He Could Have, But He Didn't

It was Christ’s life in a motto - “He could have, but He didn’t.” If Christ’s life were a book, then this would be the title.

Our first glimpse of Him is in a manger, laid there by His parents and adored there by the shepherds. Why is He even there in the first place? What is the reason that He would depart from the splendors of heaven and become a human being? What would cause Him to humble Himself to such a degree? We get a clue from John’s account of the gospel, where it is written, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world.” Before I conclude the verse, I am amazed. Christ did not come to condemn! The remarkable truth here is that He could have, but He didn't! Instead of condemning the world, which He had the power, right, and ability to do, He chose rather to come to this fallen world to save it.

During His public ministry, Christ was one day teaching in the temple. Standing in the middle of the room so that all present could hear clearly, suddenly, Christ was interrupted. The door abruptly opened. In walked a few men with a woman, whom they drug through the temple. Her heels literally drug the ground. Finally, in front of Christ and the vast audience, the men stood her up. One of the men, speaking for the others and against the woman, laid out his case to Christ. “This woman,” he said, “was caught in the act of adultery. Moses said that people such as this should be stoned. But,” the man temptingly asked, “what do you say?” At first, Christ did not respond. He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then, He stood to answer the question. In a paraphrase, Christ said, “What a splendid idea! You who are without sin - cast the first stone.” There are two remarkable details at this point in the story. First, no one picked up a stone. But secondly, and probably more impressive than the first detail, there was someone there who was without sin. And He didn’t cast a stone. Make no mistake about it. He could have, but He didn't.

When it was only hours until Christ is to die for the sins of the world, He was with some of His disciples in one of His favorite places to get away from it all. He was in the garden of Gethsemane. Suddenly, a band of soldiers showed up with Judas, one of Christ’s own apostles, among them. Judas told the authorities that the man whom he kisses is the man guilty of insurrection. Judas walked up to Jesus, kissed the door to heaven, and then hours later, went to hell. The soldiers present then made a move to arrest Jesus. When this move was made, the disciples began to fight the soldiers. Jesus did not participate in it, nor did He approve of it. During the altercation, Peter swung the sword toward one of the soldiers whose name is Malchus, cutting off his right ear. Jesus simply healed the young man’s ear. Then, turning to Peter, Jesus rebuked Peter, commanding him to put up his sword. But wasn’t Peter’s motive pure? After all, wasn’t Jesus innocent? Of course, but Jesus was not about to fight. He then said to his disciples, “Do you not know that I could presently call on my Father, and He would give me twelve legions of angels to fight for Me?” He could have, but He didn't.

Jesus was then escorted from the garden to the house of Caiaphas. There, He was mocked. He was clothed with a purple robe. After all, “He is a king,” they said. “Every king needs a crown,” they announced, placing the crown of thorns upon His head, the blood flowing down His face as the crown is pressed into His skull. They bowed before Him, proclaiming, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Then, He was blindfolded. One of the soldiers, with the palm of his hand, smote Christ so as to “knock the taste out of His mouth,” as they say. Christ staggered from the blow. As He regained His balance, He heard the order, “You’re a prophet, are You? Then tell us the name of the one who smote You.” Do you think Christ had the ability to comply with such a command? Of course He did. He could have told them all of their names. He could have, but He didn't.

From there, He was taken before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. When questioned, Christ offered no answers. This astounded Pilate. “Don’t you know,” Pilate asked, “that I have the power to crucify you, and the power to release you?” Still, Christ did not answer. This amazed Pilate because, deep down, Pilate had no doubt that Jesus Christ, the man from Nazareth, was innocent. And Pilate knew that every innocent man is capable of self defense. But Christ made no effort to defend Himself. He could have, but He didn't.

Then, we see Christ upon the old, rugged cross. The passers-by began to taunt Him. “If You are the Son of God,” they said, “then come down from the cross, and we will believe You!” Another one then chuckled and said, “He saved others, but He can’t save Himself!” Save Himself? He could have, but He didn't.

Why all of this restraint of power? Over and over in the life of Christ, we see that He could have, but He didn't. Why didn’t He exercise all of His power? For two reasons, primarily. First, as Dr. Fred B. Craddock put it, “The character of God is not just power; but the restraint of power.” By restraining His power, He was showing us the character of God the Father. Secondly, had He exercised His power and came down from the cross, I would still be in my sin. It was love for fallen humanity that kept Christ from exercising all of His power.

Do you want to be Christ-like? Don’t do everything you have the power to do. Restrain yourself. When God does it, it’s called mercy. When we do it, it’s called temperance. It is a fruit of the Spirit. It is one of the best, and one of the most Christ-exalting ways to show the world the love of God.

The Most Quoted Promise in the Bible

The Bible is full of promises. There are literally hundreds of promises in the word of God. Personally, I have stood on the promises of God. Repeatedly, I have taken God at His word. Faithfully, God has always fulfilled His promises.

There is one Biblical promise that seems to be quoted more than the others. On numerous occasions, I have heard preachers stand behind a pulpit and repeat it. Christians have stood up in the midst of a congregation to quote it. It is not likely that this particular promise is greater than any other. In my opinion, some preachers quote it as they begin the church service because they do not have anything else to say. Despite the motive of the one speaking the promise, it is a promise of God nonetheless. I am sure you have heard it quoted, and multiple times if you have been a Christian any length of time at all. Somewhere in your Christian walk, you have heard someone say, “I’m glad Jesus said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

There it is – the most quoted promise in the entirety of the scriptures (at least, in some of the circles in which I have been involved). The promise is found in Hebrews 13:5.

Two Prominent Messages in Christ’s Earthly Ministry

In the days when Jesus Christ walked the shores of Galilee, there were two messages that were constantly interwoven throughout the gospels. The first message was from Christ to His disciples. Christ continually told His disciples, “I’ve got to go.” Of course, He had to go to Calvary to suffer and die for the sins of mankind. The second message found throughout the gospels was the response of the disciples to Christ. When Christ spoke of His death, His disciples always replied, “Don’t go!”

In Matthew 16, Jesus spoke to His disciples, saying that He must be rejected of the scribes and elders of Jerusalem and be crucified. “I’ve got to go,” He says. Peter responded, “Far be it from Thee!” In other words, “Don’t go!”

In one instance, we find “the woman who was a sinner,” with her hands around the ankles of our Lord, as she washes the Lord’s feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. There’s something about her grip on the Savior’s feet that says, “Don’t go!” But He must go. He must be separated from the disciples to lay down His life for lost mankind.

In his account of the gospel, Luke tells us constantly that Christ’s face was “set” toward Jerusalem. What’s in Jerusalem? A cross. With His face set, His spirit firm, and His will determined, the Lord says, “I’ve got to go.”

Then came the day when Christ’s death upon the cross ceased to be a prophecy and became a fulfillment. He left His disciples for Calvary. The disciples would have loved to be able to claim the promise we claim so often, that their Lord would never leave nor forsake them. But the Lord left His disciples for Calvary.

Three days following the crucifixion of Christ, Christ is raised from the dead. On that resurrection day, Mary Magdalene is among those who found the tomb to be empty. When the others headed for the city, she remained in the garden where the empty tomb was. Weeping with her head in her hands, she earnestly believes that someone had taken away the body of her Lord. Suddenly, she sees a man. Since the man was evidently the gardener, Mary requested concerning Jesus, “Please tell me where you have laid Him.” Then, the “gardener,” who was none other than Jesus Christ Himself, said to her, “Mary.” Upon hearing the Lord speak her own name, Mary recognized Him. Mary must have fallen upon her knees, taking hold of the Saviour. But Jesus stopped her. “Touch me not,” He said. The word, “touch” here can mean more than just a simple touch. It can mean, “to hold on to; to cling to.” But again, Jesus says, “Don’t hold on to me.” In other words, “I’ve got to go.” Where is He going now? Since He has been resurrected, Christ must now go to the Father. He did not want Mary to get too attached. He is about to depart again. This is a good place to insert that the doctrine of the ascension of Christ is an underrated doctrine in the Bible. The entire discourse of John 14-16 centers around it. The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost depends on it. “If I go not away,” Christ said, “the Comforter will not come.”

Notice what Christ says to Mary. “Touch me not; do not hold on to me.” What does He go on to say? He says, “For I am not yet ascended.” That is where is going – to the Father.

The Ascension

Then, forty days after His resurrection, the day comes for Christ to go to the Father. Christ gathered with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In Matthew’s version of the Great Commission, Christ gives His disciples His last words before His ascension. First, He instructs them to “teach all nations.” Secondly, He commissions them to “baptize them.” And third, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” I can’t help but chuckle when I read Matthew’s account of the Great Commission. Jesus says to His disciples, “I am with you always.” Then, what does He do? He ascends. He leaves. He says, “I’ll never leave you.” Then He leaves!

But when He goes, He takes His place at the right hand of the Father. It is there that Jesus prayed for the Father to send the Holy Spirit to dwell with His disciples forever. This may be a news flash to you, but you do not have the Holy Spirit because you prayed; you have the Holy Spirit because He prayed. Christ said, “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter” (John 14:16). Of course, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. Wherever the Holy Spirit is, Christ is. When Christ prayed for the Father to give us the Holy Spirit, the Lord assured us that He would abide with us forever (John 14:16).

Throughout the gospels, mankind begged Christ, “Don’t leave us!” But He had to go. Now that the Holy Spirit has been given, I know that Christ will be with me through the trials of life, through tears and toils, and even to chilly Jordan – death itself. He will never leave me nor forsake me!

The Work of God

I Thessalonians 1:3 – “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love…”

Today I wish to expound upon three aspects of the work of God. The theme of Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians is the work of God. Much is written in this epistle regarding Paul’s work among them; their work in the kingdom of God; and most importantly, God’s work in His people.

One of my favorite verses of scripture is as follows:

Psalm 118:23 – “This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”

This verse deals with Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, being rejected by the Jews. Jesus quoted this verse in Matthew 21:42 and Mark 12:11. In each instance, He was showing the Jews how they would be rejected by God and how that God would turn to the Gentiles. Can you imagine how hard it was for the Jews to conceive of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to take the chief cornerstone away from them, and use it to build a Gentile church? How is something of this magnitude going to be done? “This is the Lord’s doing!” God is going to do it! Whether Israel approves of it or not, God is going to do it! Whether Israel supports it or not, Jesus told them, “God is going to do it!”

Let’s get something straight! There are some things that will happen just because God is going to do it! I know for a fact that man-made global warming will NOT destroy our planet! It is predestined that God Almighty is going to burn this mess to a pile of ashes! For all you “green” people out there who think you’re saving the planet by riding around in a bullet shell, I’ve got news for you! Your efforts to save the planet are all in vain! God is going to destroy this planet and no legislation will stop Him! God’s going to shut the liberals down and shut the atheists up, and there’s not one thing that any world leader will do about it! “This is the Lord’s doing,” and it cannot be stopped!

I would like to look now at three aspects of the work of God.

God’s Work FOR Us – Grace

First, I would like to look at what God did FOR us. When we speak of what God did for us, we are speaking of grace. Man is lost hopelessly – so hopelessly that no effort on His part can save Himself. I am still amazed how people who have been in church for years testify that they are going to heaven because they have been faithful. Friend, no amount of faithfulness on your part will take care of your sin, or of the penalty of death that results from it.

God sent His only begotten Son into the world. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, took my sins upon Himself as though they were His sins. He was whipped, beaten, mocked, spit upon, crucified, and separated from His Father for my sins. The only way I could have ever paid off my sin debt is to die forever in a lake of fire! But Jesus took my sins and yours upon Himself. He did this so we need never to die the second death. Calvary is God’s work FOR us. Christ did upon the cross what no man could do for himself. Christ satisfied the wrath and justice of God completely. Grace is God doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Calvary is the grace of God.

God’s Work IN Us – Faith

I am amazed at how many ministers in various denominations have no clue concerning Bible salvation. Some think that getting sprinkled as an infant contributes to the salvation of the soul. Some think that being saved from sin is the result of a person’s willful cessation of sin. While I believe strongly that God’s people are called to holy living, I believe just as strongly that salvation is not “cessation from sin.” You can cease from all your bad habits and start doing good and righteous things and be as lost as any man has ever been. Some think erroneously that salvation is the product of being baptized “in Jesus’ name.” Some think that salvation is composed of repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and being filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues. None of these things are correct.

I discussed the subject of salvation with a man recently. This man was of the opinion that we are saved by keeping the moral law of God. He describes salvation as “trusting Jesus” AND “ceasing from sin.” I asked the man this question: “If you were in the Philippian jail and the jailer came to you and asked, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ what would your response be?” I never got an answer. Because in the word of God, Paul and Silas WERE in the Philippian jail. And the jailer DID ask, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas gave a clear, concise response. Their response was not, “Get down on your knees for an hour and if you feel better, thou shalt be saved.” They did not say, “Quit your sinning, and thou shalt be saved.” Neither did they say, “Be baptized,” or “Be baptized in Jesus’ name and thou shalt be saved.” What Paul and Silas answered is echoed throughout the New Testament – “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

Believing, or having faith, is the work of God. Believing is not your own work of any kind. When you believe on Jesus Christ to be saved, you are not DOING anything; you are rather trusting fully what Christ HAS ALREADY DONE! Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is not merely believing that God exists; or believing that Christ died on the cross. Devils believe these things, and tremble at the thought of them! Yet no devil is saved. Believing is fully trusting Christ to save you based upon HIS WORK upon the cross. We have faith because God gives it to us. The man who has faith cannot boast of his faith; for he has no faith, unless God graciously bestows it to him. Notice:

Ephesians 2:8, 9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Notice how Paul words this – “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and THAT…” What is “that”? The context teaches us that the word, “that” refers to faith. We are saved “through FAITH, and THAT not of yourselves.” Paul is teaching plainly that the faith to be saved does not dwell within us. It is given to us by God! Paul goes on to say, “It is the gift of God!” Romans 12:3 teaches us that God has dealt to every man “the measure of faith!” Trusting Christ fully to save you is not your work; it is the work of God! You are simply trusting what Christ has already accomplished FOR us!

John 6:29 – “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”

God’s Work THROUGH Us – Good Works

We previously looked at Ephesians 2:8 & 9, that salvation is by grace (God’s work for us – sending Christ to die upon the cross) through faith (God’s work in us – trusting Christ’s work upon the cross). Now, I wish to examine these verses once more, but this time let us look at them along with verse 10:

Ephesians 2:8-10 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

After we are saved by grace, through faith, we are then created in Christ Jesus UNTO good works. The best evidence of genuine salvation is a change in one’s living!

Make no mistake about it – we are justified in the sight of God by faith, apart from works altogether.

Romans 3:21 – “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.”

Romans 3:28 – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Galatians 2:16 – “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Galatians 3:11 – “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”

Clearly, the Bible teaches that we are justified, or declared innocent, completely by faith, and completely apart from works. But, let us look at some verses in James 2:

James 2:14 – “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?”

James 2:17 – “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

James 2:24 – “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

Now, let us notice a couple of things. Galatians 3:11 states that NO MAN is justified by works of the law in the sight of God. James 2:24, just as clearly, states that by works a man IS JUSTIFIED, and not by faith only. There is a simple, clear, Biblical explanation for this.

The passages I gave you in Romans and Galatians deal with us being justified in THE SIGHT OF GOD (Galatians 3:11). James 2, however, deals with us being justified in the SIGHT OF MAN (James 2:15, 16, 18). When a man places his faith in Jesus Christ, he justified in the sight of God instantly, even before God sees the first good work. God does not need to see a good work before He knows we have faith, for He can see our heart! Our fellow man, on the other hand, cannot see our faith; he can only see our works! Therefore, to be justified in man’s sight, we must prove our faith by having good works! Make no mistake about it – the passages in Romans and Galatians deal with justification in the sight of God, and we are justified in His sight without any works whatsoever.

Galatians 3:11 – “But that no man is justified by the law IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”

James 2, on the other hand, is not about us showing God our faith; it is rather about us showing MAN our faith:

James 2:15, 16 – “If A BROTHER OR SISTER be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”

In these verses, James clearly states that claiming to have faith without works will in no way profit A BROTHER OR SISTER!

James 2:18 – “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: SHEW ME THY FAITH without thy works, and I will SHEW THEE my faith by my works.”

Again, it is clear here that the subject is not about showing God our faith; it is about being justified in the sight of man. “Shew me thy faith without thy works,” Paul says, “and I will show thee my faith by my works.” When James 2 is put in context, there is not a single contradiction with Romans and Galatians whatsoever.

We are completely justified in the sight of God by faith, apart from works of any kind. But it is the will of God for God to work THROUGH us! He wants us to submit to His work so that we might show the world our faith. Genuine faith in Christ makes a person a new creature (II Corinthians 5:17). Genuine faith in Christ will make a change in the life, mind, and heart of an individual. The best way to show your faith by your works is to let Jesus Christ do the living in your life. When this is done, Christ will work the work of God THROUGH you!

Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

This is the key – “…nevertheless I live; yet NOT I, but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME!” When we let Him live, there will be an abundance of good works in our life – not to show God our faith; but rather to show man our faith, that they might see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven!

Fundamentalism and the King James Bible

I Am a Fundamentalist!

I believe in the fundamental doctrines of the Bible, as the Bible teaches them. This makes me, by definition, a fundamentalist. I believe that all scripture is given by inspiration of God. I believe that Christ, before He was born in the flesh, was God. I believe that, at His birth and during His earthly ministry, His name was “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” I believe that Jesus Christ presently is God, and that His throne of deity is forever and ever. I believe that salvation is by grace, through faith, and without the works of the law. I believe that it is the blood, not the water, that cleanses from all sin. I believe in the literal and premillennial second coming of Christ. I believe that heaven is real, hell is hot, and both are eternal.

Fundamentalism, however, is not only defined by what it believes, but also by what it opposes. A fundamentalism that opposes nothing is not fundamentalism at all. I oppose the ecumenical push for ecclesiastical unity. I oppose the fellowship of fundamental, Bible believing Christians with religious crowds who have forsaken Biblical truth. I oppose the “name it and claim it” doctrine of the charismatic movement. I oppose any gospel that preaches that financial gain is equivalent to godliness. I oppose the junk that many churches call “worship” today. I do not know how I can make it any plainer – I believe strongly in the fundamental doctrines of the Bible.

I want to discuss fundamentalism and the King James Bible. What I have to say in this post will be informational rather than confrontational. I am not afraid of controversy, as any reader of my blog can affirm. However, in this particular post, I will mostly be relating information to the reader. I do believe that most of my readers will find this post somewhat interesting.

Among English-speaking fundamentalists historically there have been two basic positions regarding the King James Bible. First, some fundamentalists, in the past as well as in the present, use the King James Bible exclusively. They see it as God’s Word to the English-speaking people. Second, some fundamentalists prefer the King James Bible over other versions, but they use other versions either in their preaching or in their personal study. These two positions are by and large the positions of fundamentalists past and present. It has been my observation that those who absolutely despise the King James Version are almost always not fundamental in doctrine.

Please note a couple of points here. First, it must be admitted that not all fundamentalists are “KJV only,” but nearly everyone who is “KJV only” is a fundamentalist. Second, it has been my observation that those who cling to the King James Version seem to be conservative in doctrine, dress, and practice, while those who favor other versions tend to migrate toward liberalism. A little research will prove this. Ask your nearest United Methodist Church which Bible version they use. I can almost assure you that almost no church in this gay-promoting organization uses the King James Version. Ask your nearest Unitarian church which version they use. I can assure you that they did not get the notion that “everybody will eventually be saved” out of the King James Bible. It has simply been my observation that, as a rule, the English-speaking Christians who favor the King James Bible tend to be straight on the fundamentals of the faith. Those who migrate toward other versions tend to equally migrate toward theological, political, and practical liberalism.

Some Fundamentalists Favor the King James Version Exclusively

If you believe that the King James Bible is the Word of God in the English language and that no other version should be consulted, then you are in good company. Let us examine a few men who held this position.

First, Dr. Harold Sightler, a fundamentalist, was a staunch advocate of the King James Bible. In his sermon “The Zeal of the Lord,” Dr. Sightler said the following:

When I was a young preacher, I was given the impression that the King James Bible had a lot of mistakes in it; a lot of contradictions. But you know, after nearly forty years of preaching, I haven’t found one. It looks like I should have stumbled on one by now. But I haven’t found anything wrong with the King James Bible. I use it. I’m honest in that observation… I’m not a Greek scholar, but I am a Greek major, one of the few Greek majors to ever graduate from a university… Even with that, I have yet to find anything wrong with the King James Bible. You can quote me on that.

Another well-known fundamentalist who held exclusively to the King James Bible was Lester Roloff of Corpus Christi, Texas. In his famous sermon “The Mule Walked On,” Bro. Roloff said the following:

The snow will be falling in August in Dallas before I’d ever permit one of my boys to get up on Sunday morning and throw anything like the newspaper… I wouldn’t mind if he was throwing Bibles! Oh, my, I’d help him… I’d say, “We’re going to put the Bible in every home,” and it won’t be Good News for Modern Man either! It’ll be the King James Version for sinful man!

Another fundamentalist who studied under the famed J. Frank Norris was Benjamin Dearmore. Dearmore wrote an article entitled “Greek versus English” in a periodical called The Message, dated May 28, 1959. In this article, Dearmore said:

As for me, I will take the King James translation as the very word of God for the English people. I believe it is without error. It is 100 percent correct.

Any list of fundamentalists who used the King James Version exclusively would be incomplete without Dr. Jack Hyles. Hyles, in his book The Blood, the Book and the Body said the following:

I want to go out fighting vehemently for the King James Bible. For years this did not seem necessary, but I feel compelled to do it now. I believe that the King James Bible has been preserved word for word. I believe in original inspiration and divine preservation, and come what may, I plan to make that a major battle in the last years of my ministry. (Jack Hyles. The Blood, the Book and the Body. Hyles-Anderson Publishers. Hammond, IN. ©1992. p. 1)

Fundamentalists Who Prefer the King James Version, but Not Exclusively

To say that every fundamentalist has historically held to the King James Version exclusively would not be accurate by anyone’s standards. As a matter of fact, it may surprise the reader to know which fundamentalists have expressed their belief that there are errors in the King James Bible. It may surprise the reader to know which fundamentalists have quoted from other versions in a positive light. Please note that I am neither commending nor criticizing these individuals or groups. I am in no way calling into question their devotion to the fundamental doctrines of the Bible. I am simply stating matters of documented fact.

Let us look first at the Sword of the Lord, an independent Christian publication that is distributed bi-weekly. Let me say here that I subscribe to the Sword of the Lord and recommend it to anyone who is interested in fine Christian literature with a fundamental emphasis. In my opinion, the Sword of the Lord is a quality publication that will benefit ministers and laity alike. The Sword of the Lord is without a doubt a leading voice of fundamentalism both historically and today. The Sword of the Lord sells Bibles, books, and church materials and supplies. The only Bibles that can be ordered through them are King James Bibles. They sell no other version. The bulletins they offer contain only King James Bible verses.

The Sword of the Lord also publishes books. I have a set of sermon books published by the Sword of the Lord Publishers called Great Preaching. Each book features sermons on a particular subject. One book is entitled Great Preaching on the Second Coming, for example.

In the book Great Preaching on the Second Coming, one sermon is entitled “Answering Those Who Teach Great Tribulation Comes Before Rapture” by John Meredith. The whole chapter is devoted to proving that II Thessalonians 2:3 is mistranslated in the King James Bible. Look at Meredith’s words:

Many devout and capable Bible scholars have come to see that there is a mistranslation of II Thessalonians 2:3, and that Paul was still explaining the rapture as he wrote this second letter to the Thessalonian church. The Greek text shows that the words “a falling away” are translated from hee apostasia, and Liddell and Scotts Greek Lexicon gives “department” or departure as one of the definitions of the word apostasia… The Geneva Bible of 1537 gives this as “a departing.” William Tyndale, in his 1539 Bible, speaks of it as “a departynge.” Cranmer’s Bible of 1537 also gives the same meaning of “departure.” The first Bible to translate this “a falling away” is the King James Version. (p. 205)

In the same book, there is a sermon entitled “Jesus May Come Today” by Dr. John R. Rice. He insists that the King James Bible mistranslates not only verse 3 of II Thessalonians 2, but also verse 2 of the same chapter. Notice Dr. Rice’s words:

In verse 2 the term “day of Christ” should be “the day of the Lord.” (p. 218)

Regarding verse three of the same chapter, Dr. Rice says:

We believe, with Dr. E. Schuyler English and many other scholars that this would be better translated “…except there come a departure first,” or literally, the catching away of Christians at Christ’s coming. (p. 218)

Dr. John R. Rice was the founder of the Sword of the Lord. Personally, I honor him as a soldier who fought for fundamentalism. I honor him as a respected teacher of the Bible, as well as a devout soul winner. I am simply stating the fact here that Dr. Rice corrected the King James Bible, which he considered to be erroneous in at least these two places.

Dr. Rice not only corrects the King James Bible, but he furthermore quotes from the American Standard Version in a positive light. Look what Dr. Rice says in a pamphlet where he refers to John 5:24:

The American Standard Version will make it clearer even yet, for as translated there this verse says about the believer that he “hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment.” (John R. Rice. Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? Sword of the Lord Publishers. Murfreesboro, TN. ©1943)

Another pillar of fundamentalism was Dr. R.A. Torrey. His sermons were often published by the Sword of the Lord Publishers. William P. Grady, in his book Final Authority, says concerning R.A. Torrey:

There was, of course, the occasional exception of a dedicated soul winner succumbing to the spirit of his age. Dr. R.A. Torrey is an excellent case in point. Opponents of the King James Bible derive great security from Torrey’s preference of the Revised Version. (William P. Grady. Final Authority: A Christian’s Guide to the King James Bible. Grady Publications. Schererville, IN. ©1993. p. ix)

I know of no one who has at least thumbed through Torrey’s Topical Textbook who would even attempt to assert that Torrey was anything other than a doctrinal fundamentalist. In many of his works, he used the King James Version, but referred to the English Revised Version at times, believing it to be authoritative.

Next, we have Dr. Louis Talbot. His sermons were often published by the Sword of the Lord Publishers. He had a strong preference for the King James Version, but used other versions. His own words will testify to this:

For public reading and worship, so do I prefer the King James Version. And nothing in the English language can compare with it for beauty and majesty and dignity of style. It is still the Bible of the people. It is familiar to most Christians and therefore desirable for public reading, to avoid confusion. These are the reasons why I use it in the church services. Moreover, it is remarkably accurate in its translation. It was the product of forty men’s work; therefore this precluded any one man’s coloring the translation with his own prejudices or inclinations. Truly God guided the translators who, in 1611, under the supervision of King James of England, worked so diligently at their task! Yet since that date, many valuable manuscripts, versions, and archaeological discoveries have become available to scholars; and therefore, by careful scrutiny of these devout, scholarly men have been able to improve on the accuracy of an English translation here and there – so far as rendering the literal meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek is concerned. Accordingly, the American Standard Version and the English Revised Version, which are practically the same in most respects, are the most accurate translations in our English language. (Robert L. Sumner. Bible Translations [n.p.: Biblical Evangelist, 1978]. p. 10)

W.B. Riley, a noted fundamentalist whose sermons were often published by the Sword of the Lord Publishers, certainly did not believe that the King James Version was infallible:

To claim, therefore, inerrancy for the King James Version… is to claim inerrancy for men who never professed it for themselves. (Sumner. Bible Translations. p. 13).

Another well-known fundamentalist was Dr. Monroe Parker. In his sermon “The Depravity of Man and the New Birth,” Dr. Parker, though preaching from the King James Bible, when expounding upon Jeremiah 17:9, refers to a translation by “Dr. Stewart,” who translated it “The heart is deceitful above all things, and incurable.”

Dr. C.I. Scofield was a noted fundamentalist who popularized dispensational fundamentalism. In his reference Bible, Dr. Scofield on more than one occasion corrects the King James text. Ironically, Dr. Harold Sightler, an unyielding adherent to the King James Bible, repeatedly recommended the Scofield Reference Bible. Concerning II Thessalonians 2:2, Dr. Scofield said:

The theme of Second Thessalonians is, unfortunately, obscured by a mistranslation in the A.V. [Authorized Version, or King James Version] of 2:2, where “day of Christ is at hand” (I Cor. 1:8, refs.) should be, “day of the Lord is now present” (Isaiah 2:12, refs.).” (C.I. Scofield. The Holy Bible: Edited by Rev. C.I. Scofield, D.D. World Publishing. Grand Rapids, MI. p. 1271)

In his notes on I John 5:7, Dr. Scofield agrees with the English Revised Version and the American Standard Version, stating that I John 5:7 should not be in the text:

It is generally agreed that v. 7 has no real authority, and has been inserted. (Scofield, p. 1325)

Another well-known fundamentalist and noted Bible teacher is Dr. H.A. Ironside. In his commentary on the eighth chapter of Romans, Ironside prefers the rendering of the Revised Version:

It is, of course, hardly necessary for me to point out and emphasize what is now familiar to every careful student of the original text: that the last part of verse one is an interpolation (which properly belongs to verse 4), obscuring the sense of the great truth enunciated in the opening words: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” This magnificent statement requires no qualifying clause. It does not depend on our walk. It is true of all who are in Christ, and to be in Him means to be of the new creation. A glance at the R.V. or any critical translation will show that what I am pointing out is sustained by all the editors. (H.A. Ironside. Lectures on the Epistle to the Romans. Loizeaux Brothers, Inc. Neptune, NJ. pp. 94-95)

Finally, we have Noel Smith. Some of his sermons are featured by the Sword of the Lord Publishers. I quote from his article in the Baptist Bible Tribune entitled “Translations of our English Bible,” published on December 13, 1968. Noel Smith clearly believed that, though he favored the King James Version, there were three versions that were authoritative:

The King James, the English Revised, and the American Standard versions remain the great and authoritative translations of the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament into English.

Smith goes on to cite the New Scofield Reference Bible as an “invaluable resource”:

The New Scofield Reference Bible, printed by Oxford in the King James text, has made these corrections, and it has made some corrections not made by the English Revised and American Standard versions. The latest edition of the Scofield Bible is invaluable.

Noel Smith reserved some criticism for the King James Version:

There are mistranslations in the King James. In any number of cases ‘heathen’ or ‘Gentiles’ should read ‘nations.’ I think nearly all authorities agree that in II Thessalonians 2:2, the reading should be ‘the day of the Lord,’ not ‘the day of Christ,’ as in the King James.

Smith further criticizes the King James Version:

But it is in the 8th chapter of Romans that the King James revisers (and it is a revision) are deserving of the severest criticism. In the first verse they capitalize “Spirit” as they should… But in the 16th verse what do we have? “The Spirit ITSELF beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”

Although Noel Smith considers the American Standard Version an authoritative translation, the ASV does not escape his criticism:

The American Standard Version is not perfect. It is justly criticized for its reading in II Timothy 3:16: “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.”

Noel Smith admits that the ASV cannot compete with the KJV on several levels:

No matter how accurate it may be, no matter if it is a word-for-word translation of the Hebrew and Greek, the American Standard Version cannot compete with that mountain of history, tradition, and vast dignity and authority [of the King James Version].

After praising and criticizing both the KJV and the ASV, Noel Smith concludes:

But you don’t have to go from one extreme to another. You don’t have to follow the fanatics. You have the King James Version, the American Standard Version, and the New Scofield Reference Bible. You don’t have to discard your King James. You have all three (and of course, again, The New Scofield Reference Bible is printed in the King James text). You can keep on using your King James Version, as I do. But you should have the American Standard Version, if you are a real Bible student and an authentic and accurate expositor of the Word of God. You should use the American Standard Version as a commentary on the King James Version.

Conclusion

I do not believe that any reader who is the least bit familiar with the writings of John R. Rice, R.A. Torrey, H.A. Ironside, or Noel Smith would attempt to argue that any of these men are not fundamentalists. I do not believe that anyone who is familiar at all with the Sword of the Lord would try to argue that it is not a leading voice of fundamentalism because in one of its pamphlets, its founder, Dr. John R. Rice, quoted from the ASV in a positive light. The truth must be told, and the truth is that there have been great fundamentalist men who have stood for the King James Bible exclusively, giving no attention whatsoever to any other Bible version. But it also must be told that there are others who have also won souls and fought for fundamentalism that referred to other Bible versions than the King James Version.

More Thoughts on the King James Version

“Tarrying” for Salvation

A Brief Discourse on an Unscriptural Concept

If you believe that within every edifice that has a steeple pointed toward heaven is a minister who knows how to tell a sinner how to be saved, then you are badly mistaken. It is a shameful truth that if a lost sinner were to diligently search for the Biblical plan of salvation, he would stand a better chance of finding it in the janitor’s closet on the second floor of a county courthouse in Montana than in most churches. Dr. Monroe Parker told about a man with whom he dealt. The man told Dr. Parker that he had been going to different churches trying to understand God.

“How’s it coming?” asked Dr. Parker.

“I can’t understand preachers, let alone God,” the man responded.

And that’s the way it is. If you don’t know how to be saved, there is a good chance that going to church will only complicate matters. Let me insert here that there are churches that preach the unadulterated truth regarding salvation. There are preachers who understand clearly from the scriptures how to be saved. These churches and these ministers are becoming scarcer in this age of spiritual apostasy, but thank God they are out there.

Among the many theories concerning salvation is the concept of “tarrying” for salvation. Let us discuss this unscriptural concept.

To understand this concept, let me use an illustration. Suppose a lost individual enters a church, and at the appropriate time goes to the front for salvation. Upon asking what he needs to do to be saved, the pastor instructs him to simply kneel down and pray until he feels that God has answered his prayer, granting him salvation.

Often, lost people who are given this advice spend much time “tarrying,” or “trying” to be saved, often by praying for an extended period of time. I have heard people testify that they spent several hours praying to be saved. Others have testified to “tarrying” for days in their attempt to be saved. Some still yet have testified of “tarrying” for weeks or months trying to be saved. Although this is the experience of some, this is not what the Bible teaches regarding salvation. Now, if we are discussing children of God praying until the answer comes, then please understand that I believe in that kind of “tarrying.” In Luke 11, Jesus instructed His disciples to, like the man who needed bread, ask until the answer comes! If we are discussing Christians “tarrying” for power to win souls, then I believe in that kind of “tarrying.” Jesus instructed His disciples to “tarry” in Jerusalem until they were “endued with power from on high!” But no sinner in the Bible was ever commanded to “tarry” for salvation.

We must always understand that it is the word of God, not the experience of individuals, that determines whether or not a teaching is scripturally correct. Using the word of God alone for our source of authority on this matter, I shall give four points regarding the unscriptural concept of “tarrying” for salvation. First, I will demonstrate that there is no command in the Bible for anyone to “tarry” in order to be saved. Second, I will confirm that there is no example in the Bible of any sinner who “tarried” for salvation. Third, I will explain that proponents of this concept often have a wrong understanding of salvation. Last, I will show that the concept is as illogical as it is unscriptural.

The Bible Does Not Command Anyone to “Tarry” to Be Saved

He who requires the penitent to “tarry” to be saved did not get such a requisite from scripture. Absolutely nowhere in the Bible is anyone told to tarry that they might be saved.

Make no mistake about it – the Bible is clear regarding how to be saved. The Bible gives very specific instructions on this matter. These clear instructions become so muddied because so many religious leaders simply cannot fathom that salvation is as simple as the Bible portrays it. The Bible repeatedly states that salvation is attained by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the testimony of Jesus Christ (John 1:12; John 3:15; John 3:16; John 3:18; John 5:24; John 6:28-29; John 6:35; John 6:40; John 6:47; John 8:24; John 11:25-26; John 12:44-46); of John the Baptist (John 3:36); of John the apostle (John 20:31; I John 5:1); of Peter (Acts 10:43); of Paul (Acts 13:39; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 1:16; Romans 3:22; Romans 3:26; Romans 10:9-13; I Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 3:22; I Timothy 4:10) and of the Hebrew writer (Hebrews 4:3; Hebrews 10:39; Hebrews 11:6). Anyone who teaches that an individual needs to anything other than “believe on Jesus Christ” to be saved is contradicting every scripture listed above.

Many believe that salvation is attained by believing on Christ, but what does it mean to believe? Some insist that truly believing is obeying the commandments of the Bible. But, is that the case? It cannot be, for the Bible states that no commandment of the law of God is capable of giving life (Galatians 3:21). Keeping laws and commandments is what the Bible calls “works of the law,” and by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (Galatians 2:16). So, what does it mean to believe on Jesus Christ? Romans 3:22, Romans 4:5, Galatians 2:16, and Galatians 3:22 associate “believing” with faith. Ephesians 1:12-13 associates salvation with trusting. Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is therefore “placing your faith in” or “trusting” Jesus Christ to save you. A person is saved by the grace of God when they realize that they cannot save themselves, and they consequently place their faith in Jesus Christ, trusting Him alone to save them. They are not trusting baptism; they are not trusting sacraments; they are not trusting church attendance or church membership; they are not trusting their belief that they have “quit sinning”; they are trusting Christ and Him alone for salvation. The split second that a person believes on Jesus Christ, they are saved. The only Bible mandate for salvation is believing on Christ. There is no Biblical command to “tarry” for salvation.

The Bible Provides No Example of Anyone “Tarrying” to Be Saved

Not only is there no Biblical command for anyone to “tarry” to be saved, but there is also no example of anyone in the Bible who “tarried” for salvation. If salvation were attained by the seeker kneeling and spending hours praying to be saved, it would make sense that we would have at least one example of this in the Bible. However, although the Bible provides examples of lost people being saved, not one of those examples includes an individual who “tarried”; not one of those examples includes an individual who spent hours, days, weeks, or months praying for salvation. The concept of “tarrying” for salvation is completely foreign to the scriptures. There is neither command for it nor example of it in the Bible.

Since there are some examples of lost people finding salvation in the Bible, let us look closely at a few of them.

THE PUBLICAN

In Luke 18:10-14, Jesus tells about two men who went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee; a religious man. The other was a publican; a tax collector. The Pharisee prayed a prayer about how thankful he was to be holy. He offered thanks to God for “not being as other men are.” As he prayed, he reminded God of how he fasted twice a week, gave tithes regularly, and even thanked God that he was not like the publican who knelt nearby.

Then the publican prayed. Jesus said that this tax collector would not even as much as look up to heaven. He simply smote his breast and said seven simple words – “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” After praying these seven simple words, Jesus remarked that this man – this sinful publican who prayed only seven words – went home justified rather than the other. The publican was justified before God after praying seven words.

ZACCHÆUS

In Luke 19, we are told about Zacchæus. Zacchæus was another tax collector – a tax collector who wanted to see Jesus but was too short to look over the crowd. He therefore climbed into a sycamore tree that he might catch a glimpse of Jesus as He passed by. Jesus saw Zacchæus and said, “Today I must abide at thy house.” Jesus then went with Zacchæus to his home.

After arriving at the home of Zacchæus, Zacchæus uttered one sentence to the Lord. This sentence was slightly longer than seven words, but it was still just one sentence that took less than ten seconds to say. Zacchæus said, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8).

Upon hearing these twenty-nine words, Jesus said, “This day is salvation come to this house” (Luke 19:9). There was no tarrying whatsoever. In a short moment of time, Zacchæus was a recipient of salvation.

THE THIEF ON THE CROSS

When Jesus was crucified, He was crucified between two thieves who were also crucified. The two thieves mocked our Lord. However, at a certain point, one of the thieves had a change of heart. He turned to the Lord and spoke nine words to the Lord. He said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” After speaking nine words to the Lord, the Lord answered, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

PAUL THE APOSTLE

Perhaps the most remarkable conversion to Christianity in history was that of the apostle Paul. Paul, whose name was Saul at the time of his conversion, was on his way to Damascus. Suddenly, he saw a light brighter than the noonday sun. He then heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Saul, trembling, said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” Jesus answered, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Then, Saul prayed eight words. He said, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” That’s it. There was no tarrying. There was no long season of prayer. At that moment, before he was baptized; before he was filled with the Holy Ghost; Saul of Tarsus was saved by the grace of God.

Quite some time ago, I was preaching at a church when, after church, a woman came to me. I had preached regarding the simplicity of salvation. She simply could not believe that salvation could be attained in a short amount of time.

“You make it sound like a person can be saved in just five minutes!” she said.

Upon hearing these words, I apologized to her. “I did not mean to make it sound like a person could be saved in just five minutes,” I told her. She looked puzzled. “You misunderstood me,” I said. “A person can be saved in a split second!”

If you believe in “tarrying” to be saved, or praying a long time to be saved, then the burden of proof is on you. I have shown clearly that the Bible nowhere commands “tarrying” for salvation. I have shown just as clearly that there are no examples of anyone praying for a long length of time for salvation. On the contrary, I have given four clear, Biblical examples of people who prayed very short prayers and were justified by God’s grace as a result.

A Wrong Understanding of Salvation Produces this Concept

Having clearly shown that “tarrying” for salvation is neither commanded nor exemplified in the scriptures, I will now prove that, many times, this teaching stems from an incorrect understanding of salvation.

I have shown that man attains salvation by faith (Ephesians 2:8), but how does God save? How can God be just, and at the same time, justify sinners? Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), how can God save me, one who has sinned, from the penalty of sin? The truth concerning these questions is that God did not merely forgive me when I was saved. Let me say it another way. When I was saved, God did not just “write my sins off.” God did not look down on me when I prayed to be saved and say, “You sinned, but since I am nice, I will forget about your sins and simply forgive you.” God, because He is just, saw to it that the penalty of my sins was paid. The wages of sin is death, and death for my sins had to be executed.

That’s where the blood of Jesus comes in. The sins of the whole world were laid upon Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:6). Christ died for the sins of the whole world (I John 2:2). While the blood of Christ is available for the salvation of all men, all men will not be saved.

In Galatians 5:3, the Old Testament law is referred to as a “debt,” and those who are under it are called “debtors.” God’s law is a debt that God demands to be paid. No man has ever paid that debt (John 7:19). But Jesus Christ, when in the flesh, fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17). The word “fulfill” is a term relating to debt, as in “fulfilling one’s obligations.” Christ fulfilled the law in its entirety. He never broke one commandment of His Father. He never sinned in word, thought, or deed. But, prior to going to the cross, the sins of the world were laid upon Christ. He, who never sinned, had the sin of the whole world laid upon Him. He then paid the wages of sin – death – upon an old, rugged cross, fulfilling even the death penalty of the law. Although Christ paid the penalty of sin for the whole world, the whole world will not be saved. God set up salvation so that Christ’s righteousness is only imputed to those who believe (Romans 4:23-24). Basically, if you do not trust Christ’s payment for your sin, then you will be responsible for it yourself. But payment for sin must be made. God does not save people by overlooking their sins. He saves people because they trust Christ’s payment on the cross as the means by which they are saved (Romans 4:25).

Once I understand that I am saved solely because of Christ’s work upon the cross, the length of my prayer becomes irrelevant. Those who believe in “tarrying” for salvation often see salvation as simply forgiveness. They see salvation as God just forgetting about their sins and forgiving them. The problem, they think, is that they just need to convince God to forgive them. And if they beg long enough, maybe God will have mercy. If they shed enough tears, maybe God will be convinced that they mean business. But this is a thoroughly incorrect understanding of salvation. God saves no one because they convinced Him to do so with their tears. No one has ever been saved by begging God to do so. No one has ever been saved by convincing God that they meant business about changing his or her lifestyle. God does not save because of man’s sincerity; God saves because of Christ’s blood that He shed upon the cross. Once this is understood, “tarrying” is not necessary.

The Concept Is As Illogical As It Is Unscriptural

I would like to speak personally to the advocates of “tarrying” for salvation in this final point. I want to show you how illogical your belief is. I want to begin by asking you some questions. If a person comes to God in prayer, and asks God to save them because of Christ’s work on the cross, why wouldn’t God save them? Is God playing games? What do you think happens in heaven when someone asks God to save them? Do you think God just stands there waiting for them to pray for at least a certain length of time? Do you think that God sends Gabriel down to check the puddle of tears to see how many tears have been shed before He saves the individual? Do you not see how silly this concept really is? If the phrase, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” does not mean “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,” then what does it mean?

We have already discussed the story of Zacchæus. After Zacchæus prayed a short prayer, Jesus said, “This day is salvation come to this house.” In the very next verse, Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.” Did you get that? Christ is not playing games. Will He really save Zacchæus after Zacchæus prays a short prayer? Of course He will – THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HE CAME TO DO! Why wouldn’t He? Will Christ really save Saul of Tarsus after Saul prays only eight words? Absolutely! THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH IS LOST! To believe that Christ will not save an individual immediately upon believing is unscriptural, but it is even more illogical. It makes no sense to believe that Christ came to save them that believe, but for some reason won’t save someone immediately upon their believing on Christ.

Conclusion

This doctrine of “tarrying” for salvation, like all false doctrines, is a dangerous teaching. For one thing, this concept encourages people to seek for a feeling. That’s why they “tarry” to be saved. If you ask a person who is “tarrying” to be saved what he is waiting for, he will tell you that he is waiting until he knows for sure that he is saved. How will he know for sure that God has saved him? He will tell you that he will know for sure when he “feels” confident that God saved him. This is very dangerous. To start with, feelings are deceptive.

I can give you a list of people who I know personally who “tarried” for salvation – every year at youth camp. Every year they would go to youth camp, go to the altar, and pray for a great length of time to be saved. Often, salvation that is obtained by “tarrying” does not prove to be salvation at all.

In the ministry, I have had the privilege of winning souls to Christ. I have won some souls to Christ in church as a result of preaching. Others I have won as a result of one-on-one confrontation, outside the church. It has been my experience that, in nearly every instance, those who simply trusted Christ to save them (Ephesians 1:13), believing simply the written record (I John 5:10-11), were the ones who enjoyed a great assurance of salvation, served God with gladness, became soul winners, and lived the Christian life with stability and consistency. On the other hand, those who “tarried” until they reached a certain emotional experience enjoyed great joy – as long as the emotions were running high. But, as a rule, those who are saved by “tarrying” do not consistently work for God, do not have constant joy, win no souls for Christ, and prove to be very unstable. The concept of “tarrying” for salvation provides no results that I want in my life.

There is much more that could be said, but the point is adequately proven.

Simple Truths Regarding Salvation

1. Man is lost because of his sin. Sin is the transgression, or breaking, of God’s law (I John 3:4). Even before a person commits a sin on his own, every person is a sinner from the time of his birth (Psalm 58:3). Although all have sinned (Romans 3:23), you did not become a sinner when you sinned; you became a sinner when Adam (the first created man) sinned (Romans 5:19).
2. Man, on his own and at his best, is completely lost and unable to save himself. His best works, the sum of all his righteousnesses, are as filthy rags in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6). Man, without having to do anything, is by nature a child of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:3).
3. Because of his lost condition, man is on his way to a literal, burning, eternal hell. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and the Bible teaches that the lake of fire is called the second death (Revelation 20:14).
4. Because man is completely incapable of saving himself, man must depend upon an outside source to save him. Consequently, God, in his love for mankind (John 3:16), provided a plan to save mankind from the penalty, practice, and presence of sin. We call this plan “salvation.”
5. God’s loving act of providing salvation for mankind is called grace. Man has broken God’s laws, and the penalty of death and hell is just and fair. God could have provided no salvation whatsoever for mankind, and His righteousness would not have been diminished in the least. However, God provided salvation for mankind. When God provided a plan of salvation, every lost individual was “without strength,” or “unable to save himself” (Romans 5:6); every lost individual was a sinner (Romans 5:8); and every lost individual was an enemy of God (Romans 5:10). Hence, man did absolutely nothing to earn salvation. The only thing we earned as lost individuals was a place in hell. When God devised a plan to save man, this plan was not provided because of what man had done; it was provided rather in spite of what man had done. Grace, defined as “the unmerited, or unearned favor of God toward man,” was shown to mankind when God presented a salvation plan to fallen man.
6. God’s plan of salvation is in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. In order to save man, God sent His only begotten Son into the world (John 3:16-17). Jesus Christ lived as a man, yet he lived without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He never broke a single law of God. Christ never sinned in word, in thought, or in deed. This point is of absolute importance. If Jesus Christ were to save mankind from sin, it was necessary that Christ have no sin whatsoever. And though he was tempted in all points as we are, yet he was proven to be absolutely sinless.
7. Because Jesus Christ, as a man, never committed a single sin, God the Father laid upon Jesus every sin you and I ever committed or ever will commit (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus then paid the penalty of sin, which is death. Jesus died a horrific death upon an old, rugged cross. At the moment of His death, Christ declared “It is finished,” indicating that the penalty of our sins had been completely paid in full (John 19:30). It was very important that Christ be sinless upon the earth. Had Christ committed any sin of His own, He would not have been able to pay for my sins; He would have rather died for His own sins. But since He had no sins of His own for which to die, He could rightfully die for my sins and yours. And He did just that. Christ’s death is sufficient to save the whole world from sin. Absolutely nothing else needs to be done to pay for our sins. To prove that Christ's death was indeed a sacrifice that was holy, without blemish, and accepted by the Father, God the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Romans 1:3).
8. Although God showed grace by sending His Son to save us from sin, and although the blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient to save the entire world (I John 2:2), not everyone will be saved. This is because God’s salvation is not “by grace alone.” In other words, just because God showed grace to you by sending Jesus to die for your sins does not mean that you are saved. Titus 2:11 tells us that God’s grace that brings salvation has appeared to everyone. But everyone will not be saved. Even though Christ died on the cross, some men are yet lost (II Corinthians 4:3). If salvation were “by grace alone,” then the whole world would be saved because God’s grace appeared to whole world when Christ died for all (II Corinthians 5:14-15).
9. The salvation that God provided is “by grace,” but it is also “through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). “By grace” speaks of what God did when He sent Jesus to die upon the cross. But you are not saved until you place your faith in Jesus Christ to save you. When you realize that you are hopelessly and helplessly lost, and you understand that Christ’s death upon the cross is completely sufficient to pay for your every sin, you must then place your faith in Christ and in Him alone to save you. Jesus repeatedly stated and the scriptures continually declare that all you must do to have everlasting life is to “believe” on Jesus Christ (John 1:12; John 3:14-18; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:28-29; John 6:35; John 6:40; John 6:47; John 7:38; John 8:24; John 11:25-26; John 12:44-46; John 20:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:39; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 1:16; Romans 3:21-22; Romans 10:9-13; I Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 3:22; I Timothy 4:10; Hebrews 10:39; I John 3:23; I John 5:1; I John 5:4-5). When the Bible says to “believe” on Him, it is not talking about believing in God’s existence, or even believing that Jesus died on the cross. “Believing on Jesus Christ” means that your faith is in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25). You trust nothing and no one except Jesus Christ to save you.
10. To have your faith in Christ means that your faith is in absolutely nothing else outside of Christ to save you. If you think you are saved because you have been baptized, then your faith is in baptism, not in Christ, and consequently, you are lost. If you believe you are saved because you have spoken in tongues, then your faith is not in Christ. If you are trusting sacraments to save you, then you are not believing on Jesus Christ. If you think you are saved because you keep certain standards of dress or standards of separation, then your faith is not in Christ. When Jesus said “No man cometh to the Father but by me” (John 14:6), that’s exactly what He meant.
11. The salvation that God provided is not only “by grace” and “through faith,” but it is also completely “apart from works” (Romans 3:20-21; Romans 4:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). There is not a single work you can do to save yourself, and there is not a single work you can do that will keep you saved. Many admit that salvation is by grace, through faith, and apart from works initially, but “in order to keep your salvation,” they claim, “you must do this, do that, or do the other…” Romans 11:6, however, completely contradicts this. According to Romans 11:6, if a man is saved by grace, then his salvation is no more of works. And if a man is saved by works, then his salvation is no more of grace. You are not granted the privilege to claim to be saved by grace, and then demand certain works to be done to keep your salvation. You are saved either by grace and completely apart from works, or else you are saved by works and completely apart from grace. You cannot mix grace and works into salvation.
12. The act of believing on Jesus Christ for salvation is not a work of the man doing the believing; it is rather the work of God (John 6:29). God has given to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Thus, the faith to believe on Jesus Christ is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
13. Through prayer, a lost man desiring to be saved may express to God that his faith is in Christ. Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Please note that a person’s prayer does not save him; he places his faith in Christ, and Christ saves him. If a man is not fully trusting Christ for salvation, then he may pray all day long, and yet be lost. There is no “sinner’s prayer” recorded in the Bible. There are no certain words to say. You simply must express to the Lord in some way that all of your faith is in Christ and Christ alone. The thief who died upon a cross beside our Lord’s cross said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy kingdom.” The Lord promised him, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). A tax collector simply prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” And the Bible said he went home justified (Luke 18:13-14). Saul of Tarsus simply prayed, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” He was saved immediately (Acts 9:6). Salvation is not wrapped in certain words; it is rather received by faith. When you simply express to the Lord in prayer that you are trusting Him completely to save you, placing yourself only at His mercy, He will save you the very instant you believe on Him.

Tearing Down One Bible Doctrine to Preach Another

To the Bible teacher who rightly divides the word of truth, there is no contradiction between any two Bible doctrines. To the Pharisee, however, the promotion of one Bible doctrine means the demotion of another. This, however, is a tremendous fallacy. If you feel the need to tear down one Bible truth in order to exalt another, then you are not teaching Biblical truth. Look what Christ said regarding the Pharisees:

Matthew 23:23 – “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

The Pharisees emphasized the paying of tithes, even down to the spice! In their opinion, you could not rigidly pay tithes AND promote judgment, mercy, and faith. So, their promotion of one teaching (tithes) demoted another teaching (judgment, mercy, and faith). Christ, however, makes it plain, that they need not tear down one doctrine in order to promote another. “These ought ye to have done,” Christ said, “and not to leave the other undone.” A minister can promote tithes AND mercy at the same time.

The reader should beware of these trends. They are everywhere. If you hear a teacher or preacher tear down one Bible doctrine so that he may promote another, steer clear! No Bible doctrine should ever preached at the sacrifice of another. Let me give you some examples of teachers today who tear down a Bible doctrine in order to exalt another.

Tearing Down Fellowship to Exalt Prayer

I recently read an article in the Miracles & Missions Digest written by Jack Skinner entitled “The Love of Christ ‘Constraineth’ Me.”* In the article, it is clear that Jack Skinner is an advocate of prayer. He believes that Christians and preachers should be men and women of prayer. I, too, believe this. There is no disagreement here. However, multiple times in the article, Mr. Skinner presented two options to the reader. Either the reader can have fellowship with man, or the reader can have fellowship with God in prayer. For some reason, these two options cannot co-exist with Mr. Skinner. Let his own words be quoted:

“Many have forsaken the prayer meeting before service and a lingering altar service in exchange for fellowship with man before and after their services.” (Skinner, p. 2)

Someone may state that, in this quote, Mr. Skinner does not condemn fellowship with man. It may be said that Mr. Skinner is only against exchanging times of prayer for fellowship with man. But Mr. Skinner does not stop here.

“While many seek fellowship of men and look for God to send in people (numbers), a true shepherd seeks the fellowship of God.” (Skinner, p. 3)

In this quote, it becomes quite apparent that some seek fellowship of men, but true shepherds seek fellowship with God. For some reason, a true shepherd, in the opinion of Mr. Skinner, cannot have fellowship with both God and man. Perhaps his most compelling quote on this subject is his advice to the new convert:

“After making peace with God, stay on your knees in prayer and find you a man of God who has paid the price to learn the importance of prayer, who will tell you the truth and not tickle your ears. If you cannot find one, pray and support some mission which is out seeking and searching for lost souls instead of building a kingdom here on earth for fellowship with one another.”

Could he be clearer? Mr. Skinner is convinced that the minister who has fellowship with man is not engaged in fellowship with God. Make no mistake about it. Our churches spend much more time in fellowship with one another than in fellowship with God. I have no desire to scrap the altar call and replace it with fellowship with one another. I have no desire to do away with our time of prayer in the mid-week service so that we may have more fellowship with one another. But what does the Bible say? The Bible certainly exalts prayer. But, in exalting prayer, does the Bible tear down the idea of Christians having fellowship with one another? Not one bit! As a matter of fact, the Bible emphasizes heavily the doctrine of fellowship with one another. In I John 1:3, John shows us a definite connection between fellowship with God and fellowship with God’s people! We can, and should, have them both! You do not have to sacrifice fellowship with God’s people in order to have fellowship with God. I John 1:7 tells us that if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another! There is nothing wrong with Christians getting together to enjoy each other’s company! Of course, it can be overdone. It should also be noted that not all socializing is fellowship. But when done properly, having fellowship with one another will enhance our fellowship with God. Christians are commanded to exhort one another (Hebrews 10:25), to pray for one another (James 5:16), to encourage one another (Hebrews 12:12), to love one another (John 15:17), to edify one another (Romans 14:19), to receive one another (Romans 15:7), to admonish one another (Romans 15:14), to serve one another (Galatians 5:13), to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), to forbear one another (Ephesians 4:2), to be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32), and to comfort one another (I Thessalonians 4:18). Not one of these things can be done if we do not get up off our knees and have fellowship with one another! It is not God’s will to neglect these things in order to “stay on our knees” all the time. I am definitely in support of prayer; but I am just as supportive of Biblical fellowship. One should not be practiced at the expense of the other. We need them both!

Tearing Down the Resurrection to Promote “the Cross”

There is a movement today that preaches “the cross,” they claim. Their idea of preaching the cross is to say the words, “the message of the cross” every other sentence. Jimmy Swaggart and his circles of fellowship have promoted this type of teaching. When you first hear Jimmy Swaggart, or a minister like him, speak of “preaching the cross,” it sounds right and biblical. Certainly, I believe that Christ’s work upon the cross completely pays for the sins of mankind. When, while upon the cross, our Lord cried out, “It is finished,” that’s exactly what He meant! Nothing needs to be added for the payment of our sin.

Those who preach this so-called “message of the cross,” however, go further than this. They think that it is wrong to emphasize any other doctrine at all other than the cross. Although the Bible plainly states that Christ rose again for our justification (Romans 4:25), this is omitted from the theology of these teachers. Friend, listen carefully. Some will try to convince you that if a man preaches the resurrection, then that man is not preaching “the cross.” Peter, on the day of Pentecost, preached BOTH the cross (death of Christ) and the resurrection of Christ. Paul preached repeatedly the resurrection and stated plainly in I Corinthians that had not Christ resurrected, we would be yet in our sins (I Corinthians 15:17). Remember, genuine men of God see no contradiction in preaching BOTH the death AND the resurrection of Christ. Only Pharisees see a problem with preaching the doctrines of both tithes AND mercy.

Tearing Down Grace to Preach Holy Living

This is perhaps the most popular modern example of promoting one Biblical doctrine at the expense of another. Both grace and holiness are Bible doctrines. Both should be preached. One does not need to be minimized so that the other can be promoted. Yet, this occurs often in many types of churches.

I have noticed that some preach the need for holy living so strongly that they almost hate the word “grace.” Others seem to preach grace so strongly that they despise the word “holiness.” Both, however, are Bible doctrines, and neither should be promoted at the expense of the other.

Salvation is by grace. This means that our salvation is solely achieved because God had favor upon us, a favor that we could never earn. Our salvation is by grace (Ephesians 2:8), through faith (Ephesians 2:8), and completely apart from works (Romans 4:6). Some say that they believe that all this is true INITIALLY, but after we are saved, we must then maintain our salvation by works. However, this is a complete contradiction to Romans 11:6, a verse dealing exclusively with our election:

Romans 11:6 – “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

This verse is plain – our salvation is either solely by grace and solely apart from works, or else it is solely by works and solely apart from grace. There is no mixing grace and works when it comes to salvation.

However, after we are saved, the grace that saves us then teaches us to live holy before God and man.

Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

After God’s grace brings His salvation to you, you are then taught by the same grace to live pleasing unto the Lord. Hence, there is no contradiction between grace and holiness. True grace teaches holiness, and true holiness is first a partaker of God’s grace completely apart from works. There is no need to embrace one Bible doctrine while rejecting another. We can have both grace and holiness.

Let us beware of any teacher or preacher who emphasizes one Bible doctrine while tearing down another.

*Skinner, Jack. Miracles & Missions Digest. Volume 57, Number 4. June-July 2013. “The Love of Christ ‘Constraineth’ Me.”

False Teachers - Part 2

The Way of Cain

Jude 11 – “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.”

Jude writes his small, yet powerful epistle to those who are preserved in Christ. Jude explicitly states his purpose for writing the epistle. “It was needful for me to write unto you,” he says, “and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” This epistle was written to provoke the people of God to earnestly contend for the faith. Webster defines “contend” this way – “to strive; to use earnest efforts to obtain, or to defend and preserve.” We are called to defend the faith. “The faith” that we are defending is not our personal faith in Christ for salvation, but rather the truths that were delivered to the church through the written word of God. And we cannot stand up for doctrinal truths without standing against those who promote doctrinal error. If you have the mentality that says, “Can’t we all just get along?” then you are not an earnest contender for the faith!

Now, before I get into this, let me say that when I first meet an individual who claims to be a Christian, I always look for reasons to fellowship, not reasons to not fellowship. You may belong to a different church than I do. You may not see eye to eye with me on everything. I do not require that in order to have fellowship. But when it comes to the fundamental truths of the Bible, these will affect our fellowship. You need not agree with me on every point of Bible prophecy, as long as you believe that Christ is coming to this earth visibly and bodily. We can differ on various points of doctrine, but when you conclude that there is no literal, burning hell, then our fellowship will be affected. When we contend for the faith, we do not have to cut everyone off who sees something differently than we do. But we must stand up for the fundamental truths of God’s word.

In identifying false teachers, Jude uses three Old Testament examples. First, he tells us that they, the false teachers, have gone in the way of Cain. Let us see from the scriptures what is meant by “the way of Cain.”

Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. Shortly after Cain was born, his brother Abel was born. The notable account of Cain and Abel is found is Genesis 4. Cain and Abel, though brothers, were very different from each other. Two contrasts between them are seen early in the fourth chapter of Genesis:

Genesis 4:3-4 – “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”

Two contrasts in these verses are noticed. First, there is a difference between Cain’s offering and Abel’s offering; and second, there is a difference in the Lord’s response to the two offerings. Cain brought the fruit of the ground as an offering to the Lord; Abel brought the firstlings of his flock as an offering to the Lord.

There has been much preaching and teaching regarding these two offerings. I have heard some say that there was nothing wrong with Cain’s offering; it was his attitude, they say. I beg to differ with this way of thinking, for Genesis 4:3-4 plainly tells us that “the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and his offering He had not respect.” There was something wrong with Cain’s offering as opposed to Abel’s offering.

Cain Was Religious

False teachers of today, like Cain of old, are very religious. Cain brought an offering to the Lord. But his offering was not accepted. Make a mental note of this and never forget it – a person can be religious and be dead wrong. Being religious never saved anyone. There are a great number of religious people who have never been saved by the grace of God, and if they die in that unregenerate state they will end up in hell.

Cain’s Religion – A Religion of Works

So, let us examine the two offerings, and why the Lord accepted Abel’s offering but denied Cain’s offering. I can understand, to a degree, why Cain was so angry when his offering was denied while Abel’s offering was accepted. I believe I am correct in saying that Cain’s offering involved much more work than did Abel’s offering. Abel brought a firstborn sheep as an offering to the Lord. Abel had very little to do with the raising of this lamb. For a period of time, this lamb would be fed by its mother. Occasionally, Abel may have led the sheep to greener pastures. No doubt Abel fed the sheep. But outside of that, Abel had very little to do with keeping the sheep alive. The business of keeping the sheep alive was God’s business.

Cain, on the other hand, worked very hard for his offering. He began by tilling the ground. In the heat of the day, Cain walked in his field behind the oxen, guiding the plow. Then, after the ground was tilled, Cain again walked the field, planting the seed. Cain may have spent a good deal of time digging a trench that would carry water to the field so that the crop may be watered. There is no telling how many hours in the humidity of the summer Cain spent on his knees, pulling out the weeds, perhaps fertilizing the crop. Then, Cain spent a great deal of time harvesting the crop. Then, after cultivating, maintaining, watering, and harvesting the crop through the hottest season of the year, he finds that his offering is not accepted. How disappointing!

Abel, on the other hand, worked very little to give a lamb to the Lord for an offering. I know people who raise both cattle and a garden, and they spend much more time in the garden than in the pasture! I am convinced that Cain worked far more for his offering than Abel did for his. When it came time for Abel to bring his lamb for an offering, Abel shed the blood of the lamb. The lamb lay on the altar as the blood ran down. Ultimately, Abel suffered very little for the offering he presented. The lamb did the suffering.

Can you see Cain as he watches Abel present his offering to the Lord? I can see him seething with anger. He is already upset because Abel has worked very little for his offering to begin with. And now, Abel again suffers very little as the dying lamb suffers instead of Abel, after Cain himself suffered through the summer’s scorching heat.

Cain’s Religion – A Bloodless Religion

Cain watches his brother present his dying lamb to the Lord as an offering, seething with anger. Not only was Cain’s offering the result of hard hours of labor, but Cain’s offering was bloodless. This was a prime reason his offering was unacceptable to the Lord. I have heard it preached that Cain’s offering was not denied because it was bloodless. In the Old Testament law, there were offerings that were bloodless, some say. True, there were bloodless offerings. But when Israel was saved from the bondage of Egypt, it took the blood of a lamb to save the life of the oldest male child in the house! When Israel’s sins were forgiven, it took blood on the Day of Atonement to cover such sins! And we are told that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22)!

Cain’s Religion – A Religion that Kills

Because Cain was so angry that his offering was unacceptable, he slew his brother Abel.

I John 3:12 – “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”

Abel, the one whose offering was accepted, was killed by the one whose offering was denied.

“The Way of Cain” and False Teachers

What does the story of Cain and Abel have to do with the false teachers that have plagued Christianity through the centuries, as well the false teachers of today? In one word, the story of Cain and Abel is an illustration regarding the doctrine of salvation. Listen to me closely. If a man has a perverted view of salvation, that man is a false teacher. The most important doctrine in the Bible is the doctrine that answers the question, “How can fallen man become righteous before God?” If a teacher answers this question incorrectly, then you should not listen to anything else that teacher has to say.

Cain answered the sin question by offering his works as a solution. But good works never produce genuine salvation. The vast majority of churches in the world today teach salvation by works. If you think that every building that has a steeple is getting people to heaven, you are a novice in the area of truth. Some teach that baptism saves from sin. Others teach that we must be faithful to obey the law of God in order to be saved. Others teach that you must belong to a certain church or organization in order to gain salvation. Like Cain, who stood before God, presenting his offering that he had worked so hard to obtain, false teachers of today will find out that their list of works will save no one. Like Abel, who shed the blood of the lamb, those who are trusting only in the blood of Jesus Christ for their salvation will be accepted.

There is no doubt that Cain was religious. But he was as lost as he was religious. Because his offering was not accepted, Cain slew his brother Abel, as we have seen. So it is in the religious arena today. Those who are trusting in the shed blood of Christ for their salvation are always the ones who are persecuted for their faith. Surprisingly to some, those who are persecuted for their faith are almost always persecuted by the religious crowd. Persecution in the early church was done by religious Jews who denied Christ. Stephen was killed in Acts 7. It was a religious Pharisee named Saul who consented to have Stephen killed. It was the religious crowd who had Paul beaten, whipped, and stoned. Today, Christians are persecuted throughout the world. As I type this, Pastor Saeed, an American citizen, is imprisoned in Iran for his faith. Who is persecuting this pastor? It is none other than the religious crowd; a Muslim regime. God chose Isaac, not Ishmael. God spoke through His Son, Jesus Christ, not Mohammad. And the Muslims can’t stand it. They, like Cain, are seething with anger. Consequently, there is no such thing as a Muslim country that promotes freedom. Such an idea is a fairy tale. In countries where Muslims rule, Christians are persecuted heavily. The religiously wrong almost always do the persecuting; true Christians are almost always the persecuted.

If you should acquaint yourself with a minister or church, the first thing you should find out is how they preach salvation. If they preach that we are either saved or kept saved by anything other than faith in Christ, then they are a false teacher who has departed from the faith and have gone in the way of Cain.