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July 14, 2010

Enemies of the Cross
by Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:

"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the Cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things."
-- Philippians 3:18, 19

During the Apostle Paul's visits to Europe he had frequently warned the Philippians about those who were nothing more than deceivers. It is apparent that the problem in the assembly had greatly intensified for Paul writes, "I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping." These men are labeled by the apostle as "the enemies of the Cross of Christ." They may have appeared outwardly religious but in reality they were ungodly, self-seeking, arrogant, sensual men who were destitute of faith.

There are three indictments that are handed down against these workers of iniquity: First, in the order of enumeration is the statement, "whose end is destruction." Surely this cannot be said of the saved. On the other hand the unsaved will experience everlasting destruction as foretold in II Thessalonians 1:7-9. Secondly, notice the object of their worship. Were they worshipping the true and living God? No! their god was their belly -- sensuality, which produced the insatiable desire to satisfy the appetites of the flesh. Thirdly, we are told they set their affections solely on worldly things such as: philosophy, intellectualism, power, popularity, fortune, etc.

Little wonder Paul calls them enemies of the Cross, "they had a form of godliness, but denied the power thereof." These emissaries of Satan had no desire to understand the preaching of the Cross, whereby they could be justified from all things. Things haven't changed very much, today these imposters brazenly substitute the gospel message with the doctrine of positive thinking, which has led many to a false sense of security in thinking that they are right with God. Sad to say, that even some believers have fallen under the spell of this insidious teaching. Sir Walter Scott said of those who are given to deception:

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
when first we practice to deceive."

Thankfully, even though the gospel is sometimes hindered, it continues to be the "power of God unto salvation." Beware of the enemies of the Cross, they are among us even at this hour.

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July 15, 2010

CREATION AND REDEMPTION
by Cornelius R. Stam

In Romans 1:18 the Apostle Paul declares that ungodly men are "without excuse" because they are surrounded by the evidence of the Creator's "eternal power and Godhead."

Our Authorized Version calls the creation, in this passage, "the things that are made," but in the Greek it is called literally, "the poyeema," from which we get our word poem.

The Apostle refers, of course, to the harmony of God's creation. And is it not indeed amazing how billions of heavenly bodies can continually revolve in the vastness of space and never collide! And are not the flowers, the seasons, and the sunsets all part of a harmonious creation, which God alone could have conceived and set to music?

But very interestingly, this word poyeema is used just once more in Scripture. We find it in Ephesians 2:10, where it is translated "workmanship." Let's consider this passage in its context:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
"Not of works, lest any man should boast.
"For we are His workmanship [Greek, poyeema], created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The Epistle to the Romans speaks of the poem of creation, the Epistle to the Ephesians, of the poem of redemption, and the latter is the more wonderful. An old hymn says: "Twas great to speak a world from naught; ‘tis greater to redeem."

In this poem of redemption which God has composed, we believers too often want to change some word or phrase. We would like this or that in our circumstances to be different. Ah, but this would destroy the meter and the meaning of God's new creation.

Thank God, when we who trust Christ some day go to be with Him, we will see the beauty and glory of the poem of redemption. Then we will rejoice that He did indeed "work all things together for good" for us.

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July 15, 2010

SIN IS NO JOKE
by Cornelius R. Stam

The present trend in American moral conduct is downward. Increasing thousands all about us are throwing restraint to the winds "to enjoy the pleasures of sin".

We struggle with the problem of juvenile delinquency, but tempt the young in a hundred ways to immorality and violence. We are shocked at the deeds of sex-mad criminals who make it unsafe for women to walk the streets at night, but our women continue to pay less and less heed to the principles of modesty and decency that would contribute so greatly to their own safety.

Most of all, we have disregarded the Word of God. No longer does the Bible hold the first place in our homes. It rather lies gathering dust while our moral and spiritual strength is dissipated by pursuing pleasures that fail to bring true happiness or satisfaction. Yes, we have "a form of godliness" but our conduct "denies the power thereof".

Sin may be "fun" to many. They may joke about drunkenness, indecency and immorality, but God declares that it is no joke to Him. He says: "Fools make a mock at sin" (Proverbs 14:9); for, not only does sin in its very nature break down, rather than build up; but, as responsible creatures, sinners will one day have to give an account of their conduct to the God who created them.

To look at the brighter side, we may all rejoice in another indication that sin is no joke to God. St. Paul points it out in 1 Corinthians 15:3, where he says: "Christ died for our sins". Christ knew the horrible results of sin and the dreadful penalty which justice must visit upon it. Yes, and He also knew that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), and in infinite love He left the glories of heaven and stooped to bear the disgrace and penalty for sin Himself! "Christ... hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18 ), and those who come to know God through faith in Christ experience peace and joy which this world can never afford.

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July 16, 2010

The Teaching of Self-Esteem
by Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:

"Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince [refute] the gainsayers." -- Titus 1:9

Satan never rests in his insatiable desire to corrupt the Word of God. A case in point is the present-day teaching of self-love, self-esteem and self-worth. The influence of this unsound doctrine has nearly permeated every strata of Christendom, including the Grace Movement. Like the beat of a drum, this theme is heard almost constantly from the pulpits of America and frequently appears on the pages of Christian literature. Beware when you hear or read: "It is important to feel good about yourself," "Learn to love yourself," "Probe your innermost self to understand why you think and feel as you do," "God sent His son to die for you because you are of great value."

On the surface these phrases may seem commendable, but in reality they are diametrically opposed to the Scriptures. The above has been weighed in the balance and found to be wanting. For example: "The heart [innermost self]is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Paul concurred when he said, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh, [old nature or self]) dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18 ).

The old man (self) is at enmity against God. He hates God and the things of God and left to himself he will not seek God. The Scriptures, from beginning to end, speak with a unified voice that the old nature is rotten to the core (See Romans 3:9-18 ).

Consequently, our old man (self) has been crucified with Christ. Paul made reference to this when he wrote to the Galatians, "I am crucified with Christ [i.e. his old man]: nevertheless I live [Paul's new nature]; yet NOT I [self], but Christ liveth in me." We are to put off the old nature and put on the new, which is created in holiness and righteousness (Ephesians 4:22-24). It is futile to improve one's self-image, especially since God abhors any attempt to do so. Rather, we are to conform ourselves to the image of His dear Son. Thus, those of the household of faith are to live accordingly:

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let us esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:3-5).

Self takes great pleasure in acclaim, indulgence, approval and praise. It glories in all these things. But are we not robbing God when self is esteemed more highly than His glory?

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit 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" (1 Corinthians 6:19,20).

Shall we permit the "love of one's self" doctrine to overshadow the love of God in Christ Jesus? God forbid! May God help us to stand against this insidious teaching that essentially robs God of the glory that is rightfully due Him.

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July 17, 2010

THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER
by Russell S. Miller

How is it possible to live "under grace" and not be governed and controlled by rules and laws and regulations of a by-gone dispensation?

The "life in the Spirit," of Galatians 5:25, is obtained by faith in Christ. This is where we must begin. Calvary is ever the meeting place between God and man.

And as we come to Christ at Calvary we are "created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10). No, we're not perfect yet, and most of us have a long ways to go, but now we have someone with which we can go the distance--"the Spirit". So the number one question is, "Are you saved?"

Then God wants us to know that the Holy Spirit "baptizes" us into Christ and into the Body of Christ (Romans 6:3,4,). Entirely apart from the Law, we are made one with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and one with one another also by "the operation of God" (Colossians 2:12).

Romans 6:11-13 states that we are now to "reckon" ourselves "alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord". When believers "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) their lives produce that which the Law could never do: "...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."; against which the Apostle Paul says, "There is no law". The Law cannot save you, nor can it keep you, and it certainly cannot bless you (Galatians 3:13; 2:20,21; 4:15).

"Knowing this, that the Law is not made for a righteous man..." (1 Timothy 1:9).

However...grace does save us, grace does keep us, and grace continues to bless us (Romans 8:3,4; 5:10; 8:34) with "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:3) because grace has imputed the very "righteousness" of the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, to our account (2 Corinthians 5:21).

"That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).

As we "look" for our wonderful Saviour, Titus 2:11-13 teaches that grace is not a license to sin. Therefore do not repay such "love" with such ingratitude to Him who shed His blood to save you from an eternity in "Hell" and "the Lake of Fire" (Revelation 20:11-15).

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July 18, 2010

CONFIDENCE IN DEATH
by Cornelius R. Stam

In the forty years of my ministry I have seen many people approach death and have seen some die.

Some, who knew Christ as their Savior, were ready, even eager, to go to be with Him. Some passed from this scene with songs or words of praise on their lips. Others, who had failed to prepare, died in mortal fear, not merely of death, but of what lies beyond.

These things do not always run true to form, however, for I have also seen the most hardened unbelievers go out of this life joking and seemingly unafraid, while, on the other hand, I have seen sincere Christians cringe with fear at the approach of death. These human reactions did not change the fact that the unbelievers had reason to be afraid, while the believers need not have feared.

The Word of God tells us that "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27,28). It is the "after this" that makes men so afraid to die. They fear the truth of Romans 14:12, that "every one of us shall give account of Himself to God."

But wait: we did not quote all of Hebrews 9:27,28. The full passage reads as follows:

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time apart from sin, unto salvation."

This can mean only one thing: that Christ died for us and bore the judgment for our sins, the "second death." This is why Hebrews 2:9-15 declares that "by the grace of God" Christ "tasted death for every man... that through [His] death He might... deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

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 July 19, 2010

Applause
by Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." -- Colossians 3:17

There seems to be a growing trend in Christendom for congregations to physically applaud those who are ministering in the things of the Lord. Pastors are applauded when they wax eloquent or say something humorous. Also, after soloists lift the hearts of the saints into the heavenlies they are often met with a round of applause as they step down from the platform. Having pastored a number of local assemblies, I've risen from my chair, on more than one occasion to interrupt the hand clapping of the saints. While I am sure their applause was well-intentioned, it is nonetheless very irreverent and disrespectful to the Lord.

When the world gives a standing ovation after a performance of an actor or comedian they are expressing their appreciation for having been acceptably entertained. They are also praising the performer for his excellence in an art which has been cultivated through years of hard work.

When the servant of the Lord comes to the platform, to minister on our behalf, the purpose of his labor of love is not to entertain the congregation. It is to be viewed rather as a ministry, which is an integral part of our worship of the Holy One of Heaven. Anyone who serves the Lord, sincerely, would never want the applause of men, but would insist that all the honor and glory be given to God. May all our adoration go to the One Who is worthy to be worshipped, for He has given us his Word and the opportunity along with the gifts to minister on His behalf. Amen!

CHRYSOSTOM ON APPLAUSE
345-407 A.D.

"... some clapped their hands in applause, according to the custom of the times. Then Chrysostom raised his voice: 'How does your applause help me?' It will be the right approval if you practice in life what I say to you. The church is no theater, where men listen for their own pleasure." (From the Life of Chrysostom, by Frederic Perthes, P. 18 ).

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July 20, 2010

"UNDERSTANDEST THOU WHAT THOU READEST?"
by Cornelius R. Stam

This was the question Philip asked of the Ethiopian prince as he sat reading from Isaiah's prophecy (Acts 8:30), and it is a question which we should continually keep asking ourselves as we read the Holy Scriptures.

There are always those among God's people who do not much care whether or not they understand what they read, if only it warms their hearts! To them the Bible is little more than a fetish. Taking only those Scriptures which appeal to them, and leaving the rest, they actually feel themselves quite spiritual and often talk about believing the Bible whether they understand it or not!

But such "spirituality" is far from genuine, and such "faith" is blind and superstitious at best.

While it is true that the Bible teaches many truths which we believe, although they are beyond our comprehension (such as its opening verse!), yet how can we believe what the Bible says unless we understand what it says? God would have us understand what we read and believe it intelligently. Indeed, true faith will want to know and understand more and more of God's Word. One who does not care whether or not he understands what God has said is not interested in knowing what God has said at all. His faith is based on his own will rather than on God's Word, for regardless of the meaning of Scripture, he will take any passage that suits his fancy and use it as he wishes.

How great an emphasis God Himself puts upon the importance of understanding His Word! On one occasion, when our Lord saw the multitudes, He "was moved with compassion toward them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things" (Mark 6:34).

And now that the secret of God's great plan has been made known, how much more reason there is to study the Scriptures with a view to understanding them! How Paul, by the Spirit, emphasizes this as he writes of his prayers for the saints:

"THAT the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, MAY GIVE UNTO YOU THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM:

"THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED; THAT YE MAY KNOW WHAT IS THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING..." (Ephesians 1:17,18 ).

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July 21, 2010

FULL ASSURANCE
by Cornelius R. Stam

It is wonderful to have the full assurance of salvation, and it is God's will that every one of us enjoy this assurance. Toward the close of his life the Apostle John wrote by divine inspiration:

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life..." (1 John 5:13).

There are three bases upon which believers in Christ may enjoy the full assurance of salvation: First, God urges every true believer: "Let us draw near, with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith..." (Hebrews 10:22). This is the full assurance that results from simply believing God; much as a child implicitly believes what his father has said and is absolutely sure that it is true. God says: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36). We may simply -- and with good reason -- believe His Word and enjoy the full assurance of faith.

Second, we may enjoy what Hebrews 6:11 calls "the full assurance of hope." The hope of the Bible, however, must not be confused with wishing. The Christian's "hope" is "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast" (Ver. 19). It comes from having proved God. Thus the full assurance of hope is the confidence that results from having accepted God's Word.

But third, and best of all, is what Colossians 2:2 calls "riches of the full assurance of understanding." This full assurance is God's reward to Christians who study His Word and His purposes, beginning with His plan of salvation as revealed in "the gospel of the grace of God." When one not only believes God's Word, but begins to understand it he cannot but be gripped by its sublime reasonableness, its powerful logic, and its provision for his deepest needs, and thus he comes to enjoy "all [the] riches of the full assurance of understanding."

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July 22, 2010

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM
by Russell S. Miller

The Apostle Paul not only preached the death of Christ but he also declared what was accomplished in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This no other writer Old Testament or New, had ever done before!

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3,4).

In Romans 6 Paul teaches us that when we got saved God took us back to Calvary, and made us one with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Our old Adamic nature, "that old man" that we are all so ashamed of, was crucified with Christ: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6). Thus "sin [is] not to reign" in our "mortal body" (6:12). And what's more, we have also "become dead to the law by the body of Christ" (Romans 7:4,6).

"Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace" (Ephesians 2:15).

But not only are we made one with Jesus Christ in His death, and set gloriously free, there is another very important reason for Christ's burial, which again is only revealed in Paul's epistles.

That Adamic nature has been buried in Joseph's tomb with Christ. Yes, our sins, and that sin nature, has been put away forever out of God's sight, and we are free (Leviticus 16:1-34; Hebrews 13:10-14)! Just as Jesus Christ was actually buried, so we have been buried with Him. "Therefore," says the Apostle, "we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom.6:4). Yes, this is true, it has really taken place. And because you can't reform that old sin nature, nor justify it, Paul here declares that the old Adamic sin nature must be buried, and we must reckon it to be so daily:

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11).

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July 23, 2010

A TEMPLATE
by Cornelius R. Stam

With the knowledge of good and evil man came into the possession of conscience. A sense of blameworthiness smote him when he committed, or even contemplated committing, evil. This has been so ever since. The Bible tells us that even the most ungodly and benighted heathen "show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another" (Romans 2:15).

It is true that man's conscience can be violated so often that it becomes calloused or, as St. Paul puts it: "seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2), but events or incidents can take place which suddenly awaken the conscience and make it sensitive again. Many a person has indulged in "the pleasures of sin" more and more freely until, suddenly, his sin has found him out and his conscience has caught up with him to condemn him day and night and make life itself unbearable.

The Bible teaches that all men outside of Christ are, to some degree, troubled by guilty consciences and certainly most are "through fear of death... all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15). But it also teaches that "Christ died for our sins" so that our penalty having been paid, we might be delivered from a guilty conscience.

The works and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law could never accomplish this, but sincere and intelligent believers in Christ, having been "once purged", have "no more conscience of sins" (Hebrews 9:14; 10:1,2). They are, to be sure, conscious of their sins, but they are no longer tortured by a forever-condemning conscience, for they know that the penalty for all their sins, from the cradle to the coffin, was fully met by Christ at Calvary.

This is not to imply that even a sincere believer may not be troubled about offending the One who paid for his sins, but he knows that the judgment for these sins is past. Thus he earnestly seeks, like Paul, "to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man" (Acts 24:16).

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July 24, 2010

PEACE AND ACCESS
by Cornelius R. Stam

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access..." (Romans 5:1,2).

"Being justified... we have peace with God"!

What a priceless blessing! We believers are prone to take this blessing altogether too much for granted. Since the day we trusted Christ and the burden of sin rolled away, most of us have never had another question about our eternal destiny. Hence the danger of taking our salvation for granted.

We often fail to appreciate sufficiently what it means to be able to arise in the morning, go about our business during the day and give ourselves up to unconsciousness at night, always assured that through our Lord's redemptive work we have "peace with God" and our eternal destiny is secure. Surely this knowledge should overwhelm our hearts with constant gratitude and have a profound effect upon our daily conduct.

The companion blessing to "peace with God" is our full and free access into His presence: another blessing of grace far too little appreciated. Think of the wonder of our free access to God; how He, the Ruler of the Universe, invites us to come confidently before His "throne of grace" at our convenience -- "in time of need."

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

We should never forget that this high privilege was purchased for us by the precious blood of Christ, and that having thus been purchased, it is His will that we believers avail ourselves of "this grace." Could there be greater proof of His love for us?

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
"...a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh.
"....Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..." (Hebrews 10:19-22).

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July 25, 2010

THE ONE TRUE CHURCH AND HOW TO JOIN IT
by Cornelius R. Stam

Many people have been saved and have truly come to know Christ after having been sincere, religious "church members" for years. Though faithful supporters of some earthly church organization they had never experienced the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If any man [be] in Christ there is a new creation." It is possible to be a member in good standing of a church organization, yet be outside the one true Church of which the Bible speaks.

This is because the true Bible Church is not an organization, much less a political state. It is a living organism, a spiritual body, with a living Head and living members. Again and again St. Paul, by divine inspiration, calls the Church, the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:30).

It should be observed too, that the true Bible Church has one Head -- not a man on earth, but the glorified Christ in heaven (Ephesians 1:22; 4:4,5; 5:23; Colossians 1:18 ). Nowhere in Scripture do we read that any man is to act as His earthly representative as Head of the Body.

How, then, do we become members of this one true Bible Church, the Body of Christ? First, we must acknowledge ourselves to be sinners in God's sight, for Ephesians 2:16 relates how Christ died for sinful men "that He might RECONCILE both [Jew and Gentile] to God in one Body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." Thus, when believing sinners are RECONCILED to God by faith in Christ, they are REGENERATED, given a new life, by the Spirit, and by the Spirit are BAPTIZED into the Church, the Body of Christ.

Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

1 Corinthians 12:13: "For BY ONE SPIRIT ARE WE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY".

Every one of us should ask himself: "Have I been baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ?" Those who have not, do not belong to the one Church which God recognizes. But membership in the true Church is still open. Simply, but sincerely, trust Christ as your Savior. He is the Head of the Church. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). Then associate yourself with some local assembly where Christ is honored and the Bible taught, rightly divided. We will be glad to suggest such a place of worship.

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July 26, 2010

THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD
by Cornelius R. Stam

In 1866 Alfred Nobel invented an explosive made of nitroglycerin absorbed in a porous material. It was by far the most powerful explosive that had so far been invented.

When Nobel and his friends saw what his invention could do, and had to decide on a name, they sought for the strongest possible word for power -- in any language. The word they finally chose was the Greek word dunamis, from which our word dynamite is derived.

This word, in Greek also the strongest word for power, is used again and again in the New Testament and is generally translated simply "power".

When our Lord wrought miracles, for example, St. Luke testifies that "the POWER [dunamis] of the Lord was present to heal" (Luke 5:17). In promising His apostles that they too would work miracles, He said: "Ye [shall] be endued with POWER [dunamis] from on high" (Luke 24:49).

When the Sadducees questioned the resurrection, Jesus answered: "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the POWER [dunamis] of God" (Matthew 22:29), and St. Paul declares that Christ was "declared to be the Son of God with POWER [dunamis]...by the resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4).

Using this same word, Paul, by inspiration, declares that "the gospel of Christ...is THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION, to every one that believeth..." (Romans 1:16). This is because, according to this gospel, or good news, "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS", and "THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS", he says, is to believers "THE POWER OF GOD" (1 Corinthians 1:18 ).

But not only are believers saved by the power of God; they are "KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD" (1 Peter 1:5). Indeed, the adjective of this same word "dunamis" is used in Hebrews 7:25, where we read that the Lord Jesus Christ is "ABLE...TO SAVE...TO THE UTTERMOST [THOSE] THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM". Thus the Bible uses the very strongest word for power to show how secure is the salvation of those who trust in Christ.

[nChrist]

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July 27, 2010

THE TIME ELEMENT IN SCRIPTURE
by Cornelius R. Stam

How many Scriptural problems would be solved, how many seeming contradictions explained, if we were more careful to note the time element, emphasized so strongly in the Word of God.

In Romans 5:12 we learn that sin entered the human race by Adam. Then later "the law entered" (Ver. 20). But still later the Apostle Paul arose to say: "But now, the righteousness of God without the law is manifested" (Romans 3:21).

Early in man's history blood sacrifices were required for acceptance with God (See Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4), later circumcision and the Law (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 19:5), and still later, repentance and water baptism (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38 ). But not until Paul do we learn of salvation by grace through faith alone, on the basis of Christ's finished, all-sufficient work of redemption.

This is why the Apostle refers in Galatians 3:23 to "the faith which should afterward be revealed." This is why he declares that our Lord "gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time", and adds: "whereunto I am ordained a preacher and an apostle" (1 Timothy 2:6,7).

It is only as we recognize the time element in Scripture that we see the difference between "the kingdom of heaven" and "the Body of Christ," between "the gospel of the kingdom" and "the gospel of the grace of God," between the "dispensation of law" and "the dispensation of the grace of God."

A comparison of Romans 3:21 and 26 shows how this time element is emphasized in Scripture. After discussing the function of the Law in Verses 19 and 20, the Apostle Paul declares: "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested..." Then, in Ver. 26 he states that it is God's purpose: "To declare, I say, at this time His [Christ's] righteousness; that He [God] might be just and the Justifier of him that believeth in Jesus."