Category: Subject Index

No one can earn his salvation for only sinless perfection would merit such a reward. The very first sin one commits makes it forever absolutely impossible for him to earn his salvation. A hundred good works cannot alone wash away a single sin. The grace of God, however, appears to all men as an offer of mercy washed in the blood of His own dear Son. Attention to the commands of the New Testament does not earn one his salvation but brings him into contact with the free gift he could never merit on his own (Romans 6:23).

Yes, God’s wants people to enjoy this life, from the young to the old. We need to remember, though, that there is a judgment coming for all of us, and God has a reason for that (Eccl. 11:9-10; Rom. 2:16; 2 Cor. 5:10; etc.)! God’s rules have reasons, and it is high time that we respect His laws and follow them. How much better this world would be, both physically and spiritually, if we simply followed the Lord’s will.

We hear today (as in ancient times) of those who moan from being “restricted” by God’s law, of being burdened by precepts too heavy to be borne, of “kicking against the goad.” The law is seen as interfering with “freedom,” as too narrow, as too demanding, as too unloving, as onerous.

I find it interesting that as the call to tolerance, understanding and compromise increases, God’s people become ever more splintered by false doctrines and “new things.” It seems that today about the only “intolerable” thing is to be intolerant. While some may disagree on doctrine and practice, they will still accept and praise one another so long as they themselves are tolerated. We need less toleration for error, not more. We need militance, not compromise. We need a true love for the souls of men which leads to the condemnation of sin, not sugary sweet tolerance “lest we offend.”

Christians must regard no individual, publication or institution as perfect or a reliable defender of the truth. By doing all these, Christians will progress beyond the present sad state of division and carnality which characterizes our communication with others.

How often are we like Peter, in boasting of our love for the Lord, but not carrying through in our actions? Remember that even when we fail, Jesus can turn us around, if we are willing, to be of service in the kingdom. Many of the world’s hardest characters have been transformed by His love. If you have forsaken the Lord, its never too late to return to Him. He has a purpose for you in the kingdom, too.

Let none think that because we declare what the Lord said–“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”–that we are denying that salvation is by grace through faith [Ephesians 2:8, 9]. We are not.

Christianity is a system of extreme devotion to God and His truth, to the Savior and His gospel, to the Holy Spirit and His revelation (Mark 8:36-38). Therefore, let us “Test [prove] all things; hold fast that which is good,” and challenge others to do the same (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

In spite of what has been in the past, today is a new day. Use it to serve God. Discouragement will come. What will it make of you? Please remember Paul’s view of all such affliction: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Deal with discouragement properly. Let it have its proper “work” with you.

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s character does not vary on this point: there are numerous examples of God’s love and mercy, and yet He never loses sight of justice. And when we get to the New Testament, we find that God is still concerned with justice; He does not ignore the problem of sin.

Charts: Lesson 6 (Divorce, Remarriage and Fellowship)

A myth has been promoted in many areas about God’s teaching on marriage, divorce and remarriage (mdr) that it is too difficult to understand, that there is a lack of clarity concerning it, and that there are so many divergent views none can be sure about the actual truth. This is fallacious and a charge against the integrity of the inspired message of God. The Holy Spirit speaks to reveal, not conceal; to edify, not confuse; to unify, not divide. God has revealed the whole truth (Jn. 14; 16); it is understandable (Eph. 3:4; John 8:32), and we are foolish if we don’t understand it (Eph. 5:17).

Charts of Lesson 5: Is Doctrinal Unity Possible?

What saith the scriptures? For generations, we have approached our denominational neighbors with the intent of sharing New Testament Christianity with them. As we have surveyed the division that is characteristic both philosophically and practically of sectarianism, we have told them of a better way. We refer to the unity that is in Christ, manifest by the Spirit, and guided by the inspired message (Eph. 4:1-6). We are not the first to believe and work for doctrinal unity based upon faith in Jesus Christ and the finality of scripture as the supreme court of our faith and practice.

Charts for Lesson 4: Understanding Christ and the Church (Gospel and Doctrine)

There are efforts that seek to separate Christ from the church; gospel from doctrine. Though often discussed separately, both of these attacks on our subjects have their root in the same error: a rejection of Christ’s authority and a desire to practice lawlessness (Mt. 7:15-23).

Charts: Lesson two. Romans 14 and Fellowship with Sin.

Our text to be analyzed, Romans 14:1-15:7, beautifully sets forth the parameters of our liberties in Christ. Counter-balancing between the tendency to bind where God has not bound and giving license to sin, this passage advocates fellowship through the respect of each brother’s liberties. Without the truth of these verses, Christians will be hopelessly splintered in as many pieces as there are opinions or else be invaded by sinful doctrine and practices.

1. UNIVERSAL NEED OF GRACE (Never Tire of Preaching It!) Perfect Law-keeping Cannot Save Jew or Gentile: “All have sinned” Introduction to Gospel of Grace:…

So far as the churches of Christ are concerned, the fundamental teaching of truth during the Restoration Movement was so effective (cf: “The Scheme of Redemption,” by Robert Milligan) that it eradicated practically every vestige of Calvinism among Christians. From the early 1800’s until our generation, classic Calvinism (Tulip) has been recognized as the error it is and has not been a source of internal strife (must less a cause of division) within local congregations. However, history will record that it has become the task of our generation to combat these errors again.