Author: Gale Nelson

He informed the corrupt Pharisees that they were not legitimate heirs of Abraham; rather, they were devilish in their actions (John 8:33ff). One can scarcely read the 23rd chapter of Matthew without feeling the “heat” of Christ’s rebuke of certain corrupt Hebrew leaders. It is not, therefore, wrong to oppose error. Further, it is a gross inconsistency to “rebuke” someone for being a “rebuker.” Why is it that folks cannot see the flaw in their argument when they are intolerant of those with whom they charge intolerance?

Pay attention saints: Disagree about God?

The most stunning component however, is the allegation that it is permissible for people to entertain “different understandings” of divine truth that pertains to the salvation of one’s soul. We must call attention to the following. God is infinite in his knowledge (Psalm 147:5). He is a “God of knowledge” (1 Samuel 2:3), who “knows all things” (1 John 3:20). The riches of his knowledge is a reality too deep for human conception (Romans 11:33). It is never accurate to say, or even to imply, that God is unconcerned with disagreements among men relative to the eternal truths that he has revealed to the human family. Disputes regarding what the Lord requires men and women to believe and practice is not the result of “different understandings.” It is because of misunderstandings on the part of misinformed people – even though they may be very sincere.

God is a being of truth, i.e. faithfulness (Deuteronomy 32:4). All his words are “pure” (Psalm 12:6). He cannot speak that which is untrue (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18), for his word is truth (John 17:17). Any disagreement as to what God requires, therefore, is a disagreement over the difference between truth and error. To suggest that God is not concerned with the difference between truth and non-truth, is to cast serious reflection upon the God of truth. It is a dangerous thing to suggest that folks may disagree about what God demands, and, at the same time, stand approved in his sight. In his letter to the Roman saints, Paul discussed the advantage that historically had been granted to the Hebrew nation. For one thing, they had been entrusted with the “oracles of God,” i.e., the sacred Scriptures (Romans 3:1-2). The question then is raised: “what if some were without faith”? The meaning of that question is this. What would be the case if some of the Jews proved to be unfaithful to Jehovah’s plan on their behalf? What if some of the Hebrews decided to chart their own course, thus, by implication, entertained disagreements with the faithful about what the Lord required of them?

Would they have nullified the divine plan? Would they have exposed God as being unfaithful? Absolutely not! This stinging rebuke is then offered: “… let God be found true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

Conclusion
This conclusion must be drawn from the apostle’s argument. Any theory, opinion, or doctrinal position that is adverse to the revealed will of God is a lie, and those who perpetrate such are liars (whether they intend to be or not). Most assuredly this is strong language, but the force of it is designed to preserve the integrity of the Almighty, by implication this text teaches that those who profess to be Jehovah’s people must agree with him, and among themselves. The Lord expects us to strive for a submission to him, and a united teaching on fundamental truths. It is exceedingly foolish to suggest that God does not care whether people understand his will or not. “Be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17).

The fact that we as Christians frequently have occasion to dispute certain doctrines that are taught within the religious community have oftentimes caused some to feel that this is wrong. Their philosophy is “live and let live.” But does the Christian not have a responsibility to truth foremost?

Is it mean-spirited to dispute points of doctrine with different religious groups who identify themselves as “Christians”? Many in society believe that we should be loving and accepting towards all religious groups because God is a just and loving God.

Pay attention saints: Acceptance of Error

First, it should go without saying that the Christian is to demonstrate love towards all – even those who resist the truth in the most militant fashion. The love of God for rebellious mankind is portrayed repeatedly in the Scriptures. The Father commended his love toward us by giving his Son for our sins, even while we were hostile and sinful toward him (Romans 5:8). That does not mean, however, that he ignores how we live, or what we teach. In this same context, the lost are described as being “weak” and “ungodly,” as “sinners and enemies” – worthy of divine “wrath.” (Romans 5:8, 8:9-10). Love offers a remedy for humanity’s sinful condition, but it does not close its eyes to reality.

An understanding of Old Testament history would demolish forever the erroneous notion that God is unconcerned with whether men and women entertain “different understandings of Him.” For example, many of the nations of the antique world “understood” God to be identified in various idol forms, which they devoutly worshipped. But the prophets rebuked these base activities, and Jehovah destroyed nation after nation that persisted in this evil ideology and practice.

No informed Bible student will deny that Jesus Christ loved men and women supremely. When they ignorantly languished under the effects of sin, he tenderly sought to reclaim them (cf. Luke 7:36ff; John 8:1-11). He was the compassionate Christ!

On the other hand, the Lord could be (and was) very severe in dealing with corrupt religious leaders who should have known better (and frequently did) than to act and teach contrary to truth. He even cast out of the temple those who trafficked in religion for commercial purposes (Matthew 21:12-13; John 2:13-17). Keep the faith!

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44 KJV)

Whether we seek God or not is a matter of choice. As creatures made in the image of our Creator, we have a natural desire for God. But we may fail to acknowledge our need for Him, and even if we acknowledge our need, we may fail to do anything about it. Seeking God is not an automatic process; it requires both deliberation and decisiveness on our part.

First, think about the concept of deliberation. The verb “deliberate” means to consider a matter carefully or to take thought by weighing the alternatives. If we do a thing deliberately that means that we do it purposefully, having made the choice to take that path rather than others that might have been taken. Only rational creatures, of course, can act deliberately, and that is why we are responsible for our actions. To be “responsible” means that we are “able” to choose our “response.” Having been endowed with free will, we can consider the possibilities and then make a choice.

Sometimes it is true, however, that even after we’ve considered what we should do, we don’t always choose to do it. For that reason, our deliberation must be followed by decisiveness. In our spiritual lives, few things are of more practical value than the simple ability to make decisions and to make them stick. Starting with little decisions and working our way up to the big ones, we must gradually build the strength of our decision-making muscles.

But what is sufficient to motivate us in these matters? Paul recommended that we keep in mind “the goodness and severity of God” (Romans 11:22), and we must not forget either of these. Yet of these two motivators, the Scriptures place the greater emphasis on the goodness of God (1 John 4:17-19).

What would make a person want to give up everything else in the world in order to know Him? Without any doubt, it is the surpassing goodness of God Himself. And so Jesus said that the kingdom is “like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

In the end, those who seek God are those who choose to do so. It is for nothing less than “joy” that they decide to seek the “treasure” that is God.

Through the scriptures, it is revealed that Satan and his forces war against the saints of God and are given the power to overcome them with their evil influence in this world (Revelation 12:17; 13:7). Jesus states in John 16:33 “I have overcome the world”.

As Christ overcame Satan and his influence through the world, we must also overcome Satan and this world (Revelations 3:21). The battle is lost when Christians succumb to the evil influence of this world. The apostle Paul encourages saints “Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). The apostle Peter states that saints ARE OVERCOME by Satan when deceived to return to a service of sin. Those who were clean and free from a life of error are allured through the lusts of their flesh to become servants of corruption and brought back into bondage (2 Peter 2:18-19). Through the scriptures God provides knowledge for us to escape the entanglements and pollutions of this world.

Through Christ we can have the victory. Satan can be overcome the blood of the Lamb, the testimony of Christ and the sacrifice of self in dedication to God (Revelation 12:11). Perseverance and faith in Christ give us the victory.

• Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
• 1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, EVEN OUR FAITH.”
• 1 John 5:5 “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

The promise of victory through undying faith is constantly reiterated to the churches in Asia Minor. “To him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of life” (Revelation 2:7). “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (Revelation 2:11). “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5). This victory requires perseverance and dedication. “He that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end“ (Revelation 2:26). “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).

Study. Flee sin and the corruption of this world. Grow. Pray. Most importantly, KEEP THE FAITH!

Apostasy means “falling away.” Apostasy is caused by those who “want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7). The church in the first century was warned “there will be false teachers among you who secretly bring in destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). This apostasy is happening in the Lord’s church even today. It was predicted in 1 Timothy 4:1-2, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” The end result of apostasy is that many people will lose their souls.

Many departures have occurred during the past 2000 years, which have resulted in hundreds of different kinds of denominational churches. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” What should be our religious relationship with someone from a denominational church? 2 John 10-11 says, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” We must never give a person encouragement in their false doctrine but if we do, we also become guilty and we will lose our own souls. We must be hospitable, seeking to teach the lost the way of salvation, but we cannot compromise God’s Word by accepting false doctrines.

We read in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, “because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion; that they should believe a lie that they all might be damned who believe not the truth.” It is such a shame that millions of good people have chosen to believe a lie of Satan, they will have to spend eternity separated from God. This does not have to happen if people will only study, believe and obey the truth of God’s word and be faithful to it all the days of our life.

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:1-2)

The early Christians were taught to obey the government. The Cretans were subjected to Roman rule. They objected to this rule and many were guilty of causing rebellion against a government. Christians were to show no interest in works of evil. They were to be patient in their attitude toward those who were placed in authority to rule over them. Paul said in Titus 3:3-4 for we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts, and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” Now, today we have learned better, and we know we must obey the laws of the land.

Christians are saved not by their own righteousness, but “by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5) God’s Spirit affects the renewal of the spirit of man, by bringing him to faith, and repentance through the preaching of the gospel. Romans 6:1-8 shows that the sinner dies to sin, is buried by baptism, rises to a new life, and is a new creature. Washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5) refers to baptism.

Romans 13:1-2 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore reisisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive damnation.” Government is ordained to help man lead a quiet and peaceful life. (1 Timothy 2:2) Government is ordained to punish evil doer. (Romans 13:4) God did not ordain monarchy, dictatorship, or democracy, but government. Government is ordained for the good of mankind. (Romans 13:3-4) Without government, a state of disorder (anarchy) will prevail. Anarchy produces every kind of evil. Men may abuse and pervert God’s idea of government under anarchy.

Those of us who love God are bounded to obey the laws of the land, but we are not bound to obey a law of government which commands something sinful and wrong. We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) We must be subject to the government in that the Bible says “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

God has planned for government to exist, and for His children to be in submission to it. Government is not of the devil, but it is of God.

The Bible, God’s word to man, presents Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He was foreshadowed and predicted in the Old Testament, which God used to govern His people until Christ should come and establish the New (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Galatians 3:19,23-24). That New Testament reveals the religion of Christ. By studying it, we learn all there is to know of the way of Christ.

We learn that among the followers of Christ, there existed no denominational organizations whatsoever. All began at a later time. In the New Testament, we see people hearing the gospel and obeying the conditions of God’s grace. Being thus saved, they were added to the Lord’s people, the church (Acts 2:36-47). As the gospel spread, we find them assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each congregation was under its own elders (Acts 14:23) and no one else on earth. These elders could not make laws and be masters. They were given the responsibility of tending and caring for the congregation as shepherds would a flock (Acts 20:17,28; I Peter 5:1-3). The only headquarters those disciples knew was heaven, where their head, Jesus Christ, was and is (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Their worship was something in which to participate, not something to watch. On the first day of the week, for instance, they would eat the Lord’s supper and hear preaching (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29), they would all sing (Ephesians 5:19), they would all pray with various ones leading (1 Corinthians 14:15-16), and they would share in their mutual responsibilities by sharing their prosperity (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). We find no contributions being collected on any other day than the first day of the week and no hierarchy taxing them or telling them how much to give. They had no organizations clamoring for their support. They gave as they individually purposed in their own hearts (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). In all this they were all necessarily involved for each saved person was a priest (Revelation 1:5-6). No one could perform his service or worship for another.

They lived godly lives. They cared for their poor. They taught others. They sent out preachers to teach others in far communities. With simplicity of faith and fervor, there was no need of centralization. Without organized machinery, the gospel was preached to the whole of civilization in a short time (Colossians 1:23). These disciples of Christ were known as Christians (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; I Peter 4:16). They wore no sectarian names. Their religion was not materialistic or sensual. They did not seek to impress men with pious ceremony, rather, they sought to impress God with the only thing that has ever impressed Him contrite obedience (2 Samuel 15:22). Their appeal was not social or recreational. They offered the gospel, for they knew it was God’s power to save (Romans 1:16), and any other appeal was beneath them.

This is why “What the Bible Says” is so important!