Barnes church of Christ

Many are they who answer “no.” Many are they who answer “yes.” However, it is not man who will be the judge on that great day; rather, the Judge is God and His Word (John 12:48). Thus, what saith He who will judge?
(1) “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Is this verse a verse that teaches what a person must do to obtain salvation? Yes. Must a person believe in order to obtain salvation? Yes. What is meant by the word “and”? It means: “Together with or along with; also; in addition; as well as” (American Heritage Dictionary). What is it that must be done together with, in addition to, as well as, believing? Baptism. Is baptism necessary in order to obtain salvation? Yes.
(2) “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). This verse teaches that a person must do something in order to obtain what? Remission (forgiveness) of sins. Must a person repent in order to obtain remission of sins? Yes. Does “and” occur directly after “repent”? Yes. What is it that must be done “together with, along with, also, in addition, as well as” repentance? Baptism. Is baptism essential to obtaining remission of sins? Yes.
(3) To Saul it was said, “Why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16). What was Saul told to do? Be baptized. What was baptism going to do? Wash away his sins.
(4) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). True or false: All people are either in Christ or out of Christ. True. True or false: Those out of Christ are lost, and those in Christ are saved. True. According to God’s Word in the above verse, how does a person get into Christ wherein is salvation? By being baptized.
(5) “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). What is it that saves us? Baptism.
Tell us plainly, must a person be baptized in order to obtain salvation? Yes, a person must be baptized in order to obtain salvation.

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)

At first glance, it might seem as though there is no difference in the question which is presented in the title. However, to say that a person is saved by faith only is to say that one is saved only by having faith–the moment you believe, you are saved. But to say that a person is saved by faith is to say that faith is needed for salvation, but it is not the only need–by faith a person does whatever else is needed to obtain salvation. The difference, then, is crucial to a person obtaining (or having obtained) a true conversion in God’s sight. What saith the Word of God?
(1) “Thy faith hath saved thee” (Luke 7:50). Did Jesus say “faith only hath saved thee,” or “Thy faith hath saved thee”? Answer: faith. “Through faith in his blood…for the remission of sins” (Rom. 3:25). Does the verse say “through faith only,” or “through faith”? Through faith. “Being justified by faith” (Rom. 5:1). Is it “faith only,” or “faith”? Faith. “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish” (John 3:16). “Believeth only,” or “believeth”? Believeth. There is not one single verse in the Word of God which contains the words “saved by faith only.” The word “only” is not in these verses. Yet, legion are the verses which declared it is by faith, and the difference does make a difference.
(2) “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?” (Jam. 2:24). Is a man justified by faith only? No.
(3) “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Gal. 5:6). What is it that avails (benefits): “faith only,” or “faith which works”? Faith which works.
(4) Jesus said, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Is repentance necessary for salvation from perishing? Yes. Yet, if a person is saved by “faith only,” then nothing else is needed for salvation. However, since something else is needed for salvation (repentance), then a person is not saved by faith only.
(5) “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9). If a person is saved by “faith only,” is anything else other than faith needed for salvation? No. Is confessing Jesus necessary for salvation? Yes. Since something else is needed for salvation (confession), is a person saved by faith only? No.
(6) Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). If a person is saved by “faith only,” is anything else other than faith needed for salvation? No. Is baptism necessary for salvation? Yes. Since something else is needed for salvation (baptism), is a person saved by faith only? No.
(7) “Then Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him…Ye are of your father the devil” (John 8:31,44). Did these people believe on Jesus? Yes. Since they had faith, then according to the doctrine: “a person is saved by faith only,” are these people saved? Yes. Yet, how did Jesus identify these people: “children of God,” or “children of the devil”? Answer: the children of the devil. Are children of the devil saved? No. Thus, did faith only save them? No.
Tell us plainly, is a person saved by faith only? A person is not saved by faith only.

Gary Henson

Although their members are usually unaware of it, most all denominations are governed in doctrine and practice by a church or manual written by a group of men of their own religious beliefs. Yet, what saith the Scriptures: are creed books accepted or condemned by God?
(1) “[6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9). To say that there is “another gospel” (v:6) is to say that there was only one being taught, or that there were two? There were two. Who produced the “other gospel”? Men (V:9). What effect was this other gospel producing? It was removing these people from God (v:6); it was a perversion of God’s gospel (v:7); it was causing its proclaimers to be accursed of God (v:8). Was this additional, man-made, religious creed book accepted of God? No.
(2) “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city” (Rev. 22:18-19). Is “this book” the Bible? Yes. Are church creed books exactly the same in contents as the Bible? No. Since no creed book is exactly the same as the Bible, why is there the difference? Creed books either leave out some of the Bible, or/and add other doctrines. What does God do to those who “take away” or “add unto” the Bible? He will take away their part out of the book of life and the holy city (loss of salvation), and add unto them horrible plagues (eternal punishment). Are creed books accepted of God? No.
(3) “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9). Are church creed books authored by men? Yes. Do church creed books set forth the denomination’s doctrines? Yes. Are these man-made doctrinal books vain? Yes.
(4) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Do the Scriptures provide us with everything we need so that we may be perfect? Yes. Do the Scriptures provide us with everything we need that we may be completely furnished unto all good works? Yes. Is not the use of creed books saying: (a) “I do not have faith in what you are saying, God; I do not believe it. The Scriptures do not supply us with everything we need;” (b) “You are fallible, God, because You did not give us everything we need to function;” (c) “We’re smarter than You, God, because we had to improve upon Your work;” (d) “We are God, because we are making religious laws by which man is to live”? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Is this blasphemy? Yes. Does God accept blasphemy? No.
Tell us plainly, are creed books accepted or condemned by God? They are condemned by God.

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)

“And besides all this, giving all diligence, add to you faith, virtue…knowledge…self control…patience…godliness…brotherly kindness…love…. Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never stumble.” 2 PETER 1:5-10.

In order to become saved, one must follow the five steps of salvation: hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized. In order to remain saved, one must live a life in faithful, loving obedience to the Word of God (Gal. 5:6). It could be said that one must now follow the seven steps to remain saved (2 Pet. 1:5-10).
In 2 Peter 1:5-10, we find seven general principles which, when followed, will “make your calling and election sure.”
1st: VIRTUE. Virtue is moral goodness (Vine’s); It is “conformity to a standard of right” (Webster’s). Thus, virtue is the determination to do that which is right . Our lives are filled with clashes between doing that which is right or wrong. In order to make it to heaven, the Christian must make and keep the resolution that when such conflicts come, he will do that which God wants him to do.
2nd: KNOWLEDGE. After one has made the determination to do that which is right, he then must learn what is right. Thus, the Christian must learn God’s Will; and God’s Will is revealed in the Bible. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 states, “These things I write unto you that ye may know how to behave in the church.” Yes, we are to read and study the Bible so we can know how to live as a Christian.
3rd: SELF CONTROL. After one comes to know the Will of God, he must then exercise self control to follow His Will. When one learns, for example, that it is sinful to lie, then, when he is tempted to lie, he must control himself to refrain from lying. Exercising self control applies to all of God’s Will.
4th: PATIENCE. To control yourself in overcoming temptation is noble, but one must not let down his guard. Rather, the Christian must continue to exercise self control in all the temptations and trials yet to come. Truly, one must add to his life steadfastness/patience– the ability to endure.
5th: GODLINESS. As one patiently overcomes trials with self control, such must be done with the proper motive. Instead of resentfully obeying God, one is to do God’s Will with reverence and respect to God. The Christian is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” (Matt. 22:37). And as we do that, we will lovingly keep His commandments (John 14:15).
6th: BROTHERLY KINDNESS. The Christian is not only to refrain from doing that which is sinful, he is also to do that which is good and kind to others. Remember the “Golden Rule” says: Do unto others…(Matt. 7:12).
7th: LOVE. The Christian is to love God, His Will (the Bible), the church and the lost. Love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37-40), and is that without which, all our deeds are meaningless (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
May each Christian be diligent in growing daily in these general principles which make up the steps on the sure way to heaven.

Gary Henson

“Compliment,” as defined by Webster’s is “an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration; esp: a flattering remark.”
The Bible makes clear that the compliments of a flatterer are nothing. In a condemning manner, the Psalmist remarked that the wicked “flatter with their tongue” (Psa. 5:9; Cf. I Thess. 2:5).
However, Jesus never issued a vain compliment for He was perfect (I Jn. 3:5) and He knew what was in man (Jn. 2:25). Thus, we can learn from the compliments which He gave to others (who can be examples to us).
Compliment #1. Jesus complimented Nathaniel for his guilelessness (Jn. 1:47). Although the Jews were God’s chosen people, they had (under the guise of appearing devout) become quite corrupt by “changing” God’s laws to fit how they wanted to serve God (Mt. 15:9). Yet, in the midst of such people, was one who was without deceit, fraud and hypocrisy. Let us dare to be such in our time.
Compliment #2. Jesus complimented the Roman Centurion for his great faith (Matt. 8: 5-10). The stress which the Bible puts upon the role of faith is immense (Heb. 11; Rom. 3:25; etc.). This centurion was not even a Jew, yet, Jesus said that his faith was greater than He had found in Israel. Let it not be said of you that the faith of someone in denominationalism is greater than yours.
Compliment #3. Jesus complimented the poverty stricken widow for her liberality (Mk. 12:41-44). As Jesus “called unto him his disciples” (v.43) to observe her example, so does He call His disciples today to learn about giving of oneself first.
While it is nice to be complimented by others, what a special honor these three had by being complimented by the Lord Himself! However, if you are one without guile, and/or who gives of yourself–would you no less receive the same compliment?

Think on these things.

Gary Henson

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). This was spoken of Him when He was 12, but Jesus kept advancing in those four realms of life, even until we next read of Him at the age of 30. Since Jesus is our perfect example (1 Pet. 2:21), then we need to examine how He increased so that we may grow to the full potential that God would have us to achieve.
Jesus increased in WISDOM. “Wisdom” is putting to use what you know. A person can learn about all the material for building a house (concrete, lumber, etc.), but if he does not know how to use those things then his knowledge does not do him much good. Likewise, a person can know a great deal of what the Bible teaches, but if he does not know how to apply it to everyday situations of life, it is not going to be of much benefit. But Jesus knew the Scriptures and He knew how to apply it to life. Such is exhibited in His duel with Satan (Mat. 4), the woman caught in adultery (John 8), the confrontations with the Sadducees and Pharisees (Mat. 22), and in many other occasions You have learned Bible stories and lessons for years. Now you must be wise in using what you have learned!
Jesus also increased in STATURE. Such implies that He ate and took care of His health. We too need to increase in stature We need to take care of our bodies by eating good nutritional food (Dan. 1:8-16). We are not to harm our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20). We need to seek medical help when we become ill (Mat. 9:12). We also ought to do some exercising (1 Tim. 4:8). However, do not over emphasize this! Do not make “being healthy” your major quest in life. Rather, serving both God and man is the purpose of life (Mat. 22:36-40).
Jesus increased in FAVOR WITH GOD. At His baptism (Mat.3) He said He was to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” (i.e., God’s Will), and Jesus was so pure, John said, “I need to be baptized of you.” The Father then said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The point is, Jesus grew in favor with the Father because He followed and obeyed the Father’s will. You, likewise, grow in favor with God by following and obeying Him. Colossians 1:10 states “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Thus, you are pleasing to God by knowing what He says and then doing it.
Jesus kept advancing in FAVOR WITH MEN. To gain favor of men means to gain approval as a good fellow human being. How is this to be accomplished? It is done in the same way you gain favor with God–you live the godly life as is taught in the Bible. This is precisely what is seen in Acts 2:47. On the other hand, the evildoers loose favor with man (Prov. 21:10). Yes, you gain favor with men by living the godly, Christian life.
Jesus is the great example for us. He kept advancing in wisdom, stature, favor with God and with men – – and so can you, if you follow in His footsteps.

Gary Henson

Being Saved
Mark 16:16
Entering The Kingdom
John 3:5
Forgiveness Of Sins
Acts 2:38
Washing Away Sins
Acts 22:16
The New Life
Romans 6:4
Being Raised With Christ
Romans 6:4
Sin Destroyed
Romans 6:6
Being In The Body Of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:13
Being A Child Of God
Galatians 3:26-27
Putting On Christ
Galatians 3:26-27
Sanctification
Ephesians 5:26
Putting Off Sins
Colossians 2:1-12
Salvation
1 Peter 3:21

Gary Henson

There was a time when the kings and their armies of four cities united and rose up against the kings of five other cities. The four were easily victorious over the five (which indicates their power and strength). As spoils of war, the invaders took captive some of the inhabitants of the defeated. One of whom was a man named Lot. Abraham, Lot’s uncle, in spite of the four kings display of might in their preceding victory, pursued with only 318 men. One would think a victory for Abraham to be humanly impossible. Yet, he was not only victorious, it was described as a slaughter. How could this be? From whence came Abraham’s power? One in a most unusual position stated that truth when he spoke to Abraham: “Blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemy into thy hand.” Yes, Abraham’s impossible victory came by the power of God (Genesis 14).
Today, with God’s Word, we can do the same. Works, efforts and conversions which appear hopeless to our eyes, are possible with God. Without a quiver in his voice, Paul could say: “I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God” (Rom. 1:16). As we do God’s things in God’s ways, the strength in our efforts is of God. He said His Word “shall not return unto me void, but shall accomplish that which I please” (Isa. 55:11). True, hardened hearts may not respond to the Gospel, and good works may be unfulfilled by those who doubt, but this is due to the weakness and wickedness of man who hinder the truth (Gal.5:7).
Yes, our enemies may be great: evolution, humanism, denominationalism, apostasies, etc., but God is greater and with the proper attitude (Jam. 2:8), proper disposition (Col. 4:6) and proper use of The Power (Rom. 1:16) we can “do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).

Gary Henson

Have you ever wondered how you would re-live your life if you could do it over? If so, then you may have thought about the changes you would make; the different roads you would take; the decisions decided otherwise. I remember my uncle (at the time, a very successful furniture salesman) saying upon one occasion, “I wish I knew then, what I know now” Such is probably the feeling of most of us.
You and I cannot live our life over again. We cannot live over even the past year. But, instead of bemoaning the fact (with our now gained wisdom of experience) that we did not live the year(s) the way we now wish we had, let us rather say, “Although I did not know what I do know now, I will use what I now know and better my life now.” My uncle followed that advice and went on to own his own furniture store.
In the Bible, there were individuals who had that opportunity of a new beginning—the opportunity to use what they now knew to better the rest of their life. Although the actual situation may differ from ours, the principles are the same.
Noah had a new beginning following the flood. The water had washed clean the earth from sin and corruption. Noah now knew what the forefathers had either not known or ignored: worship and obey God (and teach your children to do the same) otherwise man will fall into reprobation resulting in destruction. Today, it is no different. Noah, in his new beginning, worshiped and followed God. We must do the same (Gen. 8:20; Heb 10:25).
The Psalmist had a new beginning after he counted his blessings rather than his blights (Psalm 73). Upon realizing the truly great blessings God had continually been bestowing upon him, he then had a new outlook on life—a new beginning. He took what he now knew and bettered the rest of his life in peace and service to God (v:28). We can do the same.
Later in his life, the great and mighty King Nebuchadnezzar, who was pride-intoxicated, learned humility before the all-powerful God. Now knowing what he had not known before, he put his new knowledge into practice by praising, extolling and honoring the King of heaven– rather than the king of Babylon (Dan. 4:37). If we have lived the past in pride of self, we too can have the same new beginning.
Romans 6:1-12 tells of a new beginning. Actually, it uses the words: “walk in newness of life” (v:4). This new beginning occurs in baptism. Due to repentance, we have become dead to the love of sin. This dead, old self (v:6) is then buried in the watery grave of baptism (v:4). During the burial, one is freed from sin (v:8; 4a, 7-8). As one arises from the water, at that moment (and not before) he is a new man who has a new beginning (v:4). This is the greatest new beginning of all. If you haven’t had it, you need it.
No, we cannot relive the year(s), but we can use what we know now to better the year(s) before us. As Noah, the psalmist and Nebuchadnezzar had a day in which they changed their life, this day can be the day in which you have a new beginning.

Gary Henson

Socrates had a trusted servant who, seeing others giving presents to his master, came to him one day and said, “Because I have nothing else to give you, Master, I here give you myself.” Socrates saw the earnestness of the servant and said, “Do so.” After Socrates bestowed upon him gifts, and advanced him to the head of his servants, he called him one day and said, “I now give you back to yourself better than when I received you.”
That is the way God is with us. We give our life to Him and He immeasurably improves our lives. Peter worded our thoughts for us when he asked Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?“ So Jesus said to them, …everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” (Matt 19:27-29.) Jesus revealed that such a follower shall, not only have heaven, but shall have marvelous blessings in this life. By leaving your ways to follow Jesus’ ways, He gives you back a better you—a better person, a better spouse, a better parent, a happier heart, a joyful journey, a sure security.
We may think, in leaving our wants in exchange for living for God, we are giving too much. But no one can out-give God! Never.

Gary Henson