UNITY AMONG BRETHREN
Connie W. Adams, Akron, Ohio
For several years now the ecumenical spirit has increasingly penetrated the religious atmosphere. From the foundation of the YMCA in 1878, theYWCA in 1894 and the World's Student Christian Federation in 1895, the movement to merge denominational bodies into cooperative efforts to meet thesocial problems which press upon churches has beengaining momentum. In 1937 in conferences at Oxford and Edinburgh it was decided to merge the Universal Christian Council for Life and Work with the World Conference on Faith. This resulted in the World Council of Churches in 1948. This organization worked to promote ecumenical education, worship and cooperation among different denominations.
This effort has expanded in an attempt to uniteProtestant and Eastern Orthodox churches of the world. A number of significant mergers have already taken place. Even the Roman Catholic Church hasbeen holding out the olive branch and has invited prominent church leaders outside her own fold to sit in as spectators at some of her solemn deliberations.
For some time now Carl F. H. Henry, of Christianity Today, has been working to br ing aboutcloser cooperation among evangelical bodies. BillyGraham has been in on these efforts and some of our own brethren have attended conferences in Berlin and Washington to learn from the denominationalleaders of the evangelical churches.
While a number of mergers have taken place, and there is closer cooperation between some church groups, the "unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:1-3) has not been realized. Compromises have been made, doctrinal distinctions have been minimized or else ignored, and the whole structure is bound together by something other than the "one faith" (Eph. 4:4-5).
Universally, the church is described as one. It has only one head, Jesus Christ (Col. 1:18). It is called a kingdom (Col. 1:13); a body (Eph. 1:22-23); afamily (Eph. 3:15; I Tim. 3:11) and the bride ofChrist (Eph. 5:22,32). Locally, it is an assembly, acongregation overseen by elders (Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:1; I Pet. 5:1-3), served by deacons and in which all are saints (Phil. 1:1). It has no party name, nodenominational creed or law, being under law to Christ who has given "the perfect law of liberty" (Jas. 1:25) containing "all things that pertain untolife and godliness" (II Pet. 1:3). It has no denominational organization or machinery. It engages in uncorrupted worship in "spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). It makes no entangling alliances and has noright to lose its separate identity in any movementwhether politically, economically or socially motivated. (II Cor. 6:14-18). It recognizes God's word as the last word, as "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). Within the framework of "the faith" all may speak the same things and be of thesame mind and judgment (I Cor. 1:10). Upon noother foundation is there hope of unity with Godexcept upon the one God, one Lord, one faith, onebaptism, one body, one hope and one Spirit (Eph. 4:4-6).
Any defection from the simple identifying marks of the body of Christ is regarded by the Lord as sinful. Factions, divisions and parties are works of theflesh and they who practice such shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven (Gal. 5:19-21). Those who obey not the truth, being factious, shall receive the wrath and indignation of God (Rom. 2:8). Jealousy and faction belong in the realm of the devilish and are followed by every evil deed (Jas. 3:13,18). False teachers with destructive heresies shall be condemned (II Pet. 2:1-2).
T he faithful Chr istian's attitude toward such as promote the foregoing is clearly spelled out. We are to "mark" and "avoid" those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine of Christ (Rom. 16:17-18). One who comes bringing any such doctrine is not to be received nor bidden God's speed (II John 9-11). We are to first admonish, and then refuse heretics (Tit. 3:10-11). John said some "went out from us" because "they were not of us" (I John 2:19). Paul said "there must be also heresies among you, thatthey which are approved may be made manifest among you" (I Cor. 11:19).
It is a lamentable fact that divisions have arisen among the people of God in recent years. These have centered in the work of the church, involving church subsidy of benevolent organizations, sponsored programs in which many churches pool funds under a single eldership, and church supported social andrecreational activities. There have at times been pressures for church support of evangelistic organizations and for schools. In community after com
Page 2 ___________
munity sad and jarring divisions have taken placeBrethren of diverse sentiments could no more walk together for they were no longer agreed. Every sincere child of God has been deeply concerned over such divisions and would give anything to see them settled and brethren once more working together inpeace and harmony
Great progress was made before the projects in question became so common. Reports of conversions,of congregations started and of great progress can be traced from the news and notes columns' of such papers as the Gospel Advocate and Firm Foundation during the 20's, 30's and 40's, before the present deluge of campaigns, sponsoring churches, and multiplication of institutions was off the ground. Compare the records of those years with those now, andthen consider the hundreds and even thousands of divided congregations which now are a forlorn fact.
W. W. Otey wrote me once that in 1908 when the division was about finalized with the Christian Church folks, there were less than 100 gospel preachers in the country who did not go with the innovations. Yet consider the rapid growth and progress even duringthe depression years without all the machinery over which brethren have divided.
In February of this year twenty-six brethren of diverse views met in Arlington, Texas to discuss differences and seek to find the way to unity. I am gladbrethren who differed could sit down together without bitter recriminations and discuss their differences and seek to understand each other. I have written or talked with some who were present whofeel that good was done. I have read the reports of some who were present. The Christian Chronicle reported that this might lead the way to settling thecooperation controversy. The reporter revealed that he did not have a clear-cut idea as to what the real issues are as far as conservative-minded brethren are concerned. One brother who is a conservative came home with what appears to be stars in his eyes.He expressed some sentiments which I, for one, cannot share. I believe there is a need for a word of caution.
The division never would have happened if all
brethren had worked within the framework of divine
law. We can have unity when those who have intro
duced the divisive practices and doctrines lay the
down and come back to the New Testament. I am
willing to meet, talk, debate, study with my brethren
whom I regard as in error, but there is not one parti
cle of New Testament truth which I am willing to
relinquish to them. If they can find Bible authority
for church contributions to private institutions,
whether evangelistic, benevolent or edificational,
then I, for one, will cease my opposition to these
practices. Thus .we can have unity. Or, they can put
these things on a private enterprise basis to be sup
ported by principles of business and individual dona
tions, and there can be peace. They can either pro
duce scripture for the church supported recreation
and welfare projects of the social gospel movement,
or else give them up. Find scripture for the sponsor
ing church or give it up, and we can have unity
One brother says he apologizes for calling certain ones "liberal" and "unsound." I can offer no such apology. In his tract "Questions and I
ues of the
Page 3
2:1). Read their bulletins. Consider their misuse of Bible terms and free use of the language of the denominational divinity houses. Then ponder I Tim. 6:3-5 about "wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godline
."
Certainly there have been extremes on both sides of the controversy. Perhaps some have been prone to label before listening, to boycott before properly trying to understand what the other fellow was tryingto say. That bitterness has shown itself is beyondispute. All right thinking brethren recognize this. But that does not change the fact that practices have been brought in which are not authorized, and conscientious brethren either had to compromise their honest convictions or get out and start over. Wecould have had unity with the Christian Church if we had accepted their boards and conclaves unknown to the New Testament, their instrumental musicand their fraternization with the denominations.
I believe the bulk of the conservative brethren (to use Brother Baxter's own term) would welcomeunity on the basis of the Bible. But let me ask some of the dreamers if they really for one rational moment think that the Highland elders are going to stoptheir begging campaigns, or that Broadway is goingto give up its Campus Evangelism ecclesiastical machine, or that the boards of the benevolent homes are going to stop soliciting and accepting funds from churches? Do you really and truly think so? Certainly, there will be some good, honest brethren all along who will awaken and leave it to come back tothe truth, like Floyd Decker and E. C. Koltenbah and others left the Christian Church. If anyone thinks for one star-struck moment that the (pardon me)liberals are coming back in mass once they havtasted the heady wine of human wisdom, all I can say is he is a mighty poor student of history.
— 303 Selden Ave.
In the March, 1968 i
ue of Sentinel Of Truth, page7, under "Personal From The Editor," Charles Holtgives a premature and presumptuous report of an agreement with me for a discussion through thepages of Searching The Scriptures. I have written him regarding this matter, and I intend to keep our personal correspondence out of this paper if at allpo
ible. This was our agreement when we talked at Florida College last January and I hope to keep ithat way. His report, however, makes it necessaryto set the record straight regarding the discussion of which he speaks
In the editorial of the January, 1968 i
ue ofSearching The Scriptures I said in reference to a written discussion in this paper: "So far as I am concerned the best way to have an exchange would beto agree upon propositions and the number of articles to write and have the discussion put in book form.A written exchange in Searching The Scriptureswould consume more space than I have available atpresent. However, if propositions that state the i
ue between us could be agreed upon, I shall be happy totry to arrange a written discu
ion through the pages of Sentinel Of Truth and Searching The Scriptures."This must be the basis for his report that I hadagreed to a written discussion through the pages of this paper. T he most that could be said for my"agreement" to the discussion in this paper was:"However, if propositions that state the i
ue between us could be agreed upon, I shall be happy totry to arrange a written discu
ion through the pages of Sentinel Of Truth and Searching The Scriptures."
I talked with Charles Holt twice during the lectures at Florida College in January. During the first conversation we talked about propositions and a written discu
ion in both papers. I told him at that time that I had asked several men to write for the paper and did not want to let a discu
ion on this subject dominate most of the space in the paper over a period of several months. As I recall, we parted with agreement to correspond about the matter. Nothing wasagreed upon and nothing was decided regarding awritten debate in this paper.
During the evening of January 24 (the same daywe had the first discussion) I gave some careful consideration to using most of the paper for several months to discuss these theories of Sentinel Of Truth. I decided to talk with Charles again the nextday and see if arrangements could be made to have a written discussion to be published in book form. The next day I told him that I did not want to push these men whom I had asked to write off the paper for several months to discuss these matters. I suggested again that we agree on propositions, number and length of articles and publish them in book form. I understood Charles to agree to this. Whether he misunderstood me or not, I do not know. At any rate
Page 4
we agreed to correspond in making final arrangements. T hat is the last I heard from him.
I suggested to Charles that our personal correspondence should not be spread over the pages of both papers. He agreed to this as the best way to deawith the matter, at least before we rush into print with personal matters. I promised him I would not do so, and I intend to keep that promise. He can do as he pleases in Sentinel Of Truth. I have written him personally about this matter and this reply is not apart of that letter. I am here responding to his published report of a discu
ion with me.
"DISCUSSION WITH H. E. PHILLIPS"
I wish to set forth the following facts as clearly as I can. First, I am not averse to a discu
ion with Charles A. Holt on his theories on the "Church" and the "Eldership" (if I can find out what they are; hehas nothing to affirm, he just wants to oppose). have stated my preference to a written discu
ion to be put in book form. I am not going to be stampededinto converting Searching The Scriptures into anavenue through which Charles Holt or anyone else can propagate their theories while pushing othermatters aside. This does not mean that the pages of this paper are not open to anyone who opposes anything taught by any of the writers any time. I just mean that I am not going to turn over half or two-thirds of this paper for several months to a discussion of this kind. Sentinel Of Truth was created to oppose what is called "organized religion", "church of Christ" and "the Eldership" and nearly everyi
ue has been filled with this theme. A written discu
ion on this subject through the pages of Sentinel Of Truth would in no way change its style and purpose.
Second, Charles does not want a definite proposition, but one "with only the subject understood." This is one of the main differences between us now. He claims that I do not know what he teaches — do not understand the subject — yet he wants to discuss "with only the subject understood." I wrote in theJanuary i
ue of Searching The Scriptures: "I am not in the least interested in discu
ing an ambiguous proposition that does not clearly state what the real difference between us is." This would turn him loose to argue about abuses and double meanings of terms without ever getting to the real i
ue. It would also give him rope enough to evade any definite position on the subject
In his report he gives me all the more reason for insisting upon a definite proposition. He says, "Why argue over the wording and details of a proposition ? There are especially two subjects of great interest. One is the church — is there a definite, organic entity, an organization or institution, a functionalunit, with life, identity, and work of its own, knownas 'the local church ?' Does it have character, entityand work separate and apart from that of the disciples themselves as individuals? Phillips believes, teaches and practices this concept." (Sentinel Of Truth, March, 1968, page 7). You see, Holt knows exactly what I believe, teach and practice, but I do not know what he believes, teaches and practices. The above is verbose, ambiguous and misleading. I told Char les I would affirm the following simple proposition: The New Testament teaches that the ekklesia of Christ is an organized functional entity." This is exactly what I believe the NewTestament teaches about the ekklesia of Chr ist.
Third, Charles Holt insists that it is my positionthat is under dispute. He did this in our conversation at Florida College last January. He contends that he has a negative position with reference to this mat-ter. He says, "and I doubt that there is anyway that I could state what I believe about the church so that he would deny it." Does Charles believe that I am in agreement with all his views on the church of the Lord ? Is he saying that I am in agreement with him but he is not in agreement with me? Is it po
ible that Charles cannot state what he believes affirmatively about the church ofChrist or the "eldership" because he does not reallyknow what he believes?
Fourth, Charles is reluctant to write a definite proposition on the second subject — "The Eldership." In our last personal conversation he told me that he could not state an affirmative proposition that I would deny on this subject. Well, let him try.He certainly knows what he believes, or at least he says he does. I again insist that I do not intend to enter a discussion based upon a vague, wordy, ambiguous proposition.
The editor of Sentinel Of Truth needs to get his facts straight and plans definite before he rushes into print with an announcement of a discu
ion with me through the pages of Searching The Scriptures. I have no personal feeling against Charles Holt; 1 love him. I am sorry that he has left the faith and gone after strange doctrines. Iam sorry that his ability is now being used todestroy that which he once preached. I pray that in some way he may come to himself and againproclaim the riches of the gospel as he once did.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO RELIGION?
Every reader of this journal who has made even a casual investigation of the conditions in the world of religion knows that great and important changesare being made. There is a dissatisfaction on the part of millions against established denominations, bothCatholic and Protestant, that has resulted in a drop in attendance and a loss of inter est almost unparalleled in our time. The decade that followed World War II saw a surge of interest and concern inreligion that resulted in church buildings, expanded programs and an upsurge in concern about God and his word. The church of the Lord felt this rise of interest and made substantial progress.
In the year 1958 this trend began to reverse itself. This reversal was first marked by a decline in"church" attendance and was soon followed by outright cries against all established religions. The Roman Catholics felt this unrest and the late PopeJohn XXIII tried to head off the liberal elements within Catholic ranks by calling a world wide council only to die before it was finished. Pope Paul VI has tried to hold to the old positions and has givenlittle encouragements to the liberal elements. The Protestants if anything are in worse condition.Creeds are crumbling and old standards are falling. Protestant teachers, such as Thomas Altier, havegone so far as to say, "God is Dead." Attendance in all religions is now less than half of the population.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
The question that should concern every Christian is, what is happening and how will this affect thechurch of the Lord ? It must be answered in two parts for it is a two part question. In the first place thethings that concer n the Catholics most in or der ar e, first, birth control, Papal infallibility, celibacy andpriest intervention. I marvel that the Catholic world has not been disturbed about these things before now, f or not one of them is taught in the wor d of God. They should be concerned about them. It is regr etable that they have not been studying thesethings all along instead of following blindly the dictates of the council and the Pope. They are man made rules and not one of these things should disturb asingle Christian on earth. Those who want to knowwhat the New T estament teaches about the r elation between man and wife should read the seventh chapter of Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. For the answer to Papal infallibility read Paul's statements about Peter in Galatians 2:11-12. The doctrine of celibacy is simply a rule against the priests and others in various catholic orders marrying. This haslong been a thorn in the side of men and women who sought to serve their faith. In a recent survey in the "National Catholic Reporter" Joseph Fichter polled5,862 priests for their views on celibacy. Of this number 31 % said they would marry if the rules were changed and 62% said they thought the priests should have a right to marry if they desired. If they had just read I Timothy 4:3 they would have knownthat celibacy was a part of the false religion Paullists to young Timothy. As for the middle man inr eligion and the objections to priest inter vention asimple study of the scriptures will reveal that we are priests ourselves (I Peter 2:9) and that there is but one mediator (I Timothy 2:5).
NOT TO TROUBLE CHRISTIANS
T he thing that tr oubles me is that all of this unr est in religion will have an averse effect on the youngpeople in the church of the Lord. It must not be true now or in the future. None of these practices are apart of the true religion of Christ. The Roman church is in serious trouble. There can be no doubt of this to any thinking person, but it is the old, old story. T he trouble is caused, not by what they find in the scriptures, but over the things they cannot find. Let the young men in the Roman Catholic church examine all of these matters that trouble them. It is myhope and prayer that they will consider not onlybirth control, infallibility, celibacy and priest intervention, but the entire scope of the teaching andpractice of Catholicism in the light of the Bible andreturn to the New Testament and to the church for which Jesus died. I only mar vel that this unr est has been so long in coming. Next month we will look into the things that are troubling the Protestants.
"We continue to receive much good from Searching The Scriptures and believe that it is serving amost useful and effective purpose in pr esenting truth and opposing error."— Bobby Witherington, Louisville, Ky.
"We enjoy the good articles and pray you may beable to continue the good work."— Glenn L. Shaver, Pocahontas, Ar k.
"I continue to enjoy Searching The Scriptures."
— Frank Thompson, Santa Barbara, Calif.
"I have appreciated Searching The Scriptures. Iwant to continue with the reading of the very fine articles." — Mrs. B. G. Mellum, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.
"I appreciate your paper very much and commendyou and br other Miller for the very fine job in publication. May the Lord crown your every effort for good with success." — James R. Trigg, Irving, T exas.
"Thank you very much for your fine publicationfor the past two years. Keep up the good work." —Albert M. Mitchell, Tucumcari, New Mexico.
"I would like to say one thing: I like Searching The Scripture. I can hardly wait to get my next issue."
— Nubern Whitt, Woodbridge, Va.
"Searching The Scriptures is a fine paper. We enjoy reading it very much." — Mrs. Lena Lindsey, Bell, Fla.
"We have r eally enjoyed the paper and have subscribed for it another year plus a few others." — L.
D. Brown, Lockport, Ill.
Page 6
"I read the January issue of Searching The Scriptures yesterday, and wanted to tell you how much I appreciated it, and the various new features begining with it.
"T he wor d studies especially appealed to me, and,the Hebrew one gives you a feature no other paper published by our brethren has, to my knowledge.
"I also appreciated very much your front-pagearticle, and your response to Bro. Holt's open letter. You manif ested as good an attitude as I have ever seen, and I do certainly appreciate it in you. Also your r ecent exchange with Br o. Belo (Philippines) which again showed that good spirit. For some reason, brethren often do not display such, and it makes me feel good to see an exhibition of that." — Edward Fudge, Abilene, T exas.
"I enjoy Searching The Scriptures very much andhope you and brother Miller will be able to keep thegood work going." — S. B. Hartsell, Haynesville, La.
"My prayers are with you both that God will bless you and give you the strength to continue the goodwor k you ar e doing." — Florance Jedlicka, Miami,Fla.
"Find enclosed a check for $3.00 for your very fine paper. It has fine articles written by fine gospelpreachers." — Mrs. R. E. Davidson, Osceola, Ark.
"After a couple of years of receiving a bundle of Searching The Scriptures, and then mailing themourselves, we still find good results. We mail these to new converts, etc. This publication has helped tostrengthen many who are weak in the faith." — Jimmy T uten, St. L ouis, Mo.
"I regard Searching The Scriptures as highest quality." — W. Eural Bingham, Corinth, Miss."I enjoy the paper so much and have lear ned a great deal from it." — Mrs. S. E. Rea, Tampa, Fla.
"My wife and I continue to enjoy reading Searching The Scriptures. It is a source of encouragement to us in this 'difficult field,' as we often use the expression." — Horace Neely, Elizabeth City, N. C.
"I enjoy the many fine lessons and think you are doing much good with Searching The Scriptures. May God bless you that you may continue to fight the good fight of faith."— Randall Elrod, Sherman, T exas.
"It is a great paper! Keep up the good work." —Arnold Hart, Big Clifty, Ky."I continue to enjoy the magazine. Keep up thegood wor k." — L loyd Knight, L ivingston, T enn.
"This is an excellent religious periodical. It should help everyone." — L. Griffin Copeland, Temple Terrace, Fla.
"I have appreciated Searching The Scriptures from the ver y beginning, but as they used to say about the world's fair — 'Its' getting bigger and better ever y year.' Keep up the good work." — John Iverson, Deer Park, Texas.
"I enjoy reading Searching The Scriptures. Youare doing a wonderful work." — Alberta Cameron, St. Petersburg, Fla.
"The paper is excellent and the addition of new writers has given it an even greater potential for good." — Peter J. Wilson, Hillsboro, Oregon.
"Keep up the good wor k and may God bless you both." — E dgar C. Walker, Flint, Mich.
I John 3:9
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed r emaineth in him: and he cannot sin,because he is bor n of God."
Per haps this passage has given r ise to as muchcontroversy and to as many erroneous ideas as anyother passage in the Bible. But if we look at whatthe author says in the light of the context we should be able to understand it without too much difficulty,
First of all we need to understand the terms used by the writer and the rule of interpretation is that the writer has the right to define the terms he uses and state what he has in mind when he used them.
John is talking about those who "are. born of God." Whom does he have in mind ? Is he just talking about those who have become at one time the childr en of God ? Let us allow him to define this term for us in the same epistle, I John 5:1, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." I John 4:7,"Everyone that loveth is born of God, and knowethGod." I John 2:29, "Ye know that ever y one thatdoeth righteousness is born of him."
In the three passages cited we have the means of knowing what John means when he speaks of onethat is "born of God." He means one in whose heart dwells faith in the Lord, love for the Lord, and whopractices the will of the Lord or "doeth righteousness." This is the man who is born of God. He is not simply one who once practiced righteousness but he is one that "doeth" righteousness."
For these three reasons he not only became a son of his Father but continues to manifest his nature and be like him. His likeness to his father, the fact that he manifests the nature of his Father evidences that he is the one in whom the "seed" (nature) ofhis Father remains. When a man's faith fails, andhis love for things spiritual and divine fails, and heceases to walk in the righteousness of the Lord, he is no longer like his Father and the likeness or nature of his Father does not remain in him.
Of this man who is "born of God" and in whom the "seed" of his Father remains, John says that for these ver y r easons he "cannot sin." What does theexpression "cannot sin" mean? The original language of the text is in this form, "kai ou dunatai hamartanein." Of this language and the translation "he cannot sin" Dr. A. T. Robertson says, "This is a wrong translation, for this English naturally means 'and he cannot sin' as if it wer e 'kai ou dunatai harartein or hamartesai (second aorist or first aorist active infinitive). The present active infinitive
Page 7
'hamartanein' can only mean 'and he cannot go onsinning,' as is true of 'hamartanei' in verse 8 and 'hamartanon' in verse 6. For the aorist subjunctive, to commit a sin, see 'hamartete' and 'hamartei' in
2:1. A great deal of false theology has grown out of a misunderstanding of the tense of 'hamartanein' here. Paul has pr ecisely John's idea in Rom. 6:1 'epimenomen tei hamartiai' (shall we continue in sin, present active linear subjunctive) in contrast with 'hamartesomen' in Rom. 6:15 (shall we commit a sin, first aorist active subjunctive)." (Word Pictures in NewT estament, Vol. VI, Page 223.)
So John does not say "cannot commit a sin" butrather that one "bor n of God" (with faith, love andrighteousness as his characteristics) and in whomthe nature (seed) of his Father remains "cannot goon sinning" or will not continue in the practice of sin. It is easy for us to see that if one has the right kind of faith in his heart, and proper love in his heart and if his life is following the practice of righteousness, it will be impossible for such an one to go on practicing sin. T his is the sense in which the wor d "cannot sin" is used. Yes, it denotes impossibility for itmeans one in whom the natur e of God r emains cannot at the same time continue in the practice of sin.
Our friends who try to make this passage teach "perfect sanctification" or "sinless perfection" missthe mark and do not know what the passage says.Also our friends who try to make the passage saythat the "inner man" who is the r edeemed one, thechild of God, cannot "commit a sin" but all the sins we do are the works of the child of the devil, thefleshly body, miss not only the meaning of this passage but of everything else the Bible teaches concer ning the body and the spir it and man's r esponsibility for the sins which he commits.
I am reminded more and more of an expression which I have hear d J. E arly Arceneaux say over and over again. "If we can learn what the Bible says, we will not have any difficulty understanding what it means." This is true.
"God Forbid!":
No. 3 Rom. 6:2
In Rom. 6:2, "God forbid" answers the question, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"KJV. It has been pointed out in these discussions of the expression "God forbid" that it always occurs in the writings of Paul as an answer to a question.Further, it has been noted that Paul uses the expression to express his abhorrence of some conclusion that might be err oneously dr awn from what hehas said.
In the context of Rom. 6:2, Paul has argued thatChristians are under grace and not under a law of works. It is only natural that some might conclude that a system of grace would only encour age sin.Paul violently rejects this idea. The fact that God is willing to forgive sins (even sins deliberately committed) when those sins are genuinely repented of, does not argue that God encourages or condones sin.
Rom. 7:7
In Rom. 7:7, "God forbid" answers the question,"Is the law sin?" KJV. In the context of Rom. 7:7,Paul has argued that under the Law (or under law) sin is revealed and men are condemned. It is only natural that some might ar gue, as, in fact, some todayar gue, that law simply encour ages sin and is ther e-for e actually a bad thing. Again, Paul strongly denounces this kind of ar gumentation. It should ber emember ed that law is not only negative but also positive. L aw not only tells us what we cannot do,but also tells us what we are permitted to do.
Page 8 _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Rom. 9:14
In Rom. 9:14, "God forbid" answers the question, "Is there unrighteousness with God?" KJV. Paul hadjust mentioned God's love of Jacob and hatred toward Esau. Also, Paul had repeatedly spoken of the rejection of Israel on account of their rejection of Christ. Paul strongly denounces the position thatthis action of God argues that God is unrighteous. To the contrary, God rejects only those who reject Him. Furthermore, man does not have the right toquestion or challenge the actions of God, even if mansupposes that those actions are wrong. As Paul says in Rom. 9:21, the potter has power over the clay. We have no right to argue with God!
Rom. 11:1
In Rom. 11:1, "God forbid" answers the question, "Hath God cast away his people?" KJV. Paul has ar gued the r ejection of the Jews, as a nation. T his was not to ar gue, however, that ever y Jew was irr eparably lost. Paul's own salvation was irrefutable proof that this was not true.
In moder n times, people seem to r eason that anygiven Jew is beyond hope of salvation just because he is a Jew. It seems to be argued that the rejection of Israel means that every Jew is unconditionallydoomed to hell. In reply to this reasoning, it might be stated, along with Paul, "God forbid." The Jew who will accept the Way of Christ has the same hope of salvation that is extended to any other man.
THE CONTEMPORARY KETCHERSIDE
NO. 2
J. Edward Nowlin
DUBIOUS POSITIONS
Carl Ketcherside has gone a long way since 1952,when he said in debate with G. K. Wallace that the "hireling ministry" was as sinful as instrumental music (p. 56), and that located pr eacher s wer e "showoffs," "enthroned hirelings," "blind as a do-do," "ignorant as a Hotentot," "interested only in money" and making "puppets" of the elders! (p.87) Then, hefr eely admits, he was an extr emist; now, he has outgr own such things and goes about the countr y speaking to and for Christian Churches. On September 27, 1966, he said essentially the same things in aspeech on "Fellowship" at Westside Christian Church in East Point, Georgia, that he says in thisarticle. Among other things he is in error on the following:
(1) He follows the old digr essive line in makingindividual cups, classes, and instrumental music inworship all matters of opinion. Using individual cups is a method of serving the Lord's Supper, and meet-ing inclasses is a method of teaching; both of which ar e items of specific judgment authorized by the commands to eat the Lord's Supper and to teach the Word of God.Instrumental music in worship, on the other hand, is not a method of doing anything the L or d' has commanded; but is an added act of wor-ship ; therefore, is unauthorized and unscriptural.
It is not a method of singing, neither is it necessary to singing (Eph. 5:19 ; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15) ; hence, it is an addition to the worship of God, and is condemned as surely as the sacrifice of Cain.
(2) He would have us think that ther e is no wayto separate opinion from faith. This is easy for those of us who have not become so br oad that we cannot see distinctions. Singing as an act of worship is a matter of faith, because faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17), and the word of God commands singing. Playing instrumental music in worship is based upon opinion, because the wor d of Godnowhere authorizes it by direct command, approved apostolic example, nor by necessary inference. Ketcherside says those who use instrumental music "affirm their right to do so," and do not insist thatall must use it. Where do they obtain that right? Certainly not from the Bible, and this is what theargument has always been about. Furthermore, theydo insist that all who attend wor ship with it wher e it is used or go somewhere else. Many a church has been divided in this manner; but they blame thosewho object for the division, and Ketcherside defends them in it. (See number 2 under Misrepresentations,above.) The "movement" he talks about started outwith the slogan, "Wher e the Bible speaks, we speak; and where the Bible is silent, we are silent." (Incidentally, this slogan is in agr eement with I Pet. 4:11;Gal. 1:8 9, and many other scriptures.) But those who wanted the societies and the instrument departed from it and claimed the right to speak where the Bible does not speak. S. S. Lappin said, "True, we are a Bible people, but where the Bible does notspeak, we are entitled to do so." He didn't bother to tell where they obtained this right, but Carl says they got it from their consciences like the right toeat meat and we are naughty if we try to deny itto them! (3) Ketcherside says, "Fellowship is not something you extend but something you experience." How on earth can one experience fellowship if he does not have it? And one does not have it unless it is extended. The brethren at Jerusalem extended fellowship to Paul and Barnabas, the Bible says. Howdid they manage this if fellowship cannot be extended? "And when James, Cephas, and John, whoseemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that wasgiven unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship..." (Gal. 2:9. See also, Acts 9:26,27.) (4) Ketcher side says, "Of cour se, the Bible doesnot teach that instrumental music is a sin." With this bland statement this erring brother seeks to putthe use of instrumental music in worship on thesame basis as Paul put the eating of meats in Romans14. Note:
Page 9
T his sounds ver y convenient, but the wor st thingabout it is that it is not true; and Ketcherside meets himself coming back when he says of those who conclude that use of instrumental music would violate the intent of God, "I share their view . . ." Since when is violation of the intention of God not a sin? (See Deut. 4:2; Lev. 10:1,2; I Pet. 4:11; II John 9-11; Rev. 22:18,19). Weakness of one's faith has nothing to do with making violation of God's intention a sin. Such violation is a sin whether recognized or not (John 4:24; Matt. 15:9).
However, if Ketcherside insists upon equating theeating of meats and instrumental music, I Cor. 8would eliminate both, because: both become stumbling-blocks to others; the weak brother stumbles and perishes; the strong brother sins against theweak brother, and sins against Christ (v. 12) ; therefore, instrumental music in worship would be sinful! But, Ketcherside is in error in trying to parallel meats and music. Meat is an item of food for the body to sustain human lif e. Playing music is an act of worship unto God which is not included in the revealed will of God; therefore, is parallel with Cain'svegetable offering, and Nadab and Abihu's "strange fire." It stands justified only by the doctrines andcommandments of men, like incense burning and dancing in worship.
(5) Ketcherside takes an exception in Hezekiah'sprayer for Israel, and uses it to try to prove that God will accept worship with instrumental music. Hisreference to chapter 38 is probably a typographical error. The passage is II Chron. 30:18-20, and tells about Hezekiah's r estoration of the worship of God after a period of idolatry. Priests were few and theLevites helped with the offerings. He neglects conveniently, verses 16, 17: "And they stood in their place after the manner, according to the law ofMoses, the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites. For there were many in the congregation thatwere not sanctified: therefore, the Levites had thecharge of the killing of the passovers for every onethat was not clean, to sanctify them unto the Lord." Note: T he only thing not accor ding to the Law wasthat many people wer e cer emonially unclean. T hese were not allowed to kill their own passover lambs nor to sprinkle the blood upon the doorposts and lintels, but the Levites did it for them to sanctify them untothe Lord. Every act of worship was done accordingto the Law of Moses. The unclean people were justified as result of Hezekiah's prayer so that they couldeat the Passover at their last opportunity, the second month; for the proper time, the first month, hadpassed (Num. 9:10,11). T he deviation was in the worshippers; not in the worship. If they had offeredpigs on this occasion instead of lambs, Ketcherside might have a parallel to offering instrumental musicinstead of vocal music.
In conclusion, Br other Ketcherside issues a blanket challenge to all brethren of the "restoration movement" to accept his olive branch, quit viewingeach other "thr ough the jaundiced eyes of partisan prejudice," neither endorse nor condemn each other; but love each other and all work together to fight the "forces of decay which threaten us all." This sounds like a pitch for the social gospel, and fits in better with the "ecumenical movement" than with the "r estoration movement." We stand committed to the New T estament patter n in the or ganization, wor k, and worship of the church, and opposed to all attempts of the moder n Sanballats to get us to sell the church down the river through compromise in theunity meetings of Ono.
1959 Barberrie Lane
Decatur, Ga. 30032
ANATHEMA
Anathema is another English word that has been transliterated from a Greek word. The primary Hebr ew wor d translated by this Gr eek wor d is her em (Heth, Resh, Mem). It comes from the root whichmeans "to shut up or shut in." Gesenius gives theoriginal idea as "to shut up or prohibit from common use and devoted to a religious use."
There are two kinds of uses described by this word.
(1) There are those things or persons which remained permanently devoted to God which couldnever be redeemed (Lev. 27:28-29; Num. 18:14;Micah 4:13). (2) There were those things or persons which were devoted to destruction. Girdlestone points out that this word is rendered destroy some forty times and that most references are concerning the destruction of the Canaanites or the inhabitants of the promise land (Syn. of the Old Test, p.279).Inanimate objects such as idols, gold, silver werealso described as devoted to destruction (Deut. 7:26; 13:17; Josh. 7:17-f; 7:ll-f).
Herem is used of the destruction of the nations: of Nebuchadnezzar (II Kings 19:11), of Judah (Jer. 25:9), of Egypt (Isa. 11:5). Malachi's concludingprophecy (4:5-6) gives the warning to heed the admonition of Elijah and "turn the heart" or God would "come and smite the earth with a curse." In Zech. 14:11, the promise is given that "there shall be no more utter -destruction (curse)." Elijah did come inthe form of John. Jerusalem did not heed his voice and God smote the land with a curse and scattered the people.
Have you renewed your subscription?
Page 10 _________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS
".. .They rehearsed all that God had done with them.. ." — Acts 14:27
REPORT FROM THE ANNANDALE CHURCH,WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA
J. W. Evans
The Annandale (Va.) church of Christ is a "conservative" church located in the Metropolitan area of our nation's capitol. It had its beginning witabout 15 members in 1963 resultant from a meetingI held in 1962. I began work with this congregation January 1, 1965, receiving about half of my supportfrom churches elsewhere. Beginning January 1, 1967the Annandale church assumed my full support. We now have about 70 members. The church meets in the Belvedere School, 6540 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Va. Rent and janitor fees for this meeting place costs about $250.00 per month.
In June of 1967 the church purchased a 2 acre lot in Annandale, within Beltway 495 which encircles the Metropolitan Area. We paid a down payment of$7,540, the balance to be paid in five yearly installments, with an option to pay it off at any prior time. The seller subordinated the First Mortgage to us,enabling us to i
ue First Mortgage Bonds by whichto finance the construction of a building and to paythe balance on the lot.
Through the Greater Continental Investment Company, brother Kenneth R. Morrison, President, the church has issued $90,000 in Serial Sinking FunCoupon Bearer Bonds. These Bonds bear 7% per annual interest from January 1, 1968, payable semiannually. These First Mortgage Bonds are issued indenominations of $50, $100, $250, $500, and $1,000with a maturing range from 1 1/2 years to 10years. All pertinent facts and information are set forth in a prospectus, which we will be glad to send to anyone interested in making such an investment and thereby lending the Annandale church money witwhich to construct its building. Dear readers, here is an oppor-tunity not only to draw more monetaryinterest on any surplus with which the Lord has blessed you, but also thereby to have a part inmaking it po
ible for a "conservative" church in this "liberal" area to have its own building. Such will surely "abound unto your account" which is not computed in digits of percent-age. In the national economical situation banks tell us that the "tight money situation" renders them unable to make a loan to us. We are hoping that such a "tight moneysituation" does not prevail in our "brotherhood economical situation" (Christians with any amount of savings or means above a livelihood) and from them we may receive a loan by way of thisBond method.
Our payments into an account for the interest and maturity of these Bonds began January 1, 1968. Wedo not plan to begin construction until we have sold about 75% of the Bonds. As of this date (February28th) we have sold about 40% of them. T he highrent which we have to pay, together with the payments into the Bond account, imposes quite a financial strain upon us. Thus it is imperative that we consummate the sale of these Bonds as soon as possible that construction may get under way. Therefore, we are urgently asking you readers of this report to please consider investing in these Bonds. Write for the prospectus, addressing your request to — J. W. Evans, 6115 Brandon Ave., Springfield,Va. 22150. Please tell othersof this Bond program.
James L. Denison, Box 481, High Springs, Fla.32643 — The Santa Fe Hills congregation had three gospel meetings in 1967. One four day meeting iJanuary — myself doing the preaching; one in April with Billy Duncan of Trenton, Florida; another inOctober with James Rodgers of Freeport, Texas. Our Sunday morning attendance in 1967 averaged about
60. We had 10 additions last year.
Santa Fe Hills came into existence several years ago because of unscriptural practices and positions,as well as restrictions against preaching the "wholegospel," in the Alachua and High Springs congregations. Thus, the prejudice against us is very strong,It is extremely unusual when a member from one ofthese two liberal congregations will attend our services — even during a meeting. Misrepresentations of our practices and teaching have been made by some,To offset these things, in June, 1967, we began publication of a weekly bulletin with a mailing list of about
150. We later made this a bi-weekly bulletin. It now has a mailing list of over 400.
We are located 2 miles N.W. of Alachua on U.S. 441, just beyond Interstate 75. When traveling in our vicinity worship with us.
Frank Chumley, P.O. Box 1121, Sumter, S. C. 29150 — If you have relatives or friends stationed at Shaw Air Force Base please send their name and mailing address and I will be happy to contact them.We are meeting at 3370 Broad Street Ext. in Sumter,
S. C. Guy Roberson from Franklin, Tennessee will do the preaching in a gospel meeting here May 6-12.
James L. Denison, Box 481, High Springs, Fla. —Two confe
ions of wrongs last Sunday. I am scheduled to conduct a meeting at Mayo, Florida, April 2128, and another at the Gap Road church in Batesville,Arkansas, June 16-23.
Max Ray, P.O. Box 37, Hodgenville, Ky. — After two years with the Greensburg, Kentucky church, I have moved to Hodgenville, Kentucky to work with the church here. The Hodgenville church was started some four or five years ago through the efforts of the Valley Station church. At present the attendance on Lord's Day averages somewhere near 40. The membership is zealous, energetic and well taught. I am the first to labor full time with these brethren. The church meets in a modest basement building on
S. Lincoln Blvd. (U.S. 31-E) about two miles north
Page 11
of Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park. Anyone visiting this area is invited to worship with us.
The church in Greensburg desires to contact someone who would be interested in moving there to work with them. Anyone interested may contact D. BCoakley, 123 Public Square, Greensburg, Kentuck42743.
G. Allison Driskell, Middleton, Va.— A few months ago four families, including my wife and myself, started a new work at Winchester, Virginia. To our knowledge this is the first effort at establishing thetrue church of Christ in this city. We are meetingin our homes until we can find a permanent place. Wehave worship services from 10:00 to 12:00 each Lord's day and at 7:00 p.m. We meet at 7:00 p.m.on Wednesday evenings for Bible study. Any members in this area wishing to contact us may do so bycontacting any of the following: F. M. Straight,phone 662-1744, Winchester, Virginia; D. B. Moses,phone 667-7393, Winchester, Virginia; or G. A. Driskell, phone 869-3176, Middletown, Virginia.
John W. Pitman, P.O. Box 272, Mountain View,Ark. 72560 — Thanks for all the letters and phonecalls that came in response to the advertisement appearing in the Gospel Guardian and Searching TheScriptures concerning our being available to worwith congregations desiring a preacher with most of the needed support. Several calls and letters came in after we had accepted work with the East Sidechurch in Mountain View, Arkansas. We are lookingforward to doing a good work with the church here. We need $100.00 per month to make our support upto enough that we can work with the church here. We believe the church here can fill in some of the needed support within a year. We will be willing tfurnish information if needed to any church that desires to help us preach the gospel in this place.Further information on the work here will be furnished upon request.
AUSTRALIA REPORT
When Harold Comer, Jim Everett, and I moved to Australia in May, 1967, much groundwork had been laid to warn the brethren against us. One preacher from Perth wrote and circulated a letter to all the churches in Australia admonishing Christians to beware of us, that our "anti" convictions" would jeopardize the cause of Christ in Australia. The misrepresentations of our views had a telling effect, aleast in. regard to our initial reception. Even thebrethren of conservative convictions were wary of us and uncertain about extending the right hand offellowship.
However, these efforts served a good purpose bycausing some to investigate for themselves. As our personal contact with brethren enlarged, we havbeen surprised and thrilled to find the strength ofconvictions maintained by many. Lessons that wehave labored to teach in the U.S.A. were easily explained and a frequent comment has been "we havealways believed that." This reaction has been true especially of brethren who made the initial break some 10 to 13 years ago from the Associated Churches of Christ (Christian Church)
The promotional spirit manifested in U.S. churches has reached Australia mostly in the form of "end result." In other words, these churches are not largeenough to contribute financial to the programs, buthey have been on the receiving end of Herald ofTruth and the Ivan Stewart Campaigns. I have been aware of the pressure exerted on the "supporting side" of these centralized cooperation programs, butnow I am convinced of the pressure which is exerted on the "receiving side" too. Many brethren in Australia have expressed how they have been sickenedat heart to now see similar innovations within independent churches which they had formally opposed in the a
ociated churches.
In January I circulated an "open letter to Christians" in which the scriptures were set forth regarding the Lord's church and its work. This letter wasmailed widely throughout Australia in order to clarify and expel misrepresentations which had beenmade. This week I received a tape recording from a man whom I have never met, but who was so thrilled to have received the letter and to know our convictions that he made this response. Let me share with you a portion of his statement:
"I know from north to south, east to west of this continent there are people of like mindOver the years I have preached in Bundaberg,down to Sydney, Albury, Wangaratta, Melbourne, Adelaide, and in Perth; and I met manypeople in these places, some whom I have known for many years, that most certainly will agree and stand fast with this position. This is the reason why we are so thrilled, that at last things have come to a head. It is out in the open, where people can make a choice for themselves without needing to blindly swallow everything they are told. We know what it means now when James wrote that 'the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' Over many years I believe many people in this country have been praying for such teaching, for such a stand for truth as it was in the first century
"In such a vexation and turmoil of spirit andsoul over this last decade or so, coming to a pointwhere we can't go any further, on a dead endroad; we can't afford to take a turn that weknow is wrong. We come to a point where we just wonder what to do for the best. We can't turn around and go back, we can't turn to theright, we can't turn to the left, and we seem to be up against a brick wall. Then we see answered prayers. What a thrill it is, what an encouragement that not all of Australia seems to be giving you a poor reception."
And what an encouragement this tape was to us! However, as I considered it, I began to feel an impending need for able men and women to come to Australia to assist these brethren shine forth the light. The brethren here are few in number and scattered'; one family here, perhaps two families there. The largest congregation in Australia has only 8members, and the majority of cities have no knownChristians at all. Brethren, Australia beckons — can you come?
Page 12__________________________________________________________________________________________________
— Robert Harkrider
P.O. Box 52 Caringbah, N.S.W. 2229Australia
Jerry D. Eubanks, 4056 Cedar Knoll Drive, Tucker, Georgia — Enclosed are three clubs of subscriptions for Searching The Scriptures. A word of commendation is certainly in order to you for a job well done in the last eight years of editing the paper. The excellent staff of writers dealing with a good variety ofsubjects continues to keep Searching The Scriptures among the best in religious journalism. The recently stated plans for Volume 9 sounded so interesting that I did want to send some new subscriptions to you so that others might be edified.
The Lord's cause in Atlanta continues to progress. For this we rejoice. Our membership at Embry Hills is higher than it has been at any time. Eight souls answered the Lord's invitation in recent months and we have also been made happy with some good families coming our way from other states. We are looking forward to having brethren Bill Hall and Curtis Flatt with us for our meetings this year.
Garreth L. Clair, Glendale, Ariz. — In our recent meeting there were three responses to the gospel invitation. Since we began work here with the brethren there have been seven new additions. Our meeting was well attended by all the brethren here from other congregations in the area. Among preaching brethren attending were K. Maars from Valley, Ariz.; R.Nichols from Mesa, Ariz.; Bell and others. We are very elated at the apparent interest in truth in thearea. Our first two months have been the most rewarding of our preaching career.
R. L. Templeton, Tyler, Texas — the church of Christ meeting at 3510 Chandler Highway has nopreacher shortage. We have 10 and 4 song leaders. The men of the congregation are doing all the preaching. Property has been purchased, the building remodeled and our attendance on Sunday morning between 40 and 50. Yes, the Lord's work can be done.
Owen H. Thomas, Akron, Ohio — Since moving towork with the Kenmore church about five months ago we have had 10 to confess sin and one to be baptized. The work is the most pleasant I have had since beginning to preach.
Charles J. Elyard, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. — The church at Ft. Walton Beach has been meeting since February. We had a good ten day meeting withbrother James Sasser from Griffith, Indiana in October. We feel there is great potential for the church in this area. We are now in the process of trying to buy property.
EXPRESSION OF THANKS
Dear Fellow Christians:
Words cannot express the deep gratitude we feel in our hearts for the many wonderful ways in which you have helped us. This past year has been very difficult for me and my family, and we needed you. We thank you for your prayers, good wishes, andservices which money cannot buy.
While I have not yet returned to teaching, I am happy to report that I was able to resume full time preaching in the Lord's kingdom at the first of last month. The Lord's work continues to grow at University Heights. This congregation, with the help ofthe Lord, is able to serve the young Christians whocome to this state university by furnishing themChr istian fellowship and spir itual nour ishment. Strong Christian men, some of whom teach at theuniversity, are providing the leadership and instruction needed as these students achieve their secular education. Gradually but steadily, others are beingattracted to the Truth.
We have been able to almost liquidate our building debt and are now initiating plans for the construction of a building which will more nearly meet our needs for additional class rooms and a larger assembly hall. We solicit your continued prayers.
Harris J. Dark
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
CREATION OR EVOLUTION? I. DEFINITION OF TERMS
EVOLUTION (No. 2) We suggest that you read the article in last month's Searching The Scriptures for it serves as a foundation for this study. In the previous article we spent some time setting forth thesense in which we accept and believe in "evolution." We also discussed the common usage of the term which we say is assumed and asserted but completely unproved. This dogma and "theory" we deny and reject. The last article developed in some detail the use of "evolution" which we believe to be untrue. This article will be devoted to citing specific definitions by various men, all evolutionists, either "theistic" or "atheistic," but all involving the very same naturalistic, materialistic philosophy they hold in common.
The definition often used by brethren is found onpage 7 (16th Ed.) of the booklet "Evolution," published by International Christian Crusade., Toronto, Canada; "E volution may be defined as the hypothesis that millions of years ago lifeless matter, acted upon by natural forces, gave origin to one or more minute living organisms, which have since evolvedinto all living and extinct plants and animals, in
________________________Page 13
cluding man." See a fine review of this statement by Bro. Luther Blackmon, in a recent issue of TRUTH MAGAZINE.
Prof. T. Dobzhansky, in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, page 40, says, "Evolution is due neither tochance nor to design; it is due to natural creative process." The late Sir Arthur Keith declared that"In evolution the vitalising creative power acts from within; it is an inherent property of living matter." ("Darwinism and its Critics" page 7.) Prof. G. G.Simpson states in SCIENCE, page 969, "Evolution is a fully natural process, inherent in physical properties of the universe, by which life arose in the first place and by which all living things past or present, have since developed, diver gently and pr ogr essively." Simpson also says these things in THE MEANING OF EVOLUTION, pages 230, 291, 343344, "The evolutionary process was basically materialistic with no sign of purpose — organic evolution is a process entirely materialistic in its origin and oper ation — Man is the r esult of a purposeless and materialistic process that did not have him in mind. He was not planned. He is a state of matter,a form of life, a sort of animal and a species of the Order Primates akin nearly or remotely to all of life and indeed to all that is material — it is already evident that all the objective phenomena of the history of life can be explained by purely materialistic factors." In the last mentioned work Simpson affirms that wholehearted acceptance of evolution is inconsistent with belief in the activity of God as a First Cause or Purposer in the universe.
This noted Harvard paleontologist gave an important speech at the Darwinian Centennial Convocation at the University of Chicago several years ago.Among other things he said this, "The doctrine of uniformitarianism (discussed later— P.F.) finallyestablished early in the 19th century, widened therecognized reign of natural law. The earth has changed thr oughout its history under the action of material forces ONLY and of the SAME forces as those now visible to us and STILL acting on it. The steps that I have briefly traced reduced the sway of SUPERSTITION (He means "supernaturalism" or Divine CRE ATIVE activity — P.F.) in the conceptual world of human lives." "SCIENCE," page 967.(All emphasis mine — P.F.) The most brazen indictment of "Fundamentalism" and "supernaturalism" I have read (said to be "more formidable anddurable than Nazism and Communism") is in "The Unleashing Of E volutionar y T hought" by Riddle.See "Evolution and Christian Thought" by Mixter, pages 198, 199.
Prof. Curt Stern, in Scientific Monthly, page 196,
says, "Given the existence of matter in its elemen
tar y physical f orm, it was inherent in this matter
to compound itself into self-reproducing elementary
biological units." Prof. G. B. Beadle gave this as the
moder n concept of evolution, "Beginning sever al
billion years ago the universe has gradually devel
oped from a few elementary compounds into its
present state through the simple laws of physics and
chemistry and in accordance with the doctrine of
uniformity. Man finds himself today at the pinnacle
of the evolutionar y pr ocess and he has now r eached
the point wher e he can contr ol his own destiny." E. D. Cope defines evolution as, "the teachingwhich holds that cr eation has been and is accomplished by energies which are intrinsic in evolutionary matter, without interference of agencies whichare external to it." Le Conte says, "Evolution is progressive change, according to certain laws, byresident f or ces. Hear H. W. Conn, "T he essential idea which underlies the whole theory is that species have had a natural rather than a supernatural origin." Haeckel declares, "Evolution is the non-miraculous origin of the universe." M. D. Shutter (a "theistic" evolutionist) says the earth was not a r eadymade sphere from the hand of God but took its rise in nebulous mists of clouds by a process of whirlingand cooling and condensing thr ough countless ages. (The last five quotes are from Elam's "The Bible vs. Evolution," page 228). If you care to read additionalmaterial about the last named "theistic" and want to see how "atheistic" he is I suggest you r ead pages 231-233 in "God and the Cosmos" by Graebner. '
T he Centur y Diet, and E ncy. says "E volution is opposed to Creationism." Huxley affirms there is "no Divine intervention involved — the doctrine of evolution is dir ectly opposed to that of cr eation — E volution if consistently accepted makes it impossible to believe the Bible." Sulley, in Ency. Brittanica says "E volution is a natural history of the cosmos, including organic beings, expressed in physical terms as a mechanical process — in the modern doctrine of evolution the cosmic appears as a natural product of elementary matter and its laws." Lamark declar es, "All changes in the organic as well as the inorganic world was the result of law and not of miraculous interposition, that is, of Divine Power." Chas. Dar win stated, "T he mor e complex or gans and instincts have been perfected, not by means superiorto human reason, (i.e. not by God) but by the accumulation of innumerable slight variations, i.e., bypurely natural, mechanical means and resident forces." (His term "natural selection" rules out the thought of creation or anything beyond the oper ation of blind forces.) Herbert Spencer's definition is purely mechanical and anti supernatural. He sets the idea of Evolution through resident forces over against the doctrine of creation. His thought of Godgot no higher than "The Eternal Energy," an imper sonal thing he called "T he Unknowable."
Haeckel (mentioned earlier) said "Evolution en
tirely excludes supernatural process, every prear
ranged and conscious acts of a personal character.
Nothing will make the full meaning of the theory of
descent clearer than calling it the non-miraculous
theory of creation — this notion (of a personal God
or Creator) is rendered quite untenable by the ad
vancement of monistic science. It is already anti
quated and is destined, before the present century
is ended, to drop out of currency throughout the
entire domain of purely scientific philosophy." No
wonder Carl Vogt says, "Evolution turns the Creator
out of doors." Dr. H. F. Osborn sees nothing except
dead matter, blind forces and chemico-electrical
agencies as the first Cause. (All quotes and refer
ences in this paragraph and the one preceding it
wer e taken fr om I.B.C.E., page 1048b.) Sir Julian
Huxley said, "In the evolutionary pattern of thought
there is no longer need or room for the supernatural.
Page 14 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
T he earth was not created; it evolved. So did all the animals and plants that inhabit it, including ourhuman selves, mind and soul, as well as brain and body. So did r eligion." Associated Press Dispatch,November 27th, 1958. In similar fashion the "theistic" pr eacher, Lyman Abbott, says, "E volution is the doctrine that this life of man — this moral, this ethical, this spir itual natur e has been developed bynatural processes."
We believe we have stated the case correctly as to what is involved in the term "evolution," with common ancestry and descent; the doctrine that allforms of life INCLUDING MAN, came from a common source (a one cell creature) and all have "evolved" and developed fr om the lower and simpleto the higher and complex by resident forces — power within. It declared that nothing, and no one, external played any part in the process. It was purely and completely by "inherent" NATURAL and MATERIALISTIC PROCESSES. The EXTERNAL — THE FACT AND MIRACLE OF CREATION — SUPERNATURALISM AND GOD ARE RULED OUT BY THE EVOLUTIONISTS. (Next month — THEISTIC EVOLUTION.)
OPPORTUNITY HOPKINSVILLEJack S. Dugger, Nashville, Tenn.
Every person who becomes involved in helping to
start a new congregation feels that the opportunity
in that particular locality is greater than in any
other — those in Hopkinsville, Kentucky who com
pose the Hopkinsville church of Christ are no ex
ception.
While the details of the joys and trials of our
efforts in Hopkinsville are interesting to those di
rectly involved, they would ser ve no purpose to the
reader. On October 30, 1966 three persons from
Hopkinsville with some from Nashville, Tennessee,
met for the first time in Bill Harrison's living room
at 1704 Moseley Drive. Eleven persons from Hop
kinsville now meet r egularly in a rented dwelling
at 308 East 14th Street. These brethren, including
the writer, have provided for the necessary ex
penses and have accumulated a small balance prepar
ator y to pur chasing a suitable meeting place. T he
presence of visitors from Louisville, Murray, Elk-
ton and Dunmore in Kentucky, Perry Heights, East-
land and Fr anklin Road in Nashville, T enn. has
encouraged and strengthened the work. Intense in
terest and unusual liberality have characterized each
member from the outset. The only financial help has
been from Franklin Road in Nashville by defraying
the expenses of Charles M. Campbell in a meeting
during July of 1967.
An interesting sidelight to the meeting was that
the leaders of the Seventh and Cleveland church in
Hopkinsville requested that none of their members
attend the meeting or have contact with the "anti"
group. Some years ago Charlie preached and worked
with that congr egation when it was known as an
"anti" church because they refused to participate in
the missionary society or use instruments of music in
wor ship. A f ew came to meet with us while other s came by to shake hands with Charlie and his good wife, Mary, but would not stay to hear him speak.
Concerning the future outlook and plans for the work in Hopkinsville, with the blessings and goodprovidence of God, it is hoped that a convenient andwell-located lot or building can be found as a permanent meeting place. While sarcasm or criticism from those who watch our progress with envy (and whoearnestly hope that we will soon cease to meet),means little to us, it is evident that a permanent meeting place will indicate stability and growth toall concer ned. Any acquisition of physical facilitieswill necessitate financial problems, however the problem of reaching others that we may teach themthe will of God far outweighs any financial considerations. In this regard, contact with those in Hopkinsville who recognize the liberal trends and apostasy among many churches has been difficult — this writer lives in Nashville, a distance of seventy-five miles and other members are but scarcely knownamong the people of Hopkinsville.
Opportunities for employment in Hopkinsville are excellent. It is a town of approximately 20,000 population; the county seat of Christian County; a rich and productive agricultural section; located approximately ten miles fr om Fort. Campbell, a permanent government installation; located only a few milesfr om both Kentucky and Bar kley Dams with thehuge "Land Between the Lakes" recreational area being developed by the T.V.A.; has a branch of the University of Kentucky for those interested in college wor k; is the site of Wester n Kentucky StateHospital for mental patients; now has a number of new industries with employment possibilities for all trades; and will soon be "connected" with Louisville, Paducah, Lexington and other localities by super highway. Adequate housing is available inevery price range in subdivisions now developed or in process as well as excellent shopping facilities innew shopping center s with sever al under constr uction and other s planned.
Admittedly, those of us who are involved in the
work of the Hopkinsville church are prejudiced re
garding the opportunities for young families who
seek a location for a permanent home with financial
and educational possibilities, but we also feel that
the opportunity for teaching God's word in this com
munity is unlimited. Should there be anyone who
wishes to know more about Hopkinsville and the
work ther e, please contact Jack S. Dugger, Sr., 1725
North Obser vatory Drive, Nashville, T enn. 37215,
telephone 269-5429, area code 615.
BOOKS BY W. CURTIS PORTER
Porter-Tingley Debate ................................... $ 3.50Porter's Sermon Outlines, Vol. I ..................... $ 2.00Porter's Sermon Outlines, Vol II .......................$ 2.00Quibbles That Backfired ................................... $ 100
Order from:PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS
P. O. Box 17244 Tampa, Florida 33612
PLEASE CHECK YOUR EXPIRATION DATE AND SEND YOUR RENEWAL TODAY
HAVE YOU RENEWED
Please check your expiration date indicated onyour address place and if your subscription has expired, send your renewal today. This willassure continuation of Searching The Scriptures for another year.
DO IT TODAY!
The following debates are available on new 1 1/2 mil.
Mylar (polyester) tape, weather resistant, recorded o
both sides at 3 3/4 i.p.s. These tapes can be played on any
recorder using a 7" reel. Each reel contains one full
night's discussion. Recording at l 7/8 i.p.s. can be obtained
on 3" or 5" reels. The price is $3.00 per reel — one reel
for each night. Any defective recording will be replaced
free of charge if the bad tape is returned. Order from:
PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS
P.O. Box 17244 Tampa, Florida 3361 2
JENKINS-HEINSELMAN DEBATE
Akr on, Ohio December 4-8, 1967
1ST NIGHT: "Resolved: II is scriptural for a local church of Christ to contribute funds from its treasury for the care of the needy to such institutions as Mid-Western Children's Home, Cincinnati, Ohio and Potter Orphan Home and School, Inc., Bowling Green, Ky." Bill Heinselman affirms — Ferrell Jenkins denies
2ND NIGHT: "Resolved: "It is not scriptural for a local church of Christ to contribute funds from its treasury for the care of the needy to such institutions as Mid-Western Children's Home, Cincinnati, Ohio and Potter Orphan Home and School, Inc., Bowling Green, Ky." Ferrell Jenkins affirms — Bill Heinselman denies
3RD NIGHT: "Resolved: "It is not scriptural for a local church of Christ to contribute funds from its treasury for the preaching of the gospel to such as the Herald of Truth Radio and T.V. programs conducted by the Highland church of Christ, Abilene, Texas." Ferrell Jenkins affirms — Bill Heinselman denies
4TH NIGHT: "Resolved: "It is scriptural for a local church of Christ to contribute funds from its treasury for the preaching of the gospel to such as the Herald of Truth Radio and T.V. programs conducted by the Highland church of Christ, Abilene, Texas." Bill Heinselman affirms — Ferrell Jenkins denies
FOUR REELS — $12.00
OUTLINES OF FLORIDA COLLEGE LECTURES 1968
Detailed outlines of each speech delivered at the 1968 Florida College Lectures.
Price: $2.00
Order from:
PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS
P.O. Box 17244 Tampa, Florida 33612
GRIDER-TOTTY DEBATE Glasgow, KentuckyNovember 13-16, 1967
FIRST TWO NIGHTS: It is unscriptural for churches to contribute to one church, as is done in the Herald of Truth, to preach the gospel.
A. C. Grider affirms — W. L. Totty denies LAST TWO
NIGHTS: "It is scriptural for churches to build and maintain benevolent organizations for the care of the needy."
W. L. Totty affirms — A. C. Grider deniesFOUR REELS — $12.00
GARRETT-SMITH DEBATE
Tr enton, Ohio October 30-November 3, 1967
1ST NIGHT: "The scriptures teach that God does not employ the preaching of the gospel as a necessary means in the regeneration of sinners." Eddie Garrett affirms — J. T. Smith denies
2ND NIGHT: "The scriptures teach that God uses the gospel as a necessary means in the regeneration of sinners." J. T. Smith affirms — Eddie Garrett denies
3RD NIGHT: "The church of Christ, of which I am a member, is in origin the church of the New Testament." J. T. Smith affirms
— Eddie Garrett denies 4TH NIGHT: "The Primitive Baptist Church, of which I am a mem
ber, is in origin the church of the New Testament." Eddie Garrett affirms — J. T. Smith denies
FOUR REELS — $12.00
BINGHAM-HIGHERS DEBATE
Corinth, Mi
i
ippiNovember 20-24, 1967
FIRST TWO NIGHTS: "It is in harmony with the Scriptures for churches of Christ to contribute from their treasuries to benevolent institutions such as Childhaven, Southern Christian Home, and others of like character." AFFIRMATIVE: Alan E. Highers NEGATIVE: W. Eural Bingham
LAST TWO NIGHTS: "The scriptures teach that in benevolence churches of Christ may relieve saints only." AFFIRMATIVE:
W. Eural Bingham NEGATIVE. Alan E. HighersFOUR REELS— $12.00