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The
Reminder
Volume No. 47 Issue No. 04 January 2006 |
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The First Church
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By Edward Byrd
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The church referred to is the one found in the Gospels of the New Testament. My memory tells me of a time when this topic was discussed often, both publicly, as in Association Meetings, and in private.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Mt.16:18
This bold statement surely will be meaningful to many young people who have joined the church, having made a profession of faith in Christ as Savior, and then having been baptized by the authority of that church, so they are now in its fellowship.
Mt. 18:17: "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
It occurs to me that it just may be possible that the church to which you young people belong is no more than a formality, and does not seem to you to have or deserve the authority reflected in the words in the first passage immediately above. If so, this is entirely too calm, too careless an approach, a state of mind not nearly as important as the words of Jesus require.
One must get the idea that all of the words of the Bible as we have it in any version are words of the Lord. When we can tell that Jesus is being quoted, as in the two passages mentioning the church in the Gospel of Matthew, then there is all the more reason to take them seriously. The Bible is not an ordinary book of human opinions; it is the inspired Word of God. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet. 1:21). There is a technical form in this passage which may require some explanation: Why "Holy Ghost" when we surely see the meaning to be Holy Spirit? In the Greek New Testament the expression "pneumatos agiou."
Just how the word ghost came into the language is difficult to explain. But it is easy to remember the meaning by associating the word "guest." We still use the word in English expressions like "guest writer," sometimes "ghost writer," and "guest artist." These terms refer to one specially invited to serve, as in a restaurant, or in a place where assistance from without is needed. The essence of the logic is in the realization that when a prophet is speaking it is not merely the visible or physical person of the man, but one invited, or present through special privilege. The term may at first sound as though we are using the language of unbelievers in the supernatural, but who speak of a spirit, usually in an evil sense. Could we Baptists be unconsciously thinking this way, so we avoid references to the "Holy" Ghost? Probably our lack of direct reference reflects our ignorance of the work of the Spirit of God in those dealings where we are dealing with God Himself. At least in this context we know that the power which moved holy men was not from within, but from God, hence "Holy Spirit." "Moved" means "borne along," as the King James Version says in 2 Pet. 1:21, gives the inspired writer the authority for his language. Our lack of experience should be overcome by faith and a willing acceptance of the fact that God, by His Spirit, personally, enters the life of inspired men. It is high time we learned that He willingly enters the life of every believer, granting us discernment, John 14:26: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." On the other hand are those who do not believe, and Peter in the original context warns against these (2 Pet. 1:21), "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
I trust it is apparent by now that the references which Jesus made to the church teach that He is the founder and He is the Head of the church. Our ideas as to the meaning of "church" should take on a specific, holy sense. The church is His idea. He chose her members. He loves her as His bride, a teaching which becomes clearer as one reads further.
Then, also, the language reflects such authority as only God could command among men. How timid can our feeling toward the church remain if we grasp the idea that it is the primary work which Jesus came to the earth to perform, that is, "to take out a people for His name," (Acts. 15:14-16). When we become familiar with the Book of Acts and see how God used the disciples of the first church to launch the great work which touched the hearts of Gentiles. This point is made in the context of Acts 15:14-17. The "tabernacle of David" is referred to as "fallen down." Tabernacle of David is a figure of speech descriptive of the house of David, meaning the authority of the king and his support of tahe preisthood. Just how much, or how little you can believe God used the Jews in the time of the prophets, it is evident that Jesus came and called out a "people for His name," (Acts. 15:14). Peter came to understand this before most of the others, but even he was biased by his views of his nation. God is not confusing for those who are slow to recognize His wisdom and turning to the Gentiles. It was evident to the Apostles that this people should come from the Gentiles. This was contrary to the prejudice of such men as Saul of Tarsus, but when God changed his heart he was ready to become God's instrument to Gentiles to take out such a people.
It appears to this writer that some who should know the Scriptures do not respect the leadership as they deserve, called as they are directly from the Holy Spirit. There is a natural avoidance of contact with persons of higher status than ourselves, but we do not avoid it merely because of its being exalted. Perhaps it is because we realize our own limitations and low estate. This would be an advantage, if we just think about it. Our low estate stems from our being born in sin, untaught, and possibly poor in this world's goods. But God's great love extends to such people with special honor to the poor and needy.
In our natural relationships we quickly realize our need of learning, of being taught. Now we see that God is willing and ready to teach us. Dare we believe He is willing to give us understanding of that which most people have no interest in and see no advantage of learning?
On the other hand many fall into submission to pastoral leadership many times when it may be unadvisable, self-seeking, and not actually teaching the Bible for people to learn, but banking on tradition.
At this stage in my questioning our motives I think of a Satanic deception which is almost universal. The enemy has propagated the idea that to discuss the Bible, or to inquire into spiritual things is to "argue." Arguing the Scriptures is immediately thought of as wrong. Why? Simply that we must not argue with God, but we are not thinking of arguing with God when we make this accusation; we are thinking of arguing with people. It is true that we must not argue with God, but there is no need for arguing with people, as most are convinced that this is an area reserved to the educated. The truth we need to get is that the need exists in every man's heart. We are naturally blind to the darkness in our hearts and since this is true we need any help that gives us the Truth. God's Word is Wisdom and Knowledge and He is causing the light to shine upon us that any one of us may walk in the Light of His Truth and in the joy of His love. The human answer is "Get over it," and learn today that God would have us all come into the knowledge of the Truth. 1 Tim. 2:4: "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." On the other hand there seems to be that spirit described by the inspired writer (2 Tim. 3:7) "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." If we are not willing to hear God's wisdom, we shall soon be guilty or even worse, Heb. 10:26: "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins."
God is not rushing to catch you or me in a deception. He knows our hearts and is seeking in every heart to find the kind of honesty that does not argue with Him. It behooves us to make certain we are not simply resisting God, as though arguing with Him. We must not turn the simplicity of His word into the error of sinning willfully.
2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
While the Bible is inspired of God, and the language is as accurate as God's wisdom could make t, it is not always clear to man. His rejudices, not to mention his dishonesty, may allow a wrong conclusion. Even the inspired prophets themselves were sometimes not able at first to grasp the sense of the inspired word. See an example of this in 1 Pet. 1:10-12. There we are told that the prophets who were moved to write of the coming of the Christ to do for us what could never be done by men themselves, spoke of the sufferings of Christ and then of His glory in that which He does. Their problem was that the prophets spoke of Christ's suffering and a glory resulting later. This did not seem to fit into their own thoughts regarding the promised Messiah, so they diligently searched what they had been moved to write to discover the sense, the spiritual meaning. This may seem unusual, but we certainly are no different from those blessed men who told in advance of the Messiah's coming and what would be accomplished by it. They saw no place for His suffering to accomplish it. We today know by the New Testament record of His coming just what was the meaning. Christ did suffer, as He lived, and even unto death. But His resurrection in glory assures us that the millennial results shall present a glory to His name which we could hardly imagine.
Brethren, we simply must read the Bible, assured that it was written by the Holy Spirit. Translations may err, but not God. We must keep in mind that if it does not seem logical to us, we may not have the spiritual grasp that we need, and should look to God for His opening and explaining, as is promised (Jn. 14:26): "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
I remember how my mind was directed to the fifteenth chapter of Acts and how I managed to see God was turning Gentile believers, bringing them together in the body of Christ, and that their work was in harmony with the work of the Old Testament prophets as "the "tabernacle of David" was failing due to the sins of the nation of Israel. I was taught to think by the light of the Scriptures. My use of the language was limited, but I did not at the first fully grasp the idea of God's accompanying the Word and providing further light for understanding the Scriptures, but as time passed it became the natural avenue for learning the history of God's work among men and placing an emphasis on the advantage of the church for those who recognize God's choice of that institution. Bro. Ben M. Bogard was very zealous to emphasize the very Word of God. The authority of the church was a main point in his emphasis. The true advantage of its being a local body did not at first come through, but when it did I had a lifetime of support. The idea of a "universal church" is in conflict with the very nature of a church. The very word translated church, ekklesia, is a sure answer to that error. This compound Greek word, ekklesia, is "called out." That means, the church is called out from other men or movements, and brought together as a local body, distinct from them. Today we feel that the larger and more compounded a group is advantaged. We forget that the church is separated from other men, from other religions, and not in complicity with them. Her purity, is further emphasized by her doctrines, and her lifestyle is crucial to her existence. Today, a primary idea of "body" is that it has many parts. This is an over emphasis. Even a human body has many parts, a fact which Paul points out in 1 Cor. 12:1ff. But she is still "one, in unity," enhanced for usefulness because of the many members, yet with no idea of covering all men or all the world nominally. Human thinking is "the more the better."
We can all admire the far reaching ministry of Billie Graham. His whole emphasis is upon reaching all men and getting them all to move together. He has no criticism of any religion. It may be that to him it makes no difference, but as others, he uses the "togetherness" as a positive, not realizing that far more of the world agrees on the ways of Satan than on the way of the Lord's church. Man's strength depends on their joining together to promote or elevate themselves. God's method is that the church, His body, under His direction, has His power and is able to perform His work. But the more they organize and join together, depending on human numbers and wisdom, the less is God's power sought and the less they think they need Him.
In my meeting members of large man-made churches the more evident it becomes that there are among them many former Missionary Baptists who, when we answer their statements as to the difference, immediately remember that the Missionaries had stable doctrines, separated standards of living, unlike the world. Why do these misplaced Missionary Baptists remain in the convention, and often in non-denominational groups? It is because they sought the strength (?) And the comfort of numbers.
Are you formerly from Missionary Baptists? Did you join the local church because it was sound, standing where you had been taught God's people should stand? Doubtful! But you did want to seek a church with a Bible basis, and joined the organized group, seeing a so-called progress. Many people, much money, many activities, always something provided to keep you busy. I had this experience many years ago. I relocated, when a teenager, and could not find a Missionary Baptist Church in the immediate area. I was following the recommendations of older ministers whom I knew, who probably thought I would be better off as a teenager to join a convention church than, as could happen, to join no church and just become unattached. We certainly need better counsel in such circumstances.
Speaking to a group of elderly members of a Southern Baptist Church about my being a Missionary Baptist, somebody raised the question as to what is the difference. I pointed out that my church was not as careless about the standard of living, more careful as to the doctrines taught, used the Scriptures more frequently. Some of these elderly people admitted quickly that they had thought of this distinction, but had stayed with the organized Baptists rather than seek a church or go some distance to find one which was more like what they had left years before. Time dims the differences and the distinctions and we go on in the looseness, if not the outright error.
We have noted that the church has authority to influence her members as to the Truth. She is also to discipline those who do not reflect a disposition of humility and submission to Christ. They have the Holy Spirit given to them as a Comforter and to explain and guide them into the whole Truth. In fact, such a local church is the dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. He may move on individuals and groups outside, but He was given to the church, not to the world as His dwelling. This service limited to the church is largely dealt with in John 14:26 where the promised Comforter is discussed. (Members who become accustomed to referring to the church as "they" instead of "we" are already manifesting resistance, even rebellion to her Head, which is Christ.) What we would like to emphasize is that she (the feminine is used with reference to her position as the Bride of Christ) was designed as a means of mutual help for each other, that all may continue as His helpers and reach out to the whole world with the glorious message of eternal life in Christ. This idea is pointedly emphasized by the fact that the church is the "body of Christ" where all members are designed to help the body, as the members of a human body, made up of many members, harmoniously work for the good of the whole body.
A failure to recognize this advantage allows a member to look on the other members as opponents and not as a part of the body. This discredits the Head of the body.
The Scriptures recognize that a few members may arise as leaders and necessary helpers to lesser members. Yes, they are equal as to privilege, but God may exalt some to become leaders for the good of the whole body. This idea of the differences in body members is not justification for adverse criticism. Every member is independent within the body, and every member helps keep all members, not just himself, straight. But it is an institution where God can use differences to enhance the usefulness of every person. The body maintains this advantage always (Read Gal. 1:1-21) for this very instructive information.) You may there observe that the best members, the most able, sometimes erred by reason of their differences, but were also the choice of Christ, and of the other members as "pillars," for the support of the weaker and of the whole body. This was an "appearance," that is, to the eyes of one concerned for the welfare of all, these outstanding members had the obvious signs of their willing contribution to help the others. Do not feel they are criticized for taking a leading part. They did lead, but this was not a fault. To our critical eyes this may seem a weakness in the church, but it simple says that when people are ready and willing to help some may misunderstand them, and even misrepresent them.
As individual believers we tend to feel that our sufficiency is in the Christ, and this is true, but we need to observe just how our benefit in Him is limited to the church body.
As we read the Gospels, and go on into the Book of Acts, we see that the limited number of members of the church is completely overcome by its effective reach into all the world. Take note of the references. It is "Church at Jerusalem," and then church of Philippi, church of Judea, churches of Galatia, etc. Disciples are dominant only when a leader, as Paul or Peter, or John, were sent to teach or instruct a church body. Timothy, for example, is sent to Corinth (2 Cor. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:1, 2, 18; and especially 1 Tim. 6:21: "Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. < How about reading that verse again! Do you see that somebody whom Paul calls "elect" is being dealt with, prayed for, taught, loved, and sought for obedience? If that person is already elect how is it that he has not yet received the salvation which is "in Christ Jesus with eternal glory"? Now turn to 1 Pet. 1:3-13 and read of a prospect of glory at the return of the Christ and observe how that at that time the glory which Christ enjoys shall be shared by those who "grow up" while others "bring no fruit to perfection." This is a part of the salvation for which Christ died and which is accomplished by His resurrection.
This growth and maturity is not something much understood or taught, but the Bible is filled with it and we need the nourishment in spiritual truth which our obtaining (a process) will provide. It enriches our lives, makes the trials less burdensome, and makes "the blessed hope" worth seeking (Tit. 2:13). Before you assume that this is already guaranteed to every believer, without regard to his faith or walk, just make a study of "cross references" to the first passage we mentioned (2 Tim. 2:10). With one movement of the computer mouse my computer brought up 24 verses while my cursor was still on that one verse. Bear with me a few minutes and I will list those verses for you to study privately: 2 Tim. 2:3, 14; Eph. 3:13; Col. 1:24, 27; Mt. 24:22, 24, 31; Jn. 11:52; 17:9; 1 Cor. 9:22; 2 Cor, 1:6; 4:15; Prov. 8:35; Jn. 17:24; 1 Thes. 5:9; 1 Tim. 1:13, 14; 1 Pet, 2:10; Rom. 2:7; 9:23; 2 Cor. 4:17; 1 Pet. 5:10.
We hasten to say that the choice of these passages is not inspired in the Word, but they represent the opinion of Bible students. As you look at each passage, check the original (2 Tim. 2:10) and see if each one seems to fit a phrase there. A computer only holds material that somebody has put into it. This list of cross references is like that found in the center column of a reference Bible.
The reference to Col. 1:24 is interesting. Have you thought of anything which is "left behind of the afflictions of Christ"? In this connection I suggest that the church is "the body of Christ," and it is obvious that suffering by the church is counted as the suffering of Christ. She is one with Him and shares His life and grace in many ways. How else can his sufferings be experienced today, and by whom?
Think about 2 Cor. 4:10: "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." Can you figure another way that the dying and the life of the Lord Jesus are experienced by a living person today? Be sure to read 2 Cor. 4:8-18: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
It has been the goal of this editor to show from the Scriptures the way that we can truly experience the Lord Jesus, being one with Him. Ours should be thought of, not merely as a record keeping of the professed believer, but as a real, spiritual experiencing of what it means to be a saint. It will not fit every professing believer, but it should begin to be real with those who are members of His body, the church. Thinking only in terms of the philosophy of believing, or the record of what is past, does not help maintain the meaning of the working of His grace in the life. Is there any wonder that many who did trust Jesus do not continue? They do not feel it is real. Maybe, at the moment of first trust, there was a sense of being cleansed and forgiven, but thereafter most only "remember" the past experience. What we need, brethren, is the daily working of God's Spirit in our lives, so that not only do we feel it as real today, but those who know us as believers can see, and begin to feel the same experience with that believer. Fellowship means as much to us. We need it regularly. So is our faith enhanced, and maintained.
Can you now imagine what the joy of growing up in Him is like? If so, are you willing to bear the sorrow He bore, the suffering, the persecution, which comes to Him, and becomes real in your life? When the Bible speaks of the Bride of Christ, is this simply an expressed doctrine, or can you experience something of that relationship daily? Are you engaged or promised to a lifetime companion? If so, possibly you can follow the idea of what such a relationship can mean in the spiritual realm. We see the natural relationship lifting up souls, giving peace and hope and joy. Surely we can understand that the spiritual relationship is designed to produce parallel feelings of peace, hope, and joy. Yes, the natural relationship sometimes grows cold. Marriages actually are dissolved. Only one who knows the meaning of the reality can imagine the terror of a breaking of it. Well, get the idea that our spiritual relationship with Christ holds the same possibilities, both good and bad.
I speak as one who has been in a marriage relationship since May 12, 1940. I also speak as a Missionary Baptist and I have some recognition of being related to the Lord Jesus in more than merely having been forgiven of sins at one time in the past.
It seems to me that we do not welcome overt experiences of a spiritual nature, not being familiar with how God works. I may be in error on this point, but our initial experience, when we trusted Jesus, fully aware of our being sinners, then sensing that this was all forgiven, feeling peace in our hearts and actually glad to have come face to face with God in real forgiveness and love; it is real.
His dealings with our lives must be learned according to our living in His sight and depending on Him from day to day. Look at the "parables" in the Gospels and see how God uses the daily weather, its sunshine and rain, the abundance of crops grown. God has not left Himself without witness, even before the eyes of an alien sinner (Acts 14:17) "Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Thank God for having been privileged to grow up in the country, on a farm. But even city dwellers see neighbors' gardens grow and begin to realize the reality of depending on God. We all need weather when it is good and miss it when God withholds its blessings. The Truth here is that we just have to wake up, see what is happening and be honest to admit that man did not make it happen, but that God is in charge.
There we have the beginning of learning to listen, examine, believe, and even to consider following God. Such a person doubtless will soon realize his dependence on God. Yes, perhaps in this day it is not as obvious as it was in my early days. Satan is very busy and influences minds in divers ways to hinder their thinking of God. This witness which God gives of Himself is surely a voice of Truth and we all need it. He is good and will allow us to hear His voice, see His hand, even "His face," and trust His love ( 2 Cor. 4:6). The reasons for becoming a believer, and then learning to obey Him is the essence of truly learning to live. It may seem scary. Some forms of nature are hazardous, but God is in charge and will be there to make it come out for His glory and your good, and mine.
Do you not think it is high time you were listening? Even trusting Him? We have been speaking of learning to live with Christ. Even though we are thinking of spiritual experiences, is this not why we need to grow up? q
We are close to getting back on a monthly schedule. We are hearing from more readers than usual, though we have less readers than usual. Some have given up on us, either because the material was not interesting, or they did not feel we were giving them the best advice.
During December 2005 I received more notices of help and appreciation than I can remember in a similar space for a long time. This is most encouraging to me, for it helps me to realize that some are being blessed, and that my weak efforts to help are being received thankfully. I do not mention names in this regard, for I have no desire to embarrass those who trust me, and certainly not to damage any with the shame of my own position. I feel, as I must, that God in His providence has brought me through some difficult times in order to get me to see that I am not to trust even good brethren, much less traditional organizations as support for the Truth. God desires that I, and you, trust Him alone for salvation, growth in grace, and for support in continuing our labors in His service.
The labors we enjoy in Bethel Baptist Church of Harrison, Ark., are testimony as to my thinking. I feel that ours is a sound church, that is, that its stand on the doctrines is according to the Bible, and our deportment is such as allows us to fellowship even with old churches where there is no stain of tradition. I feel that there are many such churches in the American Baptist Association, and many who also are not a part of that comparatively recent group. It began in 1925, I believe, and even the Convention began in 1845, or thereabouts. It is not the age of a fellowship which determines its soundness. I read the Minutes Of the First One Hundred Years of The Baptists in America. They were an Association then. They were identified with a church in Wales by tracing back. But I was disappointed that many of those churches did not know much about the Scriptures. A few larger churches had pastors supported by the church who had time to study. These showed a better recognition of what God requires in a church. I wish I had a copy of that minute, for it was published, but I did not acquire one.
Our acquaintance with many churches and brethren is wide, though not always current, but time has given this its size. Often, though, we hear of brethren passing on. This diminishes the scope of our knowledge of people.
A death just before Christmas has emphasized this loss. Bro. Herbert Morehart, a member of Southwest MBC of Hot Springs, Ark., was taken by the Lord. Who wants to blame or credit cancer with allowing a brother to go to be with the Lord. Bro. Morehart was my pastor for much of his seven years here in Southern Hills MBC. I was not always there because I had other places to labor, but I felt his influence for good in my life. He was a good student, a prolific writer, and a much loved brother. We will miss him. Sister Barbara Morehart was close to my wife. We wanted to attend the funeral but our health and other hindrances prevented this.
With our wide acquaintance of brethren and churches we hear frequently of brethren passing on, or dealing with the dangers of eminent death. These remind us earnestly of the importance of walking by faith each day. Our space is limited, but we mention Sister Eloise Smith, mother of Bro.Gary Smith, a beloved preacher brother and pastor in Malvern, Ark. Another son is a member, Brent Smith, with his family here in Harrison. Almost daily we hear of brethren, including preachers' wives, who have passed or are nearing departing from this life. Sister Catherine Lierly, whose husband Vernon Lierly departed a few years ago. God's gracious sparing of this editor gives us cause to continue The Reminder.
Financial Report
We are very thankful for the support that good brethren have sent for the support of this paper. We have never felt the need to ask for special offerings, but there have been times when we had to dig into our living to pay the printer or get equipment. But lately all of this has been taken care of and at present we can say that it gives us further incentive to continue our ministry by this means.
Our dealing with special subjects that identify our doctrine, our walk as believers in the Bride of Christ, and other marks of our identity, is an evidence of our conviction that in these days we likely will witness the return of the Lord and face the judgment. As individuals we know that He is watching us. We must live conscious of this closeness of our Lord. None of us will have time to straighten our lives up then. He calls us to judgment very quickly. Read of that judgment (Mt. 25:31-46). It may be much sooner than we have supposed.
Recently we have had a theme brought to our attention which is presently pressing on my heart for some special consideration. Pray that this editor may be led and held up by the Lord to deal with such themes. The subject: "The Sin Unto Death." 1 Jn. 5:16: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it." A second usage is found in Rom. 6:16. Another phrase marks such a sin in Mt. 12: 32 and Lk. 12:10. Would you like to see the Scriptures as it discusses the finality of such a sin? Our present thought is to search out this subject soon, possibly to deal with it in an early issue of this paper. If some reader has a suggestion dealing with this topic, write us soon, so we can consider it before we approach the discussion.
There is not room here to discuss this topic, but maybe in the next issue. If our study seems to fence us in we shall proceed. If not, we will choose another topic. |
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