“That Ye May Know”

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (I John 5:13). 

Confidence (John 5:14) and assurance (I John 3:19) are products of the above verse. They are the birthright of the faithful (Hebrews 12:14-16). Radiating from confidence and assurance is hope. It means: “favorable and confident expectation. It has to do with the unseen future, Romans 8:24,25. Hope (a) the happy anticipation of good (the most frequent significance) e.g., Titus 1:2; I Peter. 1:21; (b) the ground upon which hope is based, Acts 16:19; Colossians 1:27, ‘Christ in you the hope of glory;’ (c) the object upon which the hope is fixed, e.g., I Timothy 1:1” (W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 232). 

We may conclude that if one cannot know his salvation, it is then impossible to have confidence, assurance, and thereby hope. Without these we are no better off than the alien sinner (Ephesians 2:12). 

How sad when men are so self-willed, contentious and hard-hearted that they will deny the simple and plain teaching of 1 John 5:13. Assuredly it is pride and willful ignorance gone to seed! But, as if denying these spiritual blessings were not enough, some must publicly teach contrary to I John 5:13. Lamentably, they must be marked for the false teachers they are (II Thessalonians 3:14-16). 

We understand better why some are always troubled, perplexed, and distraught. They are sure of nothing and trust not the promises of Christ. Such is nothing less than refusing to take Christ at His Word. It is disbelief! 

Assuredly, the “eternal life” of I John 5:13 for the earthly pilgrim is in promise. It is yet to be and it is conditional (Revelation 2:10), but we have no more evidence what will be than we do of that which has been. It all rests on the truthfulness of Christ’s Word. We know our alien sins are forgiven by the same evidence that gives us knowledge pertaining to our eternal inheritance (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21; I John 1:7; 2:3- 5, 29; 3:19-21; 5:11-14; II Timothy 1:12; I Corinthians 15:58). How then is it possible to know the one and not the other? We might as well declare that one cannot know he is lost as to teach that one cannot know he is saved! The evidence for knowing either one comes from the same divine standard—the Bible (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:3-11). To all the doubters, we say with James and Peter: “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the ngrafted word, which is able to save your souls.… Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (James 1:21; I Peter 4:19). 

With these sentiments in mind, we can, with confidence, sing: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and ever prays for me; I know eternal life He gives, From sin and sorrow free. I know that unto sinful men His saving grace is nigh; I know that he will come again to take me home on high.” 

Any Christian(?) singing the preceding song and at the same time declaring that we cannot know we are saved, is not aware of his inconsistency, is hypocritical, or mentally unstable. In any case, the Lord’s Word has little or no effect on his thinking. “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:10-11).

David P. Brown

A Song Of Hope

He lives in my heart and guides me all along, 
He bathes me in Mercy and gives me a Song! 
In a world of darkness He's my Shining Light, 
When I'm out of strength, I then turn to His Might!!!

He is the Answer to the questions men ask, 
And though my strength fails, He is up to the task; 
When gloom o'ertakes me He Lighteth my Way, 
And His Light's brighter than this world's brightest day!

"This simply cannot be done," says learn'ed man, 
But filled with His Might I affirm that I can! 
What man cannot see he simply disavows, 
But there is more here than our wisdom allows!

If all men will but know His Wonderful Love 
Then all might enjoy His Bright Homeland Above! 
For He'll live in them and guide them all along, 
He'll bathe them in Mercy and give them a Song!

In darkness they stumble, hearts rotted within, 
Their steps ever trodding the paths of lost men… 
Their darkness dispelling He'll Bathe them in Light, 
He'll fix their ill hearts, and set their steps aright!

H. L. Gradowith

The Great Commission

The Limited Commission 

Matthew 10:5-6: “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

In the foregoing Jesus circumscribed the preaching of the apostles. They were not allowed to preach to the Gentiles nor to the Samaritans. They were commanded to preach to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” only. For this reason, this is called “the Limited Commission.”  

After His resurrection Jesus gave what is called “the Great Commission,” the World-Wide Commission, the Last Commission to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. 

The Great Commission 

Matthew 28:19-20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the  end of the world. Amen.” 

Mark 16:15-16: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” 

Luke 24:46-49: “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

From these three records of the Great Commission, it is learned that the following items are mentioned: (1) Preaching; (2)  Believing; (3) Repentance; (4) Baptism; (5) Salvation (the forgiveness of sins). 

There has been much disputing as to the orders in which these items should come: i.e., do people “believe” before they “repent,” or does “repentance” come before “faith?” Does salvation come before baptism, or must one be baptized to be saved? 

With all the disputing about the order in which the acts must come, there is agreement that the Commission mentioned Preaching, Repentance, Baptism, and Salvation (the forgiveness of sins). 

The Great Commission Was Executed 

The apostles began work under this commission on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. They were guided by the Holy Spirit in their work. The history of their preaching and the obedience rendered to their preaching is recorded in the book of  Acts. The record as found in this book will certainly give us the Divine interpretation of the Great Commission. Notice the conversions mentioned in the following passages, just what occurred, and you will find that it is in perfect harmony with the Commission. Also, it will be learned in what order the items mentioned came.

• Acts 2:14-38: (1) Preaching, (2) Repentance, (3) Baptism, (4) Remission  of Sins.
• Acts 8:5-12: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism. 
• Acts 8:26-38: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism. 
• Acts 10 and Acts 11: (1) Preaching, (2) Repentance, (3) Baptism. 
• Acts 16:14-15: (1) Preaching,  (2) Baptism. 
• Acts 16:25-33: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism. 
• Acts 18:8: (1) Hearing, (2) Believed, (3) Baptism. 
• Acts 19:1-5: (1)  Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism. 
• Acts 22:12-16: (1) Preaching, (2) Baptism, (3) Wash Away Sins.   

– Adapted from C.R. Nichol’s Pocket Bible Encyclopedia

Automatic Forgiveness

No one, as long as he is clothed with this body of flesh, will be immune to fleshly desires. Even Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:1ff; Hebrews 2:18), but like Him the Christian can be so committed to God that he will be adamantly determined not to give in to such desires. Indeed, this is what Christ expects him to do (Matthew 16:24). He may sin in a moment of weakness, but sin will not be the rule of his life (cf. Romans 7:21ff). On the contrary, the rule is that he does not sin; the exception to the rule is that occasionally he does, but his determination to walk with God will cause him to quickly repent of his weakness and sin and ask for forgiveness. It is because he has such an attitude of submission, and such a determined commitment, that Jesus’ blood is said to continually cleanse him of his sins (I John 1:7-10). 

No one should assume, however, that such cleansing will automatically continue if he refuses to repent, no matter how trivial and insignificant the sin may seem to be. The commission of even one sin, for which one will not or does not repent, will result in his alienation from God (James 2:10). 

Simon is an inspired example of this (Acts 8:9-24). Although some claim he was never a believer, Luke clearly says that he was (Acts 8:13) and that he was baptized just as the other Samaritans were. Simon sinned by lusting for, and trying to purchase, the power of imparting miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands (Acts 8:18-19). Peter, in rebuking him, named the sin he had committed: “Thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money” (Acts 8:20). 

He charged that Simon’s heart was “not right before God” (Acts 8:21) and that he was “in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:23). Although Simon was a Christian, who can doubt that he was cut off from God’s favor at that moment and fallen from grace? Yet, Peter told him to repent of his wickedness and pray to the Lord “if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22). It would appear that Simon believed what Peter told him, for he asked the apostle to pray for him (Acts 8:24). 

Since Peter told Simon that he would “perish” in his present condition (Acts 8:20), it is ludicrous to think that Jesus’ blood was cleansing him of his sin before he repented. On the other hand, if he obeyed Peter’s command, there is every reason to believe that Jesus’ blood did continue to cleanse him after his repentance and prayer. Since God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11), He likewise expects repentance and prayer from Christians today whenever awareness of sin takes place—if they expect the blood of Christ to continue cleansing them.  

Al Brown

Is There Anything In a Name?

Names for the Church Reference to the church of the New Testament is made by several designations. We do not insist that Christ’s church was called by one uniform name – it was not. However, each reference to the church is not without meaning; and we contend that in order to be scriptural—A SCRIPTURAL DESIGNATION MUST BE USED.  

The church belongs to Christ, and He sustains such close relationship to it that it is proper, fit-ting, and scriptural to just call it the church of Christ, or Christ’s church. 

1. It belongs to Him (Matthew 16:18). 
2. He built it (Matthew 16:18). 
3. He is the Head of it (Colossians 1:18). 
4. He is the foundation (I Corinthians 3:11). 
5. He purchased it with His blood (Acts 20:28). 
6. It is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23). 
7. He is Savior of it (Ephesians 5:23). 
8. He is King over HIS KINGDOM, which is His church (Matthew 16:19; John 18:36). 

Here are some expressions used in referring to the church: 

“household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10); 

“kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13); 

“house of God” (I Timothy 3:15); 

“church of God” (I Corinthians 1:2); [and] 

“body of Christ” (I Corinthians 12:27). ​

In referring to a number of local congregations, Paul says, “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16).  

These all have reference to one and the same church, the one that Jesus built – the one we read about in the New Testament – and He built only one (I Corinthians 12:20).  

It is important that we be right in doctrine, worship, and organization; but the importance of being scriptural in name cannot be ignored. Men should not dare to accept, follow, and foster a name religiously that is not found in the New Testament.  

Party Names Reveal Party Doctrines 

This fact does not make them right, but it is a fact nevertheless. Religious names reveal what the ones wearing them believe and practice. Often it is necessary to inquire further and classify one in a specific way to ascertain his real position. To illustrate, with ill-will toward none, when a man says he is a “Baptist,” it is necessary to inquire further since there are so many kinds of Baptists. Is he a Primitive Baptist? a Free-will Baptist? a Southern Baptist? a Northern Baptist? Or a Fundamentalist Baptist? After he says which kind he is, then it is revealed pretty well what he believes and practices. Why? Because party beliefs and practices are wrapped up in and expressed by party names. Hence, party names are not meaningless. There is no promised blessing of God in them, but rather the reverse. 

However, “Lutheran” exalts Martin Luther; “Baptist” exalts the act of baptism; and “Presbyterian” exalts the eldership. So, it cannot be said that there is nothing even in party names— though they be unscriptural, and cause discord and division. This point may be more clearly seen by considering this fact: it takes Catholic doctrine to make Catholics; it takes Baptist doctrine to make Baptists. The Bible only makes Christians only.  

The Importance and Significance of the New Name 

“Christian” is supposed to indicate a special relationship to Christ. The word “Christian” is used loosely today. Nations that are corrupt in many, many ways may be referred to as a “Christian” nation. Many think they are Christians when they have not done what it takes to become a Christian. In the book of Acts, there are ten cases of conversion. By doing as they did, one today can become a Christian.  

Being a Christian in New Testament times, indicated: 

THAT one belonged to Christ (I Corinthians 6:19-20; I Peter 1:18,19). 

THAT one had been baptized in the name of Christ. No one has a right to wear the name of Christ UNTIL he has been baptized in His name (I Corinthians 1:12-[13]). 

THAT one was in the church of Christ. In becoming a Christian – hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized – one is thereby added by Christ to His church (Acts 2:47). 

THAT one had been separated from the world, was dead to sin, and alive to righteousness (Romans 6:2). 

THAT one had been baptized into Christ and into His death, buried, and raised to walk a new life (Romans 6:3-4). 

THAT he had been thereby made free from sin, (Romans 6:17,18); having been baptized in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), thus obtaining the benefits of Christ’s death and blood. 

THAT he was worshipping and striving to serve Christ according to His revealed will (Acts 2:42; 20:7; Ephesians 5:19). 

THAT one was trying to be Christ-like, letting Christ live in him (Galatians 2:20); and looking for-ward to being like Christ in Heaven (I John 3:2).  

Hence, faithful followers of Christ gladly wear the name of their Savior, Prophet, Priest, King, and Redeemer. It expresses a sweet and tender relationship, and every time it is spoken IT EXALTS HIM WHO DIED THAT WE MAY LIVE FOREVER in Heaven the home for the redeemed. Are you a Christian? And a Christian only? If not, become one at once and thereby be added to Christ’s church. There is neither reason nor revelation for being more than just a humble Christian!  

YES, THERE IS SOMETHING IN A NAME!  

A. G. Hobbs

Did My Neighbor...

See that 1 do not make time for Sunday Bible study? 

See that I only give the Lord Sunday mornings, but spend the Sunday evening worship time for my own pleasures? 

See that I absent myself from the assembly when guests come into my home, and thus I put men before God? 

Hear from my lips speech that is impure, and unbecoming any child of God? 

See me and my family cavort around the community in a state of undress, as if the Bible had nothing to say about modesty? 

See that I have done little to train up my children in the way of the Lord, and that I have exercised very little discipline in the home? 

See that I completely ignore the work of the church when Wednesday evenings roll around? 

See that when the church has meetings, Family Bible Schools, etc., that I show very, very little interest in such? 

Then I know some reasons why my friends and neighbors have not shown interest in the truth, and why they may never be converted! 

Bill Jackson

“Will Modernism Destroy Us?”

In the past several years we have seen modernism raising its ugly head in the churches of Christ. Several elderships and many preachers have taught regarding the perils of modernism. These saw the effects of it in various congregations as well as in many denominations. We raised our voices and some heard while others did not care. Those who a few years ago had the “I don’t care” attitudes are today given over to modernism and its trends. 

We submit that modernism is not a new thing at all. In fact, the tempter was the first modernist. When Satan said, “yea hath God said,” he began the slippery slope down the dark road of modernism. 

Modernism promised in the temptation something that is impossible for man to be—“as God.” We must understand that modernism denies the reality of sin. Modernism waters sin down to the point that it no longer exists regardless of what the Scriptures teach. For instance, look what Adam said after the fall, “the woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:12). 

Eve blamed the serpent, Adam blamed God, and from then until now man has not been prone to shoulder his own personal responsibilities for the most part. 

Very few in the Scriptures admitted that they had sinned. We want to shift responsibility to someone or something else because we must “white- wash” our own faults and set out thinking toward a more modern view of the Word in order to justify ourselves. Why? Because modernism is man’s effort to make the Bible conform in varying degrees to what man wants all the way to re-constructing the Gospel to the restructuring of the church. 

Ah, now we see why so much liberalism and compromise permeates us today. Many do not want to do what the Bible says so we will get us a new Bible that will suit our own style of living or we will ignore plain passages not thinking of judgment (cf. John 12:48). The modernist goes on with these thoughts and teaches that “everything dwells in varying degrees and can be measured.” Measured by what? Of course, by the instrument or thing that the modernist creates! 

This would require some method, and the way to determine method is very important. For instance, you cannot smell, taste, or see the modernist. An x-ray machine will not find them out. However, their words do and will betray them. Subjectivity led to this malady in a large way. The conduct of some Christians makes others resign from the thought of pure Christianity, and this is hypocrisy. Division has been created among us as well as the religious world in general. 

This, in my judgment, is one of the things that has led many toward agnosticism. And, why not! The modernist already rejects the Bible especially every miracle that is given therein. There is no study among them except trying to find a defense of the very selfish doctrine they hold dear. They can, all day long, tell one what the Bible does not say, while ignoring what it does say. All of us need to study the Bible more than we do because this is the only thing that will lead us to a wholesome Christianity. We need to ask for evidence. We need to state (live) our faith instead of showing a lack of faith. We need to teach the Scriptures to our children. As long as we feed them with intellectualism, modernism will flourish. Modernism will starve to death if we will feed ourselves and the people we teach the pure Word of God. 

Harrell Davidson