Jesus and Other Savior Gods

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5 Reasons Jesus is Divine

 5 Reasons Jesus is Divine - Apologetics Press

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SHORT VERSES, STRONG MESSAGES

 

SHORT VERSES, STRONG MESSAGES

It is interesting to note a number of brief, compact passages of Holy Scripture that nevertheless pack strong, powerful messages.  Consider the following (all from the New King James Version of the Bible).

* Genesis 18:25b: "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

* Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

* Proverbs 22:7: "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant of the lender."  (Did you ever take out a 25- or 30-year home mortgage?J )

* John 11:35: "Jesus wept" (Message: Christ was tenderhearted and sympathetic; so should we be.)

* Acts 20:35c: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

* I Corinthians 14:33: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (Question: Have you ever asked yourself, "Did all of the different kinds of churches and religions really originate with God?")

* Ephesians 4:26: "Be angry and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath."

* Ephesians 5:1: "Therefore be followers (imitators) of God as dear children."

* Philippians 2:14-15: "Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

* Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him."

* Colossians 3:23: "And whatever you do, do it heartily to the Lord and not to men."

* I Thessalonians 5:16: "Rejoice always."

* I Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing." (Translation: Don't leave prayer behind; don't leave prayer out of your life.)

* I Thessalonians 5:21: "Test (prove) all things; hold fast what is good." (Meaning: Don't be gullible when it comes to spiritual matters.)

* I Thessalonians 5:22: "Abstain from every form of evil." (Note: Just because the Bible does not specifically mention a thing as being a sin does not mean that it isn't.  Use a little common sense.)

* Hebrews 10:31: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

A passage of Scripture does not have to be long in order to convey a strong message.  Let us learn from the short verses of the Bible.

Hugh Fulford

 

1 Timothy 1:16 – Believe unto Eternal Life

By Wayne Jackson

Many denominationalists are strong opponents of the concept that baptism is a divine condition for the remission of past sins. However, the Bible explicitly teaches that immersion is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). The term “for” in this passage is a translation of the Greek word eis, a preposition which means unto, in order to, to obtain (see the Greek lexicons of Thayer, p. 94, and Arndt & Gingrich, p. 228).

In an attempt to thus avoid the emphatic declaration that baptism is essential in order to obtain the remission of past sins, sectarian clergymen resort to the quibble that the word eis can mean “because of.” Supposedly, therefore, one is immersed because his sins have already been forgiven. Baptism, it is alleged, is a mere “outward sign of an inward grace.”

There are two things wrong with this. First, it is not true that eis can mean “because of.” No standard lexicon ever defines it in that fashion, and it is never translated in that way in the New Testament. (See: “A Rose Is a Rose; Or Is It?”)

Second, there is an old axiom – that which proves too much, proves nothing. Let us apply this spurious definition of eis to the 1 Timothy 1:16. In this context Paul affirms that the mercy he received from the Lord serves as an example to all that “should thereafter believe on him [Christ] unto (eis) eternal life.”

Note the language – “believe eis eternal life.” Is the apostle suggesting that one believes on the Lord because he already has eternal life? The very idea is preposterous and not even our denominational friends are generally inclined to so argue.

Underline the words “believe unto eternal life,” and comment: Unto means “in order to obtain.” Compare with Acts 2:38. Also at Acts 2:38 reference this passage.

Related Articles

• A Rose Is a Rose; Or Is It?
• The Preposition “Eis” in Acts 2:38
• Acts 2:38 – Carroll Osburn and “For the Remission of Sins”
• Dallas Professor Rebuffs Common Quibble on “Eis”
• The Use of the Preposition “Eis” in Matthew 12:41
• The Last Supper
• Why Was Jesus Baptized?
• An Exchange with Professor Wallace of the Dallas Seminary
• Scholastic Subterfuge
• Acts 2:21 — Calling on the Lord’s Name

Scripture References

Acts 2:38; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Timothy 1:16

Cite this article

Jackson, Wayne. "1 Timothy 1:16 - Believe unto Eternal Life." ChristianCourier.com. Access date: January 19, 2022. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/819-1-timothy-1-16-believe-unto-eternal-life

THE RESTORATION PLEA AND A LITTLE "HUGH-MOR"

 

THE RESTORATION PLEA AND A LITTLE "HUGH-MOR"

Over the last few weeks I have been writing about church history, the restoration plea, and the concept of going back to the New Testament and being what the followers of Christ were then—Christians only, without denominational affiliation—people who constituted themselves into autonomous (self-governing) churches of God/Christ (I Corinthians 11:16; Romans 16:16).  

It is freely admitted by all church historians that there were no different denominations in New Testament times, or for several centuries thereafter.  Faithful churches of Christ today are pleading for a return to that same state of spiritual affairs.

Strangely, it is believed by many that it is impossible in the 21^st century for people to be what the followers of Christ were in the first century. It has never dawned on some that undenominational Christianity is possible today.  

It reminds me of the story of a young schoolboy whose given name was Dammit (a family sir name).  His class was participating in a spelling bee, and the teacher was going down the roll, giving out the words to be spelled.  It came Dammit's turn.  The teacher gave out the word—"Eucalyptus"—then quickly added, "But, Dammit, I know you can't spell it."  Unknown to the teacher, the principal was standing just outside the door.  Momentarily forgetting about the boy's name, and not realizing what he was saying, he stepped inside the room and exclaimed, "Well, (bleep), I think you ought to at least let him try!"  

I do not approve of profanity and I certainly mean no offense or disrespect toward anyone, but the principal had a point: if there are those who think we cannot be Christians only, members of the body/church of Christ only, without also being members of a denomination, and if there are those who no longer accept the premise of the restoration principle and the restoration plea, so be it.  

But, please...at least let the rest of us try!  I find it passing strange that in our post-modern culture of pluralism in which it is asserted that we have many viable religious options, the ONE thing that some say is NOT possible is to be simply a New Testament Christian without denominational affiliation!  

On another humorous note: One of the great old preachers of the ancient gospel was Joe H. Blue (1875-1954) whose labors were confined primarily to Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.  

The story is told of the preacher of a black church who ran off with all the church's money.  Some of the leaders contacted brother Blue and asked him what he thought they ought to do.  Brother Blue said, "Go after him, bring him back, and prosecute him."

A few weeks passed and one day brother Blue ran into one of the members and asked if they had found the prodigal preacher.  "Yes, sir," the brother replied, "we found him and brought him back.  He done spent all the money, but we gonna let him preach it out!"

Another of the grand old heralds of the restoration plea was Jefferson Davis Tant (1861-1941).  Fanning Yater Tant, in the biography of his father—J. D.TANT: TEXAS PREACHER—tells the story of his father being in a debate with a particular denominational preacher who denied that baptism is essential to salvation.  

When brother Tant introduced I Peter 3:21, his opponent ridiculed it by saying, "Baptism is just a picture of salvation, but it doesn't have anything to do with actually being saved.  One is saved, and then is baptized to 'picture' his salvation."

Brother Tant responded, "Well, it's a pity Peter did not know that on the day of Pentecost.  Otherwise, he would have said to those inquiring sinners, 'Repent, and get your picture taken...in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins' "(Acts 2:38).

Sometimes a little humor can disarm the cavils of those who wish to take issue with plain gospel facts and simple gospel truths.

Hugh Fulford

 

1 Timothy 2:4 — Salvation through Knowledge

By Wayne Jackson

There are many strange ideas in the religious world regarding salvation. Some contend that all people will be saved (Universalism). That notion is contradicted by dozens of passages (see Matthew 7:13,14). Others, like the Calvinists, argue that before the world was created God chose some, the elect, to be saved, and others He predetermined to be lost. 

That notion is plainly refuted by 1 Timothy 2:4. God “would have all men to be saved.” Note also verse 6 which affirms that Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all (which conflicts with the Calvinistic theory of limited atonement, i.e., that Christ died only for the elect). Underline this phrase and note: contradicts Calvinistic doctrine of predestination. See also verse 6.

Additionally, there are yet others (an even larger number probably) who subscribe to the notion that God will save all sincere people, whether they ever know and obey the truth or not. Such a concept is not in harmony with the divine teaching here set forth.

G.B. Winer, in his Grammar of New Testament Greek, has an interesting discussion of this passage. He notes that Paul first states the “general ultimate end,” that God desires salvation for all men. Then, the apostle gives the “means toward attaining the former,” which is — coming to a knowledge of the truth (p. 692).

This is in perfect harmony with John 8:32 — you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. One does not obtain redemption through a knowledge of error, but by means of knowing the truth. How does this relate, for example, to the idea (advocated by some) that one may go through the process of being immersed, and yet never even understand the truth regarding the purpose of the ordinance, and God will honor the “obedience” anyhow? Does that notion really harmonize with the principle of this passage? Underscore the phrase “knowledge of the truth,” and marginally note: Knowledge of truth essential to valid obedience.

Related Articles

• 1 John 2:1 – The Advocate
• But Were They Really Saved?
• Calvinism and the Great Commission
• THE GOLDEN TEXT: A Study of John 3:16
• Does John 6:37 Teach Calvinist “Predestination”?
• Justified by Faith
• 2 Timothy 2:1 — The Domain of Grace
• False Teachers; Destructive Heresies – 2 Peter 2:1
• Is Faith the Gift of Ephesians 2:8?
• The Righteousness of God Revealed

Scripture References

Matthew 7:13, 14; 1 Timothy 2:4; John 8:32

Cite this article

Jackson, Wayne. "1 Timothy 2:4 -- Salvation through Knowledge." ChristianCourier.com. Access date: January 19, 2022. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1009-1-timothy-2-4-salvation-through-knowledge

Dinosaurs: Separating Fact From Fiction

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Book, Chapter and Verse

 

Book, Chapter and Verse

There was a time when all preachers in the church of Christ were known as "book, chapter and verse" preachers.  By this it was meant that they endeavored to "speak as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11), and to prove every point they made by the Scriptures.  

hey shunned the religious doctrines and commandments of men, they refused to preach their own opinions, and endeavored instead to set forth the will of God about any and every matter of which they spoke.  I am thankful that we still have many such preachers—men who wish to be known simply as gospel preachers, men who can back up what they proclaim by a "thus saith the Lord."

Unfortunately, "book, chapter and verse" preaching has sometimes been wrongly characterized as "proof texting."  Proof texting is an abuse and misuse of scripture.  It ignores the larger context of a verse and uses the verse to "prove" a preconceived notion or point of doctrine.  As someone has observed, a text taken out of context is a pretext.  

Every passage of scripture must be understood in the light of its larger context, including the total teaching of the Scriptures on a particular subject.  For example, all the verses ascribing salvation to faith in Christ must be understood in the light of all that the New Testament teaches with respect to what one does in response to the saving grace of God.

On the other hand, to cite a single verse of scripture in support of gospel truth, facts, commands, promises, threats, and warnings is not wrong.  In fact, we have biblical precedent for such.  

In Romans 3:9-19, the apostle Paul, in establishing the sinfulness of the Jews (in spite of their numerous spiritual advantages), strings together a number of isolated "proof texts"(as some would label them) from widely separated passages in Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah to prove his point.  

Often, he uses but part of an Old Testament passage.  And he is not averse to even combining parts of various verses in order to drive home his point! 

Similarly, one might spend time studying the Book of Hebrews and noting the frequent quotations from the Old Testament found in that "word of exhortation" (Hebrews13:22). 

Thus, before one speaks too condescendingly about "proof texts," it might be well to ask, "May gospel preachers today use the New Testament in the way the inspired writers of the New Testament used the Old Testament?"  May we cite book, chapter and verse (in context, of course) in support of what we preach? 

It is rather apparent why many in contemporary society (even religious society) do not appreciate book, chapter and verse preaching.  It condemns their lifestyle, their religious biases and prejudices, their religious practices and beliefs.  Little wonder that they do not want certain texts to read or quoted to them!

Those who believe there are many ways to God and to heaven do not like to hear John 14:6 and Acts4:11-12.

Those who think that one church is as good as another do not want to hear Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23 and Ephesians 4:4.

Those who believe that one is saved by faith only do not want to hear James 2:24, 26 and Mark 16:15-16.

Those who think that one living since the death of Christ and the inauguration of His last will and testament can be saved without baptism do not like to hear Acts 22:16 and I Peter 3:21.

Those who think that sprinkling or pouring constitute acceptable baptism do not want to hear Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12.

Those who profess to be able to be "good Christians" whether they go to church or not do not want to hear Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7 and Hebrews 10:24-25.

Those who advocate for women preachers and women church leaders do not like to hear I Corinthians 14:34 and I Timothy 2:11-14.

The practicing homosexual does not want to hear Romans 1:26-27 and I Corinthians 6:9-10, but how he/she so desperately needs to hear the next verse and the promise of forgiveness that it holds out to all who will repent of their sinful lifestyle.

Those who believe that everybody will ultimately be saved do not like to hear Matthew 7:13-14, 21 and II Thessalonians 1:6-10.

But make no mistake about it: We need book, chapter and verse preaching!  Such is the only way to accurately set forth the true will of God and to proclaim the gospel of Christ, the power of God for salvation to all who will believe and obey it (Romans 1:16-17; I Corinthians 15:1-4).

Hugh Fulford

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN AND HIS PRESCRIPTION

 

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN AND HIS PRESCRIPTION

On one occasion when Christ was eating and having social fellowship with tax-collectors and sinners, the self-righteous Pharisees severely criticized Him, claiming that anyone who professed to be of God would not be found associating with such people. Jesus' response was: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.'  For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Matthew 9:12-13).

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). He did not come to save those who thought they were already in a right relationship with God.  

Of course, no one is, though many think they are.  But the fact is "There is none righteous, no, not one . . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of G" (Romans 3:10, 23). 

The first step toward getting well is to recognize that one is sick.  Once that is done it is advisable to find a competent doctor and take the medicine that he or she prescribes.  Likewise, the first step in being saved is to recognize that one is lost.  

Once that is done it is advisable to turn to the only One who can save and follow His plan for being saved.  The only One who can save us is Christ.  "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

It goes without saying that we must have confidence in an earthly physician.  But if we want to get well, we also must be willing to follow the doctor's orders. Christ is the Great Physician of the soul.  We need to learn as much about Him as we possibly can.  He alone can heal us of all our soul's diseases.  But He has a "prescription" for getting us well and we must follow that "prescription."

After Christ had died for the sins of all mankind, been buried, and resurrected (I Corinthians 15:1-5), He appeared to His disciples and said to them: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).  

He told His apostles to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:15-16).  

To those same men Jesus said: "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the 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 to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:46-47). These passages encapsulate the Great Physician's "prescription."

When one turns to the book of Acts one finds the apostles carrying out the charge that Christ had given to them.  Beginning in the city of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and spreading out from there, they preached the gospel, urged people to believe in Christ, to repent of their sins, to confess their faith in Christ, and to be baptized for (eis = in order to) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 8:26-40; 10:34-48; 16:30-34; 18:8; 22:16).     

It seems to me to be the ultimate cruelty for those who profess to be  preachers of the gospel (the good news) to talk constantly about the Great Physician but to never tell sin-sick souls what the "prescription" is by which they can be "healed" (that is, what they must do to be saved).  

No one likes to keep going to a doctor for visits and consultation, but with no instructions as to how to get well.  Let those of us who preach tell people about the love and care and compassion of the Great Physician and of His power to "heal," but let us not fail to tell them what His "prescription" is for being saved and about the after-care that is so vital to maintaining good spiritual health.

Hugh Fulford

October 30, 2012

Jesus and Miracles

Jesus and Miracles - Apologetics Press

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Intelligent Design:

 

Intelligent Design: The Scientific Choice

JEFF MILLER, Ph.D.

ATHEISMCREATION VS. EVOLUTIONDESIGN IN THE UNIVERSEEXISTENCE OF GODGOD AND SCIENTIFIC LAWSORIGINS

Some incorrectly assert that science and religion are incompatible—that religion is based on feeling, and science is based on reason and evidence. Sadly, the contention that religion is based on feeling and not evidence does, in fact, characterize the bulk of the religious world.

However, true religion—biblical Christianity—is in perfect harmony with reason and true science. After all, God, Himself, instituted the field of science and commanded His followers to draw only those conclusions that are warranted by the evidence (1 Thessalonians 5:21; cf. Miller, 2012a).

The Universe contains countless features that exhibit purpose, intent, and planning—characteristics which imply the necessity of an intelligent Designer, not random chance, which characterizes evolutionary theories. Thus, science supports intelligent design and stands against atheistic origin proposals.

The scientific evidence indicates, without exception, according to the work of Spallanzani, Redi, and Pasteur, that in nature, life comes only from life (see Miller, 2012b). That evidence poses a dilemma for the naturalistic scientist. 

The naturalist must be able to propose a theory for the natural origin of life from non-life (i.e., abiogenesis) in order to be consistent with naturalism, and yet science indicates that life cannot arise from non-life. So, the naturalist cannot be a naturalist and still be a legitimate scientist!

There is no scientific evidence which supports abiogenesis. However, the intelligent design model contends that since life comes only from life in nature, in order to be in keeping with science, there must be a supernatural explanation for the origin of life. The supernaturalist can easily be a scientist without contradicting himself.

Similarly, science reveals that nothing can last forever, since everything is deteriorating and all energy is transforming into less usable forms according to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. Science reveals that nothing could spontaneously pop into or out of existence according to the 1st Law of Thermodynamics (see Miller, 2007). 

Those truths come from the scientific investigation of nature, and yet naturalistic models must contend that the matter and energy of the Universe either always existed or initially popped into existence (before the alleged “Big Bang”). 

Once again, this proposal is against the scientific evidence. Since science indicates that in nature, matter cannot spontaneously generate or exist forever, unprejudiced reasoning leads to the conclusion that a supernatural source is required to explain the origin of the Universe—an intelligent Designer. Why not argue for the re-instatement of true science into the school system where you are? Intelligent Design is the model in keeping with the scientific evidence.

REFERENCES

Miller, Jeff (2007), “God and the Laws of Thermodynamics: A Mechanical Engineer’s Perspective,” Reason & Revelation, 27[4]:25-31, April (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press), https://apologeticspress.org/articles/3293.

Miller, Jeff (2012a), “Science: Instituted by God,” Reason & Revelation, 32[4]:46, April (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press), https://apologeticspress.org/apPubPage.aspx?pub=1&issue=1026&article=1760.

Miller, Jeff (2012b), “The Law of Biogenesis,” Reason & Revelation, 32[1]:2-11, January (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press), https://apologeticspress.org/apPubPage.aspx?pub=1&issue=1018&article=1722.

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Published May 13, 2012

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