In this second article of this series, we will first look at Peter’s words: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Pet. 1:22). Freedom from “the wages of sin” is only realized in obeying the truth. The Greek word translated “purified” is “hagnizo” and means: “to make pure, purify, cleanse.” But, it must be noted this word has the same root, “hagios,” which means: “morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated.” But, it is also related to the Greek word “hagiazo,” which means: to separate from profane things and dedicate to God.” In other words, all three relate to holiness!
Yet, the word “hagios” is also translated into our English word “saint.” You see, a Christian is a “saint,” is “holy,” and “purified,” thus, separated to service to God. This requires that such a one be free from “the wages of sin;” spiritually “pure!” This being “purified” only comes through “obeying the truth!” It is easy to see the subject, “truth or nothing!” It is the case that many folks, who desire to be “purified,” seek it through a teaching that is not “the truth.” Yes, they believe it is “the truth,” but truth is truth only as revealed; the teaching of Christ (2 John 9). It is time to take a look at Second John: “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” (verse 9). Now, let us take a look at some of the words in this verse.
First, the word “transgresseth,” which is the Greek, “parabaino” and has one of its meanings:” to go past or pass over without touching a thing.” It is to run beside, let us say the race track, but the runner passes over the line that marks the track; taking himself off the track itself. Thus, you are no longer in the race at all. Another meaning is: “to overstep, neglect, violate.” In this case, the runner “oversteps” the race track and violates the rules of the race; therefore, disqualifies himself from the race. A third meaning is: “to go past as to turn aside from.” Here the runner is running with the other runners, but turns aside from the teaching of Christ and follows something else, so he is not in the race. Now, let us notice once more the meaning: “to go past as to turn aside from.” Once more the runner is racing right along, but goes past the lines that mark the track; so he is no longer in the race. In each case there is no way for this runner to win the race, as he is not on the track! The “track” being “the teaching of Christ,” which is the only teaching where salvation is to be found!
It should be easy to understand the words under which these articles are written: “Truth or nothing!” The only way of being “purified,” sanctified,” “holy,” and to be a “saint,” is by obeying the truth and nothing else! There are many, many, teachings out there and they are heard every day; and some of these folks give themselves to these teachings. They honesty believe that salvation is the result, but friends, they are on the outside “track.” They run hard; they give themselves to such teaching completely, and never question their salvation. They even close their ears to “the truth,” their minds not even once thinking that salvation may be in another teaching, “the truth!” For they honestly believe that one teaching is just as good as another. Yet, Jesus made it so clear, only a closed mind, will not consider, “I might be wrong.”
Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:13-14). Then, he said only a few verses later: “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. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:21-23).
Friends, how many of you think your salvation is sure, but who have never really thought that in what you believe, what you are putting the trust of your salvation of your soul, might not be “the teaching of Christ?” You see, it really is “truth or nothing” that saves!
— Frank R. Williams