Barnes church of Christ

After having written on heaven, it seems only natural to write on “hell!” There is some misunderstanding on this subject to say the least! Part of this confusion comes from the King James Version of the Bible. It translates three Greek words, Hades, tartaroo, and Gehenna, into the one English word. My computer recognizes the Greek word Hades Gehenna but not tartaroo, with this it is much like the general public. A “little” light on the subject is, therefore, in order!
Let us take up the word Hades first. The word appears eleven times and is translated “hell” ten time and the grave one time. The use of the word helps us understand the meaning, better. Allow me to start with the Greek “hades,” as it is used the most. The King James Version would have served us better had it transliterated the Greek into the Greek “hades”; thus, we would have read “hades” and not “hell.” This would have separated the two Greek words! We have often heard that Jesus went to “hell” and gave those within the opportunity to leave. Now really, how many souls would have stayed in place fill with treatments?
The best place to get a better understanding is Luke sixteen, where the story, not a parable is told. It is not like something; it is really something! As you read the story of the “rich man” and the “beggar” and where they went following death. All Bible readers have come across these events. The “rich man” was really a man” of much and the “beggar” was also really a man but of “nothing!” Both die, but here, the story changes, as the “rich man” is in “torments,” while the “beggar” is comforted. The difference being the way they lived while on earth. To keep it simple, the “rich man” does not share his riches with those in need. While the “beggar” would eat the things that fell from the “rich man’s” table. He ate with the dogs and who do you think got the best of this food that tell from the “rich man’s” table? However, all this would change upon the death of each. The “rich man” would find himself in “torments” while the “beggar” was “comforted.” Get this now, both were in “hades”, but they were not together. In this reality, the “rich man” would learn that there was a “gulf” between the two which could not be crossed as they had no such freedom! The “rich man” desired that Abraham would allow the “beggar” to come across this great “gulf, a divide which no soul could cross! This was not within Abraham’s power! The “rich man” upon learning this, having brothers yet on the earth, he desired that the “beggar” be allowed to go back to earth and tell them of the “torments” he was in and warn them. He would also learn that this was also impossible. Here is a point that is often overlooked, even though the “rich man” was totally aware of his own “torments” and aware of his brother’s spiritual state but in there was nothing he could do to change this; no, it was up to them! Is there any reason to believe that the “rich man’s” brother would change while they remained on earth?
Now, the place that the “rich man” and the “beggar” were located was “Hades!” Yes, that is right, both were in “hades” but in totally difference parts of it! Hades is not the final place of the dead; neither the righteous or the unrighteous! But it is the place all the dead go upon death! If we can understand this, it will help us understand what Peter says about Jesus being in Hades! Jesus being the perfect righteousness, would have gone to the same place the “beggar” went upon his death, which was Hades! Peter quotes the Old Testament in Acts chapter two. Peter starts with the command, which each person would be totally aware of; as he said: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22). Next, he reveals what they all knew to be the truth: “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: ”Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (verses 23-24). Then, he moves to the one man, the one king, which they all believed; and he said: “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope” (verses 25-26). Here is Peter’s answer: “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” What was that? Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell.” There it is! Jesus, who is the subject of David’s words, Jesus’, soul was not left in hell, but the word here is “hades.” Now you tell me; being in “hades” what part do you honestly think Jesus’ soul was in: “the paradise part! It helps us, just here, to recall the words of Jesus to the man who was sacrificed with him, to who Jesus said: “Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). Yes, Jesus went to the place of “comfort,” and known as “paradise!” Yes, Jesus went to Hades but to the part of “comfort!” This being the same place of the “beggar!” To conclude this part of our article, let us return to the words of Peter: “Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance” (Acts 2:28). From here Jesus returned to earth and competed his work as he talked with the apostles! (Mark 16:14 and Acts 1:8).
Finally, we must recall that Peter in Second Peter two, verse 4, wrote this: “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.” Does this not sound like hades, as it is a place where souls are waiting for the final judgment?” The Greek word is “tartaroo.” Please note, that those who sinned (and who did not obey God) were “cast down to hell” (Tartarus) to wait for the final judgment!
The third and final word Greek word translated “hell” is the Greek “Gehenna.” It is most interesting that Jesus is the one who used this word each time it appears in the New Testament. It is also most interesting that the one who speaks of “Gehenna,” is the one who loves us and gave himself for us! This is the final place of those who do not obey the gospel and is “Gehenna” ( 2 Thess. 1:9). You might make this point about eternal hell and everlasting heaven they are the same Greek word and mean the same thing! (Matt. 25:46). The Greek word is “aionios!”
Therefore, in reading the New Testament keep in mind that there are three Greek words translated “hell” know the difference and know where the different Greek word is used. It will help you better understand the New Testament!

Frank R. Williams

How sweet the word, how beautiful the thought, of heaven. As the old song rings out, “How beautiful heaven must be;” then the words of another song comes to mind: “Sing To Me Of Heaven!” As the old preacher had reached the end of his sermon, he walked across the podium and as he did so, he talked about heaven and as he spoke so gently of heaven he looked up and it was as though he was actually looking into heaven itself! I also heard L. O. Sanderson preach on heaven and concluded that such a subject should be left to older preachers. L. O. Sanderson was such when I heard him. The words of the songs just written fit well into brother Sanderson’s sermon.
Another song addresses heaven, in these words: “Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely — I’m not discouraged I’m heaven bound — I’m just a pilgrim in search of the city — I want a mansion, a harp and a crown.” It is a song of encouragement. We may not have much of this world’s good but we are just passing through. As a pilgrim I am truly in search of that city that Jesus told the disciples, “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, if it were not so, I would have told you” (John 14:2).
Years ago, I went to India to teach the word of God to them. The last thing we did was visit the Taj Mahal and saw it’s beauty and it is truly a thing to see. There are a number of stories about how it was built as it was built for a burial place of the king’s wife. It is one of the ten wonders of the world but it falls to ashes when put beside heaven. The wall of China is nothing to behold when put beside heaven! The beauty of heaven has yet to be told because words we have nothing that truly can compare with heaven! God has given us word pictures but words can only relate to things of this world and heaven is not of this world!
Sometimes we use the Book of the Revelation of Christ to tell us about heaven, but many times words have no relationship to heaven. For instance, many times these words are used: “And 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” (Rev. 20:4). But these words are describing a victory for the church over the Romans. How welcome it must have been when the church that had been battered first their countryman, then, by the Romans; how sweet at taste the words of Revelation twenty-four must have sounded when they first heard them from the pen of John, the apostle. It does not take away from the beauty, nor, the sweetness, of heaven. No, heaven is above and no man, nor, any army of men can touch heaven and what we have waiting for us!
Between now and heaven is the place called Abraham’s bosom, which is “paradise” part of Hades. Even here we are blessed. Hear the word of Jesus to the “rich man,” who desired that the poor man touch his lips with drops of water; Abraham said unto him, there was no way to have the “begger” to cross “great gulf” between them. However, in the end of time, Paul lifts our hearts with these words: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:13-17). Heaven is on the other side of these words. Let us notice what the apostle pointed out for us. First however, allow me to point out that believing is absolutely necessary. Here is what Paul wrote on this: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again.” Now to our points: 1) we are not to sorrow as others, 2) Jesus will bring with “them which are asleep”, 3) “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,” 4) this will be done “with the voice of the archangel,” 5) also “with the trump of God,” and 6) “the dead in Christ shall rise first;” and secondly: 1) then we which are alive “shall be caught up together with them (the dead in Christ) in the clouds,” 2) then, we shall “meet the Lord in the air,” and finally, 3) the grand conclusion “and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” How many times have we read and heard read these beautiful words?
But, Paul had one more verse for us. In verse eighteen he wrote: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” And this we have done! Heaven, beautiful and sweet, and on and on we could go but we can never get better than the inspired word.

–Frank R. Williams

The above words are fully above my “pay” scale but just a little light that shines on it might be helpful. I am sure, that you have thought about this major problem in today’s world. There is not a day that goes by, that someone has not killed another. First, is there a reason for this badness, for this insanity? Why does a ‘man’ murder another?”
We live in a world that is filled with murders, with homicides, which are in every “news” report; it may even be a family member but it is reported where someone has killed another. Many times, this news report is of someone they know, or someone that they work with. lt is in the evening news where someone has murdered a “friend,” In other words, no one, no relationship is beyond the age of being too old or too young, to be murdered. Now, get this, one or two men go into a house and kill the whole family which includes a baby! Not all of these murders use a gun though many times it is a gun! But we need to be aware that other items are used to murder!
Second, let us now address the subject: “Why do men kill each other?” murder is a much better word than “kill” as in some cases the “killing” is justified. If someone breaks into your house, you have the right to kill them and it should not be called “murder.” The word “murder” is used when the killing is not justified! It generally helps any study to use the best words in such a study! It is also best to use Bible words when addressing a Bible subject. This is the case of God’s words on the subject as used in the ten commandments, where Moses wrote: “Thou shall not kill” as in what is generally called the “ten commandments” as though God only gave ten commandments to Isreal. Nevertheless, the state has the right to put a person to death who has murdered another. Such action is not murder!
So, why do some people murder another human being? It is not all the case that so many murdered so many others. Every weekend brings on more murders than is reported during the week. Such murders included babies who have not done anything to anyone. The simple answer to why some people murder others is that they do not respect human life. Human life is not the same thing as bug life! We step on bugs nearly every day and such a person would never even think of murdering a human being! However, some people have grown to think that killing a human is no more than murdering a bug! Why such thinking?
May the “reason” be that so many humans are murdering others, because they have been taught that all life is of equal value? If we came from the same thing that “monkey” came from, if we would kill a “monkey,” then we can murder a human being. After all, just look at “monkey” and the likeness to humankind! They are, after all, related to us, they just did not grow into humans! Yes, this is what has been taught in our schools for years. Of course, such teaching is not done by all teachers but some.
This is called evolution! In the animal world, it is the “survival of the fittest” The stronger the animal, the bigger the creature, more likely is it to kill the smallest. We see this all the time in the animal world; the bigger or the fastest may kill the slowest, the biggest may kill the smallest. If evolution is true then this is the way humankind would also be! Just look at our streets and cities is this not what we see and hear of every weekend? There is no guilt, no tears, it is just the one who is willing to murder and who has the biggest gun, or who has the largest gang murdering the smaller gang!
It may also be the case, that evolution has taken the reason for living out of the equation. The Christian believes that all human life is equal; no one person is more important than another; that is, unless we are looking at “money” and “power” are our rule for living. As sad as this may sound, I fear that some humans think in such terms!
If a person would abuse another, would this person think, that he has the right to take the life of another? We may be seeing the results of teaching evolution!! This article is written to produce thought in the mind of the reader!

Frank R. Williams

Is the New Testament true or is it an ever-changing book? This is an important question to all who believe the New Testament and who live their lives according to it. What if you are one of those who believe that it is true from beginning to the end, from Matthew to the end Revelation, just what are we to do? What about it, are you one of those who believes that the New Testament is the inspired word of God? These questions need an answer!
Let us start answering these questions by going to the words of Jesus. He said to those Jews who believed in him: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). First, Jesus starts with those who “believed on him” and this is a most important point. Jesus is not addressing the Jews who did not believe on him; Jesus was not telling them that they would know the truth, which would make them free.
Second, this is before the revelation of “the truth” was made known to the twelve disciples on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). At that time, Jesus made known by the Holy Spirit, “the truth,” that would have the power to make those who believed on him free. He did so by the preaching of the twelve. At that time, they, those who believed, had the opportunity to obey it and be free from their sins! How beautiful are the words of Peter as recorded by Luke; Luke wrote of these who did believe on Jesus: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Truly they were searching, and they were ready to hear the words that would make them free! Luke continued to write: “Then Peter said unto them, 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 Spirit.” How soul/spirit striking are the words of the apostles!
Third, those who did believe were allowed to hear and obey the inspired words; as Luke wrote of it: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (verse 41). What did they now do? Luke will answer this: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (verse 42). They were now free from sin, and they worshiped God!
Now, Jesus having told the lost Jews who did believe on him and they having received and obeyed the truth, which Jesus had said they would “know;” salvation belonged to them! However, we have the question before us, is that truth which these who heard and obeyed the truth on the day of Pentecost, which is over two thousand years old still truth today? They heard the apostles preach it and we read it! Is it still truth, or has it changed over the years? Can we today preach what the apostles preached and get the same salvation? If not, just what can we preach to the lost?
But this is not all we have before us. Jesus said to the men who would be apostles, that they would receive the truth. Here is what Jesus said to them: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7). Did Jesus tell them the truth, or not? Who would dare say, “no!” Who would stand against Jesus? Who would say, that the apostles did not receive the Holy Spirit, who in turn gave them the “truth,” which “truth” they preached on that day of Pentecost; which truth those on the day of Pentecost heard and obeyed it; would jump to their feet and it was truth then, but is it not truth today?
At some point, those who say that the New Testament was truth, but it has changed; owe us an answer. If it was truth but it is no longer truth; just what is the truth?? If the New Testament is no longer the truth, what part of it is not true today. Who has the wisdom to know what is true and what is not true? I have no such wisdom; therefore, just like you, I need for those who think they have such wisdom to stand up and speak? But they had better prove to the rest of us, that they now have the Holy Spirit, for there is no other kind of person who would have the power to reveal the “modern day truth?”

Frank R. Williams

In our quest to understand the New Testament, we have come face to face with the thought, the teaching, the New Testament does not mean the same thing today as it did in the first century. We have posed the question: If the Faith of the first century, does not mean today what it meant then; just what does it mean today?
With the above question before us, let us call attention to Jude three, first, notice it was Jude’s desire to write of the “common salvation,” but was more needful, therefore, he had to write of something else. Something was more in need at the time Jude wrote than the “common salvation.” So, what was more needful at the time Jude wrote, than the “common salvation; it was also more needful” Jude answers our question in these words, it was needful that Jude “exhort” them that they “contend for the faith!” Two words express the greater need than the “common salvation.” This naturally brings us to the second question: What was more needful than the “common salvation?” It was that they “should earnestly contend for the faith!”
This brings us to the question under which we write: “Does the faith mean the same thing today that it did in the first century?” If not, and some are teaching that it does not, just why did Jude by the Holy Spirit write such? And, how would we teach on this verse today; seeing that it has no meaning at all? Nevertheless, Jude did write the words, that was a greater need that he write, on the “common salvation” but it was necessary that he “exhort” that they should “contend” for the faith! The word “contend” is the Greek “epagonizomai” and means “to struggle for: – earnestly contend for.” (Strong). They were to take to the heart these words!
Now, this naturally brings to the next words from the pen of Jude; as he wrote: for what they were to “earnestly contend” for. He used the following word “for the faith.” What brought “the faith” to the forefront? It was “once delivered.” The word “once” is most interesting. It is the same Greek word as the Hebrew writer used in referring to the death of Jesus. The words are: “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” The word “once” here is the same as in Jude three. It is the Greek “hapax”, and it means “one (or a single) time.” It is once for all time! Jesus died once for all time never to die a second time. This is the point of Jude, when he used the Greek “hapax” in the context of “the faith:” as it was once for all time delivered unto the saint!
If the words of the New Testament were to change in meaning during the next generation; it would appear that it is a total waste of time and effort, to “contend” as “the faith” would change and mean something different during their lifetime!
Now we turn our attention to another text which put the words “the New Testament does not mean today what it did in the first century,” on the run! Text comes from Romans, where Paul wrote: “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). If the meaning of the words are continually changing from one generation to the next, we have only a short time to “catch” those who are so identified in Paul’s words; “cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine.” Did it jump out at you, “what would be “offences contrary to the doctrine;” if it is continually changing!
If the teaching that the New Testament does not mean now, what it meant in the first half of the first century; just what does it mean? How would we know if it has changed. Who is to tell us that a change has taken place? Where did they get their authority? It must be that some man did it, but where did he get his authority!

Frank R. Williams

If the New Testament does not mean what it did when first delivered, then it means nothing at all! It was important in the first century delivery to the lost and clearly seen in Paul’s words to the Galatian “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal.1:6-7). Why was such rebuking language used if it was only going the change in a few years?
Truly the words of Paul could not be spoken at any time from the year Paul wrote them, as each generation would have to settle what it means to them! Then, why all the written warnings found in the New Testament, given only them in the first century? Here the words of John: “And if 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, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22”10). It is a total waste of time and effort to read and study any of the New Testament, if the truth stated by the inspired writers of the New Testament was only good for those in the first century group of Christians. Just “take away” as you please, as the words are not for you, as they were written for the first Christians! The first century Christians were given warnings which apply only to them and not to any person living today. You know, we could make the New Testament a lot smaller by removing all that does not mean anything to us today but only to them! They received warning after warning, but these mean nothing to us today! We just think it away.
Let us take a few words found in the New Testament and see what they mean today if anything at all! We have some “good” examples to look at. The denominations can help us here, as they have done for us what would be totally acceptable per-this new movement among us. Look at the word “baptism,” the meaning of which has been changed, first by the Roman Catholic Church “baptism”. We have debated this subject for years, only to learn today, that it was a total waste of time and effort to those living today. The Catholic Church told us long ago, that the word means pouring or sprinkling. Other denominations have followed their action. Not all denominations believed this, take the Baptist, which also debated other denominations on this subject. Correctly pointing out, that the Greek word translated baptism did not mean sprinkling or pouring! Of course, that was then, and we are living today. This means, that their debates were a total waste of time and effort, as they were removed from the first century. You are begining to get the idea by now!
Now, look at the Lord’s Supper and when it should be taken. Does the New Testament address the subject of when it should be taken? Yes, but only if you desire to “speak where the New Testament speaks,” do you know any denominations that speak out about this subject? If yes or no, it matters little, as this only relates to the first Century! So, all those churches about us are right and we have been wrong, as if the New Testament does address the subject, of when the Lord’s Supper should be taken, it matters little to nothing, as we are not under those examples anyway!
You may be wondering why we pay any attention at all as to what the apostles wrote as the meaning has changed hundreds of times. So, with this view of things, that is that words in the New Testament do not mean what they did in the first century! At the same time, we need to give little to no attention, as to what the apostle wrote, as it surely cannot mean the same thing to us today!
The warnings are a waste of time, as we need not pay any attention to them as they were written in another time and to another people. It is, however, a false thinking and denominations will be the result! Take down the sign and put up whatever anyone may desires. After all, this is what the denominational churches have been telling us all along! Just look about yourself and see all the words used to identify those who worship there!
Are you one of them? Do you question the New Testament; do you revolt against those who say, “The New Testament means today the same thing it did when it was written and delivered in the first century?” If you do not like what the gospel meant in the First Centuy, then, don’t concern yourself, as it does not mean what it did then, anyway; and should you be able to live into the next generation, maybe they will change the meaning to fit you!

Frank R. William

Through the years, fads come and go, without any real changes being made. In fact, if you live long enough, things just go in circles, as they come again. Take the subject of ties, they get wider, then back to being narrow once again and all in between. Have you looked at the color of skirts, as they get longer only to get shorter again? If you don’t like them today just wait a short time, and they will get back to what they once were. These changes do not mean much as the world goes on. But, there are some who believe that the New Testament changes meaning with every generation! Therefore, what a father may believe and teach as the “teaching of Christ,” it no longer teaches the same thing it did in the father’s generation. So, here is the question: “Does the New Testament mean the same thing today as it did when first preached and written?” This is a most important question.
It is hard to write on this subject without writing, if the New Testament does not mean today what it did in the time it was first delivered by the apostles; then just what does it mean? Then there is another question, “Who is to determine what it now means?” There are a few who might be able to answer this question: 1) The one who can only read with great difficulty but loves the truth; 2) It could be the man who reads very slowly but loves the truth; 3) It could be the man who sits in the pew and never says a word in class but knows the basics of what the New Testament means; 4) It could be the man who has studied the Bible all his life and understands the meaning; 5) It could be the college professor who has taught classes fifty years and loves the truth; and 6) It could be you, the child of God who loves the truth more than life itself?
Hear the words of Peter to the Jewish council and think of what they faced when preaching “the teaching of Christ; they answered: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). If “the teaching of Christ” was only good for one generation, then it was to change! It might have been good for them anyway! Why did the apostles say anything? The apostles would have answered, “No problem as it is only going to change what it means in a few years anyway! No, this is not what they said, is it? Then, here recall the words of Jude, who wrote: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Do these words sound like there is no urgency in knowing what the teaching is, in that generation and the one to follow? No! A thousand times, no! The apostles where willing to die and they did; for “the teaching of Christ!”
If it, “the teaching of Christ,” was going to change in only a few years, why be concerned? Keep in mind, that one generation overlaps each other! This just may reveal the friction between each generation! Not only this, but keep in mind, not only does two generations overlap one end but it always overlaps the last generation. Seeing things in this light, reveals that we have nothing more than friction, at the beginning of each new generation and at the end of each generation. No peace at all! However, Jesus said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Which truth is Jesus addressing: the one at the beginning of each generation, or the one at the end of each generation; then, there is the middle generation? Yes, it is true, we always have three generations at the same time and each one is free to determine what truth is for themselves! This brings about “war” at all times, as no one can say what truth is for generation at the being; in the middle, and the one at the end.
James will answer our question, as he wrote: “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” We conclude this article with word of John: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Do these two verses mean the same thing today as when John wrote them by the Holy Spirit? Do we really believe that we now are authorized to “lusteth to envy” and to love this world?

Frank R. Williams

Our faith is a most interesting subject. Most of us, older people, were those who grew up in a home and a nation that believed in the existence of God. This is not the case now! There are families, starting with the parents, who do not believe in the existence of God. Therefore, we must admit that the world is changing for the worse!
Those of the older generation, first believed in the existence of God and the devil. Before going on, let us put what we believed and what we now believe, in the positive and negative. Just as we believe(d) in God, we also believe(d) in the devil. Second, we believe(d) that the Bible is the inerrant inspirited word of God, as opposed to it being just another book written by men. We believe(d) that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, as opposed to him being just a good man like other good men. Before continuing our list of things, we believe(d) in, let us make the point, that Jesus cannot be a good man while lying to us in his own claim, that he was the only begotten Son of God. As he said to the troubled disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1). Just as it is natural to believe in God, so it is natural to believe, that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God! Fourth, we believe(d) in heaven and the negative hell. One being more than we can even “dream,” while the other, hell, is far worse that the mind can comprehend. If people understood the torment of hell, they would instantly become a child of God, a Christian! What a thought, a world of believers, Christians! Fifth, once more noting the words of Jesus to his troubled disciples, “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). What a thought! What comforting words to the troubled and misunderstanding disciples! Just think of it for a moment, as Jesus spoke to his very troubled disciples, he was going away but he would not forget his disciples, but he would prepare a place for them. That prepared place waits for all who became a child of God and who live faithful to him! Though Jesus was speaking to those disciples who would be his apostles, the just of the words are for us also! So, we believe(d) in heaven a place beyond our minds to fully comprehend; as we think of its beauty; while on the other hand, there is hell, which is more horrible that the mind can even think! Seventh, we believe(d) that the Christian life is the most blessed life one can live. At the same time, even though those outside of Christ may have more of this world’s goods, and let us say, even if we live in poverty, our life is more blessed than those who love his world and its goods. In moments of trouble and our heart breaks, we still have the promises of God, while those outside of Christ do not. All the good they have and will have are perishing and will totally perish. John wrote this: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). What a difference between those who believe and those who do not believe! Let us now move to the end of the subject. Living within those who believe and those who do not believe; read the words of John once more: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). While on earth, those who believe are preparing their lives for that blessed day when we shall see Jesus as, he now is, and what we shall be like!
There in brief is the difference between a child of God, a Christian and those who do not believe! Even in poverty our hopes look up to the heavens knowing that one day, Jesus will come to receive his own! Paul wrote of our subject in these words: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:14-17). With these words we close our subject of “Our faith.”
No, one more thought as Paul concluded this subject in these words: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (verse18). It is hoped that the reader will benefit at least some!

Frank R. Williams

There is much to write about on the subject of “our faith,” that needs our attention. It would appear at first that if we are a “believer,” that the subject of faith ends; however, this is not the case at all. In what points do we agree! Do we believe that we live under the Old Testament or the New Testament? Most of those who claim to be Christians will say, “I never knew that was a question!” Replying with, “I believe we are under, as in subject to, the Bible!” Therefore, under the subject of “Our faith,” there is a major division!! Therefore, the subject of “our faith” is one that needs attention.
What are the differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament? Let us just take the day of worship; under the Old Testament the day of worship is the Sabbath, or the seventh day of the week. However, under the New Testament, the day of worship is the first day of the week. The day of worship changed from the sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week, to the first day of the week. This can be seen, as the saved of Christ (Acts 2: 41-42), worshipped for the first time. It was the first day of the week and not the seventh day! This is a major change as the New Testament became the authority, the authority of Christ, became the law under which the saved would worship! Therefore, before we even get started, our subject of the saved in the New Testament, we see that we have a major disagreement. So, “our faith,” is a subject that much be addressed.
In the subject, “Our Faith,” we are addressing all who announce to the world, I am a saved person, I am a person of faith. Yet, even as we start the subject, we have found a major disagreement which must have our attention. This naturally brings us to the simple question: “How can our faith ever agree, when we cannot agree on the day of the assembly of worship? We must, as in all cases, allow the Bible to speak for itself. You see, faith, as in “Our Faith,” must start and end with the Bible. The Bible itself moves us to the New Testament and not the Old Testament authority. If you really believe in the Bible, you must accept the New Testament as our authority. There is no real way to bring people together, if there is no agreement in “our faith, in our authority; thus, “our faith” must rest in the New Testament. The blood of Christ stands between the Old and the New Testament and must not be removed. It is true, that the blood of Christ runs both backwards and forwards, as it relates to sin; but it does not run within the Old Testament laws of worship! Now, seeing the first major difference between some, those who claim to believe in the authority of Christ, and others who make the same claim to hold to New Testament authority.
The point as it all stands in “our faith” is that our faith must start and end with the word of God. We must not take one step outside of what the Bible teaches. As “old fasten” as it may sound, it all comes down to the authority of Christ. Not only must “our faith” be limited to the New Testament as it relates to authority but the whole of “our faith” either stands upon the New Testament – the authority of Christ – or not and this is an excessively big “not!” So, where did you get your faith? It must stand with the Bible; it must walk in the steps of the New Testament. It must stand with Moses or with Jesus Christ; here I speak of both feet as one foot cannot stand in truth and the other stand in Moses! It is Moses or Christ and cannot be in both as it relates to authority for today.
“Our faith” must start and end with the Bible. The truths that are revealed in the Old Testament, such as creation, is a truth, both in the New Testament and in the Old Testament. Jesus referred to creation to answer a point of faith in Matthew nineteen, as when he said, “have you not read,” and then, he goes to creation.
So many people get mixed up on this subject. How can we take part of what the Old Testament has, that is truth today and what is not? We are not talking about the “truths” of the Old Testament but authority! We must believe both! But where is our authority for worship, is it in the Old or the New Testament? It is in the New Testament, and here “our faith” must stand.
It is not as hard as some people appear to think! There is a difference between authority, as things we believe and what we must do! “Our faith” must start with Genesis one and end in Revelation. To believe the Bible means, we must believe both the Old and the New Testaments; thus, “our faith,” must stand with our “feet” in the truths of the Old Testament, while what we do, we do by the authority of the Christ which is in the New Testament!

Frank R. Williams