Just raise your hand? Only believe? Only trust Him? Say the “sinner’s prayer”? Is it possible for a person to be saved by “faith only”? One verse should be enough to answer this question, but I am a preacher and tend to have longer answers!
Here is the one verse: James 2:24. Go ahead—look it up in the version in front of you. Here is what the NASB says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Can the Scriptures be any clearer? So you are not a NASB fan.
KJV—”not by faith only”
NIV—”not by faith alone”
Amplified—”not alone through faith—through works of obedience as well as by what he believes”
RSV—”not by faith alone”
If those don’t work for you—simply go back and check the original Greek. It reads like the versions above “not by faith only.”
Hopefully you still have your Bible open to James 2. Just go up a few verses. James asks a rhetorical question in verse 14: “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” The anticipated answer by James is a resounding “NO”.
Still have it opened to James 2? Look at verse 17: “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” Seems pretty clear to me!
Even the demons themselves practice “faith only”. Look at verse 19: “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”
So why is it that the Church of Christ has often bought into this “faith only” teaching? Maybe we watch too many “faith only” shows or movies? Maybe we read too many “faith only” books? Maybe we walk into any restaurant in Danville and there is a tract rack with “faith only” tracts in them? Maybe we heard too many of our own preachers and teachers be weak on the subject of the rest of the plan leaving “faith only” as an viable option unto salvation?
Here is where I lay out a principle I learned from Clearance Greenleaf at Hillsboro Family Camp: “There are more terms of pardon that are found in anyone verse—but there can never be less.”
So, when the “faith only” teachers go to Acts 16:31, and other verses like it—"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." - remember the principle! Besides, as Ed Bousman points out, if you close the book there, you leave the jailor’s home too quickly. Verse 33 says, “And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was immersed, he and all his household.” There are MORE terms of pardon than are found in Acts 16:31—in other words, you must do more than believe—but you MUST believe! You can use this great principle with any verse that talks about a term of salvation.
But before I run out of room on the page, if a “faith only” preacher or teacher tries to take you to Revelation 3:20 and says that Jesus stands at the door of the sinner’s heart asking to come in, suggest they look at the CONTEXT of the passage. Who is Jesus writing to: a lost sinner? NO! He is writing to a church! Jesus stands at the door of His church and wants back in!
As you can probably tell, “faith only” teaching gets me a little worked up! But I will stick with the New Testament teaching—a complete teaching of what a person needs to do to be saved—Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be immersed and walk the faithful life! Anything else is simply man’s doctrine and not God’s teaching.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Where are all the preachers?
Vermilion County has a very special event that happens monthly! Each month, the churches of Christ and Christian churches gather together in one of our church buildings for fellowship, encouragement, and exhortation. Each county meeting is different, as our churches each have their own personality—but standing solid on the “one Lord, one faith, one immersion” of the Bible!
I have been to some great county meetings (and some not so great county meetings—I am not going there in this article). South Side had the privilege of hosting the February meeting. And as is the tradition during the business meeting, the roll was called and many of our churches were represented. The final “official” count was 100. (We also had some Girl Scouts who were not here for the business meeting, making the total 120—and that is NOT a “preacher’s” count)!
I have been attending the Vermilion County Churches of Christ and Christian Churches monthly meetings since before I became the evangelist here at South Side. Now I don’t have perfect attendance (I am not shaving a week off of my vacation to be at a county meeting), but I do try to make as many as I can. I write all of that not to pat myself on the back, but rather to make an observation (this is where I really get in trouble—but that is okay, I am used to trouble): During that whole time (roughly four years), the most preachers that I can recall being at a “regular” county meeting was nine—of course many times that included three, or more, retired preachers! Usually the total number is more like five to eight. The count at the most recent county meeting that we hosted was five, two of whom are not currently preaching in a local ministry—meaning that three active preachers were in attendance. My question is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay, I know the first thing you are going to say is that nowhere in the Bible does it say that we have to attend a county meeting. Well, I must admit, you do have me there! But as we all know, the Bible is “silent” on lots of issues. Sunday School, church buildings, revivals, mid-week prayer meetings, Bible colleges, church camps . . . and the list goes on and on. That doesn’t mean, though, that we cannot support and be a part of these types of functions, unless they violate Scripture! In fact, I would venture to say that most of the preachers of the county attend these functions regularly.
Now I know, preachers are busy—I wonder how I know that? Between preaching, calling, lessons, working on newsletter articles, and a host of other things (not to mention personal or family time) our time is limited. But just thinking from a preacher’s perspective, if I am going to promote any event, wouldn’t it make sense that I, as the evangelist of the church, also show up? I wonder how big the county meetings would be if the preachers not only promoted the meetings, but also attended them? My question again is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay—I vented! I think I actually feel better! Before you call or email me with all kinds of nasty comments, give the whole matter some thought—and remember the words of the Hebrew writer: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near“ (Hebrews 10:25).
I have been to some great county meetings (and some not so great county meetings—I am not going there in this article). South Side had the privilege of hosting the February meeting. And as is the tradition during the business meeting, the roll was called and many of our churches were represented. The final “official” count was 100. (We also had some Girl Scouts who were not here for the business meeting, making the total 120—and that is NOT a “preacher’s” count)!
I have been attending the Vermilion County Churches of Christ and Christian Churches monthly meetings since before I became the evangelist here at South Side. Now I don’t have perfect attendance (I am not shaving a week off of my vacation to be at a county meeting), but I do try to make as many as I can. I write all of that not to pat myself on the back, but rather to make an observation (this is where I really get in trouble—but that is okay, I am used to trouble): During that whole time (roughly four years), the most preachers that I can recall being at a “regular” county meeting was nine—of course many times that included three, or more, retired preachers! Usually the total number is more like five to eight. The count at the most recent county meeting that we hosted was five, two of whom are not currently preaching in a local ministry—meaning that three active preachers were in attendance. My question is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay, I know the first thing you are going to say is that nowhere in the Bible does it say that we have to attend a county meeting. Well, I must admit, you do have me there! But as we all know, the Bible is “silent” on lots of issues. Sunday School, church buildings, revivals, mid-week prayer meetings, Bible colleges, church camps . . . and the list goes on and on. That doesn’t mean, though, that we cannot support and be a part of these types of functions, unless they violate Scripture! In fact, I would venture to say that most of the preachers of the county attend these functions regularly.
Now I know, preachers are busy—I wonder how I know that? Between preaching, calling, lessons, working on newsletter articles, and a host of other things (not to mention personal or family time) our time is limited. But just thinking from a preacher’s perspective, if I am going to promote any event, wouldn’t it make sense that I, as the evangelist of the church, also show up? I wonder how big the county meetings would be if the preachers not only promoted the meetings, but also attended them? My question again is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay—I vented! I think I actually feel better! Before you call or email me with all kinds of nasty comments, give the whole matter some thought—and remember the words of the Hebrew writer: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near“ (Hebrews 10:25).
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Celebrate Lincoln's 200th - Church of Christ Style!
America has such a rich history! And this month we celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Of course, Illinois is truly the “land of Lincoln”. The last couple of years I have had the privilege of going to some Lincoln sites—including right here in Danville.
One of those sites is the Fithian House. According to the Vermilion County Museum website, on September 21, 1858, Lincoln made one of his last visits to Danville. He was campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat and had just completed four debates with Douglas. Lincoln arrived at Dr. Fithian’s home, and in his stocking feet, he gave an informal speech from the balcony.*
Also here in Danville, is the Lamon House. The Lamon house was buit in 1850. Joseph and Melissa (Beckwith) Lamon built the home. Joseph was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon. Ward Hill Lamon was the law partner, and later body guard of Abraham Lincoln. This is an easy one for us to visit as it now sets across the street from our home here in Danville. And, as many of you know, our daughter volunteers during the summer for their open houses.
One other place we had the privilege of visiting in 2008 was the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. What a great memorial for one of our greatest presidents. The Memorial was officially dedicated by President William Howard Taft May 30, 1922. The Lincoln Memorial has 36 columns—one for each state during Lincoln’s day—25 in the Union; and 11 who had seceded from the Union. The view from the steps was incredible looking over the national mall—Washington Monument and the US Capitol all in view.
History is important to be studied. Sometimes history is portrayed as boring and meaningless. But there are so many lessons to learn from history. In fact, as the old saying goes, “those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it”.
The Bible, which is a historical book is meant to be studied. In fact, the events that have been recorded for us, have been preserved by God for us! In I Corinthians 10:6, Paul writes about the Old Testament: Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. I hope that we can learn the lessons of history and stay faithful to God.
*http://www.vermilioncountymuseum.org/history.htm
One of those sites is the Fithian House. According to the Vermilion County Museum website, on September 21, 1858, Lincoln made one of his last visits to Danville. He was campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat and had just completed four debates with Douglas. Lincoln arrived at Dr. Fithian’s home, and in his stocking feet, he gave an informal speech from the balcony.*
Also here in Danville, is the Lamon House. The Lamon house was buit in 1850. Joseph and Melissa (Beckwith) Lamon built the home. Joseph was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon. Ward Hill Lamon was the law partner, and later body guard of Abraham Lincoln. This is an easy one for us to visit as it now sets across the street from our home here in Danville. And, as many of you know, our daughter volunteers during the summer for their open houses.
One other place we had the privilege of visiting in 2008 was the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. What a great memorial for one of our greatest presidents. The Memorial was officially dedicated by President William Howard Taft May 30, 1922. The Lincoln Memorial has 36 columns—one for each state during Lincoln’s day—25 in the Union; and 11 who had seceded from the Union. The view from the steps was incredible looking over the national mall—Washington Monument and the US Capitol all in view.
History is important to be studied. Sometimes history is portrayed as boring and meaningless. But there are so many lessons to learn from history. In fact, as the old saying goes, “those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it”.
The Bible, which is a historical book is meant to be studied. In fact, the events that have been recorded for us, have been preserved by God for us! In I Corinthians 10:6, Paul writes about the Old Testament: Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. I hope that we can learn the lessons of history and stay faithful to God.
*http://www.vermilioncountymuseum.org/history.htm
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Titles for Christ in the Revelation
I have been doing a lot of preparation for our Wednesday evening Bible Study in Revelation. My main resource, besides the Bible itself, will be Glenn Bourne’s personal class notes and his book Tower of Truth. Another good resource, which I will use, is The Seer, the Savior and the Saved. You may recognize the author of that book: Dr. James Strauss.
In Dr. Strauss’ book, he has a special study in it entitled Titles for Christ in the Revelation. It is not an exhaustive study, but may make a good sermon series in the future. Based on the titles, it is no wonder that Revelation 4:11 reads, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Here are a few of the titles that Dr. Strauss lists in his book:
· Jesus Christ (1:1, 5)
· Jesus (1:9; 12:17 and other texts)
· Christ (20:4, 6 and other texts)
· The Lord Jesus (22:20-21)
· The Lord (1:10; 14:13 and other texts)
· The Lord’s Christ—also God’s Christ (11:15; 12:10)
· The Son of God (2:18)
· The Son of Man (1:13; 14:14)
· The Word of God (19:13)
· The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:16)
Dr. Strauss calls these the “simple designations”.
He then lists several “descriptive designations”:
· Him that loved us and loosed us from our sins by His blood (1:5)
· The Lamb that hath been slain (5:6, 9, 12; 7:14; 13:8)
· The Lamb (5:8, 13; 6:1, 16; 7:9-10, 14, 17; 12:11; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22, 27; 22:1, 3)
· The First born of the dead (1:5)
· The Faithful witness (1:5)
· The Faithful and True (19:11)
· The Amen (5:14; 18:4)
· The Beginning of the Creation (3:14)
· He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the keys of David, He that openeth, and none shall shut and that shutteth and none shall open (3:7)
There are many other “special designations”, but this gives you a hint of what is to come in our study beginning January 7, 2009. Dr. Strauss ends this special study with these words: “There is some great biblical preaching to be done on the great names of Christ. They describe His person and function of His work. The imagery is not hard to communicate in preaching and teaching”.
I pray that as we study through this great book, we may draw closer to our great Savior and Lord!
(The Seer, the Savior, and the Saved, pp. 333-338)
In Dr. Strauss’ book, he has a special study in it entitled Titles for Christ in the Revelation. It is not an exhaustive study, but may make a good sermon series in the future. Based on the titles, it is no wonder that Revelation 4:11 reads, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”Here are a few of the titles that Dr. Strauss lists in his book:
· Jesus Christ (1:1, 5)
· Jesus (1:9; 12:17 and other texts)
· Christ (20:4, 6 and other texts)
· The Lord Jesus (22:20-21)
· The Lord (1:10; 14:13 and other texts)
· The Lord’s Christ—also God’s Christ (11:15; 12:10)
· The Son of God (2:18)
· The Son of Man (1:13; 14:14)
· The Word of God (19:13)
· The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:16)
Dr. Strauss calls these the “simple designations”.
He then lists several “descriptive designations”:
· Him that loved us and loosed us from our sins by His blood (1:5)
· The Lamb that hath been slain (5:6, 9, 12; 7:14; 13:8)
· The Lamb (5:8, 13; 6:1, 16; 7:9-10, 14, 17; 12:11; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22, 27; 22:1, 3)
· The First born of the dead (1:5)
· The Faithful witness (1:5)
· The Faithful and True (19:11)
· The Amen (5:14; 18:4)
· The Beginning of the Creation (3:14)
· He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the keys of David, He that openeth, and none shall shut and that shutteth and none shall open (3:7)
There are many other “special designations”, but this gives you a hint of what is to come in our study beginning January 7, 2009. Dr. Strauss ends this special study with these words: “There is some great biblical preaching to be done on the great names of Christ. They describe His person and function of His work. The imagery is not hard to communicate in preaching and teaching”.
I pray that as we study through this great book, we may draw closer to our great Savior and Lord!
(The Seer, the Savior, and the Saved, pp. 333-338)
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