Barnes church of Christ

It is generally believed, that salvation is in Christ, and it is! But what does it mean to be in Christ? How do you get into Christ? These questions are most important to the person who is truly searching for salvation! It is understood at the beginning of this article, that some people will never change, as they are set in what they believe and do not have any desire to change! It is also understood at the beginning of this article that some people, who have their “feet” set in concrete and they have no question about the nature of the concrete! It will hold them, as they are saved in their mind and that is the end of the subject!
Some people believe what they believe and are happy to let you know, what they believe, and they are proud of it! They are quick to point to a passage of scripture, such as: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13). Never mind that this verse does not have the word “believe (faith) in it; though they believe that they are saved by faith only. Just say, “Lord, lord,” and you are saved! Have these folks never read the words of the Lord: “not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). These words of our Lord should at very least, produce a little doubt in any honest heart!
The Lord himself said: “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). Therefore, it is conceded that a lost person must believe that salvation is in Christ! With this truth set before us, we turn our attention to the subject, “What does it mean to be in Christ?” If one is “in Christ,” then, such a person is saved; that is, unless he is one who has returned to sin! The apostle Paul makes the following conclusion: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). If one is “hid,” the Greek word being “sun,” which is “A primary preposition denoting union;” and the “union” is “with Christ in God.” The little word “in” used by the apostle is denoting a (fixed) position, that being in God! (Strong). Now notice how Paul appears to change subjects in these words: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (verse 4). However, he has not changed subjects! But, the words of verse four being true; therefore, we should/must do what: “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience” (verses 5-6). What once was, but is no longer, as the apostle continued: “In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them” (verse 7). Did you get it? What we once were, we are no longer; for we are in union, which is fixed, in God! It is necessary, just here, to make the point that Paul wrote, that we once “lived in them;” the “in them” are the sins just named. Some teach that one “simply commits” an act of sin in marrying one who was not put away (divorced) for some reason other than “fornication.” Then, it is taught that all such a person need do, is repent of the single act of “adultery.” Then, such may continue to live in such a marriage! However, Paul makes it very clear, that we, that is “ye lived in them,” and one of the things named is “fornication!” Just how does a person “live in fornication?” Does this mean that such a one, commits fornication twenty-four hours a day; or that he is one who freely commits fornication? You know the answer; to “live in” is to freely commits “fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection!
Now, returning to the point of our study: “What does it mean to be in Christ?” Being “in Christ” is also putting away: “anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (verse 8). If these things continue to abide in one, they serve as evidence that such a one is not in a “fixed union with Christ!” To put it simply, sin is not the manner of life of a person who is in Christ! So great is the difference between the life that was and the one that now is; the apostle describes such a one as “new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him!” (verse 10). The word “new” is the comparative with “youthful,” or regenerated (Strong). Speak of “the fountain of youth!”
Yes, to be in Christ means that one has undergone a spiritual renewing! The old man and his ways, have been thrown away, discarded as old warn out garments. Friends, does this sound like you!

Frank R. Williams

(Editor’s note: The subject of “How do you get into Christ?”, will be covered in a second article.)

The last four articles which have APPEARED on this page were about “truth!” With this in mind, it seemed only natural to ask the question under which this article is written. As teachers of a “by-gone-time,” used to say, “Class put on your thinking caps,” at which time the students were to be quiet, listen, and think!” This is no longer heard in the class room, as it is hard to get the class to be “quiet,” in the first place, and to get the class to “listen” is reaching for the near impossible, and to get the class to really “think” is simply out of the question!
It seems a good time to put before the reader the question: “which side of the truth are you on: right or left?” It is required, that the reader be keen of mind, as these words are “rolled” around in the mind. If you have given time to study and think about “truth,” and you should have, you should have said to yourself, “Truth does not have sides!” When the subject is the truth, the inspired word of God, there are no “sides!” It is true, that one may stand outside of the truth, on either the right or left of truth and one might stand outside of truth; on the “top” or “bottom” of truth! Therefore, the words of our question, “Which side of the truth are you on,” should have gotten your attention, at once! In other words, truth is truth!
No, it is not meant, that people do not stand on one side, left of truth or right of truth, but truth itself, does not have sides, as in “right” or “left. Think, as in “put on your thinking cap,” think of truth as a circle or a square, whichever you like, but have it be the truth! If you are on either side of it, you are not in it. Let me write that again: “If you are on either side of the truth, you are not in it!” Hear the apostle John on this subject: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Notice the word, “transgresseth,” which is the Greek “parabaino,” and means: “1) to go by the side of” but not in truth! To “go by the side of,” in our case, “to go by the side of “the truth; now, if you are: by the side of” something, you are not in it! Second, the word also means: “to go past or pass over without touching a thing;” as to “go past” the truth, or to fly over it without ever touching it! Third, the Greek word means “to overstep,” as in “to overstep” the truth! Fourth, one may “depart, leave, be turned from” the truth. Finally, “one who abandons his trust” of the truth! (Thayer) Please notice, that each of the four, the words do not describe one who is in the truth but one outside of the truth!
By now, you must have gotten the idea; if you are on the right or left, top or bottom, of the truth, you are not in it! As for me, I have no desire to be anywhere but in the truth! I am going to stand, with both feet, in the circle of truth or the square of truth; however, you desire to describe it! Truth has limits! It does not run everywhere like “sorghum molasses!” Yes, sorghum molasses may run slowly, but it still runs! Truth does not “run!” It does not change today from what it was a hundred years ago or two thousand years ago! Of course, this writer is fully aware that some, and their “herd” is increasing today! As the old beloved preacher use to say, “There was a time when you could use a fine tooth comb and you could not find a “liberal,” but now you can take a hay rake and bail them up!” Don’t you “love” to hear: “You can catch more flies with honey!” I have always wondered, whatever gave those who use this phrase, the idea that we are not trying to catch “flies!” Listen to Luke as he writes about that great Pentecost day recorded in Acts two, as he covers those who obeyed the truth: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Don’t be fooled, you can be on the right or left of the truth; you can be on the top or bottom of truth; but in either case you are outside of the truth! Friends, if the truth revealed what kind of music may be used in worship is “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3:16), it is still the truth! If the truth revealed, two thousand years ago, that one who is yet in his sins, that he should be told: “be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Friends, with all of this old heart, I plead with you, that you stand, as in put both feet, in the unchangeable truth!
Frank R. WilliamsThe last four articles which have APPEARED on this page were about “truth!” With this in mind, it seemed only natural to ask the question under which this article is written. As teachers of a “by-gone-time,” used to say, “Class put on your thinking caps,” at which time the students were to be quiet, listen, and think!” This is no longer heard in the class room, as it is hard to get the class to be “quiet,” in the first place, and to get the class to “listen” is reaching for the near impossible, and to get the class to really “think” is simply out of the question!
It seems a good time to put before the reader the question: “which side of the truth are you on: right or left?” It is required, that the reader be keen of mind, as these words are “rolled” around in the mind. If you have given time to study and think about “truth,” and you should have, you should have said to yourself, “Truth does not have sides!” When the subject is the truth, the inspired word of God, there are no “sides!” It is true, that one may stand outside of the truth, on either the right or left of truth and one might stand outside of truth; on the “top” or “bottom” of truth! Therefore, the words of our question, “Which side of the truth are you on,” should have gotten your attention, at once! In other words, truth is truth!
No, it is not meant, that people do not stand on one side, left of truth or right of truth, but truth itself, does not have sides, as in “right” or “left. Think, as in “put on your thinking cap,” think of truth as a circle or a square, whichever you like, but have it be the truth! If you are on either side of it, you are not in it. Let me write that again: “If you are on either side of the truth, you are not in it!” Hear the apostle John on this subject: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Notice the word, “transgresseth,” which is the Greek “parabaino,” and means: “1) to go by the side of” but not in truth! To “go by the side of,” in our case, “to go by the side of “the truth; now, if you are: by the side of” something, you are not in it! Second, the word also means: “to go past or pass over without touching a thing;” as to “go past” the truth, or to fly over it without ever touching it! Third, the Greek word means “to overstep,” as in “to overstep” the truth! Fourth, one may “depart, leave, be turned from” the truth. Finally, “one who abandons his trust” of the truth! (Thayer) Please notice, that each of the four, the words do not describe one who is in the truth but one outside of the truth!
By now, you must have gotten the idea; if you are on the right or left, top or bottom, of the truth, you are not in it! As for me, I have no desire to be anywhere but in the truth! I am going to stand, with both feet, in the circle of truth or the square of truth; however, you desire to describe it! Truth has limits! It does not run everywhere like “sorghum molasses!” Yes, sorghum molasses may run slowly, but it still runs! Truth does not “run!” It does not change today from what it was a hundred years ago or two thousand years ago! Of course, this writer is fully aware that some, and their “herd” is increasing today! As the old beloved preacher use to say, “There was a time when you could use a fine tooth comb and you could not find a “liberal,” but now you can take a hay rake and bail them up!” Don’t you “love” to hear: “You can catch more flies with honey!” I have always wondered, whatever gave those who use this phrase, the idea that we are not trying to catch “flies!” Listen to Luke as he writes about that great Pentecost day recorded in Acts two, as he covers those who obeyed the truth: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Don’t be fooled, you can be on the right or left of the truth; you can be on the top or bottom of truth; but in either case you are outside of the truth! Friends, if the truth revealed what kind of music may be used in worship is “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3:16), it is still the truth! If the truth revealed, two thousand years ago, that one who is yet in his sins, that he should be told: “be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Friends, with all of this old heart, I plead with you, that you stand, as in put both feet, in the unchangeable truth!

Frank R. Williams

Let the banner of truth fly high and may it never be lowered! There are many flags that fly in our nation but the banner of truth, the flag of truth, must fly the highest and never be lowered! Of all the things in this world, not one of them nor all of them put together are as important as “the banner of truth,” the flag of truth!
It is a shame that the majority of this nation and indeed of the world, do not regard the truth as it should be. When the Lord said to the believing Jews: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The truth, of which the Lord is addressing, is the truth that has the power to make one free of the consequences, “the wages of sin;” which the apostle Paul identifies: “For the wages of sin is death; …” (Rom. 6:23). The “death” of which the apostle is addressing, is separation from God, not only now but forever! Can you get your mind around this truth? Many, in fact, the majority of the people cannot; for if they did, they would obey the truth! Once more read the words of the apostle Paul, when he is writing about what will happen when the Lord returns; it shall be “In flaming fire taking vengeance!” (2 Thess. 1:8). Upon whom will “vengeance” be taken? It shall be taken upon those who: “know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:8). Now read just how long this “vengeance” shall be; “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (verse 9). It is hard, if not impossible, for the human mind to comprehend such thoughts! Just how do we express “everlasting destruction?” Writers over the years have used several expressions, as they have tried to reveal “eternity” but not one of them is satisfactory! Therefore, let it be said, it is not within the abilities of the human mind to understand “everlasting,” nor “everlasting destruction!” This reality does not change the truth, however!
Let us here look at the word, “everlasting.” It is the Greek, “aionios,” and means: “without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be” (Thayer). There is not one thing, that the human eye has seen, nor ear heard, that is good enough to “wrap” the mind around and come out with a true understanding of the word “everlasting!” Strong gives us this word, “perpetual” but this does not allow us to truly understand the “everlasting?” No! There is truly nothing, that we know or that we can think of, that will give the human mind the ability to understand “everlasting,” “eternity!” With this, it is not hard to understand that no inspired writer even attempted to do so! They just, by the Holy Spirit, use words such as: everlasting and eternity. As we live upon this earth, we cannot totally get away from the “blessings” of God! In fact, it is by these “blessings, that we live! What are some of these blessings? They are such as: 1) the air that we breath, 2) the food that we eat, 3) the rain that we receive, and finally just here, the earth upon which we live! We did not have one thing to do with giving these blessings to mankind! At our birth, all of these and more are present, and humanity had not one thing to do with it!
Once more notice the words of the apostle Paul: “For the wages of sin is death; …” Just what does the word “death” mean? We all know about physical death, as it is revealed by James: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, …” (James 2:26). But even here, through the years, we have used different ways to identify “death!” For years it was when the heart no longer beats; but of late, death is determined by the brain, as is there any activity in the brain. Therefore, one can be “brain” dead, but the heart may continue to beat! Who knows how man may determine when a person is truly dead? As no one can see the “spirit” depart from the human body! For instance, has the “spirit” departed from the body when the heart stops beating; or does the “spirit” leave the human body when the brain stops working? Or will there be another means of determining when a person is dead in the future? Even this, apparently simple thing, will forever remain a mystery!
It is revealed, however, that as Jesus said: “the truth shall make you free.!” Not free from physical death but spiritual death. Death is always understood; in that it is a separation; as when the “spirit” departs from the human body. Thus, spiritual death is when the spirit/soul of man is separated from God! This occurs when we continue to sin! It is not seen but it truly takes place!
The “truth” of which Jesus is speaking in John 8:32, is addressing being free from the result of sin. The “truth,” not by itself, but when it is obeyed! We must know “the truth” before we can obey it!

Frank R. Williams

At times we get tired of hearing the same thing! However, if we take “tiredness” and apply it to the “truth,” there would be no use in teaching the truth! It never changes; therefore, it is always the same. Yes, we may study different parts of the truth, and even learn something new to us, but truth never changes! This is a problem to some, as they desire nothing better than to hear some new thing. However, even this is not new!
When Paul was in Athens, Luke wrote: “(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)” (Acts 17:21). The key words are, “to hear some new thing!” Yes, those in Athens “spent their time in nothing else” than “to hear some new thing!” Boy, did Paul tell them something new! They had never heard the truth, in all their hearing of those “new thing(s)” they had never heard that great truth of all truths! That truth, that has the power to make them truly free! Their “cousins” of today have the same “ears” and they are always tuned into that which they perceive as “something” new; not realizing that it is only something old dressed in modern clothes!
These same people, thus-minded, are akin to those early Hebrew Christians, as Paul wrote of them: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe” (Heb. 5:12-13). Had they heard the truth? Yes! But the writer used the Greek word “palin,” which is translated “again,” as in start over! Could these Hebrews Christians say, “Well, we have already heard this?” Yes, they might have said, “We desire to hear something new!” But, the inspired writer says, no, you are in need that someone teach you again that which you have already heard! They were “babes” in adult’s clothing! The writer gets right to the point, they needed to hear again what is “the first principles of the oracles of God!” They were to go back to the their “beginning,” and start over.
Now, just what were they to study or go back to? The inspired writers said: “the first principles of the oracles of God?” The Greek word translated “first” is “arche” and it means: “beginning, origin,” but Thayer went on to say, “thing that commences.” Could we say, therefore, that the inspired writer is addressing those who have “started” their study, but that they need to go back and study again what is the “beginning” of the principles of the oracles of God?” Yes! This brings us to the words, “the oracles of God.” Many a preacher think that these words refer to the steps of obeying the gospel; however, this is not the case! The writer of the Hebrew letter is addressing the “beginning,” that which came first; thus, he is showing them that they need to go back and study the teaching of the Old Testament, then be convinced that Jesus is the Christ! They needed to go back and be reconvinced that Jesus is the Christ; the very one they had been waiting on to arrive! This is what caused them to obey the gospel; that is they had been once convinced that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the Christ! The Old Testament prophecies in this text were to build within them a foundation, upon which their faith could stand! Keep in mind, these Christians were under heavy persecution from their fellow countryman, the Jews! As the writer puts it: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.”
My brethren, please do not be like these Hebrews! But continue your growth in Christ! Stand firm upon the bedrock truth that makes you free! As the apostle wrote in another place: “having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, …” (Eph. 6:13-16).
Finally, determine to grow up in Christ! Don’t be like those who only desire to hear “something” new! Love to hear that which will keep your faith in Christ, as he is revealed is the New Testament and prophecies in the Old Testament!

Frank R, Williams

Truth is one of those words which stands alone! It does not fall into the words, “half-truth,” or nearly “truth;” but is limited to one body of truth; the gospel of Christ! When Jesus said, to those disciples which believed on him: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The “truth” of which Jesus speaks, is equal to “the teaching of Christ,” of which John wrote: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Have you ever thought, that the “truth” is equal to “the teaching (doctrine) of Christ,” and “the teaching of Christ” is equal to “the gospel of Christ?” That which is equal to the same thing, is equal to each other! For instance, 2+2=4 and 1+3=4; therefore, 2+2 is equal to 1+3!
The word “abideth” is a most important word; it means: “to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): – abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry.” No matter which words you would like to use, each one is saying the same thing; one must start, by obeying, with the idea of “abiding in,” as in the present tense! There was a time that we did not “abideth” in the truth, we were, as Paul writes the Romans: “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness” (Rom. 6:20). Therefore, when we did not “abideth” in “the teaching of Christ,” we “were the servants of sin,” and not only so, but we were “free from righteousness!” Now we have been introduced to another word, which is equal to “the teaching of Christ,” and it is the word “righteousness.” The word “righteousness” comes from the Greek word “dikaiosune” and means: “justification!” This gives us another word, that is equal to the “truth” (John 8:32), “the gospel of Christ,” (Rom. 1:16), “the teaching of Christ,” (2 John 9), “righteousness” and it is the word “justification.” Is it not true, that Jesus could have used any of these words and meant the same thing! The result being freedom from sin! Before concluding this part of our article, please read: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Rom. 6:17). Salvation, being made free from sin, is found i
0n the words “that form of doctrine” and is also equal to the other words noted above. More over, there is no freedom from sin, no salvation, outside “that form of doctrine.” The Greek word is “tupos” and among other things, is “a statue,” and “a model.” It is a completed “statue,” or a completed “model.” To add anything to it, would change the “statue” into something else! It would be “another” of a different kind, as Paul wrote of the Galatians: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel” (Gal. 1:6). Now notice what Paul wrote next: “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (verse 7). The two key words are “not and “another.” The Greek word for “not” is “ou” and is “the absolutely negative,” and goes with “another” which is the Greek “allos” and means: “another.” Therefore, Paul is saying there absolutely is no other gospel that is the same as the gospel of Christ!
Precious are the words of Jesus: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Jesus is addressing the subject of salvation! Freedom from sins committed, in the past. It is not salvation from sins one will commit in the future! But it does put one in the state of being able to be forgiven of such sins; by repenting, confessing, and asking God’s forgiveness! Knowing the truth is one of life’s greatest blessings! But it is limited to the “truth” of which Jesus spoke! Just as it is limited to “the gospel of Christ,” to “the teaching of Christ,” to words of “righteousness,” and to the word of “justification!”
Friends, “truth” means “truth,” and “truth” is not subject to change! The moment “truth” is changed, altered, it is no longer the “truth!” Bible “truth” is not like the truth of men! Years ago, I purchased an old set of encyclopedias and what was written in them was written as truth, but a new set of encyclopedias reveals things learned between the time the of the old one and the new; truth as seen by men is subject to change! But God is Omniscient! There is no: 1) half-truth; 2) home truth; 3) not an atom of truth; and 4) that is the literal truth, in “the truth” of which Jesus spoke! Recall the words of the “wise man of the Old Testament,” as he wrote: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; …” But let us not forget the second half of this verse: buy “also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Pro. 23:23).
Thanks be to God who has given us “the truth” by which we can be saved!

Frank R. Williams

The word “truth” is a most interesting word in any language! Here are a few words from other languages which mean truth: 1) the Latin word is “veritas;” 2) the Danish is ‘”sandhed;” 3) the Italian is: verità’;” 4) the French is: “vérité;” 5) the Dutch word is “waarheid; and 6) the Russian word is: “истина.” There we have a few words that equals our English word “truth!” You should have noticed that the Latin and the Italian word for “truth” are nearly the same.
Now, here are a few “nearby words of ‘truth:” 1) trustworthiness; 2) trusty; 3) truthful; 4) truthfully; and 5) “truthfulness.” Also, notice these “related terms of ‘truth:” 1) half-truth; 2) home truth; 3) gospel truth; 4) not an atom of truth; and 5) that is the literal truth. Now, having looked at the word “truth” in different languages, “nearby words of truth,” and “related terms of truth,” it is time to get at the word “truth” as used by Jesus when speaking to his disciples: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). It is most important that we pay attention to the context in which Jesus is speaking. First, Jesus is addressing “those Jews which believed on him;” second, Jesus used words that identify the “true” disciple: “if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” third, Jesus sets forth those who will know the truth as he spoke to his “disciples”: “And ye shall know the truth;” and fourth, Jesus reveals the result of knowing the “truth,” when he said: “and the truth shall make you free.” With this we turn our attention to the word “truth” itself!
Jesus’ words imply another truth; the people he was speaking to did not know the “truth” of which he spoke! As he said: “If ye continue in my word;” with this Jesus limited the context to these people. For he said: “And ye shall know the truth!” Hearing nothing else, some of those before him objected to his words: “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed;” Here they are declaring that their “freedom” was in being physical descendants of Abraham’s seed!” Here they were declaring their own “freedom” without the “truth” of which Jesus is speaking! They farther said: “and were never in bondage to any man.” With these words, the unbelieving Jews lied as they said: “how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” (John 8:33). This brings us to the question, “What is the context of the truth of which Jesus is speaking?”
Truth may be used in several different contexts and it is ever clear that Jesus and the unbelieving Jews had a difference of mind, of context: 1) we “were never in bondage to any man,” clearly revealing that they were speaking of physical freedom and even their words were not true; 2) Jesus revealed a great truth, which all mankind should take notice of, they said: we “were never in bondage to any man” but Jesus said: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Question: Where these unbelieving Jews under Roman rule? The answer is “yes!” They obeyed the Romans; thus, Jesus lets it be known that they were then, the servants of the Romans. When Jesus said in like manner: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin,” he clearly was not speaking of physical freedom but spiritual! Freedom from sin, which is the greatest freedom man may have! But, like these unbelieving Jews, so many today are willing to address “freedom” in the context of the physical and not in the spiritual context. Their own spiritual state, wherein Jesus said: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Thus, Jesus has identified their spiritual state, wherein they stood, at the time Jesus spoke: they were “the servant of sin!’
There are at least two ways the word freedom maybe used: 1) physical and 2) spiritual! Spiritual being the greater! In which of these was Jesus addressing, when he said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free?” Jesus was clearly speaking of the “spiritual” freedom! “Truth” as used by Jesus was in a context of making mankind free from sin! With this, Jesus said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Those unbelieving Jews were not going to receive the “truth,” of which Jesus spoke when he said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
No, the “truth” of which Jesus spoke, was to those Jews which “believed” on him! They were to receive the “truth,” the power to free them, free them from sin! So, what were they to receive? They were to receive the “truth;” which is equal to the gospel of Christ, of which Paul said of it: “the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). It took place on that great Pentecost day, wherein Luke wrote: “Then they that gladly received his (Peter’s) word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” The term “word” is here used to equal the “truth,” and the “gospel of Christ! For each, is another way of saying the same thing; and is the power to make one “free;” free from sin, when believed and obeyed!

Frank R. Williams

In this last article addressing the thoughts and attitudes toward the Bible and Christianity. Having looked at the first six Presidents and what they thought about the Bible and Christianity. We also looked at Benjamin Franklin. It is time that we look more at those of the time who never served as President. One name that comes to mind, who was a “founding father,” is that of John Jay.
Jay was born December 12, 1745 and died on May 17, 1829. However, between these two dates, Jay served this nation well and in several ways! It is the case that when we are thinking about the “founding fathers” of this nation, we think of those who helped bring independence to the Colonies and create a Constitution, that would bring democracy to the new nation! John Jay was one of them! First, he attended Columbia University. The name Columbia University brings us to a very important question: “Why were the Ivy League Schools started?” In answering this question, it will allow us to get a better idea of what the mind of the “founding fathers” was set on. Therefore, the question: “Why were the Ivy League Schools started?”
Here is a statement that will help us understand the reason for these schools. Their story, in brief, is etched in the entry way to Harvard Yard: “After God had carried us safely to New England, and we had built our houses, provided necessaries for our livelihood, reared convenient places for God’s worship, and settled the civil government; one of the next things we longed for, and looked after was to advance learning, and perpetuate it to posterity; dreading to leave an illiterate ministry to the churches, when our present ministers shall lie in the dust.” It was not lawyers and the like that was in the minds of those who started these schools now known as the “Ivy League Schools.” It took but eighteen years from the time the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, that they, being the most educated people of their day, founded the first and the perhaps the most famous Ivy League Schools. Just a note, to bring us back to the present, these schools are no longer thus minded!
One writer put it this way: “Harvard College’s first presidents and tutors insisted that there could be no true knowledge or wisdom without Jesus Christ, and but for their passionate Christian convictions, there would have been no Harvard.” (“The Forerunner,” By Editorial Staff, Published April 6, 2008). Today, we do not hear such things as: “it would surprise most to learn that almost every Ivy League school was established primarily to train ministers of the gospel – and to evangelize the Atlantic seaboard.” (ibid). Now, you are asking why are we writing about Harvard and not Columbia University? As Columbia was the school of John Jay, the “founding fathers” of whom we write. What was true of one of the now “Ivy League Schools” was also true of Columbia! This is the school of learning where John Jay was a student!
Jay after attending Columbia, practiced law and established a good reputation in New York. He was elected to serve as delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses! Jay with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison let it be known that they were not arguing for the creation of a new and more powerful system of government, but one that was balanced! They explained their proposes in the “Federalist Papers,” in a series of not less than eighty-five articles and five of them were written by John Jay!
Harvard’s Rules and Precepts adopted in 1646 included the following essentials: “Every one shall consider the main end of his life and studies to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life. Seeing the Lord giveth wisdom, every one shall seriously by prayer in secret seek wisdom of Him. Every one shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that they be ready to give an account of their proficiency therein, both in theoretical observations of languages and logic, and in practical and spiritual truths….”
With the above in mind, we turn our attention to John Jay. Here is one quote from him: “The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.” (1784). Here is a quote that is most interesting: ““I do not recollect to have had more than two conversations with atheists about their tenents. The first was this: I was at a large party, of which were several of that description. They spoke freely and contemptuously of religion. I took no part in the conversation. In the course of it, one of them asked me if I believed in Christ. I answered that I did, and that I thanked God that I did.” (In 1811, in a letter to John Bristed). Before concluding this long article, one more quote will serve us well: “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. National prosperity can neither be obtained nor preserved without the favor of Providence.” (October 12, 1816).
Finally, let it be known, that John Jay, in 1789, after Jay declined George Washington’s offer of the position of Secretary of State, the president offered him the new opportunity of becoming Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, which Jay accepted!
It is very important that we have some idea of the thoughts and attitudes of our “founding fathers” toward the Bible and Christianity! The one thought that I call your attention to, is that one thought that ran through many of our “founding fathers;” it is here well stated: “So it was natural for the early Americans to turn to the Bible for guidance as to how to make civil law. This was the standard for law beginning with the Mayflower Compact all the way through the constitutions of all 50 states. By the way, what was the stated purpose of the Pilgrims as expressed in the Mayflower Compact? Contrary to revisionist history, their purpose was not to find religious freedom – they already had found religious freedom in Holland. Their purpose is clearly stated as being for the “Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith.”

Frank R. Williams

Were the words, “founding fathers,” limited to those who served as President, were there others who could rightfully be called “founding fathers?” If so, just who were they? The answer is, “Yes,” there were others who are rightfully called “founding fathers,” who never served as President! Therefore, who were these men?
If you are a student of history, and every American should be, then you would know or should know of those who rightfully are called “founding fathers.” However, there may not be total agreement on this subject! Well, this is alright! The first thing that we need to do is to learn how these men might be so identified. One person put it this way: “The United States of America was a collaboration among several brilliant men, focusing on enlightenment and the concept of equality for all men, regardless of birth. We use the term “Founding Fathers” to refer to the men who shaped the concept and destiny of America, including diplomats, inventors, soldiers, and philosophers.” Each of these men had a unique contribution to the concept of a democratic republican government by the people, for the people. Working together, these leaders determined a workable frame of government that is now a model. Just for a moment, stop and think what these men did and how they finally came together and gave to us a government unlike any that had been seen before!
Here is a list of those who are considered “founding fathers;” we have already noted the first six Presidents; therefore, our search will look elsewhere. Richard B. Morris, a historian in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key “founding fathers”: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. Could there be others that belong on this list, “Yes!”
Now, turning our attention to Benjamin Franklin, we ask our question, “What were his views about the Bible and Christianity? Frist he was: a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. Franklin was foundational in defining the American ethos as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). He was well known for writing Poor Richard’s Almanac. Is there a Biblical verse that says this? In general, he wrote: “Here is my Creed, I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe.. That He governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we render to him, is doing Good to his other Children. That the Soul of Man is immortal, and will be treated with Justice in another Life respecting it Conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental Principles of all sound Religion, and I regard them as you do, in whatever Sect I meet with them.” (Benjamin Franklin His Autobiography 1706 – 1757).
Now on Jesus, he wrote: “Well, as for Jesus of Nazareth, my Opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of Morals and his Religion as he left them to us, the best of the World ever saw, or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupting Changes, and I have, with most of the present Dissenters in England, some Doubts to his Divinity; tho’ it is a Question I do not dogmatise upon, having never studied it, and think needless to busy myself with it now, where I expect soon as Opportunity of knowing the Truth with less Trouble.” (ibid).
Benjamin Franklin may be better known for a saying of which he may not have said. What is it: “God helps those who help themselves?” However, it is quoted in Poor Richard’s Almanac in 1757. Is there a verse that has these words in it? No! Do they express a New Testament principle? You can go in search for the answer yourself! (2 Thess. 3:10-14). It is said, that the phrase originated in ancient Greece and may originally have been proverbial. It is illustrated by two of Aesop’s Fables and a similar sentiment is found in ancient Greek drama. Although it has been commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
Before concluding this article, there is a question the reader needs to consider. Have you noticed anything in common among those we have studied? This answer will be looked at when this series of articles is completed.

Frank R. Williams

Did all the “founding fathers” believe in the Bible; did they all believe in Christianity? The answer is, “No!” Just as you could go into any town across America today and ask the question and the answer would be the same; be it in the early years of America or today. Therefore, no one should be surprised to learn that not all the “founding fathers” all believed in the Bible, or that all of them believed in Christianity!
Just as we learned in the last article that James Madison was one who did not hold the Bible as from God. What Madison did believe was that there should be a “separation of church and state.” What were some of the reasons that several of the “founding fathers” expressed the view of “separation of church and state?” We have noted that Thomas Jefferson was one such! Keep in mind, that one of the major issues of the time was that the new government should not be under “church” control. This was a major thought expressed, for this was one thing they had left the countries they came from; as the Roman Catholic Church ruled much of the world and the same was true of the Church of England, in controlling the English government. In England the king was the head of the Church of England and this was one thing they had hoped to have left behind. Thus, “the separation of church and state!”
Now, let us look at the sixth President of the United States of America! John Quincy Adams served as President from 1825 – 1829; he was a statesman, diplomat, lawyer, and a diarist. He also served as: Secretary of State from 1817 to 1825, Adams also served as an ambassador, and represented Massachusetts as a United States Senator and as a member of the United States House of Representative, during his long diplomatic and political career! He was the son of John and Abigail Adams. Before getting to the thoughts of John Quincy Adams and his beliefs regarding Christianity, let us notice the thoughts of John Leland and his objection to the new Constitution, it was that it did not sufficiently secure, his view was, “if a Majority of Congress with the President favour one System more than another, they may oblige all others to pay to the support of their System as much as they please.” This well expresses the concern of many at that time. Though they may not have uttered the words, “separation of church and state,” they did not want a “state church!”
Before getting back to John Quincy Adams and his thoughts on Christianity and Bible, please notice the thoughts of George Washington and John Adams, the first and second Presidents. They were firm believers in the importance of religion for republican government. As citizens of Virginia and Massachusetts, they had what would not even be considered today! What was it? Both were very sympathetic to a general religious tax being paid by the citizens of their respective states to the churches of their choice! Yes, they believed that churches should receive tax money from the states. However, they did not believe this on a national level!
Turning our attention to a few quotes of the sixth President of the United States of America, as regarding Christianity, they were as follows:
1) “The highest, the transcendent glory of the American Revolution was this — it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the precepts of Christianity.” (in a letter to an autograph collector, Apr. 27, 1837)
2) “The Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth … it laid the corner stone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity, and gave to the world the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfilment of the prophecies, announced directly from Heaven at the birth of the Saviour and predicted by the greatest of the Hebrew prophets six -hundred years before.” (in an oration at Newburyport, Jul. 4, 1837)
3) “I cannot ask of heaven success, even for my country, in a cause where she should be in the wrong.” (in a letter to John Adams, his father, Aug. 1, 1826)
From these three quotes it is easy to see that Christianity was important to John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States of América! It is also easy to note that he saw Christianity as a corner stone in governing America!
Here is a quote that all should note and emulate into their lives: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” (John Quincy Adams). It seems to me that these words express the true qualities of a leader!
One must keep in mind, that “the founding fathers” were yet building a nation, even through she had the sixth President in office.

Frank R. Williams

Just how far removed from the revolutionary war do we go until those who served this nation are no longer considered to be part of that group of leaders, are no longer part of the “founding fathers?” The Constitution became the authority by which America would be governed; it is the base, the foundation of law! Those who worked on it, for sure, are correctly called “the founding fathers!” Also those who served this nation in giving the Constitution.
Just a brief look at the events that produced our Constitution and how it became the legal body of law for the United States of America is here given. The Continental Congress met in Philadelphia with the Declaration of Independence would also rightly belong in that group of these men who are called “the founding fathers!” The Continental Congress selected a committee to produce a draft of the “Declaration of Independence” from England. The group of men appointed were: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. It should be noted that two of these men would serve as President of the United States of America and they are John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
With this bit of history, we are ready to look at the thoughts of the fourth President of America. He was, of course, James Madison, Jr. (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836), who was an American statesman, lawyer, diplomat, philosopher, and one of the “Founding Fathers” of our great Nation. He served as President from 1809 to 1817; a total of eight years! Here is a most important point about Madison; he was nicknamed “Father of the Constitution” later in life for his important contribution to the creation of the Constitution! Before continuing, it should be called to the readers attention that he was co-writer of the Federalist Papers.
Now, what were the thoughts and views of Madison on the Bible? Not only was Madison known as the “Father of the Constitution,” but he was also known as the “defender of religious freedom!” Madison said: “all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion.” He was baptized (More than likely he was sprinkled.) an Anglican but studied under both a Presbyterian educator and the president of the College of New Jersey (which is now Princeton University) and who embraced the Presbyterian Faith and logic alike. However, there is little information about his religion. Most historians have found little indication of his religious leanings after he left college, there are scholars who indicate he learned toward “deism.” Still others maintain that Madison accepted Christian tenets and formed his outlook on life with a Christian world view. Therefore, the conclusion is reached that Madison’s own beliefs embraced “religious liberty!”
Therefore, though our fourth President does not help our search for what the “founders” thought about the Bible and Christianity, his embrace of “religious liberty” is very important to our study. The person who believes in Christianity and who embraces “the teaching of Christ,” but Madison’s strong belief that there should be no “state religion,” is also very important to our study! The Christian has no use for a “state religion;” thus, it might be said that the Christian does believe in a “separation of state and church,” but these words do not mean what is generally put forth when such words are used! If these words are used to say that there should be no “state church,” then the Christian agrees! On the other hand, if these words are used to say that “the state (government) should reject and have nothing to do with Christianity,” then the Christian disagrees!
The question might be asked, “Why include a ‘founding father’ who did not believe in the Bible and who had little to nothing to say about the Christianity?” It is a matter of honesty! If a person only looks at one side of the subject, he is dishonest and this we refuse to be! It has never been the case that the “founding fathers” were all believers in the Bible, nor has it been the case that we believed that all the “founding fathers” made a claim of being Christians! Our aim is to honestly show that the majority of our “founding fathers” did believe in the Bible and had good things to say about Christianity and the Bible; and show that this nation was founded upon the precepts and principles of the New Testament!

Frank R. Williams