Category Archives: Doctrine

Luke 17:7-10: The Unworthy Servant

Calvinism, Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Luke, Salvation, ,

Truth comes in all sizes in Scripture. Some truths are pleasant and enjoyable while others are terrifying. It is true that the righteous will live eternally in heaven; that is a pleasant truth. Likewise, eternal damnation is a truth most horrifying. Consider the truth of Luke 17:7-10:

“Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’?  Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?  So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

Even on our best day, when we have done as commanded, we are unworthy. Let us unpack this short passage and draw out the lessons.

There is a difference between the master and the servants. The servants do the work given them by the master. Here, they tend fields and flocks, they serve the master and standby while he eats and drinks. Only then do they enjoy their meal.

The Christian has a marvelous relationship with Jesus. He calls us brothers (Hebrews 2:11) and friends (John 15:15). But he also asserts authority over us. Jesus is our instructor (Matthew 23:10). A prudent man will always remember his place before the Lord.

Next, there are commands to be obeyed. It is remarkable that some today affirm salvation apart from any obedience. The Bible has examples of both obedience and disobedience coupled with the requisite curses and blessings. Adam and Eve disobeyed and were cursed. Noah was blessed because he did as instructed. Jesus says “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:14). In our text, the servants are expected to obey commandments. Today, you and I must be obedient. We do not decide what is right or wrong. We obey.

The last sentence is the one that is most sobering: “We are unworthy servants.” Even after completing everything commanded by the master, we remain unworthy. We have earned nothing more. There are no promotions, no accolades. We are not worthy. We only did our job. This passage is a death knell to those who believe in earning salvation. We cannot. It was always the sweet grace of the Lord that brought salvation.

But obedience is required. The passage assumes we have “done all that you were commanded.” Christians are to obey their master (Acts 5:29, 32; Romans 6:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Hebrews 5:9,  et al). Within the many verses teaching obedience are those passages which specifically note that we “obey the gospel.” How curious! The pendulum wildly swings from those that earn salvation to those that do nothing (except giving mental assent of Jesus) for salvation. The truth lies in the middle. We cannot craft our path to salvation. But we can follow or obey the path set before us. Those who deny the necessity of obedience should carefully consider 1 Thessalonians 1:8 and the warning that Jesus will take vengeance on those who “do not obey the gospel.”

Out of God’s immense love for me, I can be saved. My Lord has handed me the route through the fires of life to the glories of heaven. A million lifetimes could never discover the way of truth. But now, revealed in Holy Writ, I have a path to follow. I will be saved by obeying the gospel!

 

Repentance

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Sin,

repentOne of the hardest requirements for the Christian is repentance. Biblical repentance requires both a change of heart and a change of action. One cannot imagine one without the other. For example, the man who decides to follow Jesus yet persists in his wicked ways has not had a true change of heart. The converse is also true. A man who begins cleaning up his life, seeking righteousness and goodness, and lives according to the principles of the faith, has changed his ways and also his heart.

In Acts 2:38, Peter declared that his hearers must both “repent and be baptized.” It is clear from their question in verse 37, “what must we do?” that they had changed their thinking. Moments before they were guilty of the blood of Jesus Himself. Now they were changing. Their heart changed and now their lives must follow.

English Bibles use “repent,” or some form of the word, over 50 times in the New Testament. John the Baptist was first when he demanded the people repent and prepare for the coming of Jesus (Matthew 3:2, 8, 11; Mark 1:4, 15; Luke 3:3, 8). Consider Matthew 3:8 and Luke 3:8 where John commanded not only a change of thinking but a change of action too:

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8)

“Bear fruits in keeping with repentance…” (Luke 3:8).

Jesus commanded repentance too. “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, repeated verbatim in 13:5). His great apostle Paul, explaining his history to Herod Agrippa said that he (Paul) taught men “to repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance” (Acts 26:20). When writing the letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus linked repentance with action.  “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent” (Revelation 2:5).

Consider the man who is driving from Washington D.C. to New York City. An hour outside of the district he realizes that he is actually traveling south toward Atlanta. He knows and acknowledges his error but continues to drive south. His change of heart is, at the very least, suspect and probably nonexistent!

Repentance requires a change of heart, and that change is inextricably linked to a change in conduct or behavior. There is no other conclusion.

Herein lies the challenge. True repentance is hard; it is very hard! It is so hard that no man can adequately affect such a change in his spiritual life without divine help. Do not misunderstand. Man must seek to change. He must make an effort. Apart from the grace of God, we cannot be saved. We cannot raise our fists and demand salvation. God does not owe us salvation. But, out of his own nature, God has extended his hand to help those who repent and strive for righteousness.  Jesus said, “Strive to enter through the narrow door, For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:34).

While comparing our struggle for eternal rest to the temporal rest offered Israel, the writer of Hebrews warns: “Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). God truly helps those who seek him. Just as Noah still had to build the ark and Cornelius still had to seek Peter and be baptized, so we strive in this life.

The question is answered. Repentance requires both a change in thinking and life. One does not exist without the other.

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Baptism, Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Salvation, Sin,

what must i do to be savedTo ask, what must I do to be saved, is to ask the greatest question ever uttered. It shows an interest in something far beyond this world and priorities shaped by eternal needs. You have asked a great question! The answer is not complicated, but it does have many facets so let’s get started.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Know the Truth

Truth must lie at the heart of your quest for salvation; else you are wasting your time. Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). Everything we can know about how to be saved is found in Scripture and nowhere else. So our search must begin there, in the Bible.

A bit of caution is in order at this point. The commonly taught idea that all you to do is invite Jesus into your heart is not found in the Bible. It is not true. It is incomplete. It is a false teaching crafted by men with agendas known only to them. Ask for one Biblical example of a person saved by uttering those words. Truth is precious. Do not loose sight of it.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Know that You Are a Sinner

All have sinned; every one of us has erred so terribly that we cannot come before a pure God. The apostle Paul said it plainly: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). John confirmed it: “if we say we have no sin…the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

The result of that sin is an impenetrable wall between you and God. Isaiah says, “Your iniquities (sins) have made a separation between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2). Yes, we are all sinners, but we are saved by the powerful hand of God. God’s plan to save was known even before the creation of the Cosmos. The Lord has a plan to bring you out of your sin and through that impenetrable wall of separation. There is a way to escape our sins and the judgment they bring.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Know Jesus

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Only in and through Jesus can eternal salvation be found. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” said Jesus in John 14:6. It was through an unfair, unjustified death that Jesus paid the price for our sins (Isaiah 53:10-12; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12-14).

After his death and burial in a guarded, borrowed tomb, Jesus rose from the dead. This extraordinary miracle confirms his place as man’s savior and as the head of the church. The resurrection also confirms the words he spoke, for surely God would not raise a false prophet! His plan of salvation is revealed by holy apostles and is in the Bible. There is no salvation apart from Jesus.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Believe Him and Confess Him

Seeking to be saved we must believe in Jesus and his teachings. Jesus Himself says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Faith in Jesus is essential to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

But the Christian life, that is, the saved life, is not secretive. The Bible further teaches that one must confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 2:11). The earliest Christians believed that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 8:37) and were then baptized.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Repent

The word “repent” or “repentance” is found dozens of times in the New Testament. It denotes a turning or reversal of course; it is a change of life. If a man truly comes into contact with Jesus, he will be changed. It does not matter where you have been or how deeply you have sinned; you can repent. You can change.

Repentance may be the hardest thing you ever do. It may require profound sacrifice. But repentance is essential to the new life. When people heard of the depths of their sin (they had crucified Jesus), they asked what they must do to be saved. They were told, “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). While you will struggle and stumble with repentance, you will not be alone. You can rely on the power of God and the strength of your new Christian family.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Be Baptized

Baptism is commanded. Jesus commanded it of his followers in Matthew 28:19. Peter commanded it of the very first Christians in Acts 2:38. The Ethiopian asked for it in Acts 8:36. Saul/Paul was commanded to be baptized and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). After his conversion, he commanded that Cornelius’ family be baptized (Acts 10:48). Baptism is a command of the Lord just like repentance and confession.

But why is baptism so important? Baptism mirrors the death burial and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus. Consider Romans 6:3-11. This passage begins by assuming the baptism of the believers in verse 3. Note that it is baptism that places one into Christ, “…all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus…” All of God’s great blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:8-9). Therefore, we seek to be in Christ.

See also the link between Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in Romans 6:6-11. Of course, we do not die physically. We die to sin. We no longer live in sin. We repent. Figuratively, we die. We are buried in baptism. Jesus was buried in a tomb but did not stay there. He arose! We do not stay under the water but we arise like Jesus.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Baptism is not the only thing that saves, but it is essential to your salvation. Literally, baptism means immersion. Note Matthew 3:16 concerning the baptism of Jesus. “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately, he went up from the water…” Likewise, Phillip and the Ethiopian in Acts 8:39, “And when they came up out of the water…” There is no need to exit the water unless you are in the water. There is no need to be in the water unless you are immersing the believer. Sprinkling is unknown in the Scriptures and is an innovation of men apart from inspiration.

What Must I Do To Be Saved? – Live Faithfully

The Christian life is not a life of perfection but forgiveness. We all stumble. Peter did, Paul did, I do, you will. The Lord calls us to live for him. 1 John 1:7:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

The beauty of this passage is that Jesus’ blood keeps on cleansing us from our sin! The only provision is that we walk in the light. We strive every day to serve the Lord with all our strength.

This brief article only scratches the surface. You surely have many questions. Please contact me directly, and I will personally answer your questions. You have asked the greatest question of all, what must I do to be saved. It demands an honest answer.

Please follow us on Twitter @Preachers_Study. Contact Bryant at bryant@bryantevans.com.

Church Division

Church, Doctrine, Sin,

Eight years ago we penned this article to address division within Christendom. Now, in 2024, it is at least as bad, and probably worse than when we first wrote.

Church division was bad then and is now. It is never good. It follows discord, discontent, poor fellowship and sin. While it may be necessary to remove the disorderly  from  fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:1-2; Romans 16:17; Matthew 18:17 ) the roots which caused that removal are sad. Like surgery, division may be necessary but it is never good.

Paul addressed church division as the first issue in his letter to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1:10 ff). There, people were beginning to group themselves together based upon favorite teachers or leaders within the church. There is no indication that the leaders themselves were involved; one was Jesus himself ( 1 Corinthians 1:12). However Paul disapproved of the brethren separating themselves into groups. Paul asked the rhetorical question, “Is Christ divided” (1 Corinthians 1:13)? The obvious answer is “no.” While the apostle does not give many details about the division in Corinth, we can distill several reasons for division today and then seek to avoid those problems in the church that Jesus died for.

Church Division is Caused By Sin

Division erupts over sin. The first sin, in Eden, caused a division between God and His creation (Genesis 3:22-24; Isaiah 59:2). Man cannot be in fellowship with God or with other men if he languishes in unrighteousness (1 John 1:5-10) We mentioned three passages above in which sinful actions caused a person to be marked out or identified  (1 Corinthians 5:1-2; Romans 16:17; Matthew 18:17 ). A Christian persisting in ongoing, public sin may be removed from fellowship. Removal prevents the spread and acceptance of the sin ( 1 Corinthians 5:2; 1 Corinthians 5:6, 9). It protects the reputation of the church towards those on the outside, and it tries to draw the erring one back into the faithfulness (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 2:6-11). Removing fellowship is a strong action that requires extensive prayer, study, patience, and interaction with the sinner. It is done with the awareness of our own weaknesses (Galatians 6:1-5; Matthew 7:3) and with love toward the sinner.

Church Division is Caused by False Doctrine

Why are there so many different churches and religious bodies in the world? It is because they all teach differing doctrines. While two denominations may be tolerant of their differences, they are still divided, and that does not please the Lord. Paul rebuked the church for divisions based upon favored leaders ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 ff) and for a myriad of worship issues that created divisions (I Corinthians 12:21-27;  1 Corinthians 11:17-22; 1 Corinthians 14:33). Doctrine is not the problem. Errant or wrong doctrine causes the problem. Any doctrine not based solely on the Bible is false.

The issues in Corinth were public issues. Sometimes a brother or sister may hold some errant teaching privately and does not promote it. New Christians may still carry denominational baggage when they enter the body of Christ. These people are to be taught and division should not come from their private thoughts.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @J_Bryant_Evans.

Truth Series

Apologetics, Doctrine

We posted a few articles on truth recently. Truth always battles to be heard. Often we stifle truth by denying it exists, or allowing its existence but denying that we can know it. Such agnosticism is the result of the multiculturalism that swept our culture. Suddenly, everybody is right and no one is wrong. While  there are always gray areas, truth is knowable and can, even must, be applied. Hopefully these articles will help.

  • Truth – This is an introduction and asserts that truth does exist as an objective item.
  • Truth – This article, from 2012, is another introduction and summation of our thoughts on truth.
  • Truth is Known – It is not enough that truth exists, it can and must be knowable. Otherwise any objective truth is useless. This article argues that truth can be known.
  • Consequences of Truth – If truth exists, and it does, and if truth can be known, and it can, certain consequences are revealed. This is where truth and reality merge.
  • Truth Haters – It seem odd, but there are people who hate the truth and try to supress it. Consider these thoughts from the Bible.

In the words of a famous television show, the truth is out there.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

Implications of Knowing Truth (part 3)

Doctrine

Having previously examined the reality of truth and the ability of humanity to know truth, we turn to the implications that the knowledge of truth brings. We confine ourselves to spiritual truths and leave the discussion of earthly truths (mathematical, scientific, logical, et cetera) to others.

Spiritual, or we might say, Biblical, truths are especially important for they reach into eternity. At the very worst, a failure of truth in science might cause death. Yet, a similar error in spiritual matters could cost one his eternal soul. Therefore, we commend this brief article for consideration and analysis as a critical piece of the foundation of a mature Christian life.

Knowing and possessing Biblical truth brings confidence, not arrogance.

Jesus said “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). He declared that his apostles “knew” that he was from God and were blessed in that knowledge (John 17:8). Later, the apostle of love would write that one may know he is of the truth through the love that he shows for others. That knowledge, John writes, will “reassure our hearts before him” (1 John 3:19). Most comforting of all is John’s assertion in 1 John 5:13: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life” (emphasis mine, jbe). Paul speaks of his confidence anchored in the sufficiency of all things are given by God (2 Corinthians 3:1-6). Because truth exists and can be known, we are confident in our eternal future. Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10), how can his people live in doubt and fear?

Yet, the knowledge of truth must never produce arrogance or a haughty attitude. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addresses this very issue. Some in Corinth were eating food that had been used in idol worship. They thought nothing of it since they knew that idols were not real. Their confidence, while based in fact, was hurting less knowledgeable Christians who thought eating food offered to idols acknowledged their reality and the authority of that idol. “…all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Paul’s conclusion was while it was true that idols were not real gods, mature believers were hurting the less mature through their knowledge and attitude. He writes, “if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat…” (1 Corinthians 8:13).

Paul tells the Ephesians to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Frankly, this is sometimes harder than it seems. Our love for truth exceeds our love for the sinner. Our knowledge becomes a club used to beat others into submission. At all times, the Christian must possess both the truth and love for his fellowman. [bctt tweet=”At all times, the Christian must possess both the #truth and #love for his fellowman.”]

Knowing and Possessing Biblical Truth Requires Sharing

What would be thought of a person who knew the cure to cancer but kept it to himself? Or what of a man who knew of some impending disaster but kept it a secret? Surely the believer must share his knowledge with the lost. While truth is without arrogance, it must also be shared. Love demands that we do all that is possible to protect our family and neighbors from the coming wrath. The idea is embodied in Peter and John’s statement to the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:13:

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Paul concurs in 2 Corinthians 5:11: “knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (NKJV). The writer of Hebrews reminds that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Why? “For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). We also know that our Lord is coming again to take vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Surely, those in possession of truth must feel compelled to share that truth with those who face destruction. [bctt tweet=”those in possession of truth must feel compelled to share that truth.”]

Knowing and Possessing Biblical Truth Requires Response.

The truth is a measuring rod. It is the yardstick against which every thought and action are measured. It is not only a standard; it is the standard. Nothing else compares. Every time we approach truth, it measures us. So, we choose to conform to the truth or to resist it and ignore it. James argues that a man deceives himself when he looks at truth, finds shortcomings, and does nothing to correct the deficiency (James 1:22-25). Truth is demanding. Truth requires self-assessment. One cannot escape truth without response.

Young preachers are disappointed when there is no public response to a sermon. They reason that there was some weakness in their preparation or delivery. However, if the sermon is true to the word of God, there is always a response. As the final notes of the invitation song fade, every person has responded. Some will change their lives in a private way. Others respond publically. Still others will say “no” to the needed change. Nevertheless, in every case, people respond.

Every man is compelled to respond. He must respond appropriately. Since truth does not change, men must change to conform to its demands. A hearer must allow himself to be crafted into the person God desires. To resist the truth is to resist God. Jewish leaders were rebuked by Peter because they had resisted the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). Paul warns that they who resist God will incur judgement (Romans 13:2).

Before closing, let us note that ignorance of truth is no excuse. Speaking in Athens, Paul said; “the times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). Truth is known and must be obeyed (Romans 2:8; Galatians 5:7).

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can I Know Truth? (part 2)

Doctrine

Objective truth exists. Objective good and evil exist. But can a mortal man know that truth? Can he recognize real good and discern real evil? The answer is a certain yes. However, some adopt an agnostic view of truth and declare that men are so limited that they cannot know the truth. The consequence is an inability to identify error and, at the most extreme, an inability to evangelize.

The Bible is clear: You can know truth. [bctt tweet=”The Bible is clear: You can know truth.”]

Truth is Known

The classic text is John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  Here Jesus comforted believers by confirming that that they were his disciples and added the certainty of knowing the truth. Prophet Daniel desired to know the truth about the visions he saw. He received the truth of the fourth great beast he witnessed (Daniel 7:19 ff). In Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, our Lord declared that his apostles had come to know the truth (John 17:8). John wrote to believers who knew the truth (1 John 2:21). In 2 John 1, he addressed his letter to all those who “know the truth.”

If one declares that he cannot know the truth, or argues that we do not know enough to discern truth, he ignores clear Bible teaching. There are some things reserved unto God’s divine knowledge (Deuteronomy 29:29), but among those things revealed, we can know them with certainty. [bctt tweet=”There are some things reserved unto God’s divine knowledge but among those things revealed, we can know them with certainty.”]

Faith Depends on Knowing Truth

How miserable is the man whose agnosticism causes him to doubt! Abraham was not agnostic about God’s promises (Genesis 15:13), but fully expected the Lord to deliver (Hebrews 11:8-13). David did not doubt when God promised victory over the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:19).

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God but if truth cannot be known, how can we be certain? We believe that Jesus will come again (John 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) but if truth is unknowable, we have no basis for our belief. The entire 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians was written to combat doubt. Paul asserts the truth of the resurrection and the assurance of our heavenly destiny. Hebrews declares that we have confidence to enter into the holy place through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19).  How can we have any confidence if we cannot know that God’s promises are true?

Why Question Truth?

If truth exists, and it does, and if truth can be known, and it can, why are some agnostic? It could be that some have never studied the subject and never considered the ramifications of agnosticism. While it is difficult to distinguish the motives of others, we may observe that an agnostic view of truth is comfortable and less confrontational. If one allows for a more malleable kind of truth, then he will not feel compelled to confront others about untruth in their lives and worship. He can simply declare that he cannot know if they are right or wrong. Then he is free to continue in a comfortable relationship.

Truth can be hard. We must never be harsh in our approach to sin, nor can we compromise that which we know. [bctt tweet=”Truth can be hard. We must never be harsh in our approach to sin, nor can we compromise that which we know.”] As the apostle wrote, we must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Truth

Doctrine

A co-worker once said that “truth is what the people believe.” From his perspective as an advertising executive, that was a good working definition. Infamous Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels once said, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” Both definitions hold the same fallacy: both depend on the mind of the individual to determine the truth. We declare that such subjectivity is, itself, false and without foundation. One can see the weakness of such reasoning.

Our challenge, however, is not to define falsehood or to highlight an untrue statement. Our task is to determine truth. Roman Governor Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth” (John 18:38)? We offer a feeble attempt an answering this difficult question.

The denotation of “truth” is varied. Having perused numerous sources for a reliable definition we suggest the following:

Truth is a genuine depiction of real facts; it is a statement of how things are.

[bctt tweet=”Truth is a genuine depiction of real facts; it is a statement of how things are.”]

We differentiate between two kinds of truth: temporal and eternal. An example of a temporal truth is the following statement: “It is raining.” That may be correct today but tomorrow, when the sky clears, there will be no rain. Hence, the statement is true at one time and false at another. An eternal truth is unchanging. It exists without regard to time or place. “God is love” is an example of an eternal truth. We could support our statement with reference to Scripture, which is also eternally true, but we are getting ahead of our study.

Mathematics uses eternal truths too. Adding two and two gives four; it always has and it always will. To deny a fundamental precept of addition is to wreck the entire basis of math. All branches of science depend upon the unchanging nature of myriad principles and foundations. A scientist cannot accurately analyze nor can he forecast if those principles are subject to change. A common example from everyday life is the ability to tell time. People depend on the fixed length of one second, one minute and one hour to enable them to carry on their affairs. Our point is simple: real truth exists.

The deeper question is whether or not there is an objective standard of truth. Since our interest concerns matters of faith, morality and spirituality, is there some standard against which all ideas, concepts and worldviews compare? The answer is an unequivocal yes. We would go so far to say that without an objective measure of truth, there is no truth at all.

[bctt tweet=”…without an objective measure of truth, there is no truth at all.”]

This objective standard is bound up in our understanding of morality. A behavior or thought may be moral or immoral when tested against the absolute standard of truth. We believe that the God of the Bible is that absolute standard. Further, he has revealed himself to us through his inspired word. The unchangeable Creator, existing eternally outside of the natural world, Is the only possible standard for good and evil. His word is true (John 17:17). His Spirit knows the deep thoughts of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) and has given unto us all truth (John 16:13;  2 Peter 1:19-21).

As we continue our study truth will become more precious each day. In the words of Scripture, “buy truth and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23).

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

 

Justification: The Other Side of Condemnation

1 John, Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Romans, Salvation, ,

 

Condemnation and justification are two key concepts in our faith. They are opposites; different sides of a coin. One is very good; the other is very bad. Let’s look at both and bring the contrast into a sharp focus. We start with the bad one.

Condemnation

Mankind has been condemned since Eden. When God warned not to touch the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil he said that doing so would cause death. Indeed, the moment Adam and Eve took and eat, they were spiritually dead and instantly began to die physically (Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6, 7, 22-27). Spiritual death spread because sin, now in the world, also spread. Like a viral contagion sin has found its way into every life. In the very first generation after the sin of Adam and Eve, their son slew his own brother. Today we see the impact of sin and lawlessness everywhere. Why? Because all have sinned (Romans 3:9, 23; 1 John 1:8).

Paul writes that the payment (wages) of sin is death (Romans 6:23). In your Bible you might want to write Genesis 2:17 in the margin next to Romans 6:23 and vice versa. You must understand that sin brings death. There are always consequences to our actions. In the case of sin, death is always the consequence. So we can say that sin brings condemnation and that condemnation is a sentence of eternal death.

Man is in a sorry condition because of his own choices. Nothing but eternal death awaits him. There is nothing beyond the grave except horror. We have no one to blame but ourselves.

[bctt tweet=”Where there is justification there is no condemnation!”]

Justification

It is good news that the story doesn’t end there. It is the gospel message that proclaims the news that the Creator has intervened in our world. He steps in to justify and save us from our own, well-deserved condemnation.

Justification is a profound topic and there is no way to do it service here. It is just too deep to fully comprehend in a brief article. Volumes have been written and still do not cover justification fully.

The Father, working through Jesus, has given us a way to escape to punishment; a way to escape condemnation and be justified despite our sins. That too is part of the gospel message. In order to gain justification one must obey that gospel message (Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17). In the case of the first Christians (and us) obedience was the result of the frightening reality that we are sinners (Acts 2:36-41). In Paul’s case, it was described as having his sins washed away (Acts 22:16).

[bctt tweet=”darkness cannot co-exist with light, condemnation cannot co-exist with justification!”]

Now here is where it really becomes wonderful. Where there is justification there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1)! Just as darkness cannot co-exist with light, condemnation cannot persist in the presence of justification!

Are you in Christ? Condemnation does not exist in Christ as we walk in the light (Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:7-10). Again, are you in Christ?

 

 

 

Vine, Branches and Denominations

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, John, ,

Grape_vinesDuring his final days on earth, Jesus declared, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). What does he mean? Some take this verse as an endorsement of denominationalism. They say that Jesus was describing himself as the vine and the various religious denominations as branches from him. If that is true then there must be nothing wrong with dozens of such denominations in every city in the world. But the wise Bible student will inquire deeper and try better to understand what Jesus is saying.

The Immediate Context

We have said often that Scripture must be understood in the context in which it is spoken. One must never pluck a verse from its surroundings and make it say something the Holy Spirit never intended. I fear such has happened with John 15:1-11.

The immediate context shows Jesus was talking about individuals, not churches. The language he uses is specific. In verse 5, the word translated “you” is originally in the second person, plural. Such words refer to people, individuals, to whom the speaker was addressing at the moment. He is addressing a group of people and telling that group that they are the branches. “You” is a pronoun which refers back to the apostles gathered with him for the Last Meal in the Upper Room (John 13:1 ff). Branches are individuals. Branches are people who must remain in Christ for their strength and sustenance. There is no survival outside of Christ for it is his body that is saved (Ephesians 5:23).

We should also note what is missing from the immediate context. There is no mention of a church, no mention of a denomination and no mention at all of any assembly or grouping. To find support for the idea of denominations here one must craft the idea out of a fertile imagination. The immediate context does not support denominationalism.

The Remote Context

Every Bible verse must harmonize with every other verse in Scripture. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:43). But the Bible argues against division and, thus, against denominationalism. If that is true we have even more evidence against the interpretation of John 15:1 ff as supporting denominations.

Two chapters later Jesus prays for unity among his believers. Jesus prayed, “that they may all be one, just as you father are in me, and I in you…” (John 15:21). His apostle, Paul urged Christians to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). He reminded them that there was only “one body” (Ephesians 4:4). He rebuked the Corinthians for incipient denominationalism that was forming in their congregation (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). He reminded them that the many members of the church are in a single body, Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12). This passages harmonizes perfectly with Jesus’ own vine and branches analogy of a single vine (Christ) with many branches (members).  To the Colossians Paul called for “perfect harmony” in “one body” (Colossians 3:13-15).

Given that we Christians are all part of “one body” (Ephesians 5:30), and given that the body is composed of many individuals members, and further given that “perfect harmony” is to exist within that body, can we truly claim that denominationalism is a good thing? Or is it truer to say that denominationalism is wrong, even sinful? Isn’t it true that denominationalism shatters unity and is a horrid expression of the will of Satan and not of God?

Denominational teachings are all over the map. There is no unity within broader Christendom.  Individual denominations teach doctrines that are so opposed to one another that both cannot be correct. Denominationalism is a scourge to be fought and destroyed.

The only answer is a return to God’s Word alone. Let us throw away creeds, statements of faith, confessions, books of discipline, church councils, synods and any device which separates us. We all claim to love and trust the Bible. Let us prove it.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.