Editors note: The hardcopy version of TTT was produced for several years prior to May, 1995. However, issues before that time were not stored electronically and would be difficult to recreate. As noted by this month's front page, this issue marked an expanded mailing list.
We welcome those of you who have enjoyed reading the CIRCUIT WRITER published for many years by Brother Edwin P. Knapp of Dallas, Oregon, who will soon move to Galena, Missouri. With failing eyesight making writing quite difficult, Ed has entrusted your names and addresses to us, and we will do all that we can to perpetuate his great efforts at teaching the truth. [I have known Ed since 1962, when he taught me the gospel and baptized me into Christ (Rom. 6:3) at Kodiak, Alaska. -db] May God bless him as he continues his service for the Lord.
Our only goal is to stimulate study of and increase the respect for God's word. We cannot add anything to God's word, which is totally sufficient within itself (2 Tim. 3:16). Nevertheless, "teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you" is an integral part of the great commission (Mt. 28:10).
Each month we will have a cover article which interprets current events in light of God's word. Inside we challenge you to "Find the Answers," and we present an article on bible basics. Our "Ye have heard it said ..." section will examine common religious (mis)perceptions.
We make no solicitations. All that we ask our readers is to take a few minutes each month, sit down and "think on these things." If we are in error, call or write us, so that we can make correction and work together for unity in the cause of Christ. However, if the bible supports the propositions taught, we ask you to recognize your obligations and take the necessary actions (Ja. 1:22).
These bible study questions provide assistance to you in studying and teaching God's word. The answers are quite clear, and they prove that we can have the same understanding by reading as the apostles had (Ephesians 3:4). We challenge you to open your bible and establish the truth.
On Love and Obedience
Must we love God with all our hearts to be saved? Matthew 22: 37
Will loving God produce a definite change in our lives? 1 John 5: 3-4
Can you be "free from sin" without having "obeyed from the heart" God's form of doctrine?" Romans 6: 17-18
Did Jesus say you could be saved by doing the will of men or by doing the will of God? Will some who have been sincere in their religious practices be lost because the practices were not according to the will of God? Matthew 7: 21-23
Is Jesus the author of eternal salvation even to those who do not obey Him? Is it your understanding that you must obey Him to be saved? Hebrews 5: 8-9
Can people obtain salvation who do not obey the gospel? 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-8
Know of someone who can benefit from the hardcopy version of TTT? Please e-mail their address and we will put them on our mailing list.
That we are saved by the grace of God is a sound biblical doctrine validated by Ephesians 2:8, which goes on to say that salvation is a "gift of God." Grace is often defined (accurately) as the unmerited favor of God. It is this unmerited favor which leads our eternal Father to favor us with His inestimable gifts.
Unfortunately, many have taken this truth to an extreme which is not taught in God's word. They reason that unmerited means unconditional. This error is nothing new: Paul dealt with it in Romans 6:1.
The following from an article by Larry R. Hafley [Guardian of Truth, Sept. 17, 1992] explains the difference between meeting conditions and merit:
"... Our 'daily bread,' our food, 'is the gift of God' (Eccl. 3:13; Matt 6:11). Yet, there are conditions to be met before we receive it. Eating, drinking and enjoying the benefits of 'labor' are called 'the gift of God" (Eccl. 3:13; cf. 2 Thess. 3:10).
"Note another example of the point above. God gave Jericho to Israel, but there were conditions attached (Josh. 6:2-5; Heb. 11:30). Israel had to be obedient in order to be blessed (Duet. 28-32; cf. Matt. 7: 21-28). God said, 'I have given into thine hand Jericho,' yet 'they took the city' (Josh. 6:2,20). After meeting the terms, the conditions necessary to secure it, the land was not earned. Conditions do not equal merit."
While this exposition is valid and accurate, it is unnecessary for anyone who has an understanding of God's word. If, in fact, God's grace is unconditional, then the bible is meaningless -- why bother to read it?
If God's grace is unconditional, then the selection of the saved is either arbitrary or else God is a respecter of persons (Acts 10:35).
But the bible tells us that we need to study it (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16), work out our own salvation (Phil. 2:12), and that those who work righteousness are the ones who are acceptable to God (Acts 10: 35).
Challenge: attempt to read two pages of the New Testament in a row without encountering teachings which assert the conditional nature of salvation.
We cannot understand the bible alike ...
but Jesus prayed for unity (Jn. 17:23), and the Holy Spirit inspired the apostles to make it one of their central themes (1 Cor. 1:10, Eph. 4:1-16, Phil. 1:27). To discard doctrinal unity as impossible shows a lack of faith in the power of God (Rom. 1:16).
There are only two ways that unity can be attained within a religious organization: (1) the members conform themselves to God's word, or (2) they conform themselves to the shifting directives of man-made doctrines.
Those who give up on the first approach toward unity default to the second. Evidence of this includes the presence of man-made councils, conferences and other organizations to govern, and the loss of local church autonomy.
God's way requires that every member of His church acquire the knowledge and understanding of His word so that we do not have to depend upon men to attain unity. Hebrews 8:7-13 shows that this was God's will when he designed the New Testament in all of its simplicity (2 Cor. 11:3).
The belief that we cannot understand the bible alike can only create total disregard for the bible and enslavement to the teachings of man (Jn. 8:32). Abandoning this fable, let us "study to show ourselves approved ..." (2 Tim. 2:15).