HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN ONLY

There is no greater plea in the world today than that one which invites people to be “Christians on-ly.” The name Christian includes all that is needed, or should be desired, for spiritual appellation. In-deed, a real, genuine “follower of Christ” should be content in worshipping God as a “Christian only.” Anything less than a Christian is far too short, and anything that goes beyond, transgresses heaven's testimony for humankind. But the important question is: “How may one be a Christian and nothing else?”

OBEY THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST AND NO MORE

To obey the Gospel as revealed in the New Testament means:

• Believe in Jesus Christ as the crucified, buried and risen Lord (John 8:28; Rom. 10:10).
• Repent of past or alien sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30).
• Confess your faith in Christ (Mat. 10:32; Rom. 10:10; Acts 8:37).
• Be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15; Rom. 6:4; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).

Upon such obedience, we have the assurance that God will add us to “the church” (Acts 2:47). And we further know that such disciples were called “Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

WEAR THE NAME OF CHRIST AND NO OTHER

The fact that God promised a “new name” (Isa. 62:2), and that he gave it “first in Antioch,” should be ample evidence of the all-sufficiency of that name. To add to it, to put a handle on it, to weaken it by adding some human name, is but to mar its beauty, dishonor the head of the church, discredit him who died for us and whose name we are to wear (Acts 4:12).

It is, then, possible to wear the name of Christ and no other. The Holy Spirit even condemned the wearing of names of inspired men in New Testament times. How could it benefit us to wear names of men who are not inspired, or names given by men who are without heaven's authority to give them (1 Cor. 1:10-13)?

ACCEPT AND ABIDE BY THE CREED OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND NO OTHER

This must necessitate a repudiation of all manmade creeds that have become binding upon so many people. It must do away with human doc-trines for governing worship. It takes the New Testament to make a Christian; it takes something more than the New Testament to make a person more than a Christian. It is possible to make the claim “let us follow the Bible only,” yet in actual practice, preaching and worship, accept along with it the “doctrines and commandments of men” (Mat.15:9). Creeds must be revised each year, but the Word of God never has to be revised. Accept it and nothing else.

BE A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD AND NOTHING ELSE

It is possible to obey the Gospel, genuinely be-come a child of God and then go off and “join some-thing” unheard of in the Bible, join an institution not founded by Christ, not wearing his name, nor worshipping according to his divine guidance. To do this is not to be a “Christian only.” God’s book, the Bible, is sufficient. The Lord’s church, the church of Christ, is enough. It is said: “It makes no difference what church one is a member of.” The Bible says that the church is the body of Christ (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23). Paul says there is only one body; the conclusion is there is only ONE CHURCH.

HAVE A “THUS SAITH THE LORD” FOR ALL THAT WE DO

If followed, this sacred principle would make it impossible for us to have in the public worship anything that is not authorized by our heavenly Father. There is something wrong with the man who is not satisfied to take just what the Bible has said. Our worship is to be one of faith (2 Cor. 5:7). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Faith comes by hearing God's Word (Rom. 10:17). If we practice anything that we did not get from hearing and studying God's Word, it is not of faith. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom. 14:23). When sin is finished, it brings forth death (Jam. 1:15).

A FINAL THOUGHT

From these Scriptures we see that in order to be pleasing to our Father, we must have a “thus saith the Lord” for all that we do. Let us have no doctrine but that which is of Christ, no name but the name Christian, no creed but the New Testament, be a member of no church but that which belongs to Christ, and have a “thus saith the Lord” for all that we do and say religiously. In this way, all men are privileged to be Christians only!

Foy L. Smith

DOGMATIC, NARROW-MINDED, AND LEGALISTIC

There are, in the church today, those who attempt to neutralize God's revelation to man with intimidation. These compromisers do not want to oppose error in any way, and are influencing souls to turn from God’s word to follow the path of least resistance, i.e., the path of worldly acceptance and religious union.

Compromising Christian — I suppose you have the old foggy idea that some people are going to roast in an eternal Hell.

Christian — The Bible teaches that each will reap what is sown (Galatians 6:7-8), and there are some activities which will result in man’s condemnation (Galatians 5:19-21; I Corinthians 6:9-11). God himself teaches that some of his rebellious creatures will be lost (Matthew 25:46).

Compromising Christian — Why that is the most dogmatic, narrow-minded, legalistic thing I have ever heard!

Christian — It is the teaching of God’s word!

Compromising Christian — You’re probably an old moss back who believes that shorts and other immodest clothing, mixed swimming, dancing and social drinking are sin.

Christian — Yes, it is a sin, but not because I think it is a sin but because God condemns these acts as works of the flesh (Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:19-21; i.e., revelling, drunkenness, lasciviousness).

Compromising Christian — Why that’s the most dogmatic, narrow-minded, legalistic thing I have ever heard!

Christian—But it is God’s message!

Compromising Christian—I imagine you have the same narrow views concerning divorce and remarriage.

Christian—God’s word is very plain concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage. God’s plan for marriage is one woman for one man for one life time (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6; Romans 7:1-4). If divorce takes place it must be for fornication (Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:12). To put away a mate for any other cause and to remarry is to be guilty of adultery (Matthew 19:9).

Compromising Christian —Well, I have never...that’s the most dogmatic, narrow-minded, legalistic thing I have ever heard.

Christian — It is taught by inspiration!

Compromising Christian — Do you honestly, actually, truly believe that using instrumental music in worship is a sin, and that people will be lost in Hell because they use it in their worship?

Christian — It isn’t what I believe that is important, what is important is what God has commanded. Each time music is mentioned in the New Testament (in the worship of Christians) it specifies vocal music (Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; I Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15; James 5:13). The transgression of God’s standard is sin (I John 3:4). It is God’s word which will be the standard of judgment (John 12:48-49).

Compromising Christian — That is the absolute end. That's the most dogmatic, narrow-minded, legalistic thing I have heard in my whole life!

But all the ranting, raving, intimidation and disparaging remarks do not change one iota of God’s revelation to man. It still stands, and will continue to stand (I Peter 1:25), till judgment when it will be God’s standard for judging the works of men (John 12:48-49).

The characters referred to in this article are not fictitious; they are real and exist in many congregations in the brotherhood today. May the compromising Christian see the error of his/her way and repent that salvation might be theirs in the hereafter.

Thomas F. Eaves, Sr.

SOME NEW THINGS OF CHRISTIANITY

People of all ages enjoy getting new things. In religion, some are always seeking something new or different. Things that originate with men (religions, movements, ideas or doctrines are vain, Matt. 15:9). The only true and valid new things are those that began on Pentecost some 2000 years ago. They are still in effect, and will remain new until the end of the world. These “new things” should thrill our souls to serve God.

First, there is a NEW COVENANT. A new covenant was foretold in the old covenant (Jer. 31:31). The old covenant was broken by Israel (Jer. 31:32). God brought the old covenant to an official end at the cross when Jesus died (Col. 2:14). The new covenant went into effect after Christ's death—providing a new way to God (Heb. 9:15-17; 10:9f, 15-20).

Second, there is a NEW CHURCH. The old church consisted of the Israelites in the wilderness during the Mosaical age (Acts 7:38, KJV). The old church was governed by the old covenant. Moses was its mediator and lawgiver (Gal. 3:19; John 1:17). The new church consists of all the saved in the world (Matt.16:`18; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38,40,41,17). The new church is governed by the new covenant. Christ is its mediator and lawgiver (John 1:17; 1 Tim. 2:5).

Third, there is a NEW BIRTH. The old church was entered by a fleshly birth (Heb. 8:10,11). The Israelites were born into a covenant relationship with God. They had to be taught to “know” their God, after they were already in the family of Israel. The new church is entered by the spiritual birth (John 3:1-7). In the new birth, one learns of God before becoming a child of God (John 6:45). The word of truth produces the new birth (1 Pet. 1:22,23).

Fourth, there is a NEW LIFE. The old life before conversion is sinful (Eph. 2:1; Col. 3:9,10). The new life begins at the new birth when one enters the new church by obeying the new covenant (Rom. 6:3-6; 8:10-14; 2 Cor. 5:17). The new man has new thoughts and motives (Matt. 5:8; Phil.4:8). The new man has new ways, new habits and new friends.

Fifth, there is a NEW NAME. Under the old covenant, God was honored in the name “Israel”, with the el at the end referring to God. Now, we have a “new name”, that gives honor to Christ our Savior, in the name “Christian”, which includes the name “Christ” (Isa. 62:2; Acts 11:18,26; 1 Pet. 4:16). Sadly, most religious people in world that “claim” Jesus is their savior, prefer to wear another (denominational) name above and before the name “Christian”. This does not honor Christ (John 17:20,21; 1 Cor. 1:10).

Sixth, there is a NEW RESIDENCE. The Jews of old dwelt in the physical land of Canaan, with Jerusalem as its center. Christians are but pilgrims here, with real citizenship in heaven, with spiritual Jerusalem as its eternal city (Heb. 11:13,14; 1 Pet. 2:11; Phil. 3:20 (cf ASV); Rev. 21:1,1).

Conclusion. These “new things” are NOT something WE have made new, but are those things GOD has made new, that began in the first century, and will always be new for the gospel age. God wants everyone to be a part of it and to enjoy His blessings. These new things are truly exciting for honest hearts.

Don Tarbet

The Christian Life

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26). “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian’” (Acts 26:28). “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on this behalf” (I Peter 4:16).

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN

1. It means remission of past sins (Acts 2:38).
2. Membership in the church, the Body of Christ (Acts 2:47).
3. He can call God, Father (Romans 8:15).
4. He can worship and serve God acceptably (John 9:31).
5. He has the hope of eternal life in Christ (Revelation 2:10).

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A CHRISTIAN?

1. He believes unto righteousness (Romans 10:10).
2. He repents unto life (Acts 11:18).
3. He confesses unto salvation (Romans 10:10).
4. He is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans. 6:3). He is born again (John 3:5). See also I Peter 1:23.
5. A Christian must live like Christ; must follow Him.

WHY WEAR THE NAME CHRISTIAN?

1. It honors Christ who died for us (Hebrews 2:9).
2. We were baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5).
3. Paul condemned human names (I Corinthians 1:10).
4. We are married to Christ (Romans 7:4). Therefore, we should wear His name.
5. There is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12).
6. We are His children (Galatians 3:26). Hence, we are in His family, and should wear His name and no other.

BECOME AND REMAIN A TRUE CHRISTIAN!

WHAT MUST ONE DO TO KEEP SAVED?

A. This great question implies:

1. Man was once lost in sin.
2. That he has been saved.
3. There is a danger of falling.
4. Something must be done to remain saved.

B. There is a danger of falling.

1. Demas hath forsaken me . . .” (II Timothy 4:10).
2. Simon was commanded to repent and pray (Acts 8:22).
3. The last state was worse than the first (II Peter 2:20).

C. Christians have the power to stand.

1. Give all diligence and add the Christian graces (II Peter 1:5-10).
2. Make your calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10).
3. Then, “Ye shall never fall” (II Peter 1:10).

D. Four safe rules to follow:

1. Read the Bible daily. The Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica because they searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby (I Peter 2:2). The engrafted word will save (James 1:21). We will be judged by it (John 12:48).
2. Pray to God every day. Pray Without ceasing – have a regular time for prayer (Ephesians 6:18).
3. Attend all the services of the church. Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). The disciples met upon the first day of the week.(Acts 20:7). Christians need this spiritual food.
4. Give liberally of time, talents and means. See I Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Cor. 9:7. “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”

MAKE IT AS SURE AS YOU CAN!

OUR RELATIONS ONE TO ANOTHER

A. Love one another.

1. “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
2. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
3. One cannot love God whom he hath not seen and hate his brother whom he hath seen (I John 4:20).

B. Bear one another’s burdens.

1. “Bear ye one another’s burdens [the crushing burden beyond one’s ability to carry, John Rose] and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
2. “For every man shall bear his own burden [any load one can carry, himself; John Rose]” (Galatians 6:5).
3. Each individual must bear his own responsibility to God.

One cannot obey God for another person. However, we can help one another bear the infirmities of the flesh.

C. Forgive one another.

1. "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).
2. How often shall we forgive? Jesus said to Peter: “Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).
3. “And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17:4).

D. Pray for one another.

1. Paul said: “Brethren pray for us” (I Thessalonian 5:25).
2. “Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
3. Samuel said: “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you” (I Samuel 12:23).

LET US HELP ONE ANOTHER

(above adapted by John Rose from a tract)

Marriage

Marriage is the highest and happiest of human relationships. It is the preserver of true love, the foundation of the home, and bulwark of society. Marriage began in the bowers of Eden under the bowers of Eden under the direction of Almighty God. Moses gave legal regulations on matters connected with marriage for the old dispensation. Christ endorsed marriage as it existed in the beginning for the Christian age and performed His first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana. Paul likens the relationship between Christ and His church to that of husband and wife.

There are three divine institutions in our world. (1) The home, (2) civil government, and (3) the church. The institution of marriage keeps the moral world in being and secures civilization. Without it, natural affection and amiableness would not exist, domestic education would become extinct, industry and economy would collapse, learning and refinement would expire, government sink into the gulf of anarchy, and man would be left to the precarious existence of the savage.

Two persons, a man and a woman, who have chosen each other out of all others, with the design to be each other’s mutual comfort and care, have, in that action bound themselves to be loving, affable, discreet, forgiving, patient, and joyful, with respect to each other’s frailties and imperfections, to the end of their lives. Marriage is to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, until death do them part. It is a solemn vow taken in the name of God.

1. Marriage is divine in origin. When one compares Genesis 2:24 with Matthew 19:4-5, he finds that it was God “who made them male and female” and it was God who said, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.” Marriage is honorable in all (Hebrews 13:4). Eunuchs by birth, surgery, or choice would not marry for obvious reasons (Matthew 19:11-12). Also, under certain conditions of great distress one might not wish to marry (I Corinthians 7:1, 26). But it is better to marry than to burn in passion (I Corinthians 7:9). God saw in Adam that “It was not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
2. Monogamic in form. This means married to one person or having only one Scriptural mate at a time (Matthew 19:5-6, 9; I Corinthians 7:3). In the Christian age polygamy or many wives, and polyandry, having many husbands are both wrong. Commune marriages practiced among some ... groups are also condemned by Jesus.
3. Companionate and procreative in design. “Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto her husband” (I Corinthians 7:3; cf. 7:4-5). God told the first couple to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth (Genesis 2:28).
4. Mutual in obligation. The husband is to love the wife (Ephesians 5:25) and the wife is to love her husband (Titus 2:4). Man and woman are complements of each other and dependent upon each other.
5. The husband is the head of the wife. This is the way God set up marriage (Ephesians 5:22-24). We sometimes hear people joke that the husband is the head, but his wife is surely the neck that turns the head the way she wants! But the Bible is quite serious about the wife being in subjection unto her husband. To tamper with God’s order can bring serious consequences.
6. United by God. What God hath joined together let not man put asunder (Matthew 19:6). In God’s sight the marriage contract is final until broken by death or infidelity (Matthew 19:9; Romans 7:1-3). There is no marriage in heaven, says Jesus (Luke 20:27-40). This voids the Mormon doctrine of celestial marriage.
7. God wants Christian homes. This is where parents are obedient to God’s laws (II Peter 3:9; Matthew 7:21), and having been baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27), are bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6; Psalm 78:4; Genesis 18:19).

The sordid moral record of the world in general and America in particular is sad. Twenty five percent of American marriages wind up in the divorce courts. About one in twenty has some venereal disease. One out of six brides is an expectant mother before she gets to the marriage altar according to one journal. The obvious immodest dress of many women shows that while some dress to be chaste others may dress to be chased! There is a vast difference between the words. While parents shout for someone to do something to help the young people, the truth of the matter is that the responsibility is theirs and they need to face it. Parents need to provide opportunities for their children to be with other Christian young people so they will marry a Christian mate. Young people should date clean, pure and compatible partners. Before marriage ask yourself seriously if you are really ready for marriage, if you are mature enough, and is it love or infatuation?

The following entitled “A Recipe for Home” by an unknown author is fine. “First, get out the cooking utensils. You will need one husband, one wife, and children to suit yourself. Next, cream one cup of love until it is fluffy and mellow. Add one-half cup of tears and hardships and stir gently. Whip in a cup of joy; when smooth, add one teaspoon each of thoughtfulness, heartfelt tenderness and sympathy. Add one cup of ambition with two cups of Christianity. Bake in moderate oven, top with kindness, and serve repeatedly.”

Christ should be the Lord of our home and He is our ever present silent guest. To put marriage and the home on the right path, Christ should be the center: Christ at the marriage altar; Christ on the bridal journey; Christ when the new home is set up; Christ when the baby comes; Christ when the baby dies; Christ in the pinching times; Christ in the days of plenty; Christ for time; Christ for eternity, this is the secret of home.

J. Noel Meredith

Gospel Advocate (August 12, 1971)

IF…

If you are searching for the TRUTH, please read every word, answer every question, and look up each Scriptural reference, and learn truth that you may obey (Matthew 7:21). Be fair to yourself and search the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11).

IF all churches are right, why does the Bible make it so plain that there is only one (I Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 12:13; Colossians. 1:18-24; Ephesians 1:22-23; Matthew 16:18)?

IF all ways are acceptable, why did Jesus say that only those who follow the strait and narrow way will receive eternal life (Matthew 7:13-1.4)?

IF Jesus is the head of all churches (plural), why did He say, “I will build my church” (singular) (Matthew 16:18)?

IF Christ wanted different denominations, why did He pray for unity (John 17:21)?

IF we can show you proof that Jesus Christ was the founder of the true and only church, His church, will you accept the Bible and it alone (Matthew 16:13-19; Luke 24:45-47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:14-47)?

IF God has promised salvation out of the church, why did Christ die for it (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27)?

IF the church has nothing to do with our salvation, why does the Lord add us to the church (Acts 2:47)?

IF one is saved by faith only, why were the devils not saved?  They believed and trembled (James 2:19)?

IF one can be saved without faith, why did Paul say it was impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)?

IF one becomes a Christian when he believes, why was not King Agrippa a Christian (Acts 26:27-28)?

IF faith comes in answer to prayer, why are we told that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31)?

IF “faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort” (as one denomination’s discipline states) why did James say, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20)?

IF one can be saved without complete obedience to the Gospel of the Lord, why did Paul say that Christ is to take vengeance on them that obey not the Gospel (II Thessalonians 1:8)?

IF man can be saved by obeying the doctrines and commandments of men, why did Christ say it was vain worship to follow them (Matthew 15:6-9; Mark 7:7)?

IF one can be saved by just believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, why did Jesus say that “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21)?

IF Christ will save anyone as long as they are sincere and good, why did the Hebrews writer state explicitly that Christ is the Saviour of those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9)?

IF the Lord will save us without baptism, why did He command it (Acts 10:47-48)? 

IF the Lord has promised us salvation without baptism, why did Peter say that baptism saves (I Peter 3:21)?

IF we can receive remission of sins without baptism, why did Simon Peter say baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? 

IF baptism has nothing to do with salvation, why did one of the Lord’s inspired preachers tell a sinner to “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16)?

IF a man can be saved and not be baptized, why did not Jesus say, “He that believeth and is NOT baptized shall be saved” (Mark16:16)?

IF we can get into Christ without baptism, why did Paul say we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27)?

IF the Lord will save without baptism, why did Paul put “newness of life” after baptism, and not before (Romans 6:4)?

IF sprinkling, pouring and immersion are scriptural baptism, why did Paul say there is one baptism and that it is a burial (Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11-12)?

IF we can get into the body of Christ without baptism, why did Paul say we are baptized into the body (I Corinthians 12:13)? Remember the, body and the church are one and the same (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23).

IF baptism is a Christian duty, please name the place in the Bible that gives ONE example where a Christian was ever commanded to be baptized.

IF one is saved before baptism, he is saved before his sins are remitted (Acts 2:38).

IF one is saved before baptism, he is saved before his sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).

IF men have a right to make laws, change them, or delete them, why did Christ say that He had all authority (Matthew 28:18-20)?

IF the Word of God is able to save men, what need have we of anything else (John 8:32; Acts 20:32)?

IF the Word of God is complete and furnishes us unto every good work, how can we make it better by adding to or taking from (Revelation 22:18-19; II Timothy 3:16-17)?

IF preachers have the right to preach their opinion, why then did Paul say to “Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2)?

IF creeds and manuals are necessary, why are we told to follow and obey the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25; Matthew 7:21)?

IF you can be a Christian, worship God acceptably, practice every principle of Christianity, live, die and go to heaven without ever hearing of, belonging to, or in any way supporting a denomination, then why arc not these denominational groups useless and unnecessary (I Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47)? 

IF when you search the Bible you fail to find the name of your denominational church in the pages of inspired Scripture, why should you remain in it (I Corinthians 1:10-13)?

IF you think a man has a right to prefix his name with “Reverend,” “Father,” “master,” etc., be sure and read Psalm 111:1-9 and Matthew 23:8-12.

IF instrumental music is to he used in the church services, why was it omitted by Paul as he wrote “In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12)? If the instrument should be used, why did Paul omit it in Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19?

IF there is nothing in a name, why did Peter say salvation is in the name of Christ (Acts 4:10-12) and why did Paul declare that whatever we do is to be done in the name of Christ (Colossians 3:17)?

IF the Word of God authorizes elders to oversee, (Acts 20:28) and deacons (as servants, workers, I Timothy 3; Titus 1), what Scripture gives the authority for ecclesiastical heads, councils, synods, (as various religious groups are so organized)?

IF a man cannot fall from grace, why did Peter say that one can be “entangled again therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (II Peter 2:20-22)?

IF one can be eternally saved without being faithful (once in grace, always in grace), why did the Lord say to be “faithful unto death”(Revelation 2:10)?

IF Hebrews 10:9 teaches that the old law established, why do some today continue to keep the Sabbath Day (Saturday)?

IF the kingdom of God (the church) is yet to be built, why did Paul and John say they were in it (Colossians 1:13-14; Revelation 1:9)? Why did Jesus say that it would come in the lifetime of His apostles (Mark 9:1)?

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

IF it doesn’t make any difference what a man believes so long as he is sincere, why are we told that we will be damned if we believe not the truth (II Thessalonians 2:12)?

IF God promises to save all, regardless of what they do, why did Paul say, “we persuade men” (II Corinthians 5-11)?

IF there is no punishment for the wicked after death, why did Christ say certain ones would go into everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46)?

IF you are lost, condemned in judgment, it will not be the fault of either God, Christ or the Holy Spirit. They want you to obey the Gospel, and be saved (II Peter 3:9).

IF you enjoy simple New Testament worship, attend the services at the church of Christ. “Come now, and let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18). “Come thou with us, and we will do thee good” (Numbers 10:29).

Author Unknown

How Can It Be Possible?

For a person to be saved before baptism since Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Peter told the Pentecostians to “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). He also said, “Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh by the answer of a good conscience toward God” (I Peter 3:21).

For there to be nothing in a name or one name as good as another when Acts 4:12 says, “There is no other name in which one can be saved.”

For one church to be as good as another when the Lord has a church (Matthew 16:18).

For there to be more than one church as the Bible says, The church is the body (Ephesians 1:23) and there is BUT one body (I Corinthians 12:20).

For one to be saved out of the Lord’s Church since He bought it with His blood (Acts 20: 28).

For one to be saved by faith only when James teaches that we are justified by works and not by faith only (James 2:24).

For sprinkling to be baptism when Paul says we are buried with Him in baptism (Romans 6:3-4).

To observe the Lord’s Supper on Thursday night when Acts 20:7 says that the church at Troas came together on the first day of the week to break bread.

For a Christian not to fall from Grace when the Bible warns against the danger of falling (I Corinthians 10:12), and even speaks of some who had fallen (Galatians 5:4).

For snake handlers to quote Mark 16:18 for handling snakes and not have services to drink poison as the very next thing referred to in the same verse mentions drinking poison.

For one to be a Christian and not be interested in saving the lost.

For a Christian to be interested in saving the lost and never try to teach them or talk to them about the Bible.

For a Christian to be in earnest about going to Heaven and fail to come to Bible study on Sunday morning.

For one to be a faithful Christian and miss the Wednesday night Bible study to watch television.

For a person to love the Lord more than relatives when they will miss services to visit relatives or stay away from services because relatives come to visit them (Matthew 10:37).

For a Christian to make $100.00 a week and give the Lord $1.00 and it be liberal giving (II Corinthians 8:2).

For a Christian to wait until the collection is being taken and run his hand in his pocket and give whatever he may find and purpose to give as II Corinthians 9:7 says to do.

For a Christian to be giving as the Bible teaches and then complain because the preacher preaches on it.

For a Christian to have the spirit of Christ who attends the congregation in their community and then because the elders do not see fit to follow every suggestion to give their money in other places.

I have been looking for a long time to find the answers to these questions. If you have the answer to these questions will you please give them to me in order to put my mind at ease about these people. Most of the people mentioned above think they are going to Heaven so surely they must have the answers. I would like to see all of these go to Heaven but from where I sit I can only ask, “HOW CAN IT BE POSSIBLE?”

Franklin Camp
(1915-1991)