, by faith resurrection, the Lord Jesus proved His absolute in the promises of God, remind Satan that he is a authority over Satan. And this Victor over our defeated foe. Tell him that you are resisting him on adversary dwells within us (Colossians 1:27) and we the authority of Christ and by His sacrifice. Remind in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). him that all the sins which he keeps calling to your attention are under the blood of Christ. Quote 1 John When God gave Christ authority over the realm 1:7 to him. Claim the victory that you have in the of Satan, He gave us that same authority because we Lord Jesus. Then have a little prayer meeting with the are in Him. In that authority we can “resist steadfast Lord. Thank Him for this victory and for the in the faith” this “roaring lion [who] walketh about, assurance that all of your sins have been forgiven. seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8,9). Praise Him that they have been removed “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). The next time Satan bothers you with reminders of your sins, put on the whole armor of God Yes, Christ can set you free from your guilt! (Ephesians 6:13) and go on the offensive. He will turn and flee when you resist him in the name of by Ray Felten

56b SO YOU WANT TO KICK THE HABIT

A few years ago, whenever I dined alone, I read habits. When I drive over the speed limit, I felt books. But gradually eating while reading became a guilty. habit. I started to eat whenever I picked up a book or magazine. Guilt is not a spiritual motivation. Even non- Christians experience guilt. But guilt can lead to When I began to put on weight, I knew I had to spiritual motivation. That is its God-given purpose. deal with this bad habit. But it wasn’t easy. Fortunately, the Bible offers some clear basic Sometimes when we want victory over a habit, principles for dealing with bad habits. we pray repeatedly, but nothing happens. James explains why: “You ask and do not receive, because Seek Proper Motivation you ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3).

To have victory over a habit, one must admit he We do want victory over our habits, but we want has the habit and accept responsibility for it. For it on our terms and for our purposes. We want victory example, the smoker who insists he can quit anytime for our health, for our appearance, or to rid us of has not admitted his habit. And if he insists on guilt. But bad habits are sin, and they keep us from blaming others for his habit, he has not accepted spiritual maturity. Only when we are ready to allow responsibility for it. With this two-part realization he God to control our lives will we have spiritual can begin to deal with his habit. motivation.

There are both natural and spiritual motivations This motivation concerns God’s purposes, not for breaking habits. In my case, I recognized the bad our benefits. When we concern ourselves with His habit and my responsibility for it. I sought to break purposes, we will benefit as a result. But personal the habit for the sake of my appearance and health - gain should not be our motive. natural motivation. Avoid Tempting Stimuli For natural motivation to work, the benefits of breaking the habit must clearly outweigh the When I started to eat every time I read, my pleasures of the habit. We often recognize the problems began. I enjoy both reading and eating so benefits, but fail to understand why we don’t when I inadvertently paired the activities, they succeed. This is because we don’t realize the real reinforced each other. need a habit is meeting. A man may think his adulterous affair meets his sexual or emotional needs, Many of our habits are triggered by certain when, in fact, it meets his self-image needs. stimuli. Paul wrote to Timothy “Now flee from youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22). The word lusts means But even if a person accurately determines which forbidden desires of any kind. The idea is to avoid needs are being met, natural motivation may not be those things that tempt us to fall into our bad habits. strong enough to defeat the habit. Diet and smokers’ These things may not be wrong in and of themselves, clinics play upon the natural motivation of fear or the but they become wrong for us because of their effect desire to be attractive. Sometimes, however this on our behavior yields only temporary success. Replace Tempting Thoughts While everyone has natural motivations, Christians also have spiritual motivation. After I was Think of a big, red, delicious apple. When you saved, I retained many bad habits, one of which was can almost taste it, try to stop thinking of that apple. speeding. Fear of a traffic ticket motivated me to If you are like most people, the more you try to push obey the speed limit, but only when the police were it out of your mind, the more you think of it. in sight. I rationalized, “Everybody does it; it’s good stewardship of my time.” Now think of a piece of chocolate cream pie - rich, creamy chocolate swirls of whipped cream with As I matured, God convicted me of my driving a nice flaky crust. What happened to the apple? When you started to think of the pie, the apple Take One Day at a Time disappeared. That is the key to the principle of replacement. We make the mistake of looking at our habit and then looking at the future with this conclusion: “I Do not fight habitual thoughts; replace them. can’t do it.” We are defeated before we even get Paul wrote to the Philippians: “Whatever is true, started. But God gives us grace and strength only for whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is this day. pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of Jesus tells us, “Therefore do not be anxious for praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Phil. tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself” (Matt. 4:8) 6:34). You do not have to defeat your habit forever. All you have to do is defeat it next time. Replacement also works for behavior. Matthew 5: 43,44 teaches we should replace hate with love. Know that Lapses Aren’t Fatal Paul wrote in Ephesians 4: 28 that the thief should replace robbing with honest labor. A woman who Psychologists claim that the way a person struggles with overeating might trade household tasks handles a lapse will determine whether he will with her husband, letting him shop for groceries ultimately break his habit. while she mows the lawn and gets exercise. If I find myself starting in on a box of cookies as Seek Christian Support I sit down with a book, I can react by saying to myself, “I’ve blown it; I ate a couple of cookies. I One way God helps us is through other believers. might as well finish the box and start over While it is the miracles in Scripture that impress us, a tomorrow.” Or I can say, “I shouldn’t have started careful reading of God’s Word shows that God these; I’ll put them away right now.” The first usually uses human means to help His people. Paul reaction leads to defeat, the second to victory. instructs us to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2). He also says, “Let the word of Christ richly John wrote to the church, “My little children, I dwell within you; with all wisdom teaching and am writing these things to you that you may not sin. admonishing one another” (Col. 3:16). And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous” (1 John 2:1). Our American culture has made us so self- When we lapse, God forgives and gives us another sufficient that we do not know how to ask others for chance. support. We need to develop the humility that allows us to admit our weaknesses so others can help us. Just recently I tightened my belt another notch.

by Stephen A. Grunlan

57a DOING AWAY WITH ADDICTION

The power to break an addiction comes through abuse with impaired driving. Or sexual sin with understanding the problem and depending on a threat to his marriage. Or compulsive spending God. with bankruptcy.

What is an addiction? The Lord was crystal-clear in the Scriptures in setting forth the principle of sowing and reaping. A technical definition of an addiction might be But the addicted person won’t accept it because this: “A pathological relationship to a substance or he isn’t thinking straight. He may often say activity.” This means that the addiction is in charge when caught, “I can’t believe it was me doing of a person’s life. A certain practice or substance has this.” mastered him. He is no longer in control. So overwhelming is the pull of the addiction that the 3. Denial. The person who is addicted will go person can’t resist it. He cannot keep from doing it. through an elaborate process to deny the reality of his addiction. He may justify his behavior on What are recognized addictions? the basis of a difficult job, an illness, or his past. Or he will say that he can control his habit or Overeating that he can stop it whenever he wants. If Gambling suspected, he may lie about his involvement. Drug use Only a crisis will force him to admit his Sex condition. Smoking Alcohol 4. Delusion. The addicted person actually begins Shoplifting to believe the lies he tells himself to justify his Pornography habit. He will believe his statements to himself Compulsive spending such as, “A little drink never hurt anyone.” “I’ve been working hard, I’ve earned it.” “Most A person who is controlled by a practice or women are asking to be raped.” “I can take it or substance has been fooling himself, sometimes for leave it.” “I’m not really as heavy as people say years, so it’s hard for him to admit that he is I am.” “If you had to live with my wife, you’d addicted. Here are some typical marks of an addict: drink too.”

1. Distortion. The fantasy world of an addict is The person can no longer manage his own more important to him than the real world. As thoughts. He is living a double life - the life of an he lets his thoughts go, he becomes convinced addict. He says and believes and thinks one thing - that the scenario he constructs to support his but does another. addiction is true. When shoplifters are caught, for example, they are often startled. The reality The Four Phases of Addiction of the truth that they were stealing had been distorted. They had not realistically considered Most persons who are addicted go through a that they might face arrest or jail or cycle that leads to their downfall. embarrassment – the real consequences of their behavior. 1. Preoccupation. While the addict is at work or home or school, the addiction begins to control 2. Wrong thinking. Along with distortion is a his mind. His thoughts become completely breakdown in logical thinking. The addicted absorbed with the next drink, the next shoplifting person, for example, refuses to link alcohol foray, or the next eating binge. The promise of the Bible is that we do not need 2. Ritualization. The addicted person will often to be dominated by sin. The power of Jesus follow the same pattern of behavior leading to an Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit within can indulgence. help us overcome every sin.

3. Indulgence. This is the actual participation in Some organizations and counselors have made the addiction. Drinking the booze. Using the tremendous progress in helping people break free crack. Taking the merchandise. Viewing the from an addiction. Here are the general steps these pornography. The addict can’t stop doing it. groups or individuals recommend. Can’t control it. It happens. 1. Admit that you have an addiction and that 4. Despair. Once the act is committed, a feeling of you are powerless to break it. Apply Paul’s hopelessness sweeps over the person. He feels words “For when I am weak, then I am strong” guilt. Self-pity. Often self-hatred. It lasts for (2 Corinthians 12:10) to your situation. awhile. Then the addict’s thoughts begin to turn 2. Believe in the power of God. again to his addiction, and the cycle repeats 3. Turn yourself over to Him. itself. 4. Be specific in confessing to Him. Say, “I stole that blouse.” “I am a drunk.” “I am addicted to Breaking the Addiction pornography.” Don’t stop with anything short of calling your sin exactly what it is. An addiction can be broken, but it takes 5. Ask God for help. humility, determination, effort, and help from others. 6. Stop blaming others. The hope for a person who is addicted comes from 7. Make amends for all wrongs. two principles of the Bible. 8. Promptly admit all relapses.

1. The presence of the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, You cannot conquer an addiction by yourself. “Or do you not know that your body is the You need help. Your husband, your wife, your temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom pastor, or a Christian counselor will give you that you have from God, and you are not your own?” help. So will a group that specializes in your (1 Corinthians 6:19). The believer is indwelt by problem. the Holy Spirit – by God Himself. This means that God Himself is his ally in fighting his Don’t wait another moment. Humble yourself. addiction. Be honest with God. Take the first step. Call someone for help. Do it now! You can overcome the 2. The promise of victory Paul also wrote, “For despair of addiction. sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). by Jim Holwerda and David Egner

57b HOW TO KNOW GOD’S WILL

George Muller, renowned for his life of faith and do it according to the Scriptures, never contrary to prayer, tells us how he determines God’s will: them.

1. I seek to get my heart into such a state that it 4. Next I take into account providential circum- has no will of its own in a given matter. When we are stances. These often plainly indicate God’s will in ready to do the Lord’s will - whatever it may be - connection with His Word and Spirit. nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome. 5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me. 2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so, I make 6. Thus, through prayer, the study of the Word myself liable to great delusions. and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge. If 3. I seek the will of the Spirit of God through, my mind is thus at peace and continues so after two or in connection with, God’s Word. The Spirit and or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. I have the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit found this method always effective in trivial or alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great important issues. delusions also. If the Holy Spirit guides us, He will

58a HOW SHOULD WE HANDLE HURTS FROM OTHERS?

 Everyone who reads this article has been hurt The power of sin and Satan are at work in the by another person in some manner. How do we hearts of all men - believers and unbelievers alike. handle those who mistreat us? That does not diminish our responsibility for our actions. Hurt is certainly a part of everyone’s life. The key is how do we respond to the individual who The one who hurt you should not be viewed as willfully and deliberately seeks to hurt us. the bad guy. We may not know the events and emotions that person experienced when he offended Aware that hurt can be a major stumbling block you. He may not be angry at you but just expressing for the believer, Jesus revealed God’s way of resentment that has developed over the years through handling the problem: “But I say to you who hear, other circumstances. love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who  So there often are other underlying causes that mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). explain a person’s harmful actions.

 That runs against the grain of human That is where the believer can be a part of the emotions. redemptive process. By responding in a Godly manner, the Christian may help the offender see the It sure does. But then the Christian life is not root cause of his behavior. portrayed as a natural, spontaneous kind of behavior. That is how genuine friendships can come from It is life on a higher plane. It is God’s way, not distressing situations. The guilty party is grateful that ours - always for our good and the benefit of others. you are willing to hang in there and take the abuse until God brings him through his difficulty. That does not mean we will not feel the pain of others’ deeds or words against us. They will sting,  Christ’s remedy involves specific actions by the but the Christian can respond on a level that is above believer. and beyond his own human tendencies. The Christian must take the initiative, not merely  Most of us take a defensive posture toward the sit back passively. He must decide how he would like one who hurts us. to be treated and then act accordingly.

Learning not to defend ourselves is a step toward That is the Golden Rule in action. Jesus said we spiritual maturity. Jesus never defended Himself are to “love” our enemies. The Greek word is agape before His accusers, and He will defend us if we let which is unconditional, Godlike love. Him. His example is ours. We are also to think of ways to “do good” to If we seek to retaliate, we can become poisoned others and even “bless” them by finding something in by bitterness and animosity. When we do, we are the their lives to compliment. ones who suffer; and that is not necessary if we act according to scriptural guidelines. It can get tough when Jesus tells us to “pray” for those who mistreat us. We know that praying for our We need to turn the hurt into a redemptive enemies is usually the last thing we feel like doing, opportunity. Revenge or hate destroys that possibility but prayer is the mightiest weapon the believer has in his arsenal. Great spiritual power is unleashed into  What can we do about the hostility that builds the situation when we ask God to use us as His as we replay the offense? healing instrument.

We must come to the point where we no longer  It is a struggle to implement this kind of see the offender as our enemy. He is not the real behavior, isn’t it? adversary. The starting point is genuine forgiveness. Do we forgive the person who hurt us - with the love and He abides within you, He can love him through you. compassion of Christ? Or do we hold him to our per- formance-based standard? We are not captive to our emotions or tem- perament - not as long as the living Christ influences God forgives us for our spiteful actions, and we our behavior. We are partakers of His divine nature, are called to forgive others in the same way He and His nature is sufficient for every hurt. forgives us (Luke 17:3-4). We cannot demand repay- ment from them for their offense; we must forgive Letting Christ live through us transforms our them unconditionally. entire outlook on mistreatment. It secures the rewards that Jesus promises to those who act biblically.  But making up our minds and having the capacity to love the person who wounds us are not When we meet Christ face to face, He will the same. recompense us for our Godly behavior; and that will be worth all the effort. Abuse and hurt give us oppor- Our resource for carrying through our decision is tunities to lay up rewards for the future. God uses understanding that Christ is our Life. He indwells us even our pain to bless us in a magnificent manner. through His Holy Spirit, and He is able to show mercy and compassion. If we allow Him, He can and will flow through us with His character and nature. by Charles Stanley

Can Jesus love the person who hurt you? Since

59a OUR TOO SELDOM PRAYER

Perhaps you have read the T-shirt slogan, “Lead don’t lead me into temptation.” You and I need to see me not into temptation, I’ll find it myself.” That that God hates sin, and that God can have nothing to slogan summarizes the problem all of us face. The do with sin. The more I run after temptation and last request of the Lord’s Prayer deals directly with become involved in sin, the less I will enjoy a this issue. relationship with my loving heavenly Father.

We’ve already seen that the Lord’s Prayer We must cultivate the avoidance of temptation contains six requests. The first three center on the and hatred of sin. It doesn’t come naturally to us. glory of God: “Hallowed be Your name, Your Since temptation is all around us and we must deal kingdom come, Your will be done.” The second set with it, we need to remind ourselves constantly of concern our specific personal needs: “Give us our who we are and of whose we are. daily bread, forgive us our debts, lead us not into temptation.” The word “temptation” in our New Testament can mean different things: (a) it can mean simply a The last request differs slightly according to testing or a trial; (b) it can mean pressure to sin. In translations: “Deliver us from evil,” or from “the evil the context here, since we read, “Deliver us from one.” There is little difference in these. We can see evil,” this is not speaking of just “don't let us be both the evil one (as our archenemy) and all types of tested,” but more than that. It is saying, “Lord, help evil included in this prayer request. us to avoid whatever would lead us, or cause us, to sin.” When I pray, “Lord, don’t lead me into temptation, but deliver me from evil (or the evil To pray this sincerely, you and I must have one),” there are at least three things I should empha- decided, “I do not want to sin.” size. First, “Lord, I don’t want to sin.” Second, “Lord, I can’t stand alone.” And third, “Lord, I need Can you sincerely say “Lord, I really don’t want Your help.” to sin. I am sick of sin. Lord, I see the results of sin?” Your desire to avoid temptation and sin ought to be Lord, I don’t want to sin. motivated by your relationship with your heavenly Father. The more you get to know God, the more you That T-shirt slogan – “Lead me not into want to please Him. The more you grow with God, temptation, I’ll find it myself'” - proves that the more you want to be like Him. temptation and sin somehow attract us. Thus you and I must be honest with ourselves: if we resist Lord, I can’t stand alone. temptation, it may disappear - and we just might be disappointed by that! Secondly, as we pray this from the heart, we are actually saying, “Lord, I can’t stand alone.” We It isn’t natural to reject temptation. We somehow acknowledge that we are not independent, that we are find temptation and sin exciting. That may be not self contained, and that we cannot live the God- because temptation usually seems to center on just life without the power of God. To be an alert, what we want and need. effective Christian, we have to recognize that temptation is powerful, and that temptation is subtle At the time we’re being tempted we seldom and dangerous. In our weakness, we cannot afford to think of consequences, or they seem very small. It play with temptation. isn’t true to say that temptation and sin always feel terrible. To be perfectly honest, sin often seems very A hunter with loaded gun surprised a hungry enjoyable for the moment. It can be exciting and bear busily scavenging for food. The hunter cocked delicious in the short run. his rifle and was about to shoot when the bear rose up and said, “Please, don’t shoot. Couldn’t we negotiate However, sin damages deeply our human the problem?” relationships and our relationship with God. If we could clearly see how repugnant and distasteful our The startled hunter said, “We can’t negotiate. sin is to God, we would more easily pray, “Lord, Winter is coming and I need a fur coat.” evil one.” Temptation, sweeping toward us from the The bear replied, “Winter is coming and I am world, the flesh and the devil, can easily overwhelm. hungry. Couldn’t we sit down and negotiate some Victory will only be won with God’s spiritual power. way to meet our needs?” What a wonderful privilege prayer gives us! The hunter, being a reasonable man, said, “All We’ve been told that the Lord Jesus Christ is right, let’s sit down and see if we can negotiate.” For victorious over sin. He has won the battle! some time they negotiated, the bear concerned about his empty stomach, the hunter concerned about his More than that, Jesus is sympathetic to the need for a fur coat. After a while, the bear walked off struggles of testing and temptation we go through. alone. Negotiations were finished. Both had what Because He has been here, where we live, He is our they wanted. The hunter was wearing a fur coat and sympathetic High Priest (Heb 4:14-16). Not only is the bear had a full stomach! Jesus sympathetic, but He wants to help, and He is indeed powerful to help us! This will happen every time we try to negotiate with sin. Every time we play with temptation we will Remember the promise of God Himself in 1 come out the loser. The Bible makes this clear, and Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has seized you our experience bears sad testimony to this fact. except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can Lord, I need your help. bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” The last request of the Lord’s Prayer is clear: (NIV). “Lord, don’t give me more than I can bear. Lord, please don’t allow the opportunity to sin, and a desire Jesus challenged His disciples at the moment of to sin, hit me at the same time. Lord, don’t allow a greatest stress, “Watch and pray so that you will not temptation to cross my path that will cause me to fall. fall into temptation” (Mt 26:41). The apostle Paul sounded the alarm for Timothy, “Flee the evil desires “Lord, help me to stand against my archenemy, of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and Satan. I know that I’m overmatched. I recognize that peace” (2 Tim 2:22). You cannot stand alone, without he’s able to ambush and trap me. I’m aware that God, against temptation. Christians more spiritual than I have fallen to temptation and sin.” We must choose not to sin. We cannot stand alone. We also desperately need God’s help. And so, with a sense of helplessness, with a great desire not to sin and with a sense of dependence, you John Owen wrote, “He that would be little in and I raise this urgent prayer, “Lord, lead us not into temptation, let him be much in prayer.” The Bible temptation, but deliver us from evil.” encourages us to come to God acknowledging our need for help. That is why Jesus tells us to pray, by Nelson Annan “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the

Enticements

“Life is choices, not Robert C. Chapman chances. The choices that the world offers look pretty appealing, but are very short- “The devil is like the term. And the disappointment experienced card dealer, who that follows is often long-term.” allows his gambling stooges a Lyle Sankey little success so he can at the “Traveling is one of the end take everything they have.” devil’s special opportunities for tempting us. Seek always to so before going on a trip. Don’t ensnare you.” know the mind of God before needlessly expose yourself and George Muller you do anything, but even more give the devil an opportunity to

62a USING THE SON SCREEN TO BLOCK BAD THOUGHTS

John noticed something compulsive about his Once John clearly saw the idol within, it was an lustful thoughts. Even after asking God’s forgiveness, open choice between Jesus Christ and Satan. He he found himself flipping through magazines looking pulverized the idol in every way he knew how. Every for sexy pictures. He repented and then visually temptation to lust became a reminder that Jesus was checked out every pretty girl in sight. His thoughts John’s source of satisfaction. John stopped putting went far beyond a healthy appreciation of beauty, and wicked stumbling blocks before his face. he couldn’t seem to stop - at least not for long. John also forced himself to look women in the Two things made a difference. First, John eye instead of everywhere else. He stared straight learned to resist Satan and his demonic spirits. He ahead after a glimpse of a sexy billboard, and he followed Jesus’ example when He was tempted. flipped past the suggestive pictures in magazines. He “Away from me, Satan For it is written: ‘Worship the cleaned out of his house everything that aroused him Lord your God, and serve Him only’” (Matthew 4:10 wrongly. He rejected paid TV channels that featured NIV). John put Jesus’ rebuke of the devil into his sex films, and he controlled the knob the rest of the own words, and when he used the Son screen the time. He was careful about how he hugged friends of power of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ made a the opposite sex and refused to touch a woman when noticeable difference. Second, John admitted that he others were not present. had set up an idol in his heart. He was like the hypocritical elders of Israel about whom it was said, The results were dramatic. Far from burning up “These men have set up idols in their hearts and put with sexual desire, going mentally crazy, or having wicked stumbling blocks before their faces” (Ezekiel wild fantasies, John’s longings and thoughts came 14:3 NIV). John came to see that at times he looked under control. His worship of Jesus became more to lust to satiate his desires. This wicked idol made it meaningful than ever. With discipline and an idol - impossible for him to see that Christ could satisfy free heart came a sense of release from bondage. him fully, and gave the evil spirits a compulsive While he still had to be careful, the compulsive drive power over him. of his lust was gone. Using the Son screen to win over lust became a lifestyle.

by Charles Mylander

63a CONQUERING THE SINS OF THE THOUGHT-LIFE

During one of my all-night trips between Chi- honest with ourselves. Because the thought-life is cago (where I work) and St Petersburg (where my easy to conceal, many of us never let on that we parents live), I fell asleep at the wheel. For almost an struggle with it. We don’t murder, rape, or rob gas hour I had been struggling against the nods, and I stations, and our Sunday conduct has the glossy tone finally decided to go ahead and close one eye for a of polished fiberglass. while. The ensuing bliss was violently interrupted by my shrieking passenger, who demanded to know if I Christ wasn’t fooled by social performance. He was sleeping. “Of course not,” I gasped, trying to persistently drew out the spirit of the Law. “You have steer the car back onto the pavement. heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever One seldom walks away from such an looks at a woman to lust for her has already experience unscathed, and the same holds true in our committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew spiritual lives. When we begin to let down our guard 5:27,28). The same applies to murder, divorce, and drift into sin for a season, we leave ourselves breaking vows, and other sins. open to defeat That’s why Solomon explained, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a When the desires of the flesh infect our minds, city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). we find ourselves living sad, defeated lives. Victory in Jesus is forgotten amid habitual failure. In that Consider for a moment the root of any sinful condition, the best starting point is to cry out humbly habit or tendency. Does not the root always lie in the to God for His mercy and help. Psalm 130:1 through mind? In a recent report on the dangers of fantasy 6 is a beautiful expression to be used for this role-play games, the author explained, “These games occasion. It reaches deeply into the pit of despair and are practiced mentally, then spoken, and I think it is applies to us the balm of hope. only a matter of time before they are practiced in real life.” This reasoning is consistent with biblical The next stage is to begin saturating the mind teaching. Throughout Scripture we are exhorted to with pure things. Pick up a Bible and make friends “gird up” or “renew” our minds, and to “think on with it. Get to know it like the TV Guide or Time these things,” “meditating on His Word day and magazine. Absorb the large, easy-to-read portions night.” first, like Genesis, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, the gospels, and Acts. These books contain volumes The fruit of our lives grows from the soil of our of truth about God, and they’re easy to swallow at the thought-life. When we are born again, we are given start, like milk. both pure seed and good soil. The fruit of this seed should yield love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, To make room for spiritual feeding, bad goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. influences will need to be pruned from daily schedules. Some times the best principle to remember Sometimes, however, we let our attention is to “make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its become diverted. And while our guard is down, lusts” (Romans 13:14). For that very reason I don’t fleshly seed is sown. Lust, envy, bitterness, own a TV, and the tradeoff has been more than worth covetousness, sensuality, anger, pride, an unforgiving it. Few hungry people would instantly choose meat spirit. All of these and more can blight our over a Milky Way bar - but in the long run it’s experience, causing our lives to be miserable and important to make the right choice. unproductive. Once we establish the pattern of spending time It doesn’t need to be this way. If we will focus in the Word, the Holy Spirit begins to structure our our attention on obeying the most simple, basic thought-lives around it, and that fosters pure growth. teachings of the Bible, we can conquer the sins of the The gospels lose their “Sunday school story” flavor mind. Then our lives will be more fruitful and and begin to stir up questions like, “How would abundant. Christ respond to this?” and “What did Christ say?” We begin to take God’s side in the daily arguments Where to begin may be different for every against fleshly impulses, and we begin to feel as He person. One thing that will help, though, is to be does. Natural fruit develops, and we see the futility of pious pretense. abundance. In Matthew 11:29 Christ said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle When we accept the gift of salvation, we accept and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your with it the call to renew our minds. Far from the souls.” limited benefit of earthly disciplines, this commitment carries with it fulfillment and by Paul Santhouse

63b TAKE THE STAND PLEASE

At the most basic level, to be a witness is to we know about Christ, but that is not all there is to it. stand for the truth. We do this not only with what we say but also by our lifestyle. 2, Witnessing is not simply soul-winning. One result of a consistent, Christlike life will be the In a recent missions conference, I heard a opportunity to speak to people about their inner veteran servant of the Lord suggest that American needs. To see soul-winning as the climax of churches should do what the missionaries did on his witnessing, however, is to miss the purpose of the particular field. He said that they refuse to accept a witness - to speak out for the truth whatever the cost. new convert into the church until he... Our commitment to the truth makes us a witness, not our ranking as a soul-winner.  publicly confesses his faith,  is baptized, 3. Witnessing is not a gift. When we look at  gives evidence of a godly life, Christians who have great ability, tact, and talent for  supports the Lord’s work, and speaking, we may have the idea that they have been  actively witnesses to others. given something special for witnessing. Even though some can articulate their beliefs better than others, I have the idea that if we were to follow this without exception we are all witnesses. Sweet procedure, it would drastically reduce our church winsomeness and quiet consistency are just as rolls! Some Christians might qualify in two or three important as boldness and zeal. The New Testament areas, but not all of them. Many would be eliminated does not recognize witnessing as a gift for the few by the last requirement, witnessing, which is the topic but a command for all to obey. of this article. What, then, is at the heart or witnessing? The EVERY BELIEVER A WITNESS pattern is set by the injunction of Acts 1:8, “Ye shall be witnesses unto Me.” This identifies us with the To begin, let me establish the broad premise that Savior on one hand and the lost on the other. We take every Christian is to give testimony of his faith in our place within the structure of society; we are not Christ. The New Testament puts every professing isolated from it. All methods of witnessing are believer on the witness stand. No one can avoid it. necessary (verbal and written, individual and corporate, direct and indirect), and all are to focus With the wide acceptance of the “live and let upon Christ. live” philosophy the world just can’t understand why Christians witness. They think we are trying to The word “witness” is derived from the Greek “push” our faith on others, and they maintain we word from which we get our English word “martyr.” have no right to do so. This again reminds us that to witness is to take a firm, uncompromising stand for the truth. Not all religions call upon their adherents to Furthermore, a martyr stands firm even unto death. propagate their beliefs. A basic tenet of Christianity, His oath to tell nothing but the truth puts him into however, is the call to give a firm, loyal testimony to opposition with all that is false. the person of Christ and His power to transform lives. Christians, therefore, are not only to affirm the A TRUE WITNESS truth, they are to identify the false. Our failure to do so has no doubt contributed to the success of the Before considering the true nature of witnessing, cults. Part of our witness involves “speaking the let’s look at some of the common false notions about truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), “walking in truth” (3 it John 4), and “obeying the truth” (1 Peter 1:22). But we must also stand against false prophets, spirits, and 1. Witnessing is not always a verbal teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1; Jude 4). explanation of the gospel, nor is it necessarily a confrontation with unbelievers. It is far more A WORTHY WITNESS complex and compelling, for it centers on the person of Christ. True, witnessing may result in telling what The value of our witness falls into three areas: Spirit of truth - the great and true Convincer. 1. Our witness is personal. The individual believer is to bring his personal testimony for Christ 3. Our witness is persuasive. It has an impact into his daily life. What he does is to match what he for good or ill. The sum total of our words, deeds, says in all his relationships. responses, lifestyle, demeanor, and attitude either supports the gospel or negates its effect. To profess 2. Our witness is productive. In one sense, Christ and not follow Him in life is to become a false our witness verifies our union with Christ. In another witness. sense, it becomes a source of blessing and encouragement to fellow believers. Our witness joins John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear with that of others to produce a combined effect. No that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). May this one does the whole task of witnessing. One testimony first-century testimony be the goal and guide of our may be personalized by another, verified by another, 20th-century witness! and complemented by still another. Collectively, they bring the weight of conviction to the one who needs by Jerry A. Paulson Christ. All of this is guided and used by the Holy

64a SERVANTHOOD: LIFE’S GREATEST HONOR

What is the greatest honor in life? What is the ATTUNED TO GOD’S AUTHORITY highest goal that one can achieve? Is it to acquire valuable material things? To amass great wealth? To One who understands the meaning of attain fame and prestige, distinction and power? All servanthood allows the Lord to control his life. He of these may he desirable, but according to the Bible seeks to align himself with God’s will and purpose as the greatest honor given to man is to be a servant of revealed in His Word. Jesus said, “Why do you call Jesus Christ! Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46 NIV). Just after Jesus had instituted the Lord’s To some, the word “servant” conjures up Supper, He began to wash His disciples’ feet (John thoughts of subjection and drudgery. On the other 13). When He came to Peter, the impetuous disciple hand, “serving” might suggest a gracious hostess who at first refused. Jesus said He was setting an example cares for the needs of her guests, or elected public and that no servant is greater than his lord. In Acts officials who look after their constituents, or military 10, Peter responded to the Lord’s command, saying, personnel enlisted by their country. Servitude may he “No, Lord.” But that is a contradiction of terms. To defined as forced labor. Service is fulfillment of call Him “Lord” is to he obedient to Him. To say no one’s duties or obligations. But servanthood is a to the Lord is to deny His authority. heart quality marked by devotion and commitment. The child of God who has humbly submitted to his ABLE TO DO THE WORK Master will express this characteristic in his attitudes and actions. The servant is called to do work for which he is fitted. The Lord uses a person’s natural aptitudes and ALIVE SPIRITUALLY abilities. He doesn’t require him to serve where he is not qualified. Although that place may he obscure, no The true must first of all be born servant is obscure to God. Consider the servants in again. Without the new birth he is dead in his John 2:9. They were in the kitchen when they saw the transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3). He is Lord change the water into wine for the wedding. But incapable of performing any service for the Lord that doesn’t mean there is a premium on lowliness. until he is made alive spiritually. A person may do Joseph and Daniel were both in high positions, yet outstanding deeds in the community and be a good were faithful servants of God. Whatever God assigns husband and provider for his family, yet service for us to do, He enables us to do. The true servant will God is impossible because he has not acknowledged say with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ, Christ as Savior and Lord. When God raises one from who strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). spiritual death by grace through faith, that person becomes a new creation in Christ. Only then is he ACCOUNTABLE TO THE MASTER ready to become a servant who can do the good works God has prepared for him to do (vv. 8-10). The responsible servant has a sense of accountability. He takes each assignment seriously, AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE does it well, makes good use of time, and finishes the job. He knows he will have to give an account When the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord high and (Romans 14:12). To expect the Lord’s approval, one exalted (6:1), he acknowledged Him as absolute must do his work to the best of his ability. He will sovereign and recognized himself as totally unworthy give a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. (v.5). Then he was cleansed, and he heard the voice Dependability is one of the finest characteristics in a of the Lord, “Who will go?” (vv. 6-8). Confronted servant. Christ Himself came to do God’s will. He with the need and the call, he answered, “Here am I completed the work, even to death on the cross. send me” (v.8). Isaiah made himself available. A Because of this, God has highly exalted Him person may have heard God’s call and may have (Philippians 2:6-11). How wonderful if Christ can been impressed by the need, but until he presents say to us in that day, “You have done what I asked himself to God and is ready to become involved in you to do! Mission accomplished!” meeting the need, he does not become a servant (Romans 12:1): AMIABLE OF DISPOSITION Although a person may be alive spiritually, prominence of another is Christ’s word, “What is that available to serve, aligned with the purpose of God, to thee? Follow thou Me” (John 21:22). A pleasant adept at his work, and have a sense of accountability, disposition is a work of grace essential in God’s what a disgrace he is to God if he “sows discord servants. The attitude of humility, Christ said in among the brethren,” is abrasive, and uncooperative! Matthew 18:4, is the characteristic that determines who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. When Hudson Taylor was desperately in need of help, he asked his mission board not to send anyone, As we evaluate our personal attitudes and even though otherwise qualified, unless he had an activity in the Lord’s work, our highest goal should amiable disposition. Christ Himself was “meek and he to know Him and to do His will, so that He may lowly of heart.” And if we are to be involved in say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” service for Him, we must show Christlike love and (Matthew 25:21). consideration for others. These characteristics are like oil in the machinery. The Lord’s servants should by Clair Hess respect their associates and serve together as a team. An answer to one who might question the position or

64b HOW TO HANDLE WORRY

The pressures of modern life can be staggering. trust in the Lord. The person who is overwhelmed Coping with competition, financial stress, mounting with worry is very likely trying to solve all of his family demands, tragedies, unscrupulous people, problems and to meet all of life’s demands in his own threats of violence or war, enticements to evil, and a strength and wisdom. The wise person has learned to host of other factors has become more and more place his trust in God. I like what the psalmist wrote: difficult. An increasing number of men and women are struggling to maintain emotional stability. Every Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? And why art age group is affected. Even believers in Christ are thou disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall succumbing to the overwhelming barrage of trials yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and perplexing situations that face them every day. In and my God (Psalm 43:5). fact, it seems that more Christians are experiencing emotional problems than ever before. Please notice the three words, “Hope in God.” That’s good advice for all of us! The person who Does this mean, however, that we must cave in looks to the Lord has taken an indispensable step under the pressures of our circumstances? Must we toward overcoming anxiety. become victims of our fast-paced and demanding society? DON’T FORGET TO PRAY

I say, “Absolutely not!” A second means of overcoming worry is to pray. In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul gave us this wise We who are born again have the Spirit of God counsel: dwelling within. We have a living hope, an anchor for our souls. And we have the Bible, God’s Word, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by which gives us the instruction and encouragement we prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your need to withstand the tensions and temptations of requests be made known unto God. And the peace of life. In this study we are going to consider the God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep subject, “How to Handle Worry.” As we do, my your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus prayer is that you will see the vast resources available (Philippians 4:6,7). to believers, that you will learn how to appropriate them, and in turn that you’ll be successful in I realize that sometimes you don’t feel like mastering your emotions. praying. In fact, when you’re down, the thought might even enter your mind, “What’s the use? It Worry is one of the most widespread and won’t do any good anyway.” But friend, so often it’s crippling emotional problems of our day. None of us when you don’t feel like praying that you need it the is immune to it. most.

Experts tell us that worry originates not from the In the words of an old hymn, the favorite of outside, but from within. It’s not your job or your millions, schedule, or your commitments or other people that produce it; rather, it’s how you yourself respond to O what peace we often forfeit, the external pressures that lead to anxiety. When you O what needless pain we bear, analyze it carefully, it’s really an internal problem. All because we do not carry And that very fact places the responsibility for its Everything to God in prayer. control upon you. And prayer not only changes things - it changes In the balance of this lesson, therefore, I'll give people. There is something about talking with the you several suggestions to help you handle worry Heavenly Father that refreshes the spirit and removes successfully. anxiety. As you pour out your concerns to the Lord, you begin to see that in relation to His great power, TRUST IN THE LORD infinite wisdom, and unbounded love for you, your fears are not nearly so bad or insurmountable as you The first step in overcoming worry is to learn to thought. The indwelling Holy Spirit brings a calmness to your soul. The tensions you’ve kept is sufficient for thee!” bottled up inside are relieved. Yes, you feel better when you talk with God. Yes, why worry about our tomorrows when God so graciously provides for our todays? LIVE BY THE DAY REMEMBER GOD’S FAITHFULNESS Another way to overcome worry is to live one day at a time. Jesus said, A fourth way to overcome worry is to remember that God is faithful. The prophet Jeremiah declared, Be, therefore, not anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow will be anxious for the things of itself. It is because of the Lord’s mercies that we are Sufficient unto the day is its own evil (Matthew 6:34). not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy As a rule, we’ve got our hands full with our faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22,23). present problems. So why take on tomorrow’s troubles as well? Every believer can testify to the great faithfulness of God. I personally like the way J. It’s also true that much of what we worry about Danson Smith expressed it: never happens anyway. How foolish, therefore, to be anxious over nothing! Let me illustrate what I mean. Unto this day God has guarded and guided; Unto this day He has graciously planned; For years I was almost terror-stricken at the very Unto this day He has sweetly provided, thought of my father’s passing. When I was but a lad, Yes, has provided with bountiful hand. he suffered his first heart attack. Then, while I was in seminary, he was again bedridden with the same Unto this day God has well undertaken; problem. This time he received strict orders from the Unto this day He has kept by His grace; doctors to take a complete rest. It was during those Why then should spirit or mind be now shaken, days of convalescence that I first took his place on a Though future pathways we may not now trace? Radio Bible Class broadcast. Realizing how mightily God had blessed my father’s ministry, and how BE AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE thousands had been led to Christ through his faithful witness, I would often shudder at the thought of his Another suggestion to help you overcome worry death. I trembled at the prospect of having the is that you remember God is always with you. Read responsibility of the ministry suddenly thrust upon these encouraging words of Hebrews 13:5,6. my shoulders. My heart would skip a beat whenever the phone rang late at night. My first thought would Being aware of God’s presence is a most helpful always be, “Is this it?” antidote to worry. When I rest upon the assurance of verse 5, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” I Now that my father has been called home to can confidently declare, “I will not fear what man Glory, I realize how unwise, yes, how sinful I was to shall do unto me” (v.6). I can be certain that there is worry. I had justified my anxiety by reasoning, “I no lonely road, no darkened house, no hospital have due cause for concern. Not only will I lose a waiting room, no place at all that He is not there to wonderful father, but also in one instant the heavy comfort, sustain, and strengthen me. Yes, child of weight of a worldwide ministry will come crushing God, be aware of God’s presence. It can do wonders down upon me.” How faithless I was! How much for you! peace and quietness of mind was forfeited because I insisted on worrying instead of just trusting the Lord! BELIEVE GOD FOR EVERY NEED

I share my experience with you so that you may My final suggestion to help you overcome worry learn from my mistake. When the time came which I is: Believe God for every need. In the Sermon on the had been so anxious about for many years, I knew a Mount, the Lord Jesus addressed Himself to the peace beyond understanding - a calm and confidence matter of anxiety: I had never dreamed possible. I sensed the undergirding and strengthening of the Lord in a Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, marvelous way, and I’ve found God’s promise to which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, Paul to be a living reality in my own life, “My grace shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? endless supply of “His riches in glory by Christ Therefore, be not anxious saying, What shall we Jesus.” Surely that resource has far more in it than we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we could ever exhaust! be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added REVIEW unto you (Matthew 6:30-33). Remember these six suggestions for overcoming If God takes care of the birds of the air and the worry: lilies of the field (and He does), will He not much more care for His own children? Once we understand  Trust in the Lord and really believe that, we have taken an important  Don’t forget to pray step to victory over worry.  Live by the day  Remember God’s faithfulness God’s provision for our needs goes far beyond  Be aware of God’s presence that of food and clothing. He is able to provide for  Believe God for every need every necessity of life. Think, for example, of what He promised in Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall As you follow these suggestions, it is possible to supply all your need according to His riches in glory know the freedom from exhausting anxiety and by Christ Jesus.” With that promise, no believer troubling care. And remember, friend, don’t let your should ever allow himself to be a victim of crippling concern about the future, about things that may never worry over the necessities of life. come to pass anyway, rob you of your joy and peace today. Now of course, that verse does not say that God by Richard W. De Haan will supply all of our wants. We can be certain, however, that all of our needs will be met from the

65a OUR WORTH IN CHRIST

The man who has God for his treasure has We are of great worth because it is God all things in one. Who has redeemed us. In the of A.W.Tozer the New Testament, to redeem means to “purchase out of the marketplace” or to “buy Nothing is more important to children than back.” knowing they are loved and have a priceless worth in the eyes of their parents, especially God considers us so extremely valuable that their fathers. even before the Creation, He designed a plan of redemption to deliver us from the degrading Dad is the key factor in building a healthy slavery of sin. The price He paid to secure that self-esteem in his children. If he fails to instill a redemption was the brutal death of His only positive self-image in the hearts of his children, begotten Son, Jesus Christ: then their later years could be tempestuous. Knowing that you were not redeemed with However, God’s basis for discovering our perishable things like silver or gold... but with value is based on His eternal perspective, not the precious blood ... the blood of Christ (1 Peter temporal and changing evaluations of man. He 1:18-19). views our lives through the righteousness of His Son. We are of great worth because we now belong to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Our intrinsic value to God and His We are children of God, His chosen people upon estimation of our lives, not the capriciousness of whom He has set His infinite love. our environment, are true measures of our self- worth. We matter to God because of who we See how great a love the Father has are, not because of what we do or what we have bestowed upon us, that we should be called in life. It is our unique, personal being that God children of God … (1 John 3:1). God is not attaches preeminent worth to. simply our Creator but our Father. His inheri- tance is ours. We are blessed with every spiritual We are of great worth because it is God blessing once we place our faith in Christ for Himself Who has made us. As the all-wise salvation. Creator, He crowned His creation with the masterpiece of man. We are of great worth because every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. God The psalmist declares: Himself has chosen us as His dwelling place. It is His presence that lends incalculable worth to When I consider Thy heavens, the work of our existence. It is “Christ in us, the hope of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou glory” that defines our true meaning and hast ordained; what is man, that Thou dost take purpose (Colossians 1:27). thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him? Regardless of your past, you are of Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than inestimable worth to God. He did not die for you God, and dost crown him with glory and because of what you do but because you are His majesty! (Psalm 8: 3-5) workmanship whom He loves and values with divine passion. What an amazing description of man! Do you realize your incredible worth to God? You You are somebody very special. are His workmanship, a person of notable excel- lence. by Charles Stanley

66a ADDITIONAL PAPERS

The Additional Papers are useful in helping students with personal and practical questions. Request them on the TAB as you would the Doctrinal Papers.

51. BACKSLIDING a. Failure Is Not Final

52. CHRISTIAN LIFE a. Pass It On (Good for new Christians) b. The Upward Walk c. Maintaining Your Spiritual Health

53. CULTS a. What Is a Cult?

54. DEPRESSION a. Overcoming Depression b. Down but Not Out

55. DOUBTS a. How to Drive Doubt Away b. How to Handle Your Doubts

56. GUILT a. Guilt b. Guilt and Forgiveness

57 HABITS a. So You Want to Kick the Habit b. Doing Away with Addiction

58. HOW TO KNOW GOD’S WILL a. How to Know God’s Will (George Muller)

59. HURTS a. How Should We Handle Hurts from Others?

60.

61.

62. TEMPTATION a. Our Too Seldom Prayer (The Lord’s Prayer)

63. THOUGHTS a. Using the Son Screen to Block Bad Thoughts b. Conquering Sins of the Thought Life

64. WITNESSING a. Take the Stand, Please b. Servanthood: Life’s Greatest Honor

65. WORRY a. How to Handle Worry 66. WORTH a. Our Worth in Christ