From the Pen of Paul. . .

Some Things Are "Evident" (2)

We are continuing to look at some statements in the New Testament that, as Paul said in Galatians 3:11, are evident, meaning that they are "manifest; apparent to the eye or mind; plain; clear; obvious; unmistakable." We began our study of such statements last week with Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38. Let's continue our study.

In Acts 22:16, the Bible reads, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." This is what Ananias told Saul to do when sent by the Lord to tell Saul "what thou must do" (Acts 9:6, 10-16). There are some things that are not so evident just by reading this verse; you have to do further study to learn these things. For instance, it is not evident what the element of baptism is; nor is it evident exactly what is meant by "calling on the name of the Lord." You learn these things by further study of the New Testament. But, there is one thing that is evident; there is one thing that is made "manifest" by reading this verse; there is one thing that is "apparent to the mind" it is "clear, plain and obvious;" in fact, there is one thing that is "unmistakable." That fact is that in the act of being baptized one's sins are washed away. That fact is so clearly taught in this verse of Scripture that it is impossible to misunderstand. Now, you have a choice; you may believe this clear, plain statement of Scripture; or you may disbelieve it; you may reject it or you may accept it; but the fact remains, you cannot misunderstand it. It is too clearly stated to be misunderstood. Saul must have understood it clearly because the Scripture tells us, "...and he received his sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized" (Acts 9:18b).

Now look at I Peter 3:21: "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Again, there are certain things stated so clearly in this statement that it is not possible to misunderstand them. Consider the following questions as you read this statement and see if they are not "clear, plain and obvious to the mind."

What is Paul discussing? baptism. What does baptism do? saves. Whom does it save? us. When does it save us? now!

Those who deny that which is evident from these inspired statements often have to spend a great amount of time trying to explain away that which is so "obvious, plain, clear and unmistakable." I once heard a denominational preacher on television spend 15-20 minutes trying to explain away Acts 2:38. But, when he finished, the statement was still most evident; he just chose to not believe what the Holy Spirit made so plain. Reminds me of the story I heard about a debate. It seems that there was to be a debate between a denominational preacher and a gospel preacher on the subject of the necessity of baptism for salvation. For some reason the gospel preacher failed to show up for the debate, and an elderly farmer agreed to take his place. The denominational preacher spent 30 minutes talking loudly about how salvation was not necessary in order for one to be saved. When it came time for the farmer to speak, he arose, opened his Bible, and slowly read Mark 16:16; he then sat down. The denominational preacher was a little surprised but arose and continued for another full 30 minutes to deny the plain and obvious facts taught in the New Testament on baptism. When he had finished, the farmer slowly got to his feet, opened his Bible and again read Mark 16:16 slowly and distinctly; he then sat down. This time the denominational preacher was so set back that he was a little uncertain as to how to proceed; however, he gathered his notes and continued for his full time to berate the old gentleman and to deny the teachings of the New Testament on this important subject. When he had finished, the farmer very slowly arose from his seat, made his way to the platform, opened his Bible and read Mark 16:16 clearly; he then replied, "It's still there!"

Again we ask, why do folks reject that which is so evident on this vital subject? Every passage that discusses baptism and salvation (or its equivalent) always places baptism before salvation. And yet, most choose to teach lies on the subject instead of just accepting the obvious. Strange, isn't it?
—Paul M. Wilmoth

From the Preacher's Viewpoint. . .

False Teachers

"What should be the Christian's view toward false teachers both in and out of the church?"

One can never do better nor go wrong when he follows the Bible in all things. There can be no improvements on the Word of God nor the examples and commandments found therein. Today's man has gotten pretty smart but his knowledge and wisdom pales out of sight when compared to the wisdom and knowledge of his Maker. So the Christian's view is always the view set forth in the Bible as it relates to all things. This being the case we look to the Bible for the answer about false teachers in the church and out of the church.

Elijah had no fellowship with the false prophets of Baal. He stood against them in open war and chided them for their wicked ways and their serving a dumb idol (I Kings 18:18-29).

Paul said to mark them that cause division in the body of Christ (Rom. 16:17). He tells us that we are to have no fellowship with those who do not walk in the way of the Lord (II Thess. 3:6). He tells us to reprove and rebuke false teachers (II Tim. 4:1-3). Sometimes Paul called false teachers by name (I Tim. 1:19-20). He tells us about Demus, who forsook him (II Tim. 4:10). Paul withstood Peter and others to the face for not following Jesus (Gal. 2:11-14).

John, the apostle of love, tells us to try the preachers and teachers (I John 4:11). He tells us there are many false teachers in the world. He further tells Christians to reject false teachers and preachers. The faithful Christian cannot give assistance in any way to help those who teach false doctrine. If one gives to a false teacher, he is just as guilty of false doctrine as the teacher himself (II John 9-11).

Christ rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He called them blind guides. He told how they robbed widows. He exposed them for their fake prayers. He revealed how they wanted to be called by great and distinct titles. Jesus exposed them for being interested in making a proselyte which added to their lofty number but it made them more like the devil instead of making them better. He rebuked them for not keeping their word. Christ called them fools and blind. He told them they were headed for hell in their impenitent way. Read all of Matthew 23 to see these things.

When Jesus wrote a letter to the church at Pergamos, He rebuked them for permitting the false doctrine of Balaam to be taught. He warned that church by telling them if they did not repent of this, He would fight against them instead of being with them (Rev. 2:14-16). Christ also rebuked the church at Thyatira for letting immorality and false doctrine be taught (Rev. 2:20-22).

These few things show us the spirit God has toward false teachers and false doctrine. We have those today who seem to have more love for the false than they do the true. They embrace the counterfeit much more than they do the real thing. They have more in common with the devil's teachers than they do the Lord's teachers. These people are more interested in the flesh than they are the things of the Spirit. They shield all their wickedness under the fake covering of love. God will deal with these hypocrites in the last day (Rom. 12:19).
—Malcolm L. Hill