Proving a World View

Posted by John on January 1, 1997 under Articles

EVERYONE HAS A WORLD VIEW

Each and every person has a world view. This means that personal observations have been made about the world, its problems, the ultimate questions of origins, etc. And around this set of observations is wrapped a viewpoint that ties together and explains the observations. This is a world view. What are some facts about world views?

First, world views come in many colors. There is the theistic view, deistic view, pantheistic view, and even those who claim no world view, but to simply exist and “go with the flow,” have a “chaotic”world view.

Second, all world views have one major thing in common and that is they all are acts of faith and not results of absolute proof.

Third, world views also have one other thing in common. They all attempt to explain observables. For example, design in nature is an admitted fact. The world view of the Biblical writers and even the Islamic writers explain such design as an act of creation by a Supreme Being. The naturalistic world view explains it as a result of mere chance. Both are faiths wrapped around observations.

WHOSE VIEW IS CORRECT?

How do you “prove” a world view? First, a world view must have explanatory power to tie together a large set of observations. Does it explain why specific things happen/not happen in the world? Does it answer the ultimate questions such as a person’s origin, purpose and destiny?

Second, does it continue to touch base with accepted fact? That is, upon further examination, does it “square” with more observables? For example, is there any factual base for the “Tower of Babel” or the city of “Ur”? Is there any factual base for the Mormon view of history as presented in the Book of Mormon? How the written records of those holding specific world views check out with archeological findings could help firm up one view over another.

Third, is the view coherent? Does the whole system have internal consistency. That is, when the Bible is studied as a whole, with different writers of different backgrounds forming its content, is there is a unity in message and purpose seen? Are there internal contradictions? (This does not mean that everyone cannot use different words in describing an event or teaching or even write with differing degrees of precision.) It is a well known fact that no one has been able to show a bona fide contradiction in the Bible. Those who have tried have been ably answered. Such is not the case with the Mormon writings (cf. Mormonism: Shadow or Reality, by Gerald and Sandra Tanner).

Also, the idea of unity does not mean that there are not some “fuzzy areas” in the system. For example, our present understanding of chemistry is based on a core of accepted truths. But there are some areas that are not clear and are really “above and beyond” the ability of most chemists to understand. Chemists call this the “land of nebulosity.” More thought and research may bring out new truths that tie up the present loose ends. But none of this argues against an overall internal unity in the discipline. The same is true of any other world view. The existence of “fuzzy areas” do not argue against its overall consistency. In Christianity, the inability to comprehend the “Trinity” does not argue against it.

WHY MUST ACCEPTING A WORLD VIEW BE AN ACT OF FAITH?

First, because a person does not have the time or resources to examine each and every world view, selecting one must be an act of faith. This also means that a person could lose faith in one view and accept another that explains things better. This is exactly what happened to the Tanners listed above. They lost faith in Mormonism because they found outright cover-ups in Mormon history etc. So, after accepting by faith a specific world view, one must constantly examine it in light of known facts and its ability to explain those facts.

Second, as per the biblical world view, it tells one straight out that it is a walk of faith and not sight. For if the God of the Bible is the “true God” then this is the precise way to please Him (Heb 11). So, we sit about where Theophilus sat (Luke 1:3). Our faith must come from hearing testimony and not seeing attendant miracles (Rom 10:17).

The blessing comes by faith, not sight (John 20:29). It is faith from start to finish (Rom 1:17).

THE PROBLEM OF FAITH

Much is made by skeptics of the fact that Bible believers “walk by faith.” We all “walk by faith and not sight” in even the acceptance of “common knowledge.” For example, in everyday life most of us “goose-step” to what “they say.” You know the story . . . “they say” that eating rice with oranges will give you a headache . . . so we avoid that practice. “They say” you cannot mix motor oils so we make sure that isn’t done. “They say” oat bran helps prevent cancer . . . so, we buy oat bran. Even the most die-hard skeptic can be found at the grocery store buying corn flakes with oat bran in it. And on it goes. Another example is from the teaching of Chemistry. Most all chemistry books report that the nucleus of the atom was “discovered” by Rutherford by shooting “bullets” at gold foil. It is doubtful that the writer of the text actually observed the event. It is even doubtful that his teacher observed it. But we all believe that someone saw it and made an accurate report of the event.

Our position in chemistry is that of belief in testimony as per most of what is accepted as fact. Further, about all anyone can say that would not involve belief would be “I am a something . . . but I know not what.” This is where “walking by absolute certainty” leads a person. And you don’t find many people running out into the front of a roaring Mack Truck screaming, “It’s only a dream. It’s only a dream!!” No, most everyone tends to believe that what’s “out there” is real and not imagined. We all walk by faith and what we accept as “fact” is more than likely based on the testimony of some remote source.

HOW CAN THE BIBLICAL WORLD VIEW BE TESTED?

First, does it touch base with accepted historical fact? That means, if it mentions a city, people, king, etc., is there anything that backs up the claim? For example, Ezra 4:10 mentions the name of a “good Osnapper” (RSV). Did this person exist? Is there any “out there” stuff on him? Yes. The name itself is an Aramaic form of Ashurbanipal, the once King of Assyria. Around 1852-53, Hormuzd Rassam discovered the famous Ashurbanipal library. Here, the Old Testament writings “touched base” with reality. Another interesting example is that the river Ulai was not known except by being mentioned in the book of Daniel (8:2). Later it was found in the Assyrian inscriptions associated with Ashurbanipal.

Second, the Biblical view is that at one time in man’s early history that a great flood wiped out all except one man and his family and what animals they could save. Common sense, says that this story would have been handed down for generations to come. It is also reasonable that as men drifted away from God that the stories would become corrupted. It would be expected that records of the story would have been kept that would actually pre-date Genesis.

Within the Ashurbanipal library were found writings that describe a man who was separated from humanity by his good qualities. He was instructed to build a boat. Exact details were given to him to build the boat. Other people and animals were to enter the boat and those left outside would be destroyed. Birds were released to see if the waters had receded (doves and ravens). Finally after coming out of the boat a sacrifice was made by the man to the gods and a “sweet smell” went up to the gods (cf. Gen 8:21). This surely sounds familiar! Of course, the existence of this story in a pagan land does not prove the Bible story true, but how it originated is clearly explained by the Biblical world view. It is actually an “undesigned” coincidence that something in the Bible and in the Assyrian library would cross paths. This makes our world view firmer.

Third, another interesting item in the biblical picture is that before the flood men seemed to live much longer than those after the flood.

Does this find any verification in archeology? The Sumerian Prism is an artifact of very early civilization in Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, according to the biblical view. There is a statement on the block of rock (prism) that says that a flood swept over the earth. Then the rock is divided by a line into two sections — pre-flood and post-flood. The life spans of those kings before and after the flood are listed. And there is an obvious difference. Those before the flood lived decidedly longer. This a weighty piece of evidence that even points to a real “flood event.”

Fourth, there are many, many more places that the Bible mentions that can be verified. Interestingly, such is not the case with the world view contained in the Book of Mormon. Mormon scholar and defender of the faith, Thomas Stuart Ferguson, spent a good deal of his life trying to find something that would give credence to the history portrayed in the Book of Mormon. His conclusion? There are no artifacts, etc., “because it is fictional and will never meet the requirements of dirt-archeology.” Note this contrast with the Bible.

We believe that our world view is more sure than the Mormon view because of the factual support our faith has.

CONCLUSION

So, what is the point of all this? First, to show that everyone has a personal view of things that wraps around what they have observed and continue to observe. Second, that such a view is an act of faith and not a result of absolute proof. And that those who want to say that they walk by proof and not faith should be challenged on that point. Third, that some world views are better because they rest on much surer foundations. This is the case with the biblical view compared to the Mormon view.

Jesus or the Apostles or Both?

Posted by John on under Articles

Is what Jesus said during His personal ministry all His teachings? Are the writings that follow the Gospels of any worth in spelling out the will of the Lord?

Matt 28:18-20
1. Jesus has All-authority is matters pertaining to man’s relationship to God.
2. Jesus KNOWS THE WAY (John 14:6).
3. What He knew He gave to the Apostles (Matt 28:20, John 16:12-15).
Therefore: Jesus teaching = Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42)
Apostles elaborate on how to apply the foundation teachings of Christ.
1. Jesus told the Apostles to teach the disciples how to observe all that He had said (Matt 28:20).
2. This must have included worship (Acts 2:42).
3. Apostles appeal to Jesus as their source of authority in their teaching (1 Thess 4:2).
It is false to:
1. Elevate the teachings of Jesus during His personal ministry to the diminishing of the rest of the New Testament.
2. Focus totally on the earthly Lord versus the RISEN LORD.
3. See the teachings of Jesus while on earth as being all of the will of God.

In Search of God

Posted by John on under Articles

Many today are searching for a Higher Power. Some call this God. Are there observations that can explain why, throughout the world, in all places and all times, men seek for answers?

THE FACT OF DESIGN

First, among all people, it is an undisputed fact that there is design in the world/universe. Order, structure, function and purpose are all clearly seen from the largest to the smallest level. For example, water molecules are built in such a way that when water freezes into ice, it floats rather than sinks. This means that things living in the water during winter can swim under the surface and survive.

The facts of design have lead some to infer the existence of a Designer/Creator behind it all. One such person is John N. Clayton. This former atheist-turned-Christian credits his change to seeing design in nature and the universe. (You can get free material from John Clayton that is really good in the area of design by writing to JNC, 718 Donmoyer Ave., South Bend, IN 46614-1999, or E-mail to jncdge@aol.com.) Others, such as the late, nationally-acclaimed astronomer, Carl Sagan, acknowledge that design exists, but they leave it at that. It isn’t that Sagan didn’t make the inference that a creator could exist; he didn’t believe because he had chosen not to believe. (See his book Cosmos.)

There is a logical implication inherent in the idea of design and a designer. If a Designer does exist, then what we see may have been purposely made in such a way as to testify to His existence. The biblical writers believed this and clearly taught it (Ps 19:1, Rom 1:19).

Second, not only is there design in the world; there is inherent value in that which is designed. Stars help man to navigate. Seeds, soil, sunshine, rain, worms, all help to grow crops and feed man. Even the lowly slug has its place as nature’s carpet cleaner. The slug constantly pulverizes and dissolves hard solid matter that is laying around and helps change it into soil. The world is “good” to man. Whether one believes in a creator or not, this is fact.

Further observation shows that man seems to be the main object the world/universe is built around. Man seems to be the centerpiece. In other words, the “good” in the world is directed toward man. The concept even has a name. It is called the “Anthropic Principle,” and it is an area of current research. Paul Davies, not a believer in God, is one of the foremost writers on the subject. So the existence of “good-directed-toward-man” is admitted both by believers and non-believers.

If all this “good” is received by man, and man believes in a Designer, what does this say about that Designer? Does it imply that He cares for man? If such is accepted, what could be a possible response from man? Praise? Gratitude? Worship? Seeking fellowship on a deeper level? Indeed some, like John Clayton, have responded in this way. Others, like Paul Davies, are indifferent. But isn’t this normal in real life? People receive gifts, but not all are thankful, not all care, not all respond by wanting to know more about the giver. Can it also be said that the goodness built into the world by the Designer is designed to draw man toward Him? Some of the inspired Bible writers have affirmed this (Jas 1:1, Rom 2:4, Acts 14:15-17).

THE FLIP SIDE

First, all is not well in the world. While it is true that one can clearly observe design in the machine and that it is good for man, the machine also has problems. Sometimes the earth/universe machine doesn’t work right. Malfunction is the keyword. For example, birth defects occur because DNA has errors in it. Tornadoes happen and devastate life and property. Earth is in danger of being hit by space debris such as asteroids and comets. Floods, erosion, animal pests, insect pests, foul air are with us. The obvious conclusion is that something is wrong somewhere.

Second, something is wrong with man himself. Murder. Rape. Theft. Destruction of property. Violence. Crime. And in all, there is an awareness of being out of control. By this is meant that man clearly does not know how to direct himself. Philosophies, ideas, isms, cults, New Age movements, drugs; all are attempts to find a way to truth. But what some have believed to be the right way has ended in their death. Man is on a sea without direction. This also shows the limitations of man’s knowledge. It is not in man to guide himself. Again, the writers of old recognized this (Jer 10:23).

There is, however, a good side to this awareness, and it is the motivation to seek for answers. The quest for truth can become a prime factor in one’s life, and the existence of a myriad of religions and philosophies all testify to this fact. Is the awareness of human inadequacy a design element that the Designer built into the system to motivate man to seek the true answer to life and an understanding of his Creator?

What about all the physical calamities? Can something be both unfortunate and good? Even though something is not working right, if a person is compelled to find out why the system is not working, and in so doing they discover a greater good, is it not worthwhile? It’s sort of like getting a spanking when you were a kid. Unpleasant, yes! But when you look back you see that its purpose was to lead you into being a more responsible person. The spanking was “unfortunate” but it was also “good.” (It should also be noted that the spanking reflects an act of justice. It is the penalty for error committed against the authority of the parent.)

So, can it be suggested that not only the positive design and goodness seen in nature, but even the negative things are designed to lead men to seek the Creator, because they drive man to find out why this wonderful earth/universe machine is not working properly?

Third, here is another consideration. The Designer that some believe exists seems very remote. There is no direct communication or signs given to unredeemed man today of His existence. So there is a sense of separation from the Creator. Even those who claim to have a “sign” still acknowledge that they are here and the Creator is “out there.” Could this also be by design in order to motivate people to find out why? Often in our world we become separated from people because of “things done wrong” against them. Those who were once close friends are not any more because of some error committed or some misunderstanding. In marriage, the awareness of such separation should be a warning, and should motivate those involved to work out their difficulties and to reunite. Could the Creator have such a positive end in mind? Is it possible that sometime in the past or present, the Creator has been offended and this has resulted in a separation? Mere observation cannot answer this question.

TOWARDS AN ANSWER

First, several things can be established by observation alone. The earth/universe has design; it is “good” and it is directed toward man, but it is also flawed in performance. Something is wrong. Man is trapped in a dark forest without any sure pathway to the light, and the Designer seems far from us and silent.

Second, an explanation is needed; something to wrap around these observations and bind them together. This is called a worldview. An inductive study of facts cannot, by itself, give a worldview. A worldview is based on faith and founded on facts. Everyone has a worldview. Some include the idea of a Creator and some do not. Not all that include a Creator are biblical worldviews. So why do men like John Clayton choose a biblical worldview? The answer is that it satisfactorily explains all known observations better than any other.

Third, the early chapters of Genesis explain what we observe. It tells us that we as humans are “outside-the-garden” people. We are, in fact, separated from a friend who was once close at hand. A break of fellowship occurred when our “father Adam” was put out of the presence of the Creator. We, being his offspring, are also “out here.” We learn that Adam disobeyed the commands of the Creator, and this disobedience is the reason for the separation. The term for disobedience is sin (I John 3:4). Sin causes separation (Isa 59:2). In a biblical worldview, the things that we see have logical explanations.

Not only are we separated, but the land is against us (Gen 3:17ff). Another biblical writer who was well-versed in the Old Testament writings expressed the idea that the whole world is “groaning in travail” until things become right (Rom 8:19-22). This is another consequence of being “outside the garden.” Yes, the flaws in the operation of the earth/universe machine testify that something is indeed wrong, and the Bible tells us why.

But the story gets more personal. We are not guilty of the sin of our father Adam (Eze 18:19-20). Nevertheless, we all have sinned (Rom 3:23). We belong outside the garden! The flaws of our world are designed to lead us to understand that we are separated from God by our own transgressions of His law.

And what about the “good” seen in our world? Even toward Adam and Eve who just sinned, God still demonstrated His care for them by making them garments (Gen 3:21). Outside the garden, good continues to be directed toward them (and us). Does this have a purpose? Yes! It is to draw man back to his Creator (Rom 2:4). Sadly, not all will respond (Rom 2:5).

CONCLUSION

Religious belief can result from man seeing design in nature and inferring the existence of a Supreme Designer. Many see the “good” directed toward man, and conclude that the Designer cares for man. The fact that things have gone wrong in this world testifies that there is a problem, and this drives many more to seek answers. The worldview expressed in the Bible puts all the observable facts together into the most reasonable and consistent pattern.

To accept this worldview is an act of faith. Worldviews cannot be proven. Nevertheless, many who have studied all sorts of explanations for the above observations have discovered that the Bible has the greatest power to explain what is, and that it rests on very solid and factual ground.

God’s Design for the Planet

Posted by John on under Articles

What does it mean to say that God has created according to design? First, it means that something is a direct result of planning and thought. Second, it means that something has arrangement, order and structure. Third, it means that what is created has intents and purpose. This is true in the physical realm as well as in the religious realm. In this article, we will explore God’s design in the physical realm. Another article will deal with the religious.

WHAT IS SOME EVIDENCE OF DESIGN IN THE PHYSICAL REALM?

First, consider the ozone layer. This is a blanket of gas in the upper region of our atmosphere. It filters out harmful rays from the sun. If this blanket is destroyed or gets holes in it, then terrible consequences will result. One such consequence is skin cancer. By ignoring or caring less about the ozone layer, man finds himself working against God’s design.

Second, what is it about green plants that shows design? Here are two:

(1) green plants are nature’s air fresheners. Have you every been in a “stuffy room”? That is because there is too much human exhalent (carbon dioxide) in the room. Green plants (trees, grasses, etc.) all absorb animal exhalent and replace it with oxygen. Green vegetation keep the earth’s air at a constant level of oxygen. And this keeps us from living in a “stuffy” atmosphere. So, what if man keeps on with the reckless cutting of trees and clearing out of grasslands? Again, altering the design God set-up will not enhance the quality of life God wants for us.

(2) There is a psychological power in green. It is a proven fact that the color green acts as a “calmer” for stress. Yes, a person stuck in a busy, slow-moving traffic line can look at a green tree and become calmer. People who work in the stressful office-place will benefit by having lush green plants in their office to look at and gaze upon. Is it any wonder why people want to escape for the weekend and go into the country? Green is God’s tranquilizer. Now consider replacing most of the green grass and trees with cold, gray concrete and man-made buildings. Even that statement can raise your stress level. Now, what about those who are active in altering the plan of God by tearing up forests and grasslands to build parking lots and super malls? Not only are they dishonoring God but also harming themselves and the rest of us.

Third, God made the water-cycle. When it rains in your city did you know that the water came from the ocean? As the ocean moves, water evaporates with the aid of the sun. This water vapor rises above the ocean and eventually forms a cloud. That cloud travels inland to your hometown and drops the water there. The water run-off finds its way back to a river and then back to the ocean to start the process over. During this cycle the water is cleansed and man is able to “catch it” for use. But what is happening? Man is pumping in chemicals into the air (such as sulfur dioxide) that causes acid water to fall out of the clouds. This is “acid rain” and is most hazardous to the well-being of life here. Further, waterways are being used as dumps for all sorts of chemicals. For example, the paper industry has dumped in methylmercury, this has gotten into the food-chain and has resulted in animal mutations. Not good. Some rivers and lakes are actually “dead” as a result of pollution. Disrespect for God’s design surely gets us into the ditch.

Fourth, scientists speak of the earth as an “ecological system.” This means that all living things and their environments interact. There is a balance. If one thing is harmed this causes an upset in the balance. This means that all living things have a place in the world. In a sense, this world is a “garden” to be tended and not torn apart (Gen 2:15). Man’s greed and vanity has led to the sensless extinction or near extinction of animals (e.g., leopard, tiger). Habitats are destroyed when men want to build “bigger barns.” In all this destruction, no respect is given to the fact that God designed the world to be enjoyed and not ravaged for the pursuit of wealth or high fashion.

WHY HAS MAN NOT WORKED TO PRESERVE THE DESIGN OF GOD FOR THE PLANET?

First, some act in ignorance. That is, they do not actually know about some of these things. If they did, many would actually change their minds and act accordingly. Education is the key here. A right heart with right facts will result in the right acts.

Second, some understand but simply do not care. Greed, pride, vanity and self-will are leading factors here. For example, it may be said that it costs too much to clean up the industrial water before it is dumped into the river. Another may say that it takes too much time to plant trees after cutting. Positive economic ends are the goals here and it is hard to get past that hurdle.

Third, some understand the design but relegate it to a “minor matter” or “just an opinion.” When faced with facts we do not like, one way to get rid of the facts is to simply label it as stated above. In this way, we can practice what we want without any strain on the conscience.

Fourth, some are unwilling to study out the issue. Fear prevents them from being open to the possibility of being wrong. And it is always good to blame our inability to understand on our “pre-concieved notions” or “blind spots.”

Fifth, money sometimes gets in the way of good reason. It is hardly likely that a person who makes a living by selling furs/skins is going to hear anything about the preservation of the leopard, etc. Not many corporate leaders change their minds as much as those who are a part of the public at large. Why? Because if your house, groceries and extras come from the corporation, why “buck the system”? Money makes people blind to truth.

WHAT IS THE PROPER RESPONSE TO GOD’S DESIGN?

First, the earth is actually “on loan” to us (Ps 24:1, 2). How do we handle things that are loaned to us? Do we tear it them up? What if you loaned someone your car and it came back with pinstripes on it? Looks pretty but did you ask for such? What if it came back with a fender bent? You’re going to be upset. In everyday life we want people to respect our property and we are not pleassed when such is not the case. How does God feel when man does what he does to the earth?

Second, the key to pleasing God as per the earth today is restoration. That is, mankind needs to work together to restore the land, restore habitat and restore the waterways and air to the original design.

Third, the key to a proper view of the earth is actually a belief in God and the fact that the earth is His. If He is honored, then His creation will be honored.

Fourth, every Christian has a responsiblility to be good stewards of the earth. This means that before a Christian will build or progress, he/she will consider the environmental impact of the thing and work toward good conservation. Further, Christians will have a proper view of hunting, etc. Jesus had fish cooking for the disciples (John 21:9-12). Killing for food and killing just to kill are different things. Killing animals just to project one’s own vanity by displaying skins, heads, etc., surely is questionable Christian conduct.

IN CONCLUSION

This article has tried to show that God has a design for the world. And that when the self-will of man interferes with that design by adding pollutants or by subtracting plants, animals or life chemicals, then God is not pleased and man is reaping trouble.

Following the Sure Path in Religion

Posted by John on under Articles

In matters of everyday life, people usually like to walk the sure path in everyday affairs. Examples are: (1) A chemist will mix chemicals and he is reasonably sure that it will not explode in his face. It would be dangerous to take two chemicals and mix them if he is uncertain about how they will react. (2) People usually do not cross bridges if the sign in front says that there is a 10% chance of getting across; they pick the one that has a 95% certainty of getting across. (3) No one will jump out of an airplane with a parachute they are unsure of. (4) Most people try to give their boss something for Christmas that they know he likes instead of just making a guess at it.

Yet, it is a curious thing that in matters of religion most people don’t seem to care about believing and doing what they are certain of. They walk both sure and unsure paths toward God. And when questionable things are done or believed, religious division occurs.

PLEASING FATHER

Consider this analogy: Father’s Day is coming up. He has made it known that he really likes fancy Jellybeans. No question on this. But you like chocolate. You are not real sure if dad likes chocolate or not. He has never said anything one way or the other. It is a questionable item. What are you going to get dad? What will love for dad direct you to get?

Now, God is our Father. The only way we know what He likes is through what He has told us in the New Testament (1 Cor 2:11). What will we give him? Will it be those things and attitudes that are questionable or those that are certain to please him (as revealed in the New Testament)? What will love for God motivate us to do?

BAPTISM

What about baptism? There is no question that the New Testament practice and teaching point to immersion in water and the corroborative testimony of church history firms up this conclusion. This is a “sure thing.” Will that be our practice? Will we change this and offer other options according to our likes and dislikes? What will love and honor for God motivate us to do?

LORD’S SUPPER

Take, for example, the Lord’s Supper. It is a without question that Jesus wants us to remember Him by “breaking bread” (Mt 26:26-29). And Jesus told His Apostles to teach the disciples how to observe it (Matt 28:20). Hence, meeting on the first day of each week to take the Lord’s Supper has apostolic approval (Acts 20:7) and must have come from apostolic instruction (Matt 28:20, Acts 2:42). And since the death of Jesus and His resurrection are literally tied together (Rom 4:25), then logically the memorials that mirror those events are tied together. Hence, the practice seen in Acts 20:7 has a clear theological design and is centered on the core of the gospel. So, why change it into something that is questionable? What other day would fit the picture like the first day of the week (Lk 24:1-20, note that the first day of the week = the third day = resurrection day)? (It is interesting that the early church was not taught to meet on Thursday, the day when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. That would have been a logical choice.)

The Acts 20:7 practice is corroborated by early church history (see Ferguson, E., Early Christians Speak, pp. 81-105, Sweet Pub. Company, 1971). And there is a practical design to it: 52 times a year a person is reminded of what Christ has done for them and its vindication by the resurrection! What other practice can deliver this? God’s wisdom is surely apparent. Shall we modify it or honor it? To use the analogy above, why offer God, the Father, “chocolate” when it is revealed that He likes “Jellybeans”? Wouldn’t love, respect and trust for our Father motivate us to follow the sure path in this matter?

An attempt to counter the force of Acts 20:7 is to ask, “Why not also take the Lord’s Supper in an ‘upper room’ with ‘many lights’?” First, place is not important in Christianity (John 4:21). Second, the Lord’s Supper and Resurrection day are memorials to key events of the gospel. What is the gospel significance of rooms, lights and windows? Third, Christianity moves in the progress and culture of the first century. They had to meet somewhere. They had to get around somehow . . . by horse, walking, or chariot (Acts 8:28). There is such a clear, common-sense contrast between Christian practice as seen here and the ordinary ways of the first century that it seems to be a mere “quibble” to ask the question above.

MUSIC

Look at the instrumental music issue. In the Old Testament, God asks for instrumental music to be used in worship to Him (2 Chron 29:25-26, Ps 150). There clearly was no question about it. It was a “sure thing.” Note this contrast: God has not said one word to that effect in the New Testament writings as per worship! As such, using instrumental music in New Testament worship is questionable as per pleasing God.

Everyone admits that acapella music is acceptable to God. This is because singing is an apostolic directive (Eph 5:19, etc.). And if the use of an instrument is in Eph 5:19, then it took the church about 500 years and a Pope to discover it! The Greek Orthodox Church still hasn’t found it; hence, they just sing to the Lord. This is even more interesting since the Greeks read Eph 5:19 in the original Greek language like we read a newspaper! So why divide the church on a questionable item?

The contrast is clear. Why not give our Father what he has asked for and leave off what he has not asked for? What else could love for God and trust in His wisdom motivate us to do?

The case against instrumental music above is not based on silence but on a contrast in what is being asked for by our Father. To see how we understand the principle of contrast in instructions, consider this: At basketball camp, a coach left written instructions for his team to go down and do lay-ups with “dunks.” That was their practice. This year, he wrote instructions for them go down and do lays-ups. Same context, but contrast the instruction. This year, “dunks” were left out. He did not ask for them. Was this by oversight or design? Did the coach have a different purpose? What would be the wise thing for the team to do to please the coach? What practice could they be sure of? Would it be presumptuous to practice as they did last year and argue, “But last year you said . . .”

When God gives contrasting instruction between the Old Testament and New Testament worship, shall we argue, “But in the Old Testament you said . . .”?

CONCLUSION

The Restoration Plea deals with following the “sure path” in religion. It is not a restoration of first-century ways of moving, dressing and eating but of a Christ-centered religion . . . one that is internal, not physical, as contrasted to the Old Testament system. The New Testament way is aimed to conform us into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). The “sure path” is to trust what God has revealed in matters of worship, etc., (1 Cor 2:11) and leave off what is questionable as per God’s design of things.

So, what path will you follow? The way that is certain as far as being pleasing to God or the way that is uncertain?

Evidence for God from the Prophets

Posted by John on under Articles

FULFILLED PROPHECY

What if someone could speak of events before they happened in sufficient detail to make “coincidence” unlikely? Surely, this would directly support the existence of the supernatural. The arguments for God from prophecy are more direct than those from the sciences.

Bible students know that the kingdom of Israel became divided. Samaria (city) became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, while Jerusalem was the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah.

MICAH FORETELLS THE DOOM OF JERUSALEM

Micah claims to be a prophet of God (1:1) and his word carried weight in the eyes of the leaders of Judah. The prophet Jeremiah was not put to death for his prophecy against Jerusalem because it corroborated with what Micah had said (Jer 26:8, 9, 18, 19)! Are there any more reasons to believe that Micah is a true prophet?

First, read the book of Micah and be convinced that his speeches have a ring of honesty and truth to them. Sometimes the “proof is in the hearing.”

Second, many things that he says are corroborated by other independent sources (cf. 2 Ki 15:32-20:21; 2 Chron 27:1- 32:33; Hosea, Amos, Isaiah). When testimony in a court of law matches details presented by other witnesses, we believe the statements given are true. So, why not believe Micah?

Third, Micah could have had material gain by not saying what he did (Mic 3:5, 11). And he went against “peer pressure” to speak out (2:6). So, here we have a man who claims to be a prophet, the authority of his words saved Jeremiah from death, he sounds honest, his testimony can be verified by independent sources, he does not “preach for a price” and has enough courage to stand up against the establishment of the day. What more could one ask for in order to believe in the credibility of a person?

THE FALL OF JERUSALEM

What does Micah have to say about Jerusalem? Will it also fall to Assyria? At the time of his prophecy (remember this next line . . .) Assyria was the major force and reasonable choice to destroy Jerusalem! Already Assyria had come mighty close to taking it (see 2 Ki 18, 19 and 2 Chron 32, Isa 36, EBH pp. 374, 280). But the prophet says it will be Babylon and not Assyria that takes Jerusalem (Micah 4:10). This would seem far-fetched during Micah’s time because Babylon was a mere “spit-in-the-road” kingdom (EBH, pp. 282). Further, he says that Jerusalem will be plowed under and the Temple will be bashed down (Micah 3:12); this happened under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C. (EBH, pp. 271). Hence, the prophet Micah looked about 100 years into the future to see Babylon as a major conquering force from the north (EBH, pp. 450). Again, common sense would have made him see a world dominated by the Assyrians and not by some mediocre state like Babylon. But he did not follow any kind of private interpretation. He was moved by the Spirit of God to speak the truth (Mic 3:8ff; 2 Pet 2:20, 21).

NAHUM FORETELLS THE DOOM OF ASSYRIA

Some want to date the book of Nahum to be very late to avoid any suggestion that real prophecy took place. This is done because some scholars have an anti-supernatural bias in which they approach any Old Testament book. They have already decided that miracles cannot happen and this includes speaking of events before they occurred. Yet, when Nahum spoke, Assyria still had a grip on Judah (1:13, 2:2) and was still the dominant force to contend with. Hence, it is reasonable to believe that Nahum prophesied during the reign of Assyria and, therefore, before the fall of Nineveh (612 B.C.).

What is amazing about the prophecy of Nahum is not just the fact that he predicted the demise of Nineveh but the mechanism of its fall. They are:

(1) Water would play a major role in the destruction of the city (Nah 1:8, 2:6). Further, the siege of Nineveh occurred during the month of Ab, and according to a Babylonian tablet, this was the season of their heavy rainfall. So, rain poured heavy on the city. The early historian Diodorus Siculus (circa 30 B.C.) wrote of the destruction of Nineveh and testifies that water played a major role in its downfall (EDV, pp. 310-311). So, here we have independent, corroborating testimony from someone who is in a better position to know than any historian is today. (2) Drunkenness also played a role (Nah 1:10) and so did fire (Nah 2:13, 3:13). Diodorus Siculus cites drunkenness as a major factor in the fall of Nineveh and testifies to the burning of the palace by the Assyrian king himself. A.H. Layard, the foremost expert on Nineveh and who actually discovered Nineveh and proved its existence to a doubting world (ZPBD, pp. 589), said that in every major dig traces of fire are evident (PM, pp. 62). Therefore, the prophecy of Nahum is substantiated. Even by guessing, how could a person predict that flooding, drunkenness and fire would be factors in the fall of a city that God himself called “great” (Jonah 1:2)? Just to predict its downfall seems amazing enough in the context of the time. (It would be like Britain accurately predicting the downfall of Nazi Germany after the Blitz of London!)

(3) Nineveh’s destruction would be final (1:9, 14). Many cities in the ancient world were destroyed and then later rebuilt (e.g., Jerusalem). Nineveh never was rebuilt!

Such details cannot reasonably be assigned to mere coincidence. The best conclusion would be that Nahum spoke things beyond human understanding. This verifies the existence of God in a more direct way . . . a particularity of the God described in the Old Testament.

CONCLUSION

While the study of nature testifies to the existence of a God it is limited in describing or identifying “which God.” Old Testament prophecy gives us more direct evidence that the God of Abraham is the true God. However, there is a drawback. Old Testament history and the intermingling of the prophets and archeology is hard to study. But the jewels are there for the looking!

References:
EDV, Evidence that Demands a Verdict (a. Josh McDowell), Campus Crusade Intl., 1972, 1989.

ZPBD, Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary (ed. Merrill C. Tenney), Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978.

EBH, Eerdman’s Bible Handbook (ed. D. Alexander), Grand Rapids: Eerdman’s, 1973.

PM, The Prophet Motive (a. Kenny Barfield), Nashville: Gospel Advocate Co., 1995.

25 Things That Save

Posted by Gordon on under Articles

God
Jesus
Holy Spirit
Faith
The Word
Preaching
Hearing
Repentance
Confession
Baptism
Grace
Mercy
Love
Jesus’ Blood
Jesus’ Life
Jesus’ Death
Gospel
Doing the will of the Lord
Being Righteous
Enduring to the end
Calling on the name of the Lord
Doctrine
Turning a sinner from the error of his way
The name of Jesus
Childbearing

The Internet Mission Field

Posted by Michael on October 1, 1996 under Articles

In Mark 16:15 the Lord made it clear that He expects us to go everywhere sharing the Gospel. We should spread the Good News to those who will accept it and to those who will not (Matthew 13:19-23). The Lord did not specify a particular way to go. We know that the apostles used every available means of transportation and communication available to them to spread the Gospel. I believe we have the same responsibility today.

The Lord has provided us with incredible technological advances in this century. We can physically move from where we are to almost any point on the globe in under 24 hours. God surely expects us to take advantage of this rapid transportation to carry His saving grace to lost souls. God has provided us with several methods of communication which allow instantaneous transmission of voice or written words.

The most recent technological wonder which God has given us to aid in the spreading of the Gospel is the Internet. Hundreds of congregations of the Lord’s church have already taken advantage of the World Wide Web by placing information there which is immediately and constantly available to any of the millions of people all over the world who have Internet access. These “pages” which churches have created are tools which teach others about our Savior, His message, and His church.

World Bible School has utilized this technology by making a powerful presence on the Web. The site is continuously used to recruit new Bible students. Each student is assigned a Christian “study helper.” The study helper sends out lessons one by one, grades lessons returned, and answers Bible questions from their students, all by electronic mail over the Internet. At their own pace hundreds are being taught lessons from the Bible who would never be reached by any other method. We expect the number to grow into the thousands as more people become Internet users.

Many churches of Christ who have Web pages, as well as Christians who have personal Home Pages, are including messages at their Web sites which encourage potential Bible students to link to WBS where they can enroll in free Bible correspondence courses.

If the Lord has provided you with a computer, we want you to look for ways to use it in service to Him. If you are a Christian who desires to do God’s will, can send and receive e-mail, and know how to “copy and paste” text, then we want you to begin assisting us with teaching World Bible School e-mail students. You need no additional skills. We have a “discussion list” which allows you to send an e-mail message, such as a question from a student which you are not sure how to answer, to all other WBS e-mail teachers for help.

Nothing is more important than our Messiah’s Great Commission. If I have time in my busy schedule to teach by this method, then I am certain that you do, too. You can have as many students or as few as you want. It is really quite simple to be an Internet missionary.

The Holy Spirit and Miraculous Gifts

Posted by Roy on January 1, 1996 under Articles

INTRODUCTION

1. When you and I read the Bible we will know as much as can be known about spiritual gifts because all that can be known about them is found in the Bible.
2. We cannot fully comprehend all that is involved in these gifts because no one possesses them today.
3. Many think the Bible teaches that these gifts are available today, so they try to help God out by trying to manufacture these gifts.
4. These people are hindering the cause of Christ rather than helping. They are causing unbelief among thinking people. Many think these gifts and the Bible stand or fall together and since they see nothing they can come to grips with they dismiss the Bible as the word of God.
5. On the other hand there are those who deny the indwelling Spirit. Perhaps they think to admit to the indwelling Spirit would be to accept the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. This is not true.

WE NEED TO MAKE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE SPIRIT HIMSELF AND GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.
1. The Holy Spirit is a person. One of the three modes of being in the Godhead. “Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth . . .” (John 16:13).
2. The Spirit dwells in every obedient person. (Acts 5:32)
  1. Before Christ died the Spirit was in the world (Genesis 1:2) but did not in-dwell. The Spirit could not dwell in an unclean tabernacle. Man was separated from God because of sin and until the sin problem was solved man would remain so. (Isaiah 59:1-2; Hebrews 10:4, 9:13-15)
  2. Jesus said “He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: For the Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:38-39) After Jesus died man could have forgiveness of sins by obedience to the gospel (Romans 6:17-18) and at that time his body would become a temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19-20). Notice John 14:17 concerning the indwelling Spirit. “For He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.” Jesus is speaking of a new relationship. The Spirit has been beside you but He shall be inside you.
  3. The first gospel sermon preached after the death of Jesus is recorded in Acts chapter 2. In this sermon Peter told the people to “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” We cannot tell from this text whether or not he was speaking of the Spirit himself or gifts of the Spirit. But we can tell from other passages he was speaking of the Spirit as in chapter 5:32. Peter said, “and we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” (Acts 5:32)
  4. In Galatians 3:26-27 Paul tells us how to become children of God. And in chapter 4:6 he tells us what happens because we are sons. “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
  5. We have people who tell us God dwells in us through the Word. There is no passage that teaches this as far as I know. But there is a passage that tells us how God in-dwells. Paul said to the Ephesians “Ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22)
  6. When we think about the Spirit dwelling through the Word we must realize there is no difference in a man’s knowledge before and after baptism. We recognize a man’s body is not the temple of the Holy Spirit before baptism and we recognize it is after baptism. He must accept the Word before baptism or he is not scripturally baptized. We receive the Spirit at baptism (Galatians 3:26-27; 4:6) but we do not necessarily possess more of the Word. Therefore the indwelling of the Spirit is based on forgiveness of sins and not how much knowledge one possess of God’s Word.
3. What does the indwelling Spirit do?
  1. The realization that my body is a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in me serves as a restraint against the abuse of my body. Paul said to the Corinthians “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of THE HOLY GHOST which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
  2. The Spirit helps us bear fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. This is not your fruit but “the fruit of the Spirit.” Concerning love notice John 13:34-35; Romans 5:5.
  3. The Holy Spirit working in cooperation with our spirit enables us to put to death the deeds of the body. “If ye through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:13)
  4. The Spirit helps us in our prayer life. (Romans 8:26)
  5. The Holy Spirit is given as an earnest and a seal. (Ephesians 1:13-14) A seal indicates ownership. One of the functions of the Holy Spirit is to make actual the ownership of God in my life. (I Corinthians 6:19-20) An earnest is a pre-sample, plus a guarantee of something to come. What does that mean? I believe this has to do with the quality of life the Spirit enables me to live. The Holy Spirit has been given to enable me to live now the same quality of life that I will live hereafter in the eternity to come. (Romans 8:13; Hebrews 6:4b-5) That is an “earnest” or pre-sample. (Galatians 5:22-23)
  6. When we abuse our body, or do not produce the fruit of the Spirit, or fail to “put to death the deeds of the body”, or neglect our prayer life, or do not display the seal and earnest of our inheritance, we “grieve” and “quench” the Spirit of God. (Ephesians 4:30; I Thessalonians 5:19)
MIRACULOUS GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.
We have looked at the indwelling of the Spirit. Now let’s look at the gifts of the Spirit.
1. There are nine gifts of the Spirit listed in I Corinthians 12:8-10. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
2. How did a Christian receive these gifts?
  Through the laying on of the apostles hands! It is recorded in the 8th chapter of the book of Acts “that Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them” (verse 5). Verse 12 says, “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ ,they were baptized, both men and women.” According to what we have already learned they received the indwelling of the Spirit but not gifts of the Spirit. (Acts 2:38; 5:32)
  1. When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word they sent Peter and John that they might pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. “For as yet He was FALLEN UPON none of them.” There is a difference in indwelling and “falling upon.” We know from Acts 5:32 that they had already received the indwelling of the Spirit. Verse 17 says, “then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost.”
  2. And Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given. Why didn’t Philip lay his hands upon them to impart the Holy Spirit? Evidently only the apostles had this power. Verse 18 says, “and when Simon saw.” What did he see? Can you see the Holy Spirit? No! But you can see manifestations of the Spirit, such as speaking in a tongue or prophesying. I would conclude from this that the Samaritans received the indwelling Spirit at baptism and gifts of the Spirit through the laying on of the apostles hands. (Acts 19:1-6)
3. What was the purpose of these spiritual gifts?
  1. Revelation: Man needs a revelation from his Creator “It is not in man to direct his own steps;” therefore God gave the gifts of knowledge and wisdom. (Jeremiah 10:23)
  2. Proclamation: Man needed to proclaim the right message in the right language; therefore God gave the gifts of:
    1. “Prophecy” – the message.
    2. “Discerning of spirits” – the right message. (I John 4:1)
    3. “Interpretation of tongues” – the right language.
  3. Confirmation: Early Christians did not have the Bible as we do today. They had to prove that the revelation they had received and were proclaiming was from God. How would the audience know they were speaking God’s Word without miracles. (Acts 8:6) Therefore God gave the gifts of:
    1. Faith – I Corinthians 13:2.
    2. Healing – Acts 3:11.
    3. Miracles – Acts 13:11.
    4. Tongues – I Corinthians 14:22; Acts 2:1-5.
      “These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick; and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where the Lord working with them; and confirming the Word with signs following.” (Mark 16:17-20) “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” (Hebrews 2:3) “Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.” (Galatians 3:15)
4. How long were these miraculous spiritual gifts to last?
  To answer this we must look again at their purpose.
  Revelation, Proclamation, Confirmation.
  1. A complete revelation from God was given in the first century or during the life time of the apostles. In John 16:13, Jesus promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them into ALL TRUTH. That doesn’t leave any truth to be revealed. Jesus said in John 17:8, “I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them.” Paul said in Ephesians 3:3-5, “How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery as I wrote afore in few words. Whereby, when you read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”
    1. Paul said the Holy Spirit revealed the mystery unto him. He wrote it down and we can read it and understand it. Our faith is to be based upon the written Word (John 20:30-31). It is complete and final (II Timothy 3:16-17). This statement would take into consideration the concluding work of the then living apostles and prophets.
    2. Jude said “contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (verse 3). Not over and over again, not even twice but “ONCE”.
    3. Therefore, since we have a complete and final revelation from God, I would conclude that no one has the gift of “wisdom” and “knowledge” (miraculous) today. These gifts served their purpose and terminated in the first century.
  2. Proclamation: There are three gifts of the Spirit that fall into this category.
    1. Discerning of spirits. John said, “believe not every spirit. But try the spirits whether they are of God: Because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1) We do not need this gift today because we test a man’s message by the Bible. (Revelation 22:18, 19)
    2. Interpretation of tongues. Within 29 years after the church was established the gospel was preached in every nation to every creature. (Colossians 1:6, 23) The ability to translate the message of God into a man’s own language helped to make this possible. After this was accomplished this gift was no longer needed.
    3. Prophecy. “The speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God . . . it is the declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means.” (W.E. Vine, p. 221) With the completion of the canon of scripture prophecy passed away. In his measure the teacher has taken the place of the prophet. (I Corinthians 13:8, 9) Note the significant change in II Peter 2:1. The difference is that, whereas the message of the prophet was a direct revelation of the mind of God for the occasion, the message of the teacher is gathered from the completed revelation contained in the scriptures. (Notes on Thessalonians by Hogg and Vine, pp. 196, 197) Therefore this gift ceased with the completion of scripture in the first century.
  3. Confirmation: Men of God received a revelation from God and the abiltity to proclaim it; but they also needed to confirm it, so God gave the gifts of “FAITH” that could remove mountains (I Corinthians 13:2), the gift of “healing” (Acts 3:11), the ability to perform “miracles” (Acts 13:11), and the ability to speak in other “tongues” (languages) as a sign. (I Corinthians 14:22) All of these “gifts” were to back up or confirm the message they taught. Once the message was revealed, proclaimed, and confirmed, there was no further need for these gifts. The message was revealed, proclaimed, and confirmed in the first century. (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:3; Galatians 3:15) Unless a man has a new revelation from God there is no need for these gifts today. And if any man preaches a new message he is to be “accursed;” and he “hath not God.” (Galatians 1:7-8; II John 9)
HOW LONG WERE THESE MIRACULOUS SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO LAST?
Until “that which is perfect is come.” (I Corinthians 13:10)
1. In view of their purpose and the fact that that purpose has been fulfilled I would conclude that these gifts ceased with the death of the apostles and prophets and at the death of those on whom the apostles laid their hands to impart these gifts.
2. “Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (I Corinthians 13:8-10)
3. We notice here instead of bringing all nine gifts from chapter 12 to chapter 13 Paul only brings three, one from each category.
  1. Prophecies: Having to do with the proclamation of the Word.
  2. Tongues: Having to do with the confirmation of the Word.
  3. Knowledge: Having to do with the revelation of the Word.I understand this to be inclusive of all nine gifts.
4. We understand these gifts will cease when that which is “PERFECT” is come. What is that which is perfect? There are three views that I know of.
  1. LOVE.
    Some say love because of the dominating theme of the chapter. I am looking at this answer from a critical view and it doesn’t make sense. Did the apostle Paul not possess love? And did he not also possess these spiritual gifts? Many at that time possessed love and sprititual gifts. Love is the new commandment. (John 13:34-35) Without love we do not know God. (I John 4:7-8) Love is proof of our sonship and spiritual life. (I John 4:10-14)
    God was not waiting on an overwhelming of love to engulf them before He removed the spiritual gifts! But He was waiting on that which is “PERFECT.”
  2. CHRIST.
    Christ is perfect and some say that when Christ returns then these gifts will cease. We know this is not true by what follows. Some things are ceasing (spiritual gifts) and some things are remaining (faith, hope, and love – I Corinthians 13:13).
    1. The Corinthians were envious and jealous of each other over these gifts. Paul is saying you are desirous of something that is of a temporary nature. You should be seeking those things that abide: faith, hope, and love. If “that which is perfect” is Christ, then “spiritual gifts” faith and hope will cease at the same time. This would destroy Paul’s argument on the time differential between the two. What will happen to faith when Christ returns? It will become sight. (Hebrews 11:1; I John 3:lff)
    2. What will happen to hope when Christ returns? It will become realization. (Romans 8:24-25) Love is eternal!
    3. Besides there is no point in saying these gifts will cease when Christ returns. That is self evident. When Christ returns we will not be given the message but judged on the basis of what we did with the message. (John 12:48; Revelation 20:12).
    4. These miraculous gifts will cease. But faith, hope and love will continue until Christ returns.
  3. PERFECT KNOWLEDGE, COMPLETE REVELATION.
    Paul said, “We know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” That which is “in part” gives way to that which is complete. The things that were in part must balance with that which is complete. The things that were in part, the spiritual gifts, were used of the Lord to bring the revelation of His will to man. But when this revelation was committed to writing as it was in the first century, there remained no further purpose to be fulfilled by these gifts. Therefore, when the completed revelation, the Bible, came the things that were in part were abolished.
    1. Notice the amplified Bible on this text: “For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect). But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away, become antiquated, void, and superceded.”
    2. There are many scriptures that point out the perfection and completion of the scriptures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)
      1. There are some, before they would take the apostle seriously in this statement, would have him and his fellow apostles lay aside their pens at this point.
      2. I believe this statement (II Timothy 3:16-17) would be inclusive of the remaining work of the then living apostles and prophets. However, I believe it would be carrying it a bit too far to take on a second generation of apostles and prophets. The apostle John was privileged to put that final touch to the scriptures. (Revelation 22:18-21)
    3. There are some who apply Mark’s statement, “these signs shall follow them that believe,” to all believers. (Mark 16:17-20) If this passage applies to all believers then all believers perform miracles! If not, why not? I see three alternatives from Mark’s statement.
      1. I perform miracles.
      2. I do not believe.
      3. I admit Jesus was speaking to the apostles.I do believe! I do not perform miracles! I am forced to the conclusion He was speaking to the apostles. What is your conclusion?

CONCLUSION

1. To appreciate the indwelling Spirit we should read Romans 7:14-24, “man without the Spirit.” And Romans 8:1-18, “man with the Spirit.”
2. Some feel that because we do not have these “miraculous spiritual gifts” we have a sub-standard spiritual life. They feel this way because they do not really understand what the Christian possesses.
  1. When I was baptized into Jesus all of my sins were forgiven; God made me as though I had never sinned. (II Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:3-4)
  2. As I walk in the light His blood continues to cleanse me from sin. (I John 1:7)
  3. Over nineteen hundred years ago Jesus went to heaven to prepare a place for me. (John 14:1-3) And now reservations are made. (I Peter 1:3-5) It is “a place that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven” for me.
  4. He told me, if I would “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” I would not have to worry about food, shelter, and raiment, these would be supplied. (Matthew 6:33)
  5. He said, He would not allow me to be tempted above my strength. (I Corinthians 10:13) That He would never, never, never, leave me. (Hebrews 13:5)
  6. He said, if I continue to love Him He will work all things for my good. (Romans 8:28) I know all these things are true because of what Romans 8:32 says.
  7. The substandard spiritual life is seen in the one who would neglect these things and go back to those “childish things” that were needful in the infancy of the church. We need to act like men and put away childish things. (I Corinthians 13:11)
3. Miraculous spiritual gifts of I Corinthians 12:8-10 are no longer available. They have ceased. But the gospel still remains God’s power to save. (Romans 1:16) Will you not obey?

Our Purpose for Existence

Posted by Michael on May 10, 1992 under Articles

As people search for meaning in life there are three questions that they ask.

“Where did I come from?”
“Why am I here?”
“Where am I going?”

Everyone who has heard more than a few Bible sermons knows the answer to the first and third questions. Nearly every Christian should say, “We came from God,” and “We are going to Heaven.” When we ask various people what the answer is to the question, “Why are you here?”, we get many different answers.

We should occasionally take time to consider what our purpose is for being here. Let me share with you some things that help me get meaning out of life. Whether I am at home in the United States or living in Italy or working in South America, I have discovered there is a simple answer for the frequently asked question, “Why am I here?” Why am I getting up and going to work every day? Why am I searching for ways to be a better person? There is a very simple answer, but it is understood only after we discover our purpose for existence.

If we can find the best possible answer to this question “Why am I here?”, then we can live the best possible life.

Everything around us has a purpose. Most of us can quickly tell what the purpose is for most everything with which we come into contact. But when it comes to explaining our own purpose, for many it is a difficult, if not impossible, task.

Atheistic humanism claims that everything about us exists merely because of countless accidental evolutionary changes. If everything merely exists because of purposeless evolution, then the final product can have no meaningful purpose. If I am the product of an accident or series of accidents, then there would be no purpose except what I could make of my own life by my own power.

We live in a culture that has been greatly influenced by the consequences of evolutionary thought. Evolution denies a purpose greater than self. Where there is no purpose greater than self, we are forced to live only for ourselves. Therefore our culture says, “You deserve a break today.” “Look out for number 1.” “If it feels good, do it.” “It may cost a little more, but I’m worth it.” Advertisers have become rich by giving attention to this human tendency to put ourselves first.

There are many people in this world who have been tricked into believing their purpose in life is to be a “success.” Money is their goal. Accumulating the most things is important. Collecting the “most toys.” For some the goal is becoming the highest achiever. Becoming the most intelligent. Becoming the most beautiful. Finding the greatest pleasure.

None of these goals will provide an adequate answer to the question, “Why am I here?” We know people who make such things as success, beauty, money, or pleasure their primary motivating forces in life. If these worldly ambitions were desirable as primary goals, then those people who make them their purpose for existence would be the happiest people in the world.

But as you and I know, those people who never find some purpose for their life that is greater than self, are the world’s most miserable people. Failure to discover the intended purpose for existence will cause us to suffer from the destructive consequences brought on by self-centeredness.

The public schools fail to teach us a legitimate purpose for our existence. If we do not discover what our purpose for existence is, we will not be able to fulfill the purpose for which God intended when He created us. Those who are Christians are quick to reason that we exist for a purpose greater than self. Yet, can our acquaintances see that we live as if something besides ourselves is of the greatest importance to us? Do we appear to live by the world’s standards? Have you chosen a purpose that is worthy of your best efforts? Have you chosen a purpose that will bring you the greatest happiness?

Many people are searching for a life based upon something besides their own selfish desires. They try to choose to do what they should do rather than what they want to do. I believe that without guidance from the Scriptures people can never be sure what it is that they should do. So, let’s examine a few ideas from the Bible that will help us discover our purpose for existence.

Romans 8:28 tells us that God knows what our purpose is. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I believe that He has made our purpose clear in the Bible. He has revealed to us the answer to the question, “Why am I here?”

In Isaiah 43:7, we can learn that God created us for His glory. We learn in John, chapter 17, that Jesus lived to glorify God. We want to be like Jesus Christ, so we also should live such that our lives glorify God. We can correctly conclude that the purpose for our existence is to glorify God. But this is not the simple answer I said we can discover for the question “Why am I here?” For one might now ask, “How do I glorify God?”

Jesus makes it clear in John 4:34 that His purpose for being on the earth was to do the will of God. If we want to find the happiness that Jesus our Savior had, then we, too, must be committed to doing the will of God. When we do His will, God is glorified. So, “How do I glorify God?” — By doing His will.

By the way, no matter who you are, even if you are trying your best, it can be predicted that there will be times when you will fail to do God’s will. Nevertheless, God is glorified when we keep trying to do His will even after our failures.

As you know, most Americans believe it is improper to surrender their own wills and allow themselves to be placed under the control of someone else. Our culture teaches us to be independent. We think we can’t be independent as our forefathers meant for us to be if we give up ourselves and submit to another’s will. But, God knows what is best for us. As His creation, He knows what we need. We fulfill our purpose not by living first the way we want, but rather by living the way we should. God teaches us through the Bible the way we should live. He wants us to do His will, knowing that we will only find true happiness by serving Him.

Consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, `Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, `Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Then he who had received the one talent came and said, `Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ But his lord answered and said to him, `You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. There-fore you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

This story is about 3 servants. Two of them had discovered how to please their master through their service to him. One was unprofitable, not having learned how to serve or how to submit to the will of the master. Most of the problem seems to be related to the unprofitable servant’s failure to know his master, as shown in verses 24 & 25. We can acceptably serve God only by getting to know Him. We can please God only by discovering through His Word what He wants us to do and what He wants us to be.

So we can conclude that to please God and have a meaningful and happy life, we must live to serve God through doing His will to fulfill the purpose for our existence. Let me say that this is much too complicated an answer for the question, “Why am I here?”

Many honest people would now ask, “Why should I be interested in glorifying, pleasing, or serving God?” Most in our society would say, “What’s in it for me?” As we mature as Christians, we find the answer to the question, “What’s in it for me?”, to be of little importance. But God surely provides a simple answer to explain to the Christian and non-Christian alike why we would even consider serving Him.

When many of us became Christians we were acting out of fear. Frankly, we were afraid of going to Hell. This is not bad that our initial motivation was fear. People can be shaped by force through fear. Fear is probably necessary for the beginning of wisdom. But, fear of the wrath of God is not an adequate motivating force that can be sustained throughout a lifetime. Fear of failure will not properly motivate us to strive for Heaven. Eventually fear produces rebellion and alienation and frustration. Human nature resists and resents fear and force. People do not have to be controlled by fear and force. Christians, who do not mature beyond the stage of serving God out of fear, will not find the happiness which God has promised to those who serve Him.

The force which moves us away from fear and also provides us with a satisfactory answer to the question “why serve God?” is LOVE. Love is the only alternative to fear and force. I John 4:18 says, “Love casts out fear.”

Love doesn’t come naturally. We must learn how to love. After we learn how to love, then we will want to do what we ought to do in spite of our failures.

Hollywood has successfully sold the idea to many that the consequences of love are first pleasure and comfort. Society thinks that if it isn’t pleasurable and painless to self, then it can’t be love. Reason teaches us that love for another cannot be justified only by personal want, or be based on selfish desires.

So, what really is love?

Jesus answered this question beautifully in the parable of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25ff.)

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “Jesus said to him, `What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?'”

“So the lawyer answered and said, `You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and `your neighbor as yourself.'”

“And Jesus said to him, `You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.'” (Many people, like this lawyer, have chosen to try to love God without getting involved with anyone else.)

Luke 10:29, “But the lawyer, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, `And who is my neighbor?'” (People were always trying to get our Savior distracted from teaching about the two main themes of each of His lessons: Love God and love others, which Jesus called the greatest and second greatest commandments in Matt. 22:37-40.)

Luke 10:30-37: Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And the lawyer said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Note in verse 37 that the Samaritan fulfilled the command of “Love thy neighbor as thyself” when he “showed mercy.” He demonstrated his love. Which do you think God considers more important: what we think and say or what we do? We can prove our love only by our actions.

Would my wife be pleased if every day I said, “I love you,” but every day I also hit her? Our actions show whether we really love someone or not. Attending every worship service is important, but your presence here does not prove to me or to God or to anyone else that you love God, though we sometimes try to fool ourselves into thinking so. God cannot be pleased by formal worship alone, today, any more than He was with the Jews when He said, “I have had enough of your worship,” as in Isaiah 1:11. It is all meaningless unless we love God enough to serve Him.

In Matthew 21:28-30, Jesus said, “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, `Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, `I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then the father came to the second and said likewise. And the son answered and said, `I go, sir,’ but he did not go.”

The first son demonstrated his love by his actions. The second son gave lip service without doing anything to please his father. We must be careful or we will think that through our worship services we are serving God, when it may be nothing but lip service from God’s point of view.

We must learn to want to serve God because of our love for Him. Now, a question that deserves an answer is, “Why love God?” Why do you love God? Why should others love God?

Here is the best answer that I can think of. “For God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son, that if you believe in Him you should not perish but have everlasting life.” In Romans 5:8 we read, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I love God because He first loved me. He has not merely claimed to love us, but He has proved His love for us. When I recognize the love God has for me, I cannot but respond with love in return.

The most remarkable thing about God’s love is that it is totally unconditional. The Bible teaches me that no matter what I am or what I do in this life, I know that God will love me. I cannot help but respond to this. This sort of love makes me want to serve God. It makes me want to please God. It makes me want to glorify God. I don’t have to be forced to do the things that I should.

The simplest answer to the question I asked at the beginning of the lesson, “Why am I here?” — is that I was created to love. I can find no simpler answer to the search for my purpose for existence. Without love, “I am nothing,” Paul wrote in I Corinthians 13:2.

Now that we have established that love is our purpose for existence, we must learn to love the way we should. Make love your goal. I Corinthians 14:1 says, “Make love your aim.” We must make all other goals of lesser significance in our lives.

“If you love me, keep my commandments,” Jesus tells us in John 14:15. We have likely all been guilty at some point in our lives of trying to keep the commandments as if they were the principle concept in this verse. Jesus is telling us that obedience will be the result of our love. Love will not be the result of our obedience. We prove our love by our actions. But we cannot offer our actions as proof of our love.

When we get the order of things reversed in John 14:15, we get our goals and our rewards confused. If love is our primary goal, then we can’t make going to Heaven our purpose. We must get our perspective straight — Heaven is our reward. Learn to serve God because you love God. Because He loves you.

In Colossians 3:23 & 24 we read, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Let us mature beyond the idea that we are serving God so that we can go to Heaven. Understand that your goal is different from your reward. Out of love, learn to want to serve God even as if it doesn’t matter whether Heaven exists or not.

To help you understand this better, let me tell you about two choices I have as a physician. I could choose to be like some doctors I know and get my goal and my reward confused. Have you ever been to a doctor like that? When he works primarily because of the reward, he is leaving out the service. This doctor fails to serve his patient because his goal only is to make a buck. Rather than serving patients, he is serving himself. The patient actually becomes a burden, when God meant for this to be a blessing. He has to see patients because his primary goal is to make money. He becomes a slave to his work because he sees it as the only way to get rich. The stress becomes unreal because he can never make enough money to serve that kind of goal.

The alternative is to choose to become the kind of doctor that the Bible indicates God wants me to be. Based on Christian principles, I can make it my goal to serve patients and as a reward I receive payment. I don’t go to work just to make money. You shouldn’t either. Greater happiness is found by going to work in order to serve God by serving others. Trust God to provide the reward.

Now consider the Christian who is serving God with the primary goal of going to Heaven. This might be okay in the early stages of Christian development. But as we mature, we need to recognize that Heaven is merely our reward — a reward which God provides. We will never be good enough to deserve it. We cannot work hard enough to earn it. Because of God’s love, He will reward those who love Him.

We get a taste of this reward even here on earth. In John 10:10, Jesus told us that as His disciples we can have life and have it abundantly. Sometimes it is hard to remember that the abundant life is not sometime in the future or somewhere else; the Biblical attitude is to understand that the abundant life is right here, right now. God promises to bless us today.

If we focus on the purpose for our existence, we will understand that our goal must be to love God and to love others. The Bible makes it very clear that we demonstrate our love for God when we are serving God. I believe the Bible also shows that we serve God only when we are serving others. If you love God, you will be serving others.

In Matthew 4:10, Jesus Christ said, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” If we are to serve only God, then how can we be serving our fellow man? Because, when we, out of love, serve those in need, we are serving God.

Note a commonly quoted passage from I John 1:7, “If we walk in the light . . .” How do we know if we are in the light? The answer is in I John 2:10, “He who loves his brother abides in the light . . .”

Numerous passages in I John teach us that loving God affects how we love others. Keep in mind that the only God many others will see is the God others see through you. God’s love will be felt by many only through the love they feel from you.

We must love unconditionally if we are going to show others how God loves them. We must have agape love — sacrificial love, self-denying love, submissive love, yielding love. This will truly allow people to see Christ living in us. Do they know we are Christians by our love? If not, we are not loving enough.

Don’t think in any way that I am suggesting that doctrine is not important. Why do we tend to think that to have the kind of love we hope for that we must compromise our doctrine? Why do we tend to think that to have the kind of doctrine we know is necessary that we must suppress our love? Jesus came and showed us how to have perfect love and perfect doctrine, both at the same time.

I challenge us to be a people who strive to love others unconditionally and to uncompromisingly uphold the truths found in the doctrine of the New Testament. Matthew 22:40 indicates that all the doctrine hangs on love. Love cannot be separated from doctrine without destroying them both. Galatians 5:14 teaches us that all God’s commands are fulfilled by love.

Men and women who pursue happiness, without discovering that they exist only to love God and others, find nothing but emptiness. If you have been seeking the wrong goals, there is time to change. Though change can be painful at first, when we seek to glorify, serve, please, and love God, He can provide a peace that surpasses all understanding. Let God fill the void that is in your life.

If you have never surrendered to God’s will, He requires that after you believe that Jesus is who He said He is, you must turn from your sinful ways that lead to destruction. Then you must be buried in water as Jesus was buried in the grave. Then as Christ was raised up without the sin for which He died, so, too, will you become a new creature having God’s forgiveness.

If you have obeyed the Gospel, but now find yourself back in the realm of the lost, remember that God loves you no matter what your sin. He will forgive you if you repent and ask for His forgiveness. He promises we can have an abundant life even before we get to Heaven. The rewards start now. Don’t let another day go by without pleasing your Creator.

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