Barnes church of Christ

The religious world in general, which claims to be Christian, freely proclaims, “I love God!” It has even been known to put bumper stickers on their cars which read, “Honk if you love Jesus.” They are even known to put up signs which read, “Jesus is Lord.” Do these things really mean anything? Recall the words of Jesus: “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). Look, in view of Jesus’ words, do you see the bumper stickers and the signs fading away?
Loving God must be produced; it must be based upon what God has done for us! It is not uncommon to hear, “Let me tell you what God had done for me.” Then, we hear, “I got a good job last week,” “My brother, who had cancer, was healed and now he is free from cancer.” Please don’t look at that sinner over there, for he too got a better job, and his brother was healed of cancer; for if you do, there goes “testimonials!” We need to understand that God “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). It is not evidence that a person is being favored by God, just because he has better crop, gets a better job, or is healed of cancer! Before you hit the ceiling, just look around, do you see sinners of the worst kind, who are making more money year after year than a faithful child of God? Sure you do! So, when above it was written: “Loving God must be produced; it must be based upon what God has done for us!” It was not these physical things that happen, good or bad, which produced love within the heart for God.
No, love for God is first produced by understanding that he loved me when I was a hopelessly lost sinner! When my eternity was marked hell-bound with no reprieve! I must look at the cross and see love, the love God had/has for me. When I desire to tell you what God has done for me, this is where I will start! Here is undisputable evidence of God’s love and if this does not produce love in my heart for him; please tell me what will? While on the subject, it is not wearing a cross around your neck, it is not having those so-called paintings of Jesus in your house; no, it is the cross planted deep in the heart/mind; evidenced by keeping his commandments that proves my love for God. Oh yes, I know God loves me, for the Bible tells me so!
Here is what God has done for me. He has forgiven me of my past sins; those sins that separated me from him. I remember the day “my sins were washed away!” As the preacher said: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). I remember as Paul wrote: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4). I remember arising from the watery grave of baptism wet with water, but cleaned by the blood of Jesus. So, you want to tell me what God has done for you; don’t tell me about the better job you got; just read from the inspired page. Yes, I love God because he forgave me of my past sins “for the Bible tells me so!”
Here is what God has done for me. He has, as a child of his, given me a way to be forgiven of the sins I commit from time to time. As John wrote: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Yes, John was writing to children of God; so even though I commit sins from day to day, God has still given me away to be forgiven. So don’t tell me about being healed of cancer, as I would rather be healed of my sins! I know it is true, “for the Bible tells me so!”
Do you find it hard to love God? Just look up, see the cross and the sinless one hanging upon it and love God! Then, don’t tell me of your love, show me!

— Frank R. Williams

The apostle Paul wrote by the Holy Spirit: “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). This is what one must pay himself for the sins he committed. “Death” in its base is a separation; the body is dead when the spirit departs (James 2:26). In the case of the death, as “the wages of sin,” it is a separation from God; here and now and eternally. Therefore, there is no greater price to be paid than “the wages of sin!”
A second point which must be understood, when dealing with the subject of sin and “the wages of sin,” is: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). This means that all have suffered separation from God at some time in their lives. Darkness has come upon all, who are of mental accountable ability; there was no spiritual fellowship with God at this time; zero fellowship with God is a spiritual state of death. Spiritually speaking, such people are without God in this present world. There is no worse spiritual state in this life!
It is here that a person needs to read, of the compelling force in God making forgiveness available to lost mankind: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It was and is the love of God which compelled him to so act: “that he gave his only begotten Son.” Paul put it this way: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Please note, “while we were yet sinners,” when we were spiritually dead, separated from God; it was God’s love that compelled him to move in our favor – grace! At a time when we were enemies of God, God loved us, yes, even me!
Another point which must be seen just here is that heaven and hell are real! All mankind will be in one or the other eternally. The difference being, do we pay “the wages of sin,” which is death, our self, which ends in eternal separation from God: hell; or do we benefit from the redemptive blood of Jesus which ends in eternal fellowship with God: heaven? However, remember, when we sin, we deserve death; now and eternally! It was God who gave us a choice; who gave us the opportunity, by means of the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:19), to avoid paying “the wages of sin” our self.
As the “old time preachers used to say, “I have said all that in order to say this,” does the fact that God has made your salvation possible, by the death of his “only begotten Son,” mean anything to you? Does it produce love for God without your heart? If not this, then what would produce love in your heart? To all those who are saved, having been forgiven of sins committed, and now having the hope of eternal life; do you love God? Please understand here, it is not the words, “I love God,” that are being called for. No, the question is about the evidence of such love. It is so easy to say, “I love God,” as words come cheaply, but love is an inner quality, which cannot be seen in and of itself. True love is seen, evidenced, by outward action.
If you were on trial, could you prove by evidence, to the twelve people in the jury box, that you are a person who loves God? As you think about this point, remember the words of Jesus: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Still more, as you think about the evidence, keep in mind, the first commandment of all commandments is: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30). Is your life lived in such a manner, that the evidence is so compelling, that you could convince the twelve people in the jury box, that you love God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength?
Friends, look at the blood flowing from the body of Jesus, look at the cross and see that sinless one, who shed his blood to redeem you from “the wages of sins.” Then, answer the question, “Where is the evidence of my love?”

— Frank R. Williams

The teaching knows as “Millennialism” is based on a text which does not have the all-important key word, “earth!” As in, “We shall live and reign with Christ on earth for a thousand years.” Yet, we need to have some understanding of the teaching. Why? Because so many people believe it! Then, more importantly, the “millennial” teaching changes the beginning and the nature of the kingdom of Christ! It changes the spiritual kingdom into a phyiscal one! Then it puts the kingdom in the future. Therefore, it also changes the hope, the expectation, as it relates to the kingdom of Christ. Finally, “millennialism” denies that you are now in the kingdom of Christ!
There are two ends of “Millennialism:” 1) “Pre-Millennialism,” teaches: “that the Lord Jesus Christ will return before the millennium, the thousand years or the kingdom of God, and His return will usher in this earthly reign of righteousness;” and 2) “Post-Millennialism,” teaches “that Christ will return after (post) the thousand-year period. At that point he will judge unbelievers and establish the new heavens and new earth.” Here is a clear statement as to what both teach, the differences being will Christ return to “earth” before or after the thousand years: “The Christian Scriptures (New Testament) in particular talks extensively about the return of Jesus Christ to this earth.” The word “earth” has been bolded as this is the key word in both teachings; as in “pre” and “Post” millennialism. So, let it be pointed out once more, the word “earth,” which is the key word in all millennial teachings, does not appear in their favorite text, Revelation 20. It should cause one to question a teaching when the key word in the teaching is missing from the favorite passage.
Both of these teachings have the kingdom of Christ being established either before or after the thousand years. This means that no one from the first Pentecost after the ascension of Christ through today is in the kingdom of Christ. However, this is against the teaching of the New Testament and prophesies of the Old Testament. All believe the Old Testament prophesied of a kingdom being established in the future, from the Old Testament time. However, let it be clearly understood, contrary to the “Millennial” teaching, the New Testament does not teach, “clearly” or “extensively” “about the return of Jesus Christ to this earth.” In fact, the New Testament never teaches such!
On the other hand, Paul did write to the Colossians the following: “Who (God, frw) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). It should go without saying, that you cannot be “translated” into something that does not exist. Clearly Paul and the Colossians were in the kingdom of Christ, “God’s dear Son,” at the time he wrote these words. It may sound simple, but you cannot be in a kingdom that which does not exist! But, this is not all; John wrote: “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:9). Once more, John “clearly” said he was in the kingdom as he wrote the Revelation. So, let us keep it simple, John could not be in a kingdom that did not exist! Therefore, the kingdom did exist in the first century and it exists today!
Let us now return to the favorite text of the “millennial” teaching: “they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4). It may be to the point of being boring, but the key word of all “millennial” teaching is the word “earth” and it is not in the text! Without the “earth,” the foundation of all “millennial” teaching is dead! Yes, the New Testament teaches the second coming of Christ; in fact, some of the most beautiful words in the New Testament address the subject: “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: (17) 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. 4:16-17). What a gloriest moment, “a shout,” and the “voice of the archangel, and the trump of God,” and the Lord shall “descend from heaven.” However, there is not one word about Jesus coming to earth. In fact, the text says, those who are living at the time, shall “meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Friends, there is no room for the doctrine of the “millennial” teachings in the words of Paul. The New Testament never teaches that Jesus will return to the “earth,” and without this, all “millennial” teaching is dead!

— Frank R. Williams

The word “millennialism” refers to a teaching about a so-called “Thousand year reign of Christ on earth.” There are a number of such teachings, so it is impossible to cover all of them or even a few of them; as they differ in so many details. Yet, certain points are the same in most, if not in all of them. In this series of articles the general points of agreement will be studied.
The first thing each has in common is the starting place; Jesus will return to earth and set up an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. It comes as an absolute surprise to the “millennial” folks that the New Testament never, not even one time, speaks of Jesus returning to this earth! It does, of course, speak of his coming! Note the words of Paul: “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: (17) 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. 4:16-17). Missing in this beautiful text is the so commonly heard word, “earth!” The dead will be raised first, then, those who are alive at Jesus’ coming. This simple truth, the word “earth” and the Lord’s return are never found together and should be enough to question the very heart of the “millennial” teaching.
It is critical to the “millennial” teaching, that Jesus come to the earth, as Jerusalem is part of this earth and it is said that he will set up his earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. Two points are now brought into question: 1) Jesus is never said to be returning to the earth; and 2) if he is never going to come to the earth, he cannot set up his earthly kingdom in Jerusalem, from which he is said to then, rule the world. These simple truths, before an examination is even started, are death blows to the heart of the “millennial” teaching. Now, take a look at the text of Revelation 20, verse 4: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Here we find the words, “they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years,” but the words which are the “heart and soul” of the “millennial” teaching are missing in the text. Not one word about Jesus coming to the earth; and not one about Jesus setting up an earthly kingdom. It may not seem important to those who believe and teach the “millennial” doctrine, but did you notice who it is that “lived and reigned with Christ?” John wrote: “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus … and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Now, if we are going to take these words literally, and the “millennial” folks must, if their teaching is true, then, only those who were “beheaded for the witness of Jesus” are said to live and reign with Christ.
Now, where did these “souls” live and reign with Christ? They are “souls” out of the body, not “souls” in the body as they have been “beheaded;” therefore, there are no physical bodies said to be living and reigning with Christ. Yes, the “souls” beheaded for the witness of Jesus are said to “lived and reigned with Christ,” but not one word about it being on the all-important earth!
If the “millennial” folks can be so wrong about all these words being literal; as they must have physical bodies living and reigning on the earth; what about the key words, “a thousand years,” also being literal? Is it possible that they just might be wrong here also? Finally just here, it is important to notice another point about the words, “they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” The pronoun “they” is the third person pronoun, while our “millennial” friends use the pronoun “we” which is a first person pronoun. “They lived and reigned with Christ” is past tense and once more our “millennial” friends change these words to the present tense: “we shall live and reign with Christ.” Just how much is allowed to be changed in the text, in order to make it teach what it does not teach?
Friends, the New Testament does not teach the “millennial” doctrine, be it pre-millennial, or post-millennial. Don’t be fooled by it!

— Frank R. Williams

Just say the word “millennialism” and the debate is on! Then, add a “pre,” or a “post” to it and the debate intensifies! Just what is there about this word that may turn faces red? It is not the root word, “millennial,” as it just means: “denoting or relating to a period of a thousand years. “Today the word “millennial” has taken on a new meaning, “Millennial Generation,“ that has nothing to do with our subject, but it interesting nevertheless. These words are used to refer to those now ranging in age from 18 to 33. Authors William Strauss and Neil Howe wrote about the “Millennials in Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069” and Journalist Bruce Horovitz gave them credit for first using the two words. In 1987 they coined the term “around the time children born in 1982 were entering preschool.”
The word “millennial” means: a period of a thousand years. In and of itself this produces no debate; however, when used in a religious context, it has been at the heart of a number of teachings; thus, debates through the years. The word is used to refer to a “Golden Age or Paradise on Earth in which ‘Christ will reign’ for 1000 years.” In this article we will look only at the basic teaching. In other articles, we will examine the teachings when “pre” or “post” is added to the word “millennial;” as in “pre-millennialism” and “post-millennialism.”
Just what did the inspired writers of the New Testament write about “millennialism?” First, it is necessary to know if the word or term “millennial” appears in the New Testament. Here is the only context which has the words “a thousand years:”
“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (5) But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (7) And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, (8) And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea” (Rev. 20:1-8).
The first thing a person needs to know about the “Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1) is that it was written in HIGHLY figurative terms. Notice in verse one the words the “angel,” “having the key of the bottomless pit.” Is the “key” a literal “key,” or is it a figurative “key?” Is the “bottomless pit” literal or figurative? How do you have a literal “bottomless pit?” Then the “angel” had “a great chain in his hand.” Are these words to be taken literally or figuratively? Consider what the “angel” did with this “great chain,” and “bound him a thousand years.” Just how does an “angel” which is a spiritual being, bind Satan, who is also a “spiritual” being” with a literal chain?
Yes, no one is prepared to study the “Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ” who is not prepared to take the necessary time to determine what words are used literally and figuratively. So, are the words, “a thousand years,” to be understood as literally or figuratively? Then, don’t forget, the “angel” “shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled.” To be sure, the “angel” was a real spiritual being and Satan is also a real spiritual being.

— Frank R. Williams

The preacher says, “Baptism is not necessary to your salvation,” do you believe the teaching? Did you know that the word “baptism,” the Greek “baptizō” appears at least sixty-three times in the New Testament? It is most interesting to notice the context where this word appears. Of course, only a few will be looked at in this article due to space and only those which are in the teaching of Christ.
The Greek word appears nineteen times in “The Acts of the Apostles,” and this is important because this book is the history of the apostles of Christ fulfilling their commission. Jesus said unto them: “… All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:18-20). Luke wrote of those who heard the sermon on that first Pentecost after the ascension of Christ, as he describes their heart: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked (to pain the mind sharply, frw) in their heart, …” Those who were “pricked in their heart,” then “and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter in answer to the question said: “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” (verse 38). Clearly baptism has a part in “remission of sins,” just as does “repent.” For the command was: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you.” So, what is the relationship of baptism to “remission of sins?” Before answering this question, it is necessary to look at the word “for,” which is the Greek “eis” and means: “into, unto, to, towards.” This word always looks forward, never backward. Therefore, both repentance and baptism are looking toward the “remission of sins!” If baptism is not necessary to receive remission of sins, neither is repentance. However, the truth is that both are necessary in order to receive remissions of sins!
Let us follow this case and see what we can learn. Luke followed with: “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. (41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:40-41). In these words we have obedience to the preached word. Notice that Peter said, “Save yourselves,” which means there was something for them to do for themselves. What was it? Let Luke answer: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.” Did those who were “pricked in their heart” believe the teaching of Peter? Yes indeed, and it was to the saving of their souls! So, just how is it that some continue to say that baptism is not necessary in order to be saved? It appears they do not believe the teaching of the apostles! Let us here notice what Luke wrote of those saved souls: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (verse 42). These 3,000 souls believed and “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching,” which was just what Jesus had commanded the apostles to teach!
Now, let us look elsewhere and see what we can learn about baptism being necessary to being saved. Here is the evidence: 1) the men and women of Samaria (8:12); 2) Simon the Sorcerer (8:13); the Ethiopian Eunuch (8:36-39); Saul (Paul) (9:18; 22:16); Cornelius the centurion and his household (10:47-48); Lydia and her household (16:14-15); the Philippian jailer and his household (16:33); Crispus the Synagogue ruler, and his household, and other Corinthians (18:8) and the Ephesians twelve who had John’s baptism (19:3-5); all were baptized. Here is the history of baptism in “The Acts of the Apostles.” So, why did all these get themselves baptized? Peter will answer the question: “The like figure (Noah being saved by water, verse 20 frw) whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 3:21).
The question remains, do you believe the teaching of Christ, or the preacher who says; “Baptism is not necessary to being saved?” Friends, your salvation depends on your answer!

— Frank R. Williams

Your preacher preaches every Sunday morning, do you believe the teaching? Let us say, last Sunday he preached “once you are saved you are always saved;” do you believe the teaching? Here is an interesting question: “Have you ever read those words in the New Testament?” You may say, “No, but I have read the teaching in the New Testament.”
Well, here is another interesting question: “Have you ever read about a warning of losing salvation?” Allow me to help just here, you know about those Moses led out of Egyptian bondage having crossed the Red Sea, and how they were headed to the “Promised Land; thus, they were saved from Egyptian bondage. They had the promise of entering into the “Promised Land.” Yet, Paul wrote of them: “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:4). Get this now, “they drank of the spiritual Rock” which was Christ. Were they saved? Is there any doubt! Well, Paul continued with these words: “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness (verse 5). Does this sound like, “Once saved always saved?” So, you need more to be convinced you that “once saved, always saved” is not true!
When Paul wrote to “the churches of Galatia,” he said of some of them: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel” (Gal. 1:6). Let us examine three words in Paul statement. First, the word “so” which is the Greek “houto” and means: “in this manner. Second, the word “soon, which expresses the “manner;” is the Greek “tacheos” and means: “quickly.” Third, notice the word “moved,” and is the Greek “metatithemi)” and means: “to transfer one’s self or suffer one’s self to be transferred.” Now let us put the meaning of these three words in the text; “I marvel that ye are in this manner, quickly transfer yourself, or have allowed yourself to be transferred from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel.” This either expresses that some of these Galatians had quickly transferred themselves, or they allowed others to quickly transfer them to another gospel. Whichever it is, their station in the gospel of Christ had been changed!
Yet, there is another point that must not be overlooked. When Paul used the word “another,” the Holy Spirit had two words to choose from. One is the Greek “heteros” which means: one not of the same nature, in other words, one of a different sort. Second, is the Greek word “allos,” which means: “another of the same sort.” So, which word did the Holy Spirit have Paul use? Paul used the Greek “heteros;” thus, when he wrote, “another gospel,” he is saying a gospel of a different sort. In other words, Paul is telling these Galatians, they have started following a “gospel” not of the same sort which he preached and which they obeyed unto salvation. So, are they still saved, having transferred themselves to a “gospel” not the gospel of Christ? But, let us continue with Paul’s words; he followed with: “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (verse 7). Here the apostles, when using the words “not another,” he used the Greek word “allos” which means: “another of the same sort;” however, he writes “not another of the same sort.” Question, is it possible for a “gospel” not the gospel of Christ to save? God forbid! Now, if these Galatians were now believing and obeying, something not the gospel of Christ, were they still saved? Just be honest and answer the question, please!
What were Paul’s next words? Take heed how you read: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (verse 8). To which John would write: “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). Is there a meaningful difference between the gospel of Christ and the teaching of Christ? No, but when a person “transgresseth” and does not “abideth” in the teaching of Christ, he neither has the Father, nor the Son; and he does not have salvation!
Friends, how can you continue to believe, “once saved, always saved,” in light of the truth by which one is sanctified (John 17:17)?

— Frank R. Williams

In your mind you are asking, what teaching are you talking about? Of course, you have a need and a right to ask such a question. To answer your question, I am talking about what you hear on Sunday morning and Sunday night? In other words, do you believe what the preacher preaches?
The preacher is preaching that God exists, and that this God is the one revealed in the Bible, and that he is first revealed to us in the Hebrew word “el-o-heem” which is a plural word. The first first verse of the Bible reveals God to us, but it is not one member of the Godhead. The plural nature of the “el-o-heem” is seen in verse 26, which reads: “And God (el-o-heem’) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:….” All one has to do is notice the plural pronouns, “us” and “our” to see the plural nature of this one God. Yet these pronouns also reveal the one “image,” and the one “likeness” of the Godhead. Jesus in the New Testament identifies the three members of the one Godhead in these words: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Of course, this was not the case in the Genesis’ revelation. The term “Son” is a new relationship between the first and the second member of the Godhead in the New Testament; though prophesied in the Old Testament.
It is most interesting how Jesus put to silence the Pharisees, who he asked, “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he?” (Matt. 22:42). It did not take them long to answer, “The Son of David” (verse 42). Were they correct? Yes, but they were missing a very important point; so Jesus said unto them: “How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (verse 43 – 44). What is the mystery? Listen to Jesus as he followed up with this question: “If David then called him Lord, how is he his son?” (verse 45). The Pharisees knew the verse from Psalms, which reads: “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool,” but they did not understand the words, or they did not want to understand! It may be that they were willingly ignorant; in that had they answered correctly, they would have condemned themselves! It is here that Matthew writes: “And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions” (verse 46). What were the Pharisees missing as they read the words in the Psalms? They were missing that David’s “son” through the flesh would also be God dwelling in this flesh; the second member of the Godhead; thus, he would also be David’s Lord. David revealed a great truth, though totally missed, willingly or out of ignorance, by the Pharisees: the dual nature of Jesus.
Now, had we been able to ask those Pharisees, do you believe the teaching? They would have answered, “No!” Why did they not believe the teaching? The teaching did not fit into their thinking; therefore, they did not believe the teaching! Yet, the teaching is truth! It was taught by Jesus, the only begotten Son of God! If we ever hope to be sanctified, it will be through believing and obeying the truth! Hear Jesus on this subject as he prayed to this Father: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Now someone objects, you do not have to obey; for there is nothing that we can do to bring about our own salvation! Well, hear the apostle of Christ: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth …” (1 Pet. 1:22). Did you know the word translated “purified” in this text is the Greek “hagnizo;” which is the same word translated “sanctify” in Jesus’ statement in John 17:17? So what is the point? Peter wrote that those, to whom he wrote, had “sanctified” themselves by obeying the truth. Do you believe the teaching that we are “sanctified,” “purified,” by obeying the truth?
So, you are still hung up on the idea of having to obey, as this means you are doing “works,” and no one is saved by works. Could it be that you are wrong about works and salvation? Is obeying a work? If so, then, works are necessary to one’s salvation! Obeying is necessary, and if obeying is a work, then, works are necessary. Read these words: “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9). What was that? Jesus is the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him! Do you believe the teaching?

— Frank R. Williams

It is agreed that the words “cheap grace” are somewhat offensive. It is a great biblical word, it relates to our salvation, and how can anything that is related to our salvation be “cheap?” However, the reader is here reminded the words under which we write are the words used by another.
Grace is not an umbrella and it does not mean that all those under it are saved! Grace is God’s offer of salvation to a people who did not and do not deserve it. The apostle wrote: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Rom. 5:6-9). As a lost person, I was totally without “strength” (means) to save myself. God’s love compelled him, as we are his creation, offspring, to give us a means of salvation. God, as the perfect Father, loved us and provided the opportunity of being saved. As Paul wrote, “Christ died for the ungodly.” We were in fact, “enemies” of God when he gave us the means of being “… reconciled to God by the death of his Son, …” (Rom. 5:10). Grace is not somehow separated from “the word of his grace” (Acts. 20:32), but it IS “the word of his grace!” Grace does not reach beyond “the word of his grace,” but is limited to “the word of his grace!”
Now, let us get to the part you have been waiting for; namely, “cheap grace.” The person who used these words, teaches “once saved always saved.” This means, there is nothing you can do to lose your saved state. Just how far does this teaching reach? By the use of the word “nothing” is meant, absolutely nothing! Well, it appears those to whom this person preached, truly began to believe what he has been preaching. If you can sin, as a way of life, yet, cannot be lost, why not enjoy the pleasures of sin? And they were! Thus, his words, “cheap grace” was used in this context. He was referring to those who have been raised on this teaching and how they had made “grace” cheap! As in a license to sin!
The apostle addressed this subject to the church in Rome. He wrote, “… where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20). Fearing the readers might get the wrong idea, as did those who heard the preacher who used the words “cheap grace;” Paul followed up with these words: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” (Rom. 6:1). Those who are taught, “once saved always saved,” might just answer Paul’s question, “Yes!” This is the very point our preacher was addressing in his use of the words “cheap grace.”
What was Paul’s answer to his own question? He followed with: “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:2-4). The person who has been saved by God’s grace, has been raised from baptism to “walk in newness of life!” They are dead to sin, having repented in regard to their former way of life – one of sinning – and being baptized into death – the separation from the former way of life; thus, raised into a new way of living. This newness of life does not include having sin as a way of life. As Paul also wrote: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). In Christ, there is no “cheap grace;” therefore, there is no “cheap grace” in God’s grace!
Of course, the teaching of “once saved always saved” is false and you can see just how dangerous it can become in daily life! Just follow it to its logical conclusion and you will have “cheap grace;” God forbid! Paul wrote: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). There is the grace of God! It is the favor God has given us to have eternal salvation!

— Frank R. Williams