I recently questioned a man concerning his relationship with God. He stated that he had been studying with a preacher concerning salvation. As we continued our discussion, he stated that he had been praying for the Holy Spirit to save him, which would be confirmed when he began to speak in tongues.

I inquired further as to whether the preacher had discussed the gospel with him. He asked me, “What do you mean?”  I pointed out that the Bible says that Christians are to go to every nation and preach the gospel to every person, Mark 16:15. He then asked me, “What is the gospel?”

OF FIRST IMPORTANCE -THE GOSPEL

It was Paul’s practice in evangelism to always preach the gospel first to those who are lost, 1 Corinthians 15:3. One translation of I Corinthians 15:3 stresses this by saying, “I transmitted this (the gospel) to you before all else…” (Williams Translation). From this passage it is evident that Paul emphasized first the message of the gospel when he went into Corinth. Such would be a good example for us today. In other words, he stressed that which is most important in the life of an individual. And that which is most important in the life of any person is his obedience to the gospel of Jesus. Though other Biblical subjects are important for study and discussion, the hearing of and obedience to the gospel is most important in the life of any lost person.

In I Corinthians 15:1-4 Paul states that one is saved by the gospel. He then reminds the Corinthian brethren what the gospel should have meant to their lives. Here he makes it clear that the gospel consists of the fact that Jesus died for the sins of all. He was buried and on the third day he was raised from the dead. When one studies the Bible teaching concerning Christ, he learns that the gospel includes Jesus, the Word, who left heaven to become flesh John 1:1, John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16. He was born of a virgin Matthew 1:18-23. He lived sinlessly and bore the sins of all mankind on the cross 1 Peter 2:22-24. His resurrection from the grave simply gave Christians the hope and assurance that they too will be raised in the last day 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. Christians commit sins daily. However the Savior continues to act as a defense lawyer in the presence of God in order that they be cleansed of sin 1 John 2:1. Finally, a last event that will take place in the future is the return of Christ to raise the dead and then to judge the whole world, Acts 17:31. This is the message that was preached to and heard by those who were lost in sin in the book of Acts.

After Peter shared the message of the gospel with the Jews in Acts 2:22-36, they wanted to know what they should do. Peter told them to repent, that is, to change their hearts and lives. He told them to be immersed in water in order to reenact the death, burial, and resurrection, Romans 6:3-4. By this obedience he promised them that their sins would be forgiven and that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38. Three thousand people did respond to Peter’s plea for response to the gospel Acts 2:41. Luke records that these three thousand were added to the church and continued faithfully as members of that church Acts 2:42, Acts 2:47. These new Christians were happy in their new life and went about telling the gospel message to those with whom they came into contact as seen in Acts 5:42.As one continues to read in the book of Acts, those who were contacted heard the gospel. Many of those who heard obeyed the gospel by being immersed.

One might ask what about speaking in tongues and miracles? We need to examine the scriptures to see how these fit into God’s plan for the church. It is important to understand that God’s Word is designed to instruct and correct us when we are questioning any teaching or practice. It is also important to examine the Scriptures with an open mind. For example, some teach that Jesus in the Bible is the spirit-brother to Satan. Those claiming this firmly believe that it is true. But what do the facts expressed in the Bible tell us? One fact is the Bible teaching that Jesus is eternal God Isaiah 9:6. The angels were created to worship Him Hebrews 1:1-12. But fallen Satan, on the other hand, was never God 2 Peter 2:4. These simple facts of the Bible clearly show that Jesus and Satan were not brothers.

When it comes to the Bible’s teaching concerning tongues and miracles, people devise wrong teachings. Some claim that one or both exist. Others deny that neither has ever existed in the church. Questions like the following need to be examined: What are tongues? What did they accomplish? How long were they to last? Who could perform them and how were they passed on to other Christians?

A FOUNDATION FOR EXAMINING TONGUES AND MIRACLES IN THE BIBLE

When studying Bible subjects it is absolutely necessary to let the Bible be our rule and guide. This principle is true because men too often add religion doctrines that are not found in the Bible. For example, many believe that infants, young children and adults must be baptized. This teaching is often based on the fact that both Cornelius’ household Acts 10 and the Philippian jailer’s household Acts 16 had infants when the entire family was baptized. However, when investigating the Scriptures we find that people are to hear the gospel, believe it and be baptized Mark 16:15-16. In the book of Acts we are told only believers were added to the Lord’s family Acts 2:41; Acts 5:14; Acts 8:12. Infants and young children do not understand sin and cannot understand the importance of the gospel of Christ. Therefore, only adults were converted in Acts 10 and Acts 16. This is why the New Testament records only the baptism of men and women Acts 8:12.

By taking the objective approach to the Bible, one should look for facts as to what tongues and miracles are. After looking at history and revelation, the researcher can then find the facts of this subject upon which to establish his belief.

MIRACLES IN THE BIBLE

A miracle is an event that is so extraordinary, that both the believer and the non-believer admit that it happened and that it was beyond normal human experience. Acts 4:16 clearly illustrates this. If there is disagreement, the disagreement proves the event is not a miracle.

Jesus performed many miracles in the presence of those who would not accept him Matthew 12:13-14. Peter said that the people to whom he spoke on the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection had witnessed these miracles Acts 2:22. In Acts 2 Jews from many lands were at Jerusalem in order to worship under the Law of Moses. God caused the miracle of a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind. There appeared tongues like fire that sat on each of the apostles Acts 2:2-3. Then the apostles began to speak in languages they had never studied. The people were amazed and said, “How is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?” The dialect even gave the impression that the apostles sounded as if they were raised in the community of those hearing them speak (verse 8). The specific languages are listed in verses 9-11.

The above miracle got the attention of the audience. Peter stood up and stated that God had promised this miraculous event through the prophets Acts 2:16-17, Joel 2:28. He then proceeded to preach the gospel to the people. Therefore, in this case tongues were languages spoken miraculously to people who did not believe in Christ. These tongues were the native languages of the people to whom the gospel was being preached.

In the book of Acts it is recorded that others were able to perform miracles See Acts 8:13. But how did they receive such power? They received such by the laying on of the apostles’ hands Acts 8:17. Apparently, Philip had one of the apostles lay hands on him before he went to Samaria to preach. Phillip was the only one performing miracles in Samaria even though there had been many converted Acts 8:5-16. Phillip could not pass on to his converts the miraculous gifts, and thus, the apostles had to travel to Samaria in order to impart these gifts. The converts in Samaria had been saved from sin, yet were not able to do miracles until the apostles arrived. This certainly confirms the fact that one does not have to speak in tongues or perform miracles in order to gain salvation.

The household of Cornelius began to speak in tongues as Peter began to unfold the gospel story of Jesus Acts 10:34-46. Peter had not yet discussed with them the gospel when this took place. Later, when Peter returned to Jerusalem he explained to the Jewish Christians that with Cornelius, God was demonstrating that it was His plan to bring the gospel to the Gentiles as well as the Jewish people. Peter stated, “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning” Acts 11:15. After explaining this, the Jewish brethren accepted the fact that salvation was for all people. In Acts 10:45-46 the Jews who had accompanied Peter were amazed but were convinced that the Gentiles had the right to be saved as they witnessed their obedience to the gospel (47, 48). Therefore, by pouring out the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household, God signified that the Gentiles were to have the gospel preached unto them.

In the Corinthian church it is evident that all the gifts were present. Paul had to write to them because they were elevating some gifts above others I Corinthians 12-14. When speaking about tongues (languages), he said that they were a sign to unbelievers, not believers. This simply meant that men from other countries would be impressed with the fact that a Christian could speak in their native tongue even though the Christian speaker had never heard the language before. Therefore, by working through the Christian in performing signs and miracles, as speaking in tongues, God opened the hearts of the unbelievers to hear the gospel message. In this way tongues were a sign to unbelievers.

THE PURPOSE OF MIRACLES
 
Prayer is an essential part of the Christian’s life. God answers prayer for the sick. He answers the prayers of those who are experiencing family problems or financial problems. He answers the prayers of those who are having spiritual problems. Today, as Christians pray to God for those who are sick, most prayers are answered in the affirmative. Even though God may intervene and the person recovers, this is not an example of a miracle as seen in the New Testament. Remember that a New Testament miracle was visibly recognized. It could not be denied a miracle by unbelievers. And, their occurrence was instantaneous. Some examples of Bible miracles would include the healing of a man with a withered hand Matthew 12:10-13; the raising the dead John 11:43-44; the feeding of 5,000 Matthew 14:15-21; and Jesus’ walking on water Mark 6:49. Therefore, the answer of a prayer for the physical restoration of a sick person to health would not be classified as a miracle.

I recall a man who claimed that he knew someone who had died and later revived. He asked me if I wanted to meet him. I said, “No, but I would like to meet the coroner who signed the death certificate. “Jesus said to his disciples, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely you have received, freely give,” Matthew 10:8. The miracles these disciples performed were not hearsay. They were public demonstrations of God’s power which He allowed to be manifested by the hands of Jesus’ disciples.

Jesus himself defined the purpose for the miracles. He stated that they were to confirm the words spoken by God’s representatives Mark 16:17-20. The miracle confirmed that the teacher was from God. And if from God, he must be heard. An example of this happened when Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake on the island of Malta Acts 28:3. The people of the island expected him to swell and die. But such did not happen. Their reaction to this incident was that Paul was a god (verse 6). Though their conclusion was wrong, the miracle certainly opened their minds to hear what Paul had to say. (See verses 8 and 9 to see the reaction to the miracles Paul performed).

ARE MIRACLES PERFORMED TODAY?

Do churches imitate today the miracles we read about in the Bible? Some claim that they can miraculously speak in tongues. A few years ago I attended a revival where many were standing and uttering something I did not understand. I felt an uneasiness that was later explained to be what Paul was trying to convey in I Corinthians 14:22-25. Those in this revival were claiming to speak in tongues.

One purpose of tongues in the first century was evangelism. A Christian who had had one of the apostles lay hands on him might be able to speak in the Arabian language. Now he could function as either a speaker or interpreter in the Arabian language which he had never studied. Therefore, this speaker could quickly go to and preach the gospel to those who spoke Arabic. We have this same need today. Missionaries are sent out to foreign lands where the language must be studied before they can teach the lost. However, it is strange that churches which believe in modern day miraculous tongue-speaking require their missionaries to study tongues before they can communicate their message to the lost. If they have the gift of languages, why do they have to study these languages?

MIRACLES IN THE FIRST CENTURY

In the early church, the disciples demonstrated that they came from God by doing miracles, Hebrews 2:3-4. Once the miracle was performed, the heart of the contact was usually opened to hear the gospel Acts 13:4-12. Today however, those who claim miracles practice this in reverse. They use the Bible to justify their miracles. The early church never did this.

The church I visited claimed that tongues were a sign of salvation. But the New Testament states that all those who were converted up to Acts 5 were forgiven by God. Remember also that only the apostles per- formed miracles up to Acts 5. The church must have numbered 15,000 or more by this time because the male members numbered 4,000 in the fourth chapter. The point here is that the working of miracles was not a proof of salvation.

The proof here is a practical one. If the gift of miraculous languages (tongues) existed today, then those who had the gift would not be studying language in a language school. The fact that all men must study a foreign language is proof that the Holy Spirit does not impart the miraculous gift of tongues today.

HAVE MIRACLES CEASED?

The Bible states that miracles and miraculous gifts have ceased. This is taught in I Corinthians 13:8-10. But does this passage refer to sometime early in the church age or when Christ returns? The written Word of God should answer this. There are groups who claim that the miraculous gift of “knowledge” mentioned in this passage did not cease in the first century. Those who affirm this have produced writings that they claim are inspired. One group wrote the “Book of Mormon,” another “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” and still another, “The Great Controversy.”

Miraculous knowledge (or prophecy), miracles, and miraculous speaking in languages really did cease when the last apostle and the one’s given the gifts through the apostles, died. People claiming to speak in tongues offer some ecstatic utterance which they call the “heavenly language.” This is totally different than what was presented in Acts 2. In Acts 2 each language was clearly discernible I Corinthians 14:10. The Bible has clearly stated that what is already written is sufficient to bring about eternal life I John 5:13; 2 Peter 1:3. Therefore, no additional “inspired writings” were to be added to the Bible for salvation as we already have all things that pertain to life and godliness.

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

Many of those who claim modern day miracles teach that one can speak in tongues or perform miracles without ever having obeyed the gospel. However, Paul clearly taught that God will take vengeance on those who have not obeyed the gospel 2 Thessalonians 1:8. The following question comes to mind: Why would God give tongues and miracles to a people who had not yet become Christians? In fact, one large charismatic church teaches that one does not receive forgiveness of sins at baptism and that if you believe you have, then you must be baptized again. I Peter 3:21. Isn’t it amazing that one of the fastest growing churches in the world denies the following statement made by Peter to the first century church in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.”

A BETTER WAY

It seems that those who profess modern day tongue-speaking do such for personal satisfaction. They emphasize their personal reward for being able to speak ecstatic utterances. However, a more “excellent way” is explained by Paul in I Corinthians 13. That excellent way is the way of love. And when love is under consideration, “others” become the center of one’s life. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples”John 13:34-35. He explained that men would identify Christians by their “love of one another,” not tongue-speaking.

The most beautiful thing to experience in the world is the new birth of one lost in sin. In the churches of Christ we want to help you obey the gospel and experience the healing of your soul.

Copyright 1989
Bob Danklefsen
4-22-91

Is There A Hell?

Men have promoted four different teachings on the subject of hell:

1. There is no such place as hell or hell is here on earth.
2. Hell is mankind’s grave.
3. Hell is a place where the wicked are instantly burned and become nonexistent.
4. Hell is a place of eternal torment where the wicked will be punished in never ending torment.

Three of these teachings must be false — but which three?

THE DOCTRINE OF HELL-WHERE DID IT ORIGINATE?

Many people believe in heaven and will not hesitate to let others know they expect to be there. Yet many of these same people seem to pretend that the word HELL is not found in the Bible.

There are 3 Greek words translated HELL in the King James Version of the Bible — hades, tartarus, and gehenna.

HADES “The region of departed spirits of the lost (but including the blessed dead…It never denotes the grave nor is it the permanent region of the lost.” Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words p. 187.

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 the word hades is found in verse 23. It reads: In hell (hades) he lifted up his eyes being in torment…”  It is evident from this verse that hades is not mankind’s grave. One may say, “Is this not a parable?” If it is, Abraham, Moses, and Lazarus become story book characters rather than factual individuals from Bible history. Also this message from Christ clearly depicts the death of two individuals who lived during latter part of the Mosaic period of Bible history during the prophets V. 29. Both were conscious in the hadean realm after death. vs. 22, 23. The rich man even became concerned about his 5brothers back on earth, v. 28. No one will ever convince the rich man that hades is the grave!

DID JESUS GO TO HELL?

In Acts 2:27-31 Luke tells us that Jesus’ body did not see corruption nor was his soul left in hell (hades). Many have reasoned that hades cannot be hot because Jesus went there. In Luke 16:26, God teaches that in the hadean realm resides the spirits of the just and the unjust, and that a gulf separates these two groups. Jesus went to the same place Abraham, Lazarus, and the thief on the cross went — to paradise Luke 23:43.

DOES MAN EXIST AFTER DEATH?

Many groups, especially the cults, teach that man ceases to exist at death. This is why they deny that Jesus raised himself. See John 2:19-21. To admit his spirit existed after he died would be to admit the story of the rich man and Lazarus is factual. These groups are not the first to teach that man has no spirit. See Acts 23:8.

TARTARUS Vine defines tartaroo (hell) as neither sheol nor hades, but the place where those angels whose special sin is referred to in that passage II Peter 2:4 are confined to be reserved unto judgment, p. 213. Here the Bible reveals that the angels that sinned in heaven will never have the opportunity to repent as man does. Once man dies he also looses this opportunity, Hebrews 9:27.

GOD’S DESCRIPTION OF GEHENNA HELL

GEHENNA “Place of punishment in the future” Berry’s Greek English New Testament Lexicon.

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee, to enter into like maimed than having two hands to go into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched” Mark 9:43-44. Notice the word worm is in the singular and follows the possessive pronoun “their”. This is made with reference to the whole man who will be tormented, Matthew 10:28: “Dieth not” gives the duration of the period of torment. Note God’s description of hell in Revelation 14:10-11; Revelation 20:10.

WILL GOD PUNISH THE LOST FOREVER?

Paul in his letter to the Romans made it clear that man departed from God to indulge in sin, Romans 1:18 ff. Hell was not created for man but for wicked angels, Matthew 25:41. Man is given a choice as a free moral agent to pay for his own sins or to allow God to forgive his sins. The Lord does not want anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance, II Peter 3:9, Man does not earn or deserve to be in heaven, but because the Father wants sons and daughters, he has provided a way, Hebrews 2:9-10.

GOD REALLY LOVES SINNERS
 
Jesus knew from the foundation of the world that man would need a Savior. He with the Father planned that as an obedient Son he would take the hell man deserves by dying on the cross, I Peter 1:18-20, I Peter 2:21-24. In order to do this Jesus who is God John 1:1 had to put on flesh (v. 14). Even though Jesus never sinned, having experienced every temptation known to man, is able to relate to the Father the problems Christians experience. Hebrews 4:15. After his resurrection from the dead, he ascended back to God to intercede for those in Christ, Hebrews 2:17-18. Some day he plans to come back and reward the righteous and punish the lost, John 5:28-29. Jesus said in Matthew 25:46 “These shall go away into everlasting punishment and the righteous into life eternal.” God’s answer lies in the gospel, I Corinthians 15:1-4.

HOW CAN ONE ESCAPE HELL?

When one believes that Jesus died for his sins, was buried and rose the third day from the dead, the Lord asks him to repent. That is to turn from sin and truly desire to let the risen Savior rule his life, first in becoming a Christian and then by remaining a faithful servant. When one believes the gospel, God asks him to obey the gospel. In fact he points out that those who obey not the gospel will be punished in hell, II Thessalonians 1:8-9. How does one obey the death, burial, and resurrection? Paul teaches us in Romans 6:3-4 how one reenacts the death, burial, and resurrection in immersion in water. And when one demonstrates this faith, God promises to forgive that person of all past sins, Acts 22:16. The Lord then adds that person to his church, Acts 2:47. When Christ returns to raise the dead, he will take the righteous home to be with him throughout eternity, I Thessalonians 4:13-17.

Do you have the assurance that when you die, you will escape hell? Remember most people will not, Matthew 7:13-14. If you want the assurance of eternal life, contact the church of Christ in your area. Please don’t spend eternity in hell!

Bob Danklefsen
Copyright 1977
T-19, 3-22-90

Many have wondered why people who supposedly belong to God are divided in their religious beliefs. Often the statement is made that the reason behind the division is interpretation of the scriptures.

Upon investigation of the Bible we actually find that the Bible interprets itself. Even those who were the writers did not voice their own opinions,II Peter 1:20-21. Here it states, “Knowing this first, that NO prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” This certainly confirms that the Lord gave us in written form exactly what He wants us to know. Further, He states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work,”II Timothy 3:16-17. Since God’s Word is written as He wants it and is designed to correct those not following it properly, would it not be understandable that all will come to a single united conclusion especially in the area of salvation.

We also must realize that God cannot lie, Titus 1:2. When He says that He is not the author of confusion, 1 Corinthians 14:33 and that He has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3, we must accept His Word without reservation.

WHY DO SOME INSIST THAT THE PROBLEM IS INTREPRETATION?

Some believe that God is incapable of expressing Himself in the Bible so that all would come to understand His will. As one looks at the subject of salvation, however, God has stated very clearly that He does not want man to miss it, 1 Timothy 2:4. Paul writes, “who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” The key seems to be in the word “truth.” Jesus said, “Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth,” John 17:17. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” John 8:32. The scriptures tell us that those who would come to Him must not only know the truth but must love and believe it, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-14, and obey it, I Peter 1:21-22. Thus in order to be free from sin, one must obey the truth. This is so clear in scriptures that no one should say that they interpret this to mean that one can disobey the commands of Clod when referring to scriptures on salvation.

INTERPRETING GOD’S GOSPEL

The best way to clarify Bible interpretation is to give examples from scripture and how some claim to interpret plain passages. Let us start with creation itself.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1. Is the stand taken by atheists that the universe began through a mindless, chance accident of particles in space an interpretation of this verse or a rejection of it? One can very easily see that it is a rejection of the Creator. A preconceived doctrine of men has caused men to refuse to believe that there is a God who created the cosmos.

Some of those who believe in a Supreme Being have come to different conclusions as to the characteristics of God’s nature. For example, Jesus’ own statement, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth,” John 4:24. This verse coupled with “God is not a man, that He should lie,” Numbers 23:19 and Psalm 90:2 showing the eternal nature of God should cause one to conclude that the Lord is an eternal Spirit Being totally different than His creation, man. Yet there is a group that makes the following claim about God, “God himself was once as we are now and is an exalted man…” (The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Joseph Fielding Smith), page 345.Also, Doctrine and Covenants130:22 says, “The Father has a body of flesh and bone as tangible as man’s.” Once again, this teaching does not originate with the author of the Bible; rather it contradicts it.

The descriptive characteristics of Jesus have varied in the writings of man. One group claims Jesus did not preexist the virgin birth, another Jesus should not be called God, and another that He never resurrected bodily. Note the following scriptures to see if the conclusions are interpretations. John 17:5; Hebrews 1:8, 9; John 2:19-21.

The Lord’s true gospel consists of the good news that Jesus left heaven to become a man, 1 Timothy 3:16; that He died for the sins of the whole world, 1 John 2:2; and He resurrected the third day, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.He then ascended back to heaven where He now intercedes for Christians, Hebrews 7:25. Someday He will return just as He went into heaven, Acts 1:9-11.

OTHER GOSPELS WOULD BE TAUGHT

Paul stated that other gospels would be taught, Galatians 1:6 and to follow them would bring retaliation from God, verse 8. In 2 Corinthians 11:4 Paul states, “For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit, which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted – you may well put up with it. “He says a few verses later that these are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ, verse 13.

One might ask, “Since they use the same Bible and use scriptures to prove their conclusions, why is there so much division?” I just concluded reading a tract expressing that Jesus did not preexist the virgin birth. Their whole case was built upon the fact that God the Father anointed the Son and therefore He could not be a part of the Godhead, because this would make Him equal with God. Did Jesus Pre-Exist His Birth,page 2 by Z. B. Duncan. It is interesting that this author looked up many scriptures teaching Jesus was God’s Son, yet intentionally avoided all references to His Deity. Note the following scriptures which were avoided by the author: Colossians 1:15-16; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-10; John 20:28; Isaiah 9:6. There has been in every discussion I have experienced an avoidance of certain scriptures and an appeal to other scriptures to cancel the teachings of those with which they disagree. In addition to this each group doing this puts out either tracts or a manual to help their followers wrongly divide the word, Matthew 15:9.

GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION

Since the Lord wants no one to perish and all to find salvation, certainly He will make it clear in his word. What was taught to those who were lost? Jesus said to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, Mark 16:15. Peter did that very thing on the first day the church came into existence, Acts 2:22-24. He accused those present of killing the Christ and then assured them it was God’s plan all along for him to die for the sins of the people, 1 Peter 2:21-24. After hearing of Jesus’ resurrection, the people asked what they must do, Acts 2:37. This same question was asked by the Philippian  jailer, Acts 16:30. Paul replied to the jailer in verse 31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household.” What did the jailer have to believe about Jesus? Paul said that he was not ashamed of the gospel because it was the power of God to salvation, Romans 1:16. Therefore, the gospel had to be taught to both the jailer and his family, Acts 16:32. Thus, hearing and believing the gospel is essential to salvation, I Corinthians 15:1-2.

Look at the following statement and see if you believe that it is an interpretation of the above verses. “A person may say that he believes in salvation by grace, but if he sets forth any act of man’s will, such as repentance, faith, baptism, or hearing the gospel, as a condition for obtaining it, then this position must be put on the works side. Primitive Baptists believe that salvation is of the Lord, that it is by His grace, and that nothing needs to be added to it, (What Do PrimitiveBaptists Believe,page 5)by Elder Lasserre Bradley, Jr. In this tract the author avoids all “faith” references. This denomination appeals to Ephesians 2:5 and avoids verse 8. They will state, “If God had intended for faith to be necessary for salvation, it would be clearly stated here in verse 5.But it is not said, therefore, God did not intend for faith to be a part of the plan of salvation.” Having eternal life and being with God is such a serious thing; I don’t know why people will toy with His will in such a frivolous manner. The statement by this group comes about by totally rejecting the whole counsel of God, Acts 20:27.

There is a group who believe that faith is necessary for salvation. They quote John 3:16, Acts 16:31, and Ephesians 2:8 to show that they believe faith is necessary for salvation; however, their actions indicate that there is no need for repentance.

For example, one time I visited their services and found out that some of the couples in their group were involved in living together outside of marriage. When confronted with this they stated that they had been saved by their faith as Abraham was and once in this relationship with the Lord, that the Lord would not hold them accountable for sin as stated in Romans 4:3-8. When repentance was brought to their attention, they were quick to point out that John 3:16 said nothing about repentance. It is true’ the word “repentance” is not found in that location. Can we therefore conclude that a person does not have to turn from sin if he appeals to John 3:16 as his sole source of salvation? Both repentance and faith are mentioned in Acts 20:21. I think that the reader is beginning to see that it is not a matter of interpretation of verses that cause some to accept some teachings at the expense of other plain scriptures.

Another topic where there is again a divergence of beliefs is in the area of baptism. In fact, if you were to visit three churches, one each Sunday and they spoke on this subject, you might hear the first week that baptism is a sprinkling of water and it has nothing to do with forgiveness of sins. The next week, you could hear baptism is a burial in water and is not for forgiveness of sins. The third Sunday, you might hear that baptism is a burial in water and is the point at which one receives forgiveness of sins. Could they all be correct? Of course not; they are opposites. Again, since the word of God is designed to correct us, let us see what it says. We have already seen that the ‘ scriptures teach that after hearing the gospel one is to believe to, be saved, Acts 16:31, that one must repent,Acts 17:30-31 and we will find that before one can be saved they must confess Christ as Lord, Romans 10:9-10. Now realizing we are dealing with a life and death subject, let us see what God has to say about one’s response in baptism.

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.God has asked us to demonstrate our faith in His death, burial, and resurrection by reenacting it in water, Romans 6:3-4. First of all, does Paul use the word sprinkling or burial – what do we do with dead people? We bury them! Now the question is, at what point is a person forgiven? When he believes the gospel or when he obeys the gospel? Let’s let the Bible interpret itself. Paul telling about Jesus’ return said that the Lord will return “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 1:8. Is this consistent with the conversions in the book of Acts? Look at Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16 and let the Bible interpret itself. The latter is so clear, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Please interpret this verse with a non prejudiced mind.

As you have been reading this pamphlet, I hope you have come to realize that the religious division today is not caused by interpretation of scriptures but rather a rejection of some to accept others. We cannot cancel sections we don’t want to conform to by appealing to others with whom we agree. During a Bible study conducted over a three months period, I rejected the scriptures teaching one must be immersed for the forgiveness of sins. My claim was “your interpretation.” The man teaching me was so patient. He said, “You interpret Acts 2:38.” I finally did and became a member of the Church of Christ. I now know I can give an answer from God’s word that gives me an assurance that I know that I have eternal life. I never make the statement, “That’s your interpretation,” because I now know the Bible interprets itself.

Bob Danklefsen
Copyright 1987
T-31

A few years ago I was asked by a concerned Christian father to talk to his married daughter about her spiritual condition. She had become a member of a church that believed one could not fall from grace. When we arrived at this couples home their preacher and a visiting head of a Bible Seminary from their church arrived also.

We soon began to discuss our differences on the subject of ‘Falling From Grace”. The Seminary Professor directed a question to me, “Do you believe a Christian could so conduct his life so as to lose his soul’s salvation forever?”

I answered him in this way, “My understanding of the scriptures may be wrong, and correct me if they are, but I see the Bible saying there are three kinds of servants of God. This is clearly revealed in the story of the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. We both would agree  the fourth type of soil, described here, the one who produced one hundred, sixty, or thirty fold, would certainly hear the words from Jesus, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant,’ Matthew 25:21 . His Christian service to the Lord is seen in Matthew 25:31-40 and 2 Timothy 2:23-26. Do we both agree that faithful servants who are fruitful will be in heaven with God?”

He answered with a nod, “yes.”

I continued, “The second type of soil is described as one who becomes a Christian but he only endures for a little while and in Luke 8:13 we read ‘…who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.’ So the Lord does point out believers may fall away. However, I would rather look at the third type of soil and discuss this person. Describing him Jesus said, ‘Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful,’ Matthew 13:22. This man has not left the church; he has become non-productive or unprofitable to the Lord. I know what I believe the Bible teaches concerning this type of person as to his future condition. But I would like to ask you, as you read about the unprofitable servant in Matthew 25:30, where do you teach he was cast into heaven or into hell?”

He just stared at me and refused to answer even though I pressed him for an answer as I did the others.

Jesus made it very clear when he said in this passage, ‘And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This clearly describes hell.

It is interesting; some time after, this particular denomination split over this subject. The dissenting faction now teaches one who has fallen away or is unprofitable to God goes temporarily to a place of punishment at death and then at the judgment hears, “Well done thou good and faithful servant’ and is ushered into heaven. Something does not sound right here.

Pressure Changes New Translation

When the translation committee of the New King James wrote the New Testament version of the scripture they quote 1 John 3:9, “Whoever has been born of God does not practice sin.”

When the completed Old and New Testament of this translation became available, pressure from those promoting one cannot fall from grace led the committee to restate this verse to read, “Whoever has been born of God does not sin” in place of “…does not practice sin” This teaching in fact has led to a couple of groups that teach that people who are involved in fornication are lost. But they become Christians and still continue in this act, God no longer looks at them as sinners. The teaching, ‘one cannot fall from grace’, allows them to appear as faithful Christians even though they deliberately involve themselves in sin.

How Does God View Christians?

It might be best to review briefly how one becomes a Christian before looking at the scriptures on the relationship of the Christian to his Lord. The Lord instructed those who are Christians to share the gospel with those who are lost. Even Christ began to make known the good news before his death, Matthew 16:21. Jesus would die for the sins of all people and be raised to justify them, Romans 4:25. After his resurrection, Peter told the crowd this same message Acts 2:22-24. Those who became believers asked what to do (vs. 37), and were told to repent (turn from the practice of sin) and be baptized (be immersed briefly in water) and then they would be forgiven of all their past sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, vs. 38. Only adults responded to the gospel as they were asked to confess Christ before being baptized, Acts 8:36-39. So there obviously was an understanding of the commitment to Christ when one became a Christian.

Once one had obeyed the gospel he was made free from sin, Romans 6:17-18and could now enjoy the continued forgiveness of sin as he walked the Christian life, I John 1:7-9. The New Testament does not state a Christian is pardoned from his sins, but rather says he is justified–declared not guilty, because of Jesus’ blood, Romans 5:9. This is the reason Paul wrote, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1. Someday, faithful Christians, I Corinthians 4:1-2 will appear before the judgment seat of Christ–faultless, Jude 24. All this is offered to the saved because God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, John 3:16.

As a person walks the Christian life he will make mistakes and sin, I John 1:8-10. But because he belongs to the Lord, charges will not be brought against him, Romans 8:33. Therefore, we can be comforted in the knowledge God is not going to send a Christian to hell for just one offense or because he slips occasionally or dies before he is able to offer a verbal plea for forgiveness. Remember, the Lord has promised to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:7. A sin a Christian is trying to work on but has not yet been eliminated completely is referred to as “sin that does not lead to death,” I John 5:16-17.

Bible Warnings Concerning Defiant Sinning

Even the Israelites were aware of the difference between unintentional sinning and deliberate breaking of God’s laws, Numbers 15:27-31. The Hebrew writer verifies this in Hebrews 9:7. This same writer also recognized willful sinning could and would be found in Christians and warned them of the consequences of continuing in it, Hebrews 10:26-31. It must be noted the Son of God suffered severely to bring us this free gift of eternal life, Hebrews 5:7, 1 Peter 2:21-24. He in turn instructed the New Testament writers to plead with Christians to remain faithful or suffer the consequences of going back into sin, 2 Peter 2:20-22. Verse 20 indicates here that the person is entangled in sin and then moves to a position of being overcome by it. See Romans 11:22 also.

Jesus describes himself as a vine and the Father as the vinedresser. If those in him do not bear fruit and abide in him they are cast out and burned, John 15:1-8. The Parable of the Lost Son makes no sense unless we understand the son has lost his relationship with his father but did gain forgiveness by coming back, Luke 15:11-24.

Falling From Grace

Often the question is asked by those sincerely wanting to know, “Can a person fall from grace?” To find where they are coming from I usually ask, “Where did you get the terminology ‘Falling From Grace’?” They almost always answer, “I just have heard the term and wondered if it’s true. I usually respond by saying the only place I know that uses the exact statement is Galatians 5:3-4. What do you understand the inspired writer is saying here? Those who accept God’s word as their final authority will need to look no further as it states, whosoever of you are justified by law, ye are fallen from grace.”

Why Do People Believe Otherwise?

All doctrines foreign to God’s word are conceived first in the mind of a person promoting them. Then this individual looks for supporting scriptures to back up this theory. One such scripture is found in Ephesians 1:3-5. In verses 4-5, Paul writes, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” Note,  it does not say he predestined the lost to eternal life but rather predestined Christians to be with him in heaven. The condition for allowing us to be there is, ‘that we should be holy and without blame” and later in the letter he said Christians who practice uncleanness will not inherit the eternal kingdom, Ephesiansr 5:3-5.

Another statement made by promoters of this teaching is, “Once a person is born he cannot be unborn and thus once a person is born again, he cannot be unborn again.” This is true after a birth has taken place it cannot be reversed. However, the discussion should be on inheritance rather than birth. I have known several people who have lost the family inheritance, which better conveys the idea of being removed from God’s inheritance. Revelation 3:5 clearly shows a Christian can have his name removed from the book of life.

Never Saved In The First Place

A few years ago I met with a couple who had claimed they were saved in their teens and were now living together, although not married. They each confirmed they were on their way to heaven but they would not have the same bliss I would have because I was active in service to God and they were now living in sin.

When discussing this event with those promoting the “once saved always saved” position, their response is not the same. Some say, “If they were truly saved, then yes, they will go to heaven.” Others say, ‘Well, they were never saved in the first place.” This is simply a dodge, which falsely conveys when people who genuinely come to God, but fall away later were not forgiven in the first place.

God’s Warning to Christians

The Lord has recorded numerous examples of covenant people who had fallen away. In I Corinthians 10:6-13 he lists several who had fallen away and mentions these serve as examples to prevent God’s people from falling today. He further warns, “Wherefore, let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (v 12). Paul said he had to watch his own life lest he become a castaway, I Corinthians 9:27. The Hebrew writer makes it clear, a person may reach a point of no return, Hebrews 6:4-6. Some of these that I have encountered actually believe they are on the way to heaven even though they have served Satan for many years.

Although a person cannot earn the gift of eternal life, Romans 6:23, it is consistent with the teachings of the Bible a Christian serve the One to whom he pledges allegiance. Romans 6:6-18. The warnings to keep oneself unspotted from the world become meaningless if a person cannot lose his right to the tree of life. Demas once served with Paul and it had to hurt the apostle to write, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,” 2 Timothy 4:10. Since the church was bought by the precious blood of Jesus, Acts 20:28, It is only consistent he will save only the church, Ephesians 5:23.

I am so thankful someone took the time to help me find eternal life. If you need answers to any other questions, please contact the church of Christ in your area.

Copyright 1983
Bob Danklefsen
T-24 Revised 6-20-04