October 2000

Know Your Bible October 2000

This Bulletin And You

This issue of "Know Your Bible", marks ten years of publication. This paper is exclusively the work of the Lord's church in Wise, Va.; it is not a co-operative effort of two or more churches. We assume full responsibility both financially, and for its contents. It is sent FREE to any one who desires it. This paper represents one of the efforts put forth by this church to spread the gospel of Christ. This is its purpose! It is used as a teaching medium, and we believe this is the only way that the time, expense, and energy expended in publishing a paper of this kind can be scripturally justified.

We believe that much good has been done by this paper over the years it has been published. A number of letters and cards are on file that have been received commending the bulletin. However, we think it only fair to say that we have received some mail that was not complimentary of the bulletin.

You have been receiving this bulletin either because you have requested it or because some true and interested friend of yours thought you would profit by reading it. Should you decide you do not want to receive it just drop us a card or letter asking that your name be removed from our mailing list, and it will be removed. We have no desire to force this paper on anyone.

We certainly have no desire to teach anything but the truth of God's word. From time to time you may read something in this paper with which you disagree. If you wish to write an article refuting the teaching of any article carried in this bulletin, we will be happy to give you equal space for your reply. We believe in maintaining an open pulpit policy, that the things written in this paper may be tested by God's word. We want the truth, for that is the only thing that will save our souls. (John 8:32; 1 Peter 1:22)

It is our sincere desire to do good, and only good, by teaching the truth and condemning error.

—E.R. Hall, Jr., editor

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Reactions To The Truth

In the Bible we see different reactions to the truth. We would like to think that all people's reactions would be to ACCEPT truth and, indeed, we read of those who did. Those three thousand Jews on the day of Pentecost did. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41). Yet, this is not the reaction found throughout the Scriptures.

When some heard the truth, they DELAYED. Such was the case when Paul preached the truth to Felix. "And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." (Acts 24:25).

Yet, there were those who outright DECLINED and IGNORED the truth. After Jesus told the rich young ruler what to do to have eternal life, the Scriptures reveal: "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." (Matthew 19:22). When Agrippa heard the truth preached to him, he said to Paul, "...Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:28).

As if it is not bad enough to delay, decline, and ignore the truth, we find where some were ANGERED and HATED the truth. Paul asked the Christians in Colossie "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" (Galatians 4:16).

Some even set themselves up to OPPOSE the truth. "And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith." (Acts 13:6-8)

WHAT ABOUT YOU? What is your reaction to the truth revealed in these verses? "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21). "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16). "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25).

—E.R. Hall, Jr.

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Is Everyone Going To Be Saved?

The idea of judging others is not very receptive to the mind of man. The basis of judging can many times be very harsh and unwarranted. Judging can be from motives of prejudice, ignorance and hatred. Jesus warned His disciples, "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37) From this passage many find solace in not having to pass judgment upon others. Religious tolerance is founded upon this principle. However, the teaching of Jesus in this passage does not hold for religious tolerance of all beliefs and practices.

The type of judging forbidden by Christ is that which is based upon rash, unkind and unloving dispositions of condemnation based upon preconceived notions or ideals. He commends His disciples to "not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24) How can we judge with righteous judgment? Righteous judgment is judgment which is based upon the righteousness of God and His will. Jesus teaches His disciples in Matthew 7:15-20 to judge men by their fruits. Men who were false teachers would be judged by their fruits in accordance with the word of God.

Judging others is to be based upon a comparison of God's word and their lives. This will help us understand the answer to the question, "Is everyone going to be saved?" People feel uncomfortable in seeking an answer to this question yet the Lord tells us very plainly most people will be lost. "Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." (Luke13:23,24). His judgment was based upon the righteous judgment of His Father.

Can judgments be made about different beliefs and systems of faith? Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." If I believe this statement to be truth, I must believe that anyone who does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God will be lost. Does a Buddhist believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Do those of the Islamic faith proclaim Jesus to be the Son of God? What view does a Jew have of Jesus? What is the view of Jesus from the standpoint of the Hindu or the Confucianist? Can a judgment be made of these faiths?

None of these religions teach that Jesus is the only way to the Father. A judgment can then be made that anyone who does not believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, cannot be saved! Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." An agnostic will not confess this no more than an atheist. Will everyone be saved? No!

If a judgment can be made of those who reject Jesus as being the Son of God, what will become of those who do not abide in His word? Again, Jesus makes this statement: "But why do you call Me `Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46) There are many faiths and beliefs that say they follow Christ. Jesus said that many religious people will be lost! (Matthew 7:21-23) Not everyone will be saved, even of those who profess Jesus to be the Christ. Only those who obey the will of the Father-not the will of Conventions, Papal decrees, Synods, Temples or such like-will be saved. It makes a difference and judgment must be made in accordance with the will and the word of God.

---Kent E. Heaton Sr.

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Extended Viewing Area
For "Know Your Bible" TV Program

If You Live In Wise, Dickenson, and Lee Counties
You Can Watch On Adelphia Cable Channel 37.

If You Live In Russell County
You Can Watch On Charter Cable Channel 18 and 99.

If You Live In Damascus, Va. and Mountain City, Tn.
You Can Watch On Charter Cable Channel 13.

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