Category Archives: BIBLE QUESTIONS

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS, MATTHEW

DOES MATTHEW 24-25 TELL US OF THE SIGNS TO WATCH FOR CONCERNING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST? — BOB PRICHARD

One of the most popular areas of speculation in our religious world today is in the area of setting the date for the second coming of Christ. Many point to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the arrival of the computer age, or even the introduction of the social security number, to say that the “signs” show Jesus is coming “soon.” The scriptures are very clear, however, that there will be no special signs of His second coming. Time after time men and women have set dates for the Lord’s second coming, only to be proved wrong. No particular date can be set!

At the beginning of Matthew 24, Jesus showed the temple to the disciples, and said, “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down”  (Matthew 24:2). In response, they asked, “When shall these things be?” and “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (vs. 3). Notice that the disciples asked about two separate events: the destruction of the temple, and the Lord’s second coming. Jesus first answered concerning the signs before the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, and then He spoke of His second coming at the end of the world.

Beginning in verse four, Jesus described a number of signs to the disciples, including the coming of false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes, apostles being killed, and the preaching of the gospel to the whole world. He warned them that men would have to flee to the mountains (vs. 16). He warned the disciples, “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (vs. 33). These signs were fulfilled in the events leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in the year a.d. 70 by the Roman army. Verses 29-31 describe the upheaval of the Jewish world with the end of Jewish worship in the Jerusalem temple. History records that many Christians understood the signs, and fled Jerusalem. They could flee the Roman armies, but no one will be able to flee when the Lord returns.

Jesus said in verse 34, the key verse, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” In other words, Jesus said that the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple would occur before the generation hearing His words passed away. (A generation is thirty to forty years.) Then, speaking of His second coming, Jesus said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (vs. 36). No man knows the day or hour!  Jesus emphasized the contrast between the destruction of Jerusalem in 70, and His second coming.

The signs before the destruction of Jerusalem were evident, but as for His second coming, “be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (vs. 44). The disciples asked for a sign of his coming, but the Lord gave none. If people could know the exact date of His coming, they would wait until the last minute to be prepared. We should be ready always. Be prepared today, because there will be no signs!

ACTS, BIBLE QUESTIONS, LEVITICUS

WHAT WAS PENTECOST? — BOB PRICHARD

Pentecost was one of the three great feast days of the Jews. (The other two being Passover and Tabernacles.) They observed all three of these feast days by making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Christians know Pentecost as the birthday of the church, from Acts chapter two. It was the day on which Peter and the other apostles first preached the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, when “they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” The church then began meeting in Jerusalem, “and the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved” (Acts 2:47 ASV).

Pentecost means “fifty days,” and was the name that Greek speaking Jews gave to the “Feast of the Harvest,” or “Day of First Fruits.” Pentecost was linked with the Passover, because the date of celebrating Pentecost was determined by counting fifty days from the offering of the first fruits of grain after the celebration of Passover.

Leviticus 23:15-16 tells of the institution of the feast of Pentecost: “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.” The “morrow after the sabbath” would be the first day of the week, or Sunday. Seven weeks later, plus the day itself, would make Pentecost always fall on a Sunday. It is thus easy to understand why the early Christians began to meet each Sunday, or first day of the week for worship, since Christ was raised from the dead on the first day of the week, and the church began on the first day of the week.

One of the essential parts of the feast of Pentecost was the offering of two loaves of leavened bread made from the grain crop that had just been harvested. In many ways the feast of Pentecost was a completion of the celebration which had begun with Passover, also known as the “Feast of Unleavened Bread.” Fifty days before, the people had eaten unleavened bread, as they began harvesting grain. At the end of the period, they again used leaven and offered a thanksgiving to God in the form of bread made from the first fruits of the harvest.

The second chapter of Acts describes the multitude of men gathered at Jerusalem for Pentecost. “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). Thus there were Jews from all over the world in Jerusalem when the church began, and preparation was made for Christians to take the gospel to the world. God planned the church to take the gospel into all the world, so He planned for the church to begin with a core of believers who would be going into all the world as they returned home from Jerusalem. There is no record of the church celebrating Pentecost as a special day in the New Testament. Any celebration of Pentecost by Christians came long after the apostolic period. The church of the New Testament has only one special day, the first day of the week, or Sunday.

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHURCH, JOHN

WHO ARE THE “OTHER SHEEP” OF JOHN 10:16?  — BOB PRICHARD

As Jesus neared the end of His discussion of the “Good Shepherd,” He said, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:15-16). He spoke of “other sheep,” that would hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, and be part of the “one fold” of the “one shepherd.”

Earlier in His ministry, Jesus sent His disciples to preach to the Jews, commanding them, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6). These Jews, the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” needed the gospel of Christ, so the disciples took the message of Christ to them first. Jesus, however, looked forward to the time when the gospel would be not only for the Jews but for the Gentiles as well. His desire was that the divisions and barriers between the Jews and the Gentiles (anyone who was not a Jew) would be broken down.

With the establishment of the church of Christ on the day of Pentecost, these barriers, broken down by Christ’s sacrifice, were removed. In his sermon to the multitude gathered in Jerusalem, Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). Peter addressed the saving promise of the gospel to those present, and to “your children, and to all that are afar off.” “All that are afar off” refers to the Gentiles, who were outside the covenant relationship between God and the Jews, His chosen people. Because of the desire of Christ for “one fold” under the “one shepherd,” the gospel message was meant not only for the Jews, but also to the Gentiles.

The gospel of Christ is for the whole world.  Jesus told the disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). The message is the same to “every creature,” whether Jew or Gentile. The message is that “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”  

The Lord unites Jews and Gentiles in His church today because we live under the “better covenant” of the Christian age. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second” (Hebrews 8:6-7). The message of Christ provides salvation to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” the Jews, and to His “other sheep,” the Gentiles. Every person in the world falls into one of these two categories, and is subject to the gospel of Christ.

BIBLE QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ASTROLOGY? — BOB PRICHARD

Astrology is a practice based upon the belief that a person’s destiny is greatly influenced, if not determined, by the pattern of the stars in the sky at the time of the person’s birth. Millions of people consult their daily horoscopes (predictions based on astrology) to plan their activities. Although popular, astrology is not based on scientific, rational, or biblical principles. It is simply pagan superstition, which has its roots in the practices of the Babylonians of 4,000 years ago. Sometimes confused with astronomy, which is the  scientific study of the stars and celestial bodies, astrology has no place in modern society.

Astrology has no basis in reality. The astrologer determines the horoscope according to the position of the twelve signs of the zodiac at the time of birth. When astrologers conceived the twelve signs of zodiac, however, men thought that the earth was the center of the universe, and all the stars and planets revolved around the earth. We now know that the earth revolves around the sun, and not even our solar system is the center of the universe. In reality, there are no such things as the signs of the zodiac. They are complete fabrications.

Astrology is popular today because as people become further and further removed from God, they seek answers to their fears and anxieties. Astrology supplies the mysterious answers to fill the void in their lives. Thoughtful examination of the horoscopes reveals that the predictions and advice are couched in carefully worded vagueness. There is usually more than one outcome possible, and the person who believes in the horoscope makes its promises or warnings come true. The horoscope “comes true” because the reader rearranges his life to align with what he thinks the horoscope is saying, not because the planets have any actual influence on life. Different people, including identical twins, who have the same “sign” supposedly have the same horoscope, even though their life circumstances are completely different.

The Bible condemns astrology because it is nothing more than idolatry. Isaiah foretold the fall of Babylon, and spoke of the powerlessness of astrology:  “Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame” (Isaiah 47:13-14).  Jeremiah warned Israel, “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them” (Jeremiah 10:2). God commended Good king Josiah for destroying the places of worship to “Baal and to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven” (2 Kings 23:5).  Paul condemned sorcery, idolatry and witchcraft, which includes astrology, warning that those who practice these things “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:20-21). Astrology is not harmless fun. It is idolatry of the worst sort, and should be avoided by all. As practiced today, it is a religious racket that dupes the gullible, and has  no place in a modern society.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

WHERE DO WE FIND AUTHORITY FOR OUR RELIGIOUS PRACTICES TODAY? — BOB PRICHARD

We must have a way to make choices and settle matters of difference in our religious practices. We cannot do this unless there is an accepted standard of authority. Authority means “the power or right to command or enforce obedience, to make final decisions, to have jurisdiction.” Authority is related to that which is lawful, or that which men are at liberty to do. Authority is important in all areas of life, but is nowhere more important than in the area of religious practice. What is authorized, or what is not authorized in the area of religion has eternal consequences. The best authority must be objective, rather than subjective. An objective authority is unchangeable, and thus provides a constant standard. A subjective authority is one that is changeable (often based on an individual’s opinion), so it cannot provide a real standard by which to measure.

In the realm of religion, there can be only one authority, and that is the Bible, the written word of God. It is the only acceptable authority because it is the only inspired authority. It is an objective authority because it is an unchanging authority, not subject to the whims of man. There are many other authorities sometimes followed in religion today, but they are not truly authoritative because they are subjective. Subjective authorities include the church, the pope, preachers, church leaders, and those claiming to receive modern day revelations. All of these “authorities” are changeable, and often disagree with one another, even in the most fundamental areas.

The Bible clearly claims for itself inspiration from God. As Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus was able to expound, or explain from the Old Testament [“Moses and all the Prophets”] its prophecies concerning Him. These were called “the scriptures,” meaning the written word of God. As Jesus prayed to the Father, concerning His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The word of God, because it is truth, provides an unchanging guide for life. Paul told Timothy, “scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” literally means “God breathed,” indicating that it comes directly from God through men.

Because the Bible is the only “God breathed” guide for the practice of religion today, it and it alone must be obeyed. Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians properly received his teachings. “Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Although we do not have Paul among us today, we have the written, authoritative record of his inspired teachings in the New Testament.    

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS

CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE AS THE WORD OF GOD? — BOB PRICHARD

In an age when we have little to trust or rely upon, we may wonder if even the Bible can be trusted. There are many reasons, however, that we can trust the Bible as the word of God. First of all, we can trust the Bible because we trust God and it is God’s book, revealed to mankind, and in perfect harmony with His nature and character. “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Just as Jesus Christ, He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). What God has produced is true, perfect, and without change, in keeping with His character.

A second reason to trust the Bible is that we know it is inspired by God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Speaking of the inspired Bible writers, Peter said, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). The message of the biblical writers was not their own message, but the message of the will of God. Since the Bible is God’s inspired book, it is without error and absolutely trustworthy.

A third great reason we should trust the Bible is the vast number of New Testament manuscripts that have been discovered. More than 24,000 manuscripts or parts of manuscripts have been discovered, dating all the way back to the first century. The Dead Sea scrolls, discovered in 1947, included manuscripts of Old Testament books  dating from at least one hundred to one hundred and fifty years before Christ. As scholars began to study the scrolls, they sought to see how much the text of the Bible had changed over the centuries. What they found was that the ancient manuscripts were virtually identical to manuscripts of a thousand years later. Through the careful work of the copyists and the providence of God, the inspired text has been preserved over the centuries.

A fourth great reason to trust the Bible is the truly amazing fulfillment of prophecy within biblical history. This demonstrates clearly that God controlled the writing of the book.  The prophecies fulfilled in the life of Christ alone are enough to show the Bible to be the word of God. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), would be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12), would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and these are just a few examples of the many other events in the life of Christ which were prophesied. This would not have been possible if the Bible had not been inspired by God.

Since the Bible is trustworthy in these areas, we can know that is is trustworthy in other areas as well. The Bible is the one book that men can trust today. Any apparent contradictions come from our misunderstanding, not from actual problems within the Bible itself, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHURCH

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT “REVEREND” AS A TITLE FOR MINISTERS? — BOB  PRICHARD

It is a common assumption today that every minister ought to be addressed as “reverend.” Fortunately, though, many ministers are rejecting the use of this title, recognizing that it is unauthorized by the Bible, contrary to the Bible doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, and divisive to the cause of Christ.

The word “reverend” comes from the Latin word reverendus, meaning “worthy of respect.” The dictionary defines it as “a title of respect often used with the name of a clergyman.” “Reverend” is found only one time in the King James Version of the Bible. An unknown psalmist wrote, “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9). The application of the term is to God, not a man. The word is used frequently in the original languages of the Bible, but it is always applied to God, and never to man. Since the practice of using the title “reverend” is so popular today, it may be surprising to remember that neither Jesus nor any of the disciples ever used this or any other man-made title. There is never any mention of “Reverend Paul,” or the “Right Reverend John,” or the “Reverend Mr. Peter.” The use of titles such as “reverend” by the humble servants of Christ would have been contrary to their attitude of service to Christ. 

Paul said, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). In other words, Paul was saying that he would glory in nothing but the cross of Christ. He demonstrated his humble attitude toward serving Christ many times in his letters. Paul was well educated and could have claimed human titles, but he chose to give all of these up for Christ (see Philippians 3:1-7). He began some letters with the words, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ.” Many times he simply referred to himself as “a servant” or “a bondservant.” The desire to use man-made religious titles such as “reverend” comes from a desire for exaltation. We must remember the words of Christ: “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). 

The use of titles such as “reverend” helps to perpetuate a wrong concept of the nature of those who serve Christ. Peter referred to all Christians, not just a select clergy, as “an holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). The clergy/laity division of our religious world is a man-made division. Though some, because of special training and a special desire to serve God may serve as ministers or preachers [not titles but descriptive terms of service], and may be called ministers [servants], in actuality every Christian is a minister, or servant, when he serves God. We need to reestablish the concept of the priesthood of all believers in service to Christ. Jesus warned, “Be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8).

BIBLE QUESTIONS, JESUS CHRIST, MATTHEW

HOW DOES THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION DIFFER FROM THE VIRGIN BIRTH — BOB PRICHARD

The virgin birth refers to the birth of Jesus Christ in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, made more than seven hundred years before His birth. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us” (Matthew 1:18-23).

Mary, the mother of Jesus was a virgin when she conceived Him. She and her betrothed husband Joseph had never “come together” sexually. The child she conceived was the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16), conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit. Thus the conception of Christ was unique in all history. His actual birth, although very humble, was a normal birth. Thus the virgin birth really has more to do with the conception of Jesus Christ than it does with His actual birth.

The immaculate conception is the doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without “original sin,” and then remained a sinless virgin throughout life. This  idea has no basis in scripture. While it is true that Mary was a virgin before the birth of Christ, she did not remain a perpetual virgin. Joseph “knew her not till she had brought forth a son” (Matthew 1:25), implying Joseph did “know her” later. Mary and Joseph had other children, the brothers and sisters of Jesus (Matthew 13:54-56). 

Mary was not sinless. “All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, the “lamb without spot” (1 Peter 1:19) is the only exception. Christ had no need to offer sacrifice for His sins, because He had none (Hebrews 7:27). Mary, however, had to offer a sin offering (Luke 2:22-24; Leviticus 12:6-8). Only sinners would need to offer a sin offering. Mary was not without sin.

The Bible does not teach “original sin,” the idea that all human beings inherit Adam’s sin. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20). Mary was born pure, like every other child, but then made her own choices about sin. Mary was a great woman, but nothing in the scriptures indicate that there was anything unusual about her birth.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS, JESUS CHRIST, LUKE, MARK, MATTHEW

DID JESUS MAKE HIS TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM ON ONE OR ON TWO ANIMALS? — BOB PRICHARD

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all record the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. Mark and Luke record the instructions of Jesus to the disciples to go into the village to “find a colt tied, whereon never man sat” (Mark 11:2; Luke 19:30). John also mentions only one animal (John 12:12-18). Matthew, however, mentions two animals: “an ass tied, and a colt with her” (Matthew 21:2). He then adds, “And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon” (Matthew 21:6-7). While all four accounts agree that Jesus rode on the colt, Matthew’s mention of the mother donkey seems to be contradictory. Why did Matthew include this detail, when the others did not?

Matthew stressed that what happened that day was in fulfillment of prophecy. Zechariah prophesied “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (9:9). The gospel writers emphasized that the colt had never been ridden, which would indicate that the colt was still dependent on the mother. Thus it would have been much easier to lead the colt through the excited multitudes if led behind its mother, since it was untrained to follow a roadway. Matthew highlights the detail that the animal Jesus chose to ride was a colt, by mentioning its mother. The other writers simply omitted mention of the mother of the foal.

But did Jesus ride on one animal, or two? While the language of Zechariah 9:9 seems to say He rode two animals at once, it is merely a reflection of the Hebrew way of stating things in poetic parallelism. Psalm 24:1 shows similar parallelism: “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” “Earth” and “world” are parallel in meaning, repeated for poetic emphasis. The disciples “brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes [thus making a saddle out of their clothes], and they set him thereon” Matthew 21:7). Some have thought that Matthew was saying Jesus was riding both animals, but what Matthew was really saying is that the disciples set Jesus on the clothes-saddle, not on the two animals.

Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords entered Jerusalem on a lowly colt, fulfilling to the minutest detail the prophecies concerning the Messiah. He did not enter riding the white charger of an earthly king but as the Prince of Peace on a lowly beast of burden. In response, the whole city of Jerusalem was moved. “And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strowed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?” (Matthew 21:8-10). 

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7–10). Jesus, the King of Glory comes in peace, acclaimed by the people, and crowned with praise.

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHURCH

SINCE THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD, WHY ISN’T THERE JUST ONE CHURCH? — BOB PRICHARD

Paul tells us explicitly that there is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6). Most people have little trouble with this concept, understanding that our Heavenly Father created our world and loved us enough to send Christ to save us from our sins. Paul does not speak only of  “One God,” however, but mentions seven “unities.” “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). The first of the seven unities Paul mentions is “one body.”    

At the end of the first chapter of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul explained that because Christ obeyed the Father and conquered death, that God “hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23). The church is defined as His body, the “one body” that Paul mentioned in Ephesians 4:4. This is just what we would expect, one head connected with one body. Our religious world today, however, presents a monstrosity to God, with many churches or bodies claiming to be attached to the one head, Jesus Christ.

The Lord’s desire from the beginning was that all of His followers would be united in His church. As He prepared for the cross, Jesus prayed for His disciples, and then said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:20-23). Jesus understood that the unity (or disunity) of His followers would be a powerful witness to the world. Surely the disunity of the current denominational system hinders the spread of the gospel of Christ.

Paul warned the Corinthians against disunity, as they began to follow various preachers, forgetting Christ. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Jesus promised Peter and the disciples, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). He did not promise to build the many denominational bodies we see today, but His church. The way to be a member of His church today is to reject the creeds, manuals, and catechisms of the denominations, and just be Christians, wearing the name of Christ. This is the plea of the churches of Christ.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

WHAT IS THE PARABLE OF THE WINE BOTTLE? — BOB PRICHARD

The weeping prophet Jeremiah told the parable of the wine bottle to the nation of Israel. Israel turned away from God repeatedly, and did not realize the consequences of disobedience. They thought they would continue to prosper, but God warned them that judgment was coming. He spoke of Israel saying, “This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing. For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear” (Jeremiah 13:10-11). Their pride was their downfall.

Jeremiah told them: “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall say unto thee, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine? Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings that sit upon David’s throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness. And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them” (Jeremiah 13:12-14). There may have been a common proverb about Israel that “every wine bottle shall be filled,” indicating that Israel would be very prosperous. God wanted Israel to know, however, that the wine of God’s wrath would fill the wine bottle. 

How fitting that Jeremiah described God’s wrath upon a disobedient nation with destruction as that which comes in drunkenness. Israel thought it would enjoy the pleasures of a full wine bottle, but God warned that the wine bottle brings destruction, as fathers and sons dashed together for destruction. The carnage on today’s highways by the drunk driver is testimony to the fact that the wine bottle still brings destruction. The effects of the use and abuse of alcohol are devastating to families daily in our nation. Those who use alcohol hurt not only themselves but family, friends, and other innocent victims caught in the wake of destruction associated with drinking. Solomon warned, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).

Despite Israel’s wickedness, God offered hope if they would listen to his admonition.  “Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness” (Jeremiah 10:16). The warning continued, however, “But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive” (Jeremiah 10:17). History tells us that unrepentant Israel went into captivity. Pray that our nation will repent of its pride and wickedness.

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHURCH

IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A DENOMINATION? — BOB PRICHARD

A frequent follow-up question to “Are you a Christian?” is “What denomination are you?” “Denomination” is not found in the Bible, and the idea is based on sectarianism and division. “Denomination” is not simply an incidental name, but a choice to be divided from other believers who do not share the same sectarian doctrines. Religious denominations are divisions among people who may all claim to follow the same Lord and same Bible but cannot agree because of their denomination.

As Jesus prayed for His apostles before His arrest, he said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21). Jesus wanted unity among His apostles, and among “them also which shall believe on me through their word.” He prayed for the unity of everyone who would believe the teaching of the apostles (whether through their direct preaching or through the written word of the Bible). This unity is not possible, however, as long as the divisive denominational system exists.  

The denominational system has developed with various creeds, manuals, handbooks, hierarchies, and systems of organization, which have grown more and more complex over time. Years ago many men and women understood that the denominational system was a violation of God’s will, and sought to leave the denominations so that they could restore the “undenominational” church of Christ of the New Testament. By being just Christians, without being associated with any denomination, they believed that they could better serve and obey God. That is why the modern day churches of Christ are undenominational. They have no creed but the Bible, no denominational or church hierarchy over the local congregation, and no authority for faith and practice other than the Bible. They are not “Church of Christ Christians,” but simply Christians.

There were “seeds of denominationalism” in the church at Corinth. Paul wrote, “it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:11-12). Some at Corinth were not satisfied to be Christians only, but wanted to be “Paulite Christians,” or “Apollosite Christians,” or “Cephasite Christians.” Paul asked, “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1:13). They had divided the church into warring factions. Paul emphasized the seriousness of the situation by saying he was glad he had only baptized a few at Corinth, so few could claim to follow Him, instead of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:14-16). Of what denomination were Peter and Paul? They were just Christians, and not members of any denomination. The church of Christ, if it truly is the church we read of in the New Testament, cannot be a denomination and at the same time pleasing to the Lord.

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

WHY DID PAUL ADVISE TIMOTHY TO “USE A LITTLE WINE”? — BOB PRICHARD

Timothy was Paul’s “son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). He carried heavy responsibilities for teaching, evangelizing, and building up the church. Paul told him, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). No doubt Timothy took this responsibility to heart, and wanted to make sure that he did nothing that might detract from his mission or hurt his influence. Among those things that would hurt his influence was the use of wine. Paul had warned, “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). He also warned that drinking wine could be a stumbling block to a brother (Romans 14:21).

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul gave qualifications for elders or bishops, and deacons. Among the qualifications for an elder was that he should be one who is “not given to wine” (1 Timothy 3:3). Likewise, the deacon was to be one “not given to much wine” (1 Timothy 3:8). Clearly, Timothy understood the dangers of using wine, and knew that he should avoid its use. Why then, would Paul follow his admonition to Timothy, “keep thyself pure,” with the command,  “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:22-23)? The obvious answer is that Paul was suggesting to Timothy that he, because of his particular medical problems, should use a “little” wine strictly for medicinal purposes.

The water available in the first century was often polluted and unfit for consumption, especially by someone with medical problems, as Timothy must have had. It was a common practice to add a little wine to water to let the alcohol in the wine kill the bacteria, and make the water drinkable. Timothy must have been suffering health problems because he was avoiding all use of wine, and drinking unfit water. Paul’s admonition to “drink no longer water,” meant “stop drinking only water” (NIV). Paul’s command to Timothy was not a general green light for all Christians to “use a little wine,” but was specific to Timothy’s need and circumstances, for his medical problem. The nature of medicine is that you should take it when necessary. It is not only usually bad for you when you do not need it, but sometimes even life threatening. Medicine usually works as a toxin, or poison in the system, to force the body to respond and restore an imbalance caused by illness. No one should ever take another person’s medicine without competent medical authority.

Timothy’s hesitancy to use even a “little wine” for a medical purpose shows that he understood the dangers of alcohol (which was not nearly as potent as today’s alcohol). No Christian concerned about his or her influence or physical and mental health will use alcohol for any purpose other than medicinal purposes (but not self-medication)! Alcohol is useful for medical purposes because it is a good solvent. Alcohol dissolves chemicals, minerals and homes.  Casual use of alcohol costs our society in illness, injury, and violence. Fortunate is the home that has never been hurt by someone using alcohol.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS, CORINTHIANS, FIRST, NEW TESTAMENT

WHAT WAS “BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD”? — BOB PRICHARD

The fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is Paul’s most lengthy and detailed defense of the principle of the resurrection. He stressed that the resurrection is at the very heart of the gospel of Christ: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Preaching the gospel is pointless without the resurrection. “If there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Corinthians 15:13-14). In the midst of his arguments concerning the principles of resurrection, Paul asked the Corinthians:  “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:29).

Since this is the only verse in scripture that makes any reference to baptism for the dead, it has been subject to much speculation. Paul did not explicitly approve or condemn the practice. He just used it as an example of the inconsistency of some at Corinth who “baptized for the dead” while rejecting the resurrection. All through the chapter Paul used pronouns such as we, us, our and ye [you], but in this verse he spoke of “they” who are baptized for the dead. Apparently only some Corinthians, and no one else, practiced “baptism for the dead.”

The idea that baptism for the dead involves “proxy baptism,” or the baptism of one person on behalf of another person, such as a dead relative, contradicts many other scriptures. While Peter does say that “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21), the teaching of scripture is clear that is not “baptism alone” that saves us, but the baptism that comes as a result of faith and repentance. If one could procure salvation for the dead through baptism, he would also have to believe and repent for the dead. Paul reminded the Romans that “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 6:4). Baptism for the dead certainly does not  bring “newness of life” to the dead!

Explanations of “baptism for the dead” that are consistent with other scripture are few. It is possible that some of the Corinthian Christians obeyed the gospel because of death-bed appeals of friends and relatives, so that they were baptized for (in response to the appeals of) the dead. It is also possible that some at Corinth considered that in their baptism they replaced those who were now dead or martyred, thus to fill vacant places in the church left by those who no longer lived. If some at Corinth baptized on behalf of the dead in proxy baptism, they did something that is inconsistent with the rest of scripture. Since no New Testament writer commanded or implied that the practice should continue, there is no evidence that the church should “baptize for the dead” today.

BIBLE, BIBLE QUESTIONS, NUMBERS

HOW MANY ISRAELITES WHO LEFT EGYPTIAN BONDAGE ENTERED THE PROMISED LAND? — BOB PRICHARD

After being freed from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites made their way to Canaan, the promised land. When they arrived at the border of Canaan, Moses chose twelve men (one from each tribe) to go and spy out the land. After forty days of searching the land, Caleb reported, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it,” but the report of the majority was an “evil report.”  They said, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we” (Numbers 13:30-31). Only one other spy, Joshua, stood with Caleb against the other ten spies. Unfortunately, the people chose to accept the majority report, and prepared to stone Joshua and Caleb.

God’s anger was kindled against the people because of their faithless decision. He told Moses to tell his murmuring people, “Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun” (Numbers 14:29-30).

God’s condemnation of their unbelief meant that they had to spend forty extra years wandering in the wilderness. During that time, “all that were numbered … from twenty years old and upward” died in the wilderness. The only exceptions among those who were “numbered” were Joshua and Caleb. It is often thought that only two (Joshua and Caleb) of all the thousands who left Egypt were able to enter the promised land. The group that was condemned to die during the wilderness wandering, however, was those who had been numbered. This would not include the entire population, but was limited to those fighting men who had been numbered (counted for battle). God had told Moses, “Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies” (Numbers 1:2-3). This did not include women or the entire tribe of Levi, who were not fighting men or spies.

When the Israelites arrived again at the promised land forty years later, under the leadership of Joshua, Joshua had to circumcise all of the males, because “All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt” (Joshua 5:4). Numbers 34:17 indicates that not all of the priests and Levites would die during the forty years of wandering, because God told Moses that the high priest Eleazar, the son of Aaron, would join Joshua in dividing the conquered land. Later, after Israel had captured Canaan, “they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun” (Joshua 17:4) to receive their portions of the promised land. Thus Israelites who left Egypt, and were allowed to enter the promised land included Joshua, Caleb, Eleazar, and an unknown number of women and Levites.

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

DO “NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES” PROVE LIFE AFTER DEATH? — BOB PRICHARD

No. “Near Death Experiences,” or “NDE” are commonly understood to be confirmation of life after death, because those who have had these experiences generally express a common feeling of goodness, moving toward a light, seeing the Lord, or some similar experience. These are not evidence to prove life after death, however, due to their very nature. They are “near death,” not “after death,” and they are simply “experiences.” They are completely subjective, what people feel has happened, and have no real objective validity. Although some who have gone through these experiences may have been pronounced dead by some medical criterion [stopped breathing, no heartbeat, etc.], they were not in fact dead in the Biblical sense. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The daughter of Jairus (Mark 5), the widow’s son (Luke 7), and Lazarus (John 11) were raised from the dead, but no one is raising the dead today.

The main danger of pinning beliefs on NDE is that they provide no objective basis for understanding life after death. Frequently the experiences are embellished with more and more details as they are explained, and while those who have had the NDE often say what they have experienced is “indescribable,” they none the less describe the indescribable. The Bible, on the other hand, provides an objective basis for believing in life after death. The life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are described in detail in the Bible by credible witnesses. These witnesses give real evidence that what Jesus promised is true. He said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3). Perhaps the most complete picture of life after death is given in Revelation 21-22, John’s vision of heaven for the redeemed, and eternal condemnation for the wicked.

Paul spoke of a man, perhaps himself, who was “caught up to the third heaven” and “caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Corinthians 12:2-3). While this may have actually been a NDE, Paul indicates “it is not lawful for a man to utter” what he saw and heard. Lazarus was not just “near death,” but actually dead for four days (John 11:39). What did Lazarus see on “the other side”? The scriptures are absolutely silent about what he may have seen or heard. Perhaps God did not intend for us to know more.

Many different explanations have been suggested for the frequently positive feelings of those who believe they have had a NDE. A medical condition called “cerebral anoxia,” caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain when near death, could cause a person to have an altered state of consciousness. Medication administered near death, or the natural release of endorphins by the body could also produce hallucinations later interpreted as NDE. Other explanations could also be given which have no relationship to life after death.

One danger of relying on a positive feeling from a NDE is that while heaven is promised to the faithful, the Bible also warns that hell awaits the wicked. Though the righteous need have no fear of death, “the last enemy” (1 Corinthians 15:26), “the Lord Jesus shall be revealed … taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Some may be lulled into a false sense of security, or even contemplate suicide as an easy way out. Unfortunately, not all are prepared for death. Now is the time to prepare!

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING

WILL WE KNOW EACH OTHER IN HEAVEN? — BOB PRICHARD

Anyone who has lost a loved one to death is interested in knowing the answer to this question. Every man will one day face death, and needs assurance of heaven. All of us hope to be reunited with loved ones who have gone on before, but if we will not know each other in heaven, then the bonds made on earth are forever severed in death.

The idea that we will know each other in heaven is sometimes called the doctrine of “future recognition.” It is both reasonable and scriptural. If we know anything in heaven, we will surely know that we are in heaven. We must know ourselves, unless we lose all personal identity and recognition in death. Surely we will know Christ, and that He has redeemed us of our sins, thus allowing us to enjoy the rewards of heaven. If we will know we are in heaven, know who we are, know Christ, and know that He rewards us for our faithfulness, surely we will know one another.

Revelation 6:9-10 describes a scene under the altar of God. The souls of the martyrs, “slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held,” cried out for vengeance. They retained their personality in death, were conscious of where they were, and why they were there. They knew that they had been murdered, and that their murderers had not been punished. Surely they knew each other. David, stricken with grief over the death of his son, said, “Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). It is significant that David said he would “go to” his son. If he would not recognize or know his son, he would feel no comfort.

The story we know as “the rich man and Lazarus” is told in Luke 16:19-31. Whether or not this is a parable, it still indicates much about the state of the dead. The characters were all conscious, were all aware of their surroundings, and possessed a memory of the world they had left. Abraham told the rich man to “remember.” He could remember because he was conscious of who he was, where he was, and who the others were. We also have the example of Moses and Elijah at the Mount of Transfiguration  (Matthew 17). The apostles recognized them, so they had not lost their identity in death.

Many things will change in heaven. There will be no giving and taking in marriage as there is on earth (Luke 20:35-36). But we will know one another, and heaven will be much better than we can imagine. There “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). The key is to obey the will of God, because heaven is a prepared place for prepared people (John 14:1-3).  

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHRISTIAN LIVING, CHURCH, SALVATION

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A PRIEST ACCORDING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT? — BOB PRICHARD

Priests performed very important tasks under the Old Covenant, with their primary purpose being a representative of man to God. The mediation that the priest offered was mainly through offering sacrifices and intercession to God. Priests, including the high priest, could only come from the tribe of Levi, and were separate from the people.

Under the New Covenant, things are very different, however. The high priest, under whom all other priests must serve is Jesus Christ, who did not bring an animal sacrifice to God, but instead offered Himself as the sacrifice. Peter recognized that the priestly functions in the church would not be performed by a special group of men, but instead they would be performed by all Christians. By virtue of this, all Christians are priests in God’s sight. Peter said, speaking of all Christians, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).  

Paul exhorted the Roman Christians, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Only priests were allowed to offer sacrifices under the Old Covenant, so since Paul begged Christians to offer themselves as living sacrifices, he agrees with Peter that Christians are “an holy priesthood.”

Since all Christians are priests, that means that no Christian has to rely on a mere man as mediator between him and God. A Christian needs only go through the great high priest, Jesus Christ.  “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).  

Under the old covenant, men from the tribe of Levi were appointed to their priestly duties in elaborate rituals. They were clothed in ceremonial garments, and ritually cleansed of their sins. Of prime importance in their appointment was ceremonial washing in water, and sprinkling of the sacrificial blood on them. Christians today put on the ceremonial priestly garments, wash in water, and are sprinkled with the blood of Christ’s sacrifice when they obey the Lord in baptism. Paul wrote, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). As the Christian obeys Christ in baptism, he qualifies to come before the Heavenly Father, because he is symbolically clothed in the priestly garments. As the Christian is immersed in water, the penitent believer makes contact with the cleansing blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Paul reminded the Romans what they had done: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Romans 6:3). As the believer is baptized into the death of Christ, she contacts the cleansing blood of Christ. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

BIBLE QUESTIONS, JOHN, SALVATION

WHAT DID JESUS MEAN WHEN HE SAID “SALVATION IS OF THE JEWS”? — BOB PRICHARD

John chapter 4 describes the scene at the well outside the little Samaritan village of Sychar. Jesus had offered the Samaritan woman living water, and demonstrated He could truly give her that living water by telling her about her life, and her many husbands. Her wondering response was, “Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet” (John 4:19). When she spoke of the conflict between the Jews and the Samaritans over whether men should worship in Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim, Jesus spoke of the proper worship then and in the days to come. He said, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).

Jesus wanted her to understand that Samaritan worship, based on only the five books of Moses, while rejecting the other inspired books of the Old Testament, was an ignorant worship. “Ye worship ye know not what,” He said. Then He spoke of the Jewish worship, saying, “we know what we worship.” The Samaritan worship was not acceptable to God, because it was a perversion of His plan. The worship of the Jews, centered in the temple at Jerusalem, was still acceptable to God at this time, even though the scribes and Pharisees had made their own worship vain. “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).

When Jesus added to His statement, “for salvation is of the Jews,” He was referring to the fact that Messiah, the Savior of promise, was to come from the Jews. God promised Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). When the woman at the well spoke of the coming Messiah, Jesus plainly told her,  “I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:25-26). Thus through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the seed, or descendant of Abraham, God blessed all families of the earth.

The Jews today, like any other family or nation, must turn to Christ for salvation. Jesus told the woman at the well, “the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Jesus contrasted the Jewish age in which he lived and died with the coming Christian age. Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship, but worship in the Christian age is acceptable whenever and wherever Christians worship “in spirit and in truth.” Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). He is still the only way to the Father, for the Jew, the Gentile, the Samaritan, or anyone else. Paul asserted that the true heirs of Abraham are not heirs by birth but by faith. “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect” (Romans 4:13-14).

BIBLE QUESTIONS, CHURCH, SALVATION

HOW DO YOU JOIN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST? — BOB PRICHARD

People join many organizations, from civic clubs like Rotary and Lions, to personal development clubs like Toastmasters, to special interest organizations like the P. T. A. It is natural then that most people think about “joining” the church. As strange as it may seem, however, that one cannot “join the church of Christ.” The idea of joining the church carries with it the thought that the church is just like other organizations that you may join at will. The church is unlike any other organization on earth, however, because of its divine origin.

If you cannot join the church, then how do you become a member of the church? The second chapter of Acts describes the beginning of the Lord’s church, on the day of Pentecost, almost two thousand years ago. The last verse of the chapter says, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).  Notice that we do not join the church, but the Lord adds those who are saved to the church. Some discount the value of the Lord’s church, and say that it really is unimportant, but the church is the body of Christ. “He [Christ] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the prominence” (Colossians 1:18). The church is so valuable that Christ sacrificed Himself for it. Paul commanded, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25).

Since “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47), and the church is the body of Christ, and He “gave himself for it,” salvation and the church are intimately tied together. The Lord gives salvation and adds to His church at the same time. The key then, is “What must I do to be saved?” After hearing the sermon on the day of Pentecost, realizing that they had crucified the very Son of God, the multitude gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Their cry showed that they wanted to turn from sin and obey Christ. Peter’s reply was, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).

Those on Pentecost expressed faith in Jesus Christ by the very nature of their question, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said, “repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission [forgiveness] of sins.” The response was such that “they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Three thousand obeyed Christ in baptism, and the Lord added them to His church. None “joined the church,” but all were added by the Lord. The other conversion accounts in Acts show that each person found salvation by obeying the Lord in baptism, following repentance and faith in Christ. We do not join the church, but when we obey the Lord, He adds us to His church.