From the Pen of Paul: Contending Earnestly for the Faith (2)
In our first installment on this subject, we learned that there are at least three things suggested as to why we need to “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered” (Jude 3-4). We looked at the first two of those reasons: (1) some will deny the all-sufficiency of the word of God; and (2) some will pervert the gospel of grace. A third reason is that many will deny the authority of God. Jude had to contend with those who “deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” The emphasis seems to be on the term “Lord” meaning one who is supreme in authority. These “certain men” who had “crept in unawares,” were apparently denying the authority of God and His Son. In the age that we are presently living in, it is a very common thing for folks to deny and/or completely ignore the authority of God, Christ, and the Bible. This is seen in an almost complete lack of respect for the Word of God. This disrespect and disregard for God's word is expressed every time we hear, “I know the Bible says that, but...”. This is also observed when we see folks setting up their own standards of authority for what they believe and practice. This is done by the use of synods, councils, conventions, and opinions. It is done by listening to a pope, bishop, pastor, minister, or someone else before and in contradiction to God's revealed Word. The Bible tells us, “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4).
Those who “earnestly contend for the faith” will, indeed must, recognize the authority which belongs to Christ. “All authority hath been given unto me” (Matt. 28:18). God has “put all things under His feet” (Eph. 1:22). Those who “earnestly contend for the faith” must also recognize the authority delegated to His apostles. “He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth Him that sent Me” (John 13:20). Paul says that we are to “acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (I Cor. 14:37). See also I Thessalonians 2:13.
Clearly the need to “contend earnestly for the faith” is present and pressing today, for just as when Jude wrote, there are still those who (1) deny the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures, (2) pervert the gospel of grace, and (3) deny the authority of God and Christ. The next important question to consider is how do we do this?
First, we must contend earnestly. It has been observed that “the phrase translated ‘earnestly contend’ is related to the English word 'agony.' This term is associated with strife and combat of a most vigorous and determined variety” (The Believer's Study Bible). Thus this term suggests that this is a very serious matter; we are at war! Paul in II Corinthians 10:3-6 describes the nature of our warfare, and also in Ephesians 6:10-13. This is a continuing struggle; this is not the time to be unprepared; we must arm ourselves and contend with vigor, even to the point of “agony” for “the faith once delivered unto the saints.”
To be successful in this war, we must use only the weapons and armour at our disposal. Paul describes this armour and weaponry in Ephesians 6:13-18. We are to be girded with truth, have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, and use the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Once we have the proper protection and the proper weapon, we are exhorted to be “praying” and “watching.” One thing we may sometimes miss is that most of these are for our own defense, lest we be lost in the struggle! The elements of truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, and salvation are needed for our own salvation as much as for those whom we seek to conquer. We must first be sure that we have “cast out the beam out of our own eye,” so that we will be able to see clearly how to “cast out the mote out of our brother's eye” (Matt. 7:3-5).
Some are too quick to take up the sword of the Spirit: they have not proven their weapon. See I Samuel 17:39. We must learn how to use our sword. II Peter 3:15-16 plainly shows that many, who claim to be earnestly contending for the faith, are merely “wresting the Scriptures.” Paul also had something to say about our weapons that are “mighty through God” (II Cor. 10:4). A careful study of the context of I Corinthians 4 and Galatians 6:1 will show that we must first be “spiritual” ourselves, and then display gentleness and caution. Refraining from quarrels, we are to use gentleness, and the Word with patience and humility, in correcting the opposition. Also study carefully II Timothy 2:23-26. If our motive is not “that they may know the truth,” we need to put up the sword.
This call to “earnestly contend for the faith” is not a call to contentions and outbursts of wrath (Gal. 5:19-21; I Cor. 13:1-3). Instead, it is a call to vigorously contend for the faith with all the weapons at our disposal; first and foremost with the Word of God applied to ourselves, and then with Christ-like qualities that are “mighty through God” to win people over to obedience to Christ. It is not merely to prove that we are right. May God help us to take this responsibility seriously!
—Paul M. Wilmoth
From the Preacher's Viewpoint: Does It Really Matter What We Believe?
“Does it really make a difference what we are religiously? Being sincere in our belief is what really counts.”
For many years people have believed that it really does not make any difference what one believes in religion if he is sincere and honest about the matter. We ask, “Is this true?” If the Bible says so, then it is true. If the Bible teaches it is not true, then it is not true no matter who says otherwise (Rom. 3:4).
Does it make any difference as to which God in which we believe? There are many gods around the world. Men have always served idols. The apostle Paul found this on Mars Hill (Acts 17). How about serving a false god honestly and sincerely? Will this take one to heaven? The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). Are the gods around the world as good as the true and living God? Can one be saved by believing in them and serving them? The answer is obvious!
Does it make any difference as to the Christ in which we believe and serve? Throughout the ages many false Christs have come and said they were the Savior of the world. Were they just as good as Jesus Christ the Son of God (Matt. 17:5)? Is there salvation in any Christ (Acts 4:12)? Unless we believe in Jesus Christ we will be lost (John 8:21, 24). So it does make a difference in the Christ we serve.
Does it make any difference in the book we follow in religion? Is one book just as good as another? Is any book as good as the Bible? If so, which one and where can it be found? Can we be saved following any book while rejecting the Bible? If so, why did God give us the Bible? To reject the Bible is to lose one’s soul (John 12:48). To not abide in the Bible means that God and Christ are not with us (II John 9-11). Many souls will burn in hell because they do not respect God’s Bible. Honesty and sincerity does not mean that we can lay aside the Bible and follow any book we wish and still be saved. So it does make a difference which book we follow.
Does it make any difference in how we worship God? Some laid aside the Bible and followed the teachings of men and as a result of this their worship was in vain (Matt. 15:8-9). Some went through certain washings in their worship and their worship was in vain (Mark 7:7-8). Is what men require in worship equal to what God requires? If so, what difference does it make as to which God we serve or which Jesus we follow? Why follow the Bible on anything if this is the case?
Some do not have the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). These people prefer to follow man rather than God. Some prefer to have mechanical instruments of music in worship to God even though the New Testament does not authorize it. They prefer to follow man rather than God. There are many other things that could be mentioned along this line.
If we are going to follow God at all, we must follow Him all the way (James 2:10). If we are going to reject Him and His Word on a certain point, then might as well reject Him all the way. We must not add to nor take from His Bible (Rev. 22:18-19). God said what He meant and meant what He said. Some will find this out on the day of God’s judgment and will get the shock of their life. My friend, do not wait too late to find this out.
—Malcolm L. Hill