From the Pen of Paul. . .

Some Things Are "Evident"

The third chapter of Galatians contains proof, supplied by the Holy Spirit through the pen of the apostle, that justification comes through faith and not by works of law. He shows this by the reception of the Spirit (vv. 1-5), the case of Abraham (vv. 6-9), the fact that the law of Moses (or any law-system) did not have the ability to justify by its very nature (vv. 10-12), and by the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary (vv. 13-14). There is a statement in his third set of proofs in verse 11 that I want those who read this article to consider.

His statement is this, "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident" (emphasis mine, pmw). What is meant by the word "evident"? According to Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible the word means manifest. The word manifest is defined by The World Book Dictionary as meaning, "apparent to the eye or the mind; plain; clear; obvious; unmistakable." The Dictionary even gives Luke 8:17 as an example of its meaning.

Therefore, Paul is saying that this statement of fact in verse 10 is "evident" meaning that it is "manifest", obvious to the eye or mind (in this case, to the mind), plain, clear, unmistakable. Paul is saying that the fact that "no man is justified by the law in the sight of God" is so clear and plain and obvious that it cannot be misunderstood.

What, according to Paul, is the evidence that makes this point so crystal clear that it cannot be misunderstood? He quotes two passages of Scripture, one from Habakkuk 2:4, and one from Leviticus 18:5. Paul is saying that this should settle the issue. These Scriptures are so clear that no one should misunderstand them.

Since Paul says that this fact is "evident", then why do so many fail to understand it? Paul wrote this book as well as the book of Romans to discuss this matter. Why, since the truth on the subject was so "evident", did the Jews fail to see it?

Was it pride? The Jews thought that they would automatically be justified because of who they were, fleshly descendants of Abraham. Could it have been prejudice? "Could the Gentiles believe for a minute that they are equal with us Jews?" Was it blindness? Paul warned of allowing our minds to be blinded by the "god of this world" (II Cor. 4:3-4). Whatever the reason, they failed to understand and accept that which Paul said was so "evident" that the matter should be settled. This was a major problem in Paul's day since it was a period of change.

Now, let's make application of this statement that may more directly affect those of our present age. The religious world is divided tremendously over a number of issues. There are a number of verses of Scripture that discuss these points of disagreement that are just as "evident" as they could possibly be. For instance, let's take the subject of baptism. Read Mark 16:16 which states, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." I believe that this statement is "evident, plain, clear, obvious to the mind" and that it is "unmistakable." In other words, I believe that it is impossible for anyone, with intelligence, to misunderstand this statement. You can believe it or you can not believe it; you may accept it or you may reject it; but you cannot misunderstand it.

There is controversy today about whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation or whether baptism is necessary in order to have one's sins remitted or removed or forgiven. Read Acts 2:38: "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." In reading this verse only, some things are not made clear or "evident." It is not made clear what is required when one repents; nor is it "plain" and "obvious" what the "gift of the Holy Ghost" refers to. However, there is one thing that is so "evident" that it is "clear, plain, obvious to the mind" and cannot be misunderstood. That fact is that baptism is necessary for the remission of sins. One may believe that, disbelieve that, accept it or reject it; you may spend a great deal of time and effort trying to explain it away. But, the fact remains, that baptism "for the remission of sins" is taught here so plainly and clearly that it is so "evident" that it cannot be misunderstood. (We will continue these thoughts in our next article.)
—Paul M. Wilmoth

From the Preacher's Viewpoint. . .

The Difference in Denominations and Christianity

"Does the Bible teach the withdrawal of fellowship? If so, is it just for those who will not attend worship?"

The Bible very definitely teaches the withdrawal of fellowship. Notice the following passages. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17). "But I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one, no, not to eat" (I Cor. 5:11). "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us" (II Thess. 3:6). "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed" (II Thess. 3:14). These passages teach that God demands the withdrawal of fellowship which is the final step of discipline and love.

It should be remembered that withdrawal of fellowship should be pursued only after every scriptural step has been taken. Prayers should be uttered and visits made, with reference to those who are not living the gospel. By all means, patience and love should be shown to those who have left Christ and His way. Let us emphasize again that withdrawing fellowship from a brother or sister in Christ is the final step of love. It should never be a step of revenge and hate. Another thing which needs to be pointed out is that partiality should never be shown in the program of disfellowship. If it involves the preacher's children, the church leader's children, or some outstanding member's children, or some outstanding and well-known person, then let it involve them. God's will knows no partiality (Acts 10:35). Using an old proverb, "Let the chips fall where they may." Any church or church leaders which practice partiality, with reference to withdrawing fellowship, need to be disciplined themselves for they are not following the Word of God.

Withdrawing fellowship is not just designed for impenitent assembly forsakers. It is also for those who are morally impure; for those who are stingy and love this world's goods more than Christ; for those who let other things come before Christ and His service. It is for gripers and complainers; for drunkards or those who become intoxicated with alcohol and other drugs; for troublemakers and those who sow discord among brethren. In fact, withdrawing fellowship is for all people who will not repent for not living the gospel, after all steps have been taken to bring them back to Christ. We should never focus in on just one particular sin in church discipline, but on any and all wrongdoing.
—Malcolm L. Hill