Bible Reflections: 01/16/23

January 16, 2023

"Who I am?" by Gary Rose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kln_bIndDJg

The Logical Song

Note: Click on the audio above to hear “The Logical Song” or paste the above link into your browser to watch the video on YouTube.

“The Logical Song” is really a misnomer. The Singer-Songwriter questions his life of mankind’s wisdom and longs for true identity for as he puts it “Who I am”? In a world ruled by the status of money, power and educational level, the thinking man considers the value of such a world and his part in it. Is what this world of man’s wisdom considers valuable really worthwhile? Is it true that he who has all the marbles wins? I think NOT, for ultimately all human beings who live will die and then what? All the things they have acquired will be given to others. After time has passed, even the very memory of their life will be forgotten, so what’s the point of life? Is it really wealth, power or intellectual attainment? Again, I think NOT!

Consider the intangible things of this life. What is true wisdom, love, knowledge and genuine life? Those who desire to understand such things will only find worthwhile answers when they humbly acknowledge their inability to comprehend and turn to God for answers.

The Bible says...

1 Corinthians 1 ( World English Bible )

¹⁸For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.

¹⁹For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing.”

²⁰Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

²¹For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn’t know God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.

²²For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,

²³but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,

²⁴but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

²⁵Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

²⁶For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;

²⁷but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

²⁸and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:

²⁹that no flesh should boast before God.

³⁰But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

³¹that, according as it is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”

Isaiah 55 ( WEB )

⁶Seek Yahweh while he may be found; call you on him while he is near:

⁷let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

⁸“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says Yahweh.

⁹“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

¹¹so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.

Ecclesiastes 11 ( WEB )

¹¹The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

¹²Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

¹³This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

¹⁴For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

We live in a world where all society has steadily begun to reject God and all that HE stands for. The result of this is that society has begun to crumble. Man’s wisdom is indeed foolishness and that foolishness ultimately leads to destruction.

The only true answer to “Who I am?” is found in God. The verses of Isaiah 55:6-9 and Ecclesiastes 12:13f are true. Seek God and live, for the end of the matter is that God is truly in control and eventually everyone who has ever lived will answer to HIM for their actions.

“Who I am?” is a question that defines us all. If we belong to Christ and continually acknowledge him as savior then at the judgment we will be rewarded, if not, then our “wise” choices will lead to destruction.

I choose Christ, what do you choose?

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" Introduction by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_01.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

As much as we might want to be religiously like those around us, there are certain "issues" that necessarily differentiate one from others

I call these "Issues Of Distinction"
I choose the word "distinction" because it means...

The act of distinguishing; differentiation
The condition or fact of being dissimilar or distinct; difference
A distinguishing factor, attribute, or characteristic

Therefore "issues of distinction" are those which distinguish one from others in some way

Such "Issues Of Distinction" relate to matters of truth and error

For those who love truth, that which is error holds no attraction

Remember what the wise man said about truth - Pr 23:23
Jesus declared the value of truth in Jn 8:31-32
John wrote highly of those who "walk in truth" - 3Jn 3-4

Devotion to the truth, then, will necessarily distinguish one from those who may subscribe to error

In this introductory lesson, I would like to...

Identify several important "Issues Of Distinction" (there are certainly others)
Illustrate how they necessarily distinguish one from others

[For example, one "issue of distinction" is...]

THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

SOME QUESTION OR DENY THE EXISTENCE OF GOD...

Such as ATHEISTS
Or AGNOSTICS

OTHERS BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF GOD...

This includes those of all major religions, including:

Buddhists, Hindus
Jews, Moslems
Christians

The reasons for such belief may be varied, including:

Evidences in nature
Fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures
Evidences for the resurrection of Jesus Christ

[As much as we may (and should) love or respect individuals who do not believe in a Supreme Being, this issue creates a fundamental difference between people. Another "issue of distinction" is... ]

THE IDENTITY OF GOD

MANY BELIEVE IN A MULTITUDE OF GODS...

Such as BUDDHISTS
And HINDUS

OTHERS BELIEVE THE GOD OF ABRAHAM IS THE ONE TRUE GOD...

On this side of the "issue" are:

Jews and Moslems
Christians

The reason why people believe in the God of Abraham may vary:

Jews believe because of Moses and the Prophets
Christians believe because of Moses, the Prophets, and Jesus Christ
Moslems believe because of all these plus Mohammed, their final prophet

[Again, we should respect and love those who are Hindus and Buddhists, but this is an "issue of distinction" which distinguishes us. A third issue is...]

THE IDENTITY OF JESUS OF NAZARETH

MANY BELIEVE THAT JESUS WAS SIMPLY A GOOD MAN, PERHAPS A PROPHET, BUT NO MORE..

Many JEWS hold a view of Jesus that He was a good man, but not the Messiah
MOSLEMS believe that He was a prophet, but not the Son of God

OTHERS BELIEVE JESUS TO BE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD...

On this side of the "issue", are all professing Christians
Together with Peter, they freely confess: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." - cf. Mt 16:13-16
Their reasons would include such things as:

Fulfilled Messianic prophecies
Evidences for His resurrection from the dead

[Now, it would be wonderful if all who accepted the true identity of Jesus were united (this was Jesus' prayer - Jn 17:20-21). But unfortunately there are "issues of distinction" which differentiate even those who believe in Jesus...]

THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES

MANY DISPUTE THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES...

E.g., ROMAN CATHOLICS, GREEK ORTHODOX, etc., who accept in addition to the Bible:

Traditions of the church
Papal or ecclesiastical decrees

E.g., MORMONS, JEHOVAH WITNESSES, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS, CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS, PENTECOSTALS, etc., who believe in the need for:

Latter-day prophets
Modern-day revelations

OTHERS BELIEVE THE SCRIPTURES TO BE AN ALL-SUFFICIENT GUIDE...

On this side of the issue would be most mainstream Protestant churches
Reasons are based upon the claim of the Scriptures themselves:

To be sufficient for making the man of God complete - cf. 2Ti 3:16-17
To have been revealed one time, for all time - cf. Jude 3

[Where there are different standards of authority, people will not be able to agree. This make the issue of the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures an "issue of distinction". Yet another issue is...]

THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM

MANY DENY BAPTISM HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION...

This includes many MAINSTREAM PROTESTANT DENOMINATIONS
Who teach that baptism is simply a confession of faith and not necessary to salvation

OTHERS BELIEVE THE BIBLE TEACHES BAPTISM TO BE NECESSARY...

Necessary for salvation - Mk 16:16
Necessary for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38
Necessary for becoming children of God through faith - Ga 3:26-27

IF THIS LATTER CONVICTION BE TRUE...

Then those who teach otherwise are not proclaiming the gospel Jesus and His apostles proclaimed, which is God's power unto salvation - Mk 16:15-16; Ro 1:16
Paul warned about those teaching a perverted gospel - Ga 1:8-9

[Finally, another issue that differentiates people is...]

THE NATURE OF THE LORD'S CHURCH

SOME DENOMINATIONALIZE THE CHURCH...

I fear this is the case with many CHURCHES OF CHRIST, and especially THE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST
By changing the nature of cooperation among local churches, they create a de facto denomination

OTHERS BELIEVE THE SCRIPTURES TO REVEAL A LIMITED FORM OF CHURCH COOPERATION...

Local churches may cooperate, but in ways that:

Follow the New Testament pattern for church cooperation
Allow local churches to maintain their local autonomy and independence

E.g., congregations may support preachers, missionaries, needy Christians or churches
But the New Testament pattern reveals this was done directly, with no intermediate or overseeing church

CONCLUSION

Love for one's fellow man...

Makes one want to accept everyone as they are
And to let nothing come between us

But love for God and truth must be stronger...

It must take precedent over love for our fellow man
It must prompt one to let whatever is truly an "issue of distinction" differentiate one from those who believe otherwise

Of course, it is very important...

That we do not artificially put up barriers
To diligently study matters to determine whether they merit such importance as to differentiate ourselves from others
To present our conviction on such matters in the proper spirit:

Speaking the truth in love - Ep 4:15
Without quarreling, in gentleness, with patience and humility - 2Ti 2:24-25

In the rest of this series I hope to do just that, as we examine each "issue of distinction" surveyed in this lesson in greater detail...

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" The Existence Of God by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_02.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The Existence Of God

INTRODUCTION

In our previous lesson, we introduced several "Issues Of Distinction", matters which by their nature differentiate those with opposing views...

The existence of God
The identity of God
The identity of Jesus of Nazareth
The all-sufficiency of the Scriptures
The purpose of baptism
The nature of the Lord's church

I concluded by saying that it is important...

That we do not artificially put up barriers
To diligently study matters to determine whether they merit such importance as to differentiate ourselves from others
To present our conviction on such matters in the proper spirit:

Speaking the truth in love - Ep 4:15
Without quarreling, in gentleness, with patience and humility - 2Ti 2:24-25

Therefore, if an issue is such that it is one of "distinction", we ought to be able to...

Explain why we believe the way we do
Present reasons why those who differ ought to reconsider their convictions

[In this study, we shall take a closer look at the first "issue of distinction": The Existence of God...]

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE

IF GOD DOES NOT EXIST...

Then atheists and agnostics are on the side of TRUTH
Then there is no Supreme Being to which we must give an account

I.e., no Judgment Day
I.e., no heaven or hell

There is no reason to be accountable to anyone but ourselves
There is no right or wrong, no good or evil
We would best live by the saying: "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die"

BUT IF GOD DOES EXIST...

Then there is a Supreme Being to Whom we must give an account
We owe to ourselves to learn whatever we can...

About the NATURE of this God
About what He may REQUIRE of us

Such a search for knowledge concerning this God may be life-long, but if there is a God, then it is worth it! - cf. Jer 9:23-24

[In any issue of controversy, the burden of proof rests upon those who argue in the affirmative; so what are the EVIDENCES presented by those who affirm that God exists?]

EVIDENCES FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

THE "ONTOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...

This argument was espoused by Anselm, a theologian and philosopher, also the archbishop of Cantebury (ca. 1100 A.D.)

It runs something like this: "If man can have the concept of a perfect God, then He must exist"
It is based upon the premise that everything man can know or think is based upon some reality (though often perverted)

"This is probably one of the weakest of the philosophical arguments; and to many this argument is somewhat unconvincing." (J. D. Thomas, Facts & Faith)

THE "GENERAL" ARGUMENT...

This argument is based upon "the universal belief in God and the religious instinct"

"Men in all the world, and throughout all time, not only believe in deity, but also engage in acts of worship and devotion." - cf. Ac 17:26-27
"The religious principle is extremely potent in all nations, dominating their thought and history."
"Everywhere the human heart has a craving for God. There will be exceptions as individuals, but the exceptions do not invalidate the rule. The atheist is an exception in every society!" (Ferrell Jenkins, Introduction To Christian Evidences)

This argument reasons in this way:

Since there is in the universe those things that satisfy man's deepest longings...
...there must be a reality (i.e., God) that complements and meets this universal craving for a Supreme Being

THE "COSMOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...

This is also called "the argument from first cause"

It is based upon the premise "every effect must have a cause"
The cosmos (universe) is an effect that has adequate cause
The theist believes that Gen 1:1 reveals that adequate cause: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

A common objection is often raised: "Who created God?"

It is important to bear in mind that the law which states every effect has a cause applies to things that are "physical"
God by definition is not physical, and therefore not bound by laws which we may discern to apply to physical things

God is a spiritual being - cf. Jn 4:24
His omnipresence is but one example of how He defies laws of nature - cf. Jer 23:23-24

So the argument does not apply to Him, and He becomes the "uncaused cause" of all things!

THE "TELEOLOGICAL" ARGUMENT...

This argument is based upon the evidence of design in the universe
Evidence of design suggests a "designer", some Being with intelligence possessing purpose

E.g., a watch shows design, and implies a watchmaker
To credit such intricate and precise workmanship to blind chance is unreasonable

Examples of design in the universe are many; some examples...

Orderly movement of heavenly bodies, making space travel possible
Animal instinct, such as the migration patterns of birds, eels, and salmon
The human body itself, e.g., the eye

Contemplating upon the universe and the human body rightfully produces awe, and points man to his Creator - cf. Ps 19:1-2; 139:14; Ro 1:19-20

THE "MORAL" ARGUMENT...

This is also called the "anthropological argument"
It is based upon reality that everywhere people have "a sense of ought"

That in certain circumstances, certain things should be done
People are concerned...

That people should act a certain way
That people do not often act the way they should

Even atheists and agnostics have "a sense of justice", and are angered when it is violated (as in the case of rape and murder)

This moral nature in man demands a Moral Being as the Original Cause

THE "ESTHETICAL" ARGUMENT...

This argument is based upon the presence of beauty and sublimity in the universe
It observes that you have both...

The presence of beauty in nature itself, and in art produced by man
The response of man to such beauty

How did this "beauty", and the "ability to appreciate" it, develop?

Were both the result of blind chance?
Or did it come from a Supreme Being, who is not only...

Intelligent (an argument from design)
Moral (an argument from our sense of ought) ...but also Artistic (an argument from beauty and our sense of it)? - cf. Ps 96:4-6

CONCLUSION

These arguments we have considered are "philosophical arguments", but they are based upon what the Bible itself says can be learned about God from nature - cf. Ps 19:1-2; Ro 1:20
The arguments we have considered are some of the reasons why so many believe in the existence of God, be they Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc.
Other arguments can be offered to support the existence of God...

Fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures
Scientific foreknowledge of the Scriptures
Uniformity of the Scriptures
Evidences for the resurrection of Jesus from the dead

"Issues Of Distinction"

But Who is this Supreme Being? In our next study, we shall take a look at "The Identity Of God"...

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" The Identity Of God by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_03.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The Identity Of God

INTRODUCTION

Our previous study briefly surveyed some of the arguments for the EXISTENCE of God:

The ontological argument (if man can conceive of a perfect God, one must exist)
The general argument (the universal belief in God and man's religious instinct)
The cosmological argument (every effect must have a cause; the cosmos is an effect, and its adequate cause is God)
The teleological argument (evidence of design necessitates a Designer)
The moral argument (moral nature in man and sense of "ought" demands a Moral Person in back of all things)
The esthetical argument (beauty in the universe and man's response to it suggests a Supreme Being with an eye for beauty)

Ro 1:20

But these arguments do not, nor does creation, IDENTIFY who this Supreme Being is...

Is He the God revealed in the Bible?
Is He the God or Gods believed in by Hindus, Buddhists, etc.?
Or is He some Being yet to be discovered by mankind?

[In this study, we shall take a closer look at the second "issue of distinction": The Identity of God...]

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE

IF GOD IS NOT THE ONE REVEALED IN THE BIBLE...

Then the Jew, the Moslem, and the Christian are in error

For they are united in their belief that He is the God of Abraham
And that He has revealed Himself through prophets

Then we should be looking elsewhere to learn who God is

Either to the eastern religions, such as Hinduism or Buddhism
Or perhaps some other religion among the many in the world

IF GOD IS THE ONE REVEALED IN THE BIBLE...

Then we owe it to ourselves to carefully read the Bible

To learn what God has revealed about Himself
To learn what God expects of mankind

Then we have narrowed down the choices as to what is the true religion in the world: Judaism, Christianity, or Islam

[As we proceed to consider arguments for believing that the God of the Bible is the One True God, a certain line of reasoning will be followed:

The Bible claims to be the Word of the One True God; if this is true, we should find evidence of INSPIRATION.

What, then, are evidences that the Bible is really INSPIRED of God?]

EVIDENCES FOR THE IDENTITY OF GOD

THE UNIFORMITY OF THE SCRIPTURES...

The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written:

Over a 1600 year span
Over a period of 40 generations
By approx. 40 authors from every walk of life; e.g.:

MOSES, a political leader trained in the universities of Egypt
PETER, a fisherman
AMOS, a herdsman
JOSHUA, a military general
NEHEMIAH, a cup bearer to a king
DANIEL, a prime minister
LUKE, a physician
SOLOMON, a king
MATTHEW, a tax collector
PAUL, a tentmaker and rabbi

In different places

Moses in the wilderness
Jeremiah in a dungeon
Daniel on a hillside and in a palace
Paul inside prison walls
Luke while traveling
John in exile an the isle of Patmos
Others in the rigors of military campaign

At different times

David in times of war
Solomon in times of peace

During different moods

Some writing from the heights of joy
Others from the depths of sorrow and despair

On three continents

Asia
Africa
Europe

In three languages

Hebrew
Aramaic
Greek

Which subject matter includes hundreds of controversial topics

The origin of man & the universe
The nature of God
The nature of sin & man's redemption

Despite all this, there is harmony and continuity!

For example:

"The Paradise Lost of the book of Genesis becomes the Paradise Regained of Revelation"
"Whereas the gate to the tree of life is closed in Genesis, it is opened forevermore in Revelation." - GEISLER and NIX

Compare the continuity of the Bible with any other such writings of man

Imagine what you would have if you just took ten authors...

From one walk of life, one generation, one place, one time, one mood one continent, one language
Speaking on one controversial subject

You would have a conglomeration of ideas, not harmony!

The reason for the UNITY of the Bible?

The writers were all inspired by the same God - cf. 2Pe 1:20-21
Providing evidence that the God of the Bible is the One True God!

THE SCIENTIFIC FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE...

The nature of this argument:

In the Bible there are scientific truths...

That were unknown by man with all his wisdom and resources
That are stated as facts hundreds of years in advance of the discovery of these truths by men

That the writers of the Bible could have known these facts only through inspiration
That such evidence of inspiration confirms they were writing or speaking for the One True God!

Just a few examples of facts written about in the Bible, but confirmed only recently with the aid of modern science...

The roundness of the earth - Isa 40:22
The suspension of the earth in space - Job 26:7
The currents in the seas - Ps 8:8
The springs in the seas - Job 38:16
All nations of one blood - Ac 17:26

FULFILLED PROPHECIES FOUND IN THE BIBLE...

The nature of this argument:

The prophecies of the Old Testament foretold events in detail that were beyond the scope of human speculation
How did the writers do it?

They attributed it to God!
And God declared that such evidence was a proof of His existence and superiority over men and all heathen gods - Isa 41:21-24; 42:8-9; 46:8-11

A few examples (Messianic prophecies will be considered in the next study):

The fall of Babylon, written two hundred years before it occurred - Isa 13:17-22
The fall of Egypt, that it would be destroyed more by civil war than by outside forces - Isa 19:1-4
The fall of Nineveh, with its utter desolation - Zeph 2:13-15
The fall of Tyre, with its becoming a place for the spreading of nests - Ezek 26:1-5

CONCLUSION

We have briefly surveyed evidence suggesting the Bible to be inspired by a Supreme Being...

The uniformity of the Scriptures
The scientific foreknowledge of the Bible
Fulfillment of prophecies found in the Bible

The Bible is either the work of men or of God; if it is from God...

Then it is easy to understand how these men could write as they did
Then the IDENTITY of the One True God is known:

He is the God of the Bible!
And that Book is His Word to us!

But among those who believe in the God of the Bible, there are differences...

Most Jews accept only the Old Testament portion as Scripture
Christians accept both the Old and New Testaments
Moslems believe that both the Old and New Testaments have been corrupted, so as to present an improper picture of Moses and Jesus

The core of these differences revolve around another "issue of distinction": The Identity Of Jesus of Nazareth

That is the "issue" we shall examine in our next study...

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" The Identity Of Jesus Of Nazareth by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_04.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The Identity Of Jesus Of Nazareth

INTRODUCTION

So far we have considered two "Issues Of Distinction":

The Existence Of God - which differentiates between...

Atheists and agnostics on the one hand
Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc., on the other hand

The Identity Of God - which distinguishes between...

Buddhists, Hindus, etc.
Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc.

In doing so, we briefly surveyed evidence that supports a belief...

That God does exist
That the God of Abraham (i.e., the God of the Bible) is the one true God

Our next "issue of distinction" concerns "The Identity Of Jesus Of Nazareth"...

Jews and Moslems believe he was just a good man, perhaps even a prophet
But Christians profess much more, that He was the Messiah, even the Son of God!

[In this study, we shall briefly review the claims made about Jesus, and some evidence which supports these claims...]

THE CLAIMS MADE ABOUT JESUS

THE NEW TESTAMENT MAKES BOLD CLAIMS ABOUT JESUS...

Presenting Him to be the Messiah, foretold by the Old Testament

As seen in the confession of Peter - cf. Mt 16:13-17
As seen in Luke's description of Jesus' conversation following His resurrection - cf. Lk 24:25-27,44-48

Presenting Him to be the very Son of God!

Again, as confessed by Peter - Mt 16:16
As introduced in John's gospel - Jn 1:1-3,14

THE NEW TESTAMENT ALLOWS ONLY TWO ALTERNATIVES...

Jesus is everything the New Testament authors claim

The Christ, the Son of God
Indeed, the King of Kings and Lord of lords - cf. 1Ti 6:14-16

The New Testament is a carefully orchestrated fraud, written purposefully to deceive!

The authors leave us no other choice - cf. 2Pe 1:16-18
Either their story is true, or they were false witnesses! - cf. 1Co 15:14-15

WE CANNOT SAY THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN SINCERELY DECEIVED!

Especially in reference to the resurrection of Jesus, which is offered as the ultimate proof of His deity and Messiahship

They claim they ate and drank with Him afterwards - Ac 10:39-41
They claim they saw and touched Him - 1Jn 1:1-4

They leave us NO ROOM for saying they were but MISTAKEN or DECEIVED!

Some skeptics have tried to offer this as an alternative
That perhaps in their grief and loss over the crucifixion of Jesus they "hallucinated" or saw grief-inspired "visions" of Jesus
But "hallucinations" and "visions" are highly individualistic experiences

One person might see the hallucination or vision
But several or many people don't see the same vision at the same time!

As outlined in the gospels and also 1Co 15:4-8, the resurrection appearances of Jesus were often witnessed by many at the same time (over 500 on one occasion!)

[So we really have no other choice; either the New Testament with its claims about Jesus is a "Book Of Truth," or it is a "Book of Lies."

Which is more reasonable to believe? To help us decide, consider...]

IMPLICATIONS IF CLAIMS ABOUT JESUS ARE NOT TRUE

THE NEW TESTAMENT IS A CAREFULLY ORCHESTRATED LIE!

With great accuracy the authors described events, places, and people (at least those we can confirmed by archaeology) - Lk 2:1-5
If the record of miracles and the resurrection is false, then they very carefully intertwined fact and fiction!

THE AUTHORS SUFFERED EXTREME HARDSHIP FOR WHAT THEY KNEW WAS A LIE!

Many people will lie if they can get something out of it (such as money, power)
But what did the apostles get out of it? - cf. 1Co 4:9-13
What did Paul get for holding to his testimony? - cf. 2Co 11:24-29
How do we know they really suffered this hardship?

The fact that the letters of the New Testament were even saved!
For example, consider the letters 1 & 2 Corinthians...

These letters are filled with rebuke of the Corinthians
The Corinthians would have every reason not to save these letters which exposed their faults
The Corinthians had first hand knowledge as to whether the apostles and Paul really suffered the hardship spoken of in their letters
If they knew the accounts of such hardship to be false, they would have quickly destroyed these letters written by a liar who embarrassingly wrote about their problems!

So especially the author of half the books of the New Testament (Paul) suffered extreme hardship for a lie, if the New Testament is not true

THE AUTHORS WHO WERE MARTYRED KNEW THEY WERE DYING FOR A LIE!

True, many people in history have died for what was actually a lie...

They sincerely believed it be true; sadly, they were mistaken
But we have seen that the nature of the apostles' testimony as eyewitnesses of the resurrection does not allow for the possibility they were sincerely mistaken

History and tradition record that:

JAMES was stoned to death
PAUL was beheaded
PETER was crucified

If the New Testament is a lie, they went to their deaths KNOWING they were dying for a lie!

IN SUFFERING AND DYING FOR A LIE, THEY WENT AGAINST EVERYTHING JESUS AND THEY THEMSELVES TAUGHT!

"But let your 'yes' be 'yes', and your 'no' be 'no'." - JESUS (Mt 5:37)
"Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor..." - PAUL (Ep 4:25)
"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" - PETER (1Pe 2:1)

THE BOOK WITH THE WORLD'S HIGHEST STANDARD AND LOFTIEST GOALS WAS COMPOSED BY LIARS, FRAUDS, AND DECEIVERS!

What book presents a higher standard of love and morality than the New Testament?
For example, Jesus' "Sermon On The Mount" (Mt 5-7) and Paul's "Discourse On Love" (1Co 13)

CONCLUSION

This is what one MUST believe if they do not believe the New Testament when it speaks of the miracles, fulfilled Messianic prophecies and resurrection accounts of Jesus:

It is a carefully orchestrated lie!
The authors suffered extreme hardship for what they KNEW was a lie!
Those authors who were martyred KNEW they were dying for a lie!
In suffering and dying for a lie, they went against everything Jesus and they themselves taught!
And somehow, these liars, frauds, and deceivers came up with a book containing the world's highest standard morality and loftiest goals!

I am convinced that those who do not believe the New Testament are those who:

Have never read the New Testament carefully
Have not considered the logical implications of simply regarding it as a mixture of fact and fiction!

But to those who will read it, I believe that they will find...

That it has "the ring of truth" to it
That it will convince one of the true identity of Jesus of Nazareth!

As John wrote toward the end of his gospel:
"And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (Jn 20:30-31)
What is YOUR view of Jesus of Nazareth?

Are you willing to accept the evidence that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God"?
If so, then with such faith you have the right to become a child of God, and have "life in His name"! - cf. Jn 1:12; Ga 3:26-27

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" The All-Sufficiency Of The Scriptures by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_05.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The All-Sufficiency Of The Scriptures

INTRODUCTION

In previous lessons we have briefly considered three "Issues Of Distinction":

The Existence Of God - which differentiates between...

Atheists and agnostics on the one hand
Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc., on the other hand

The Identity Of God - which distinguishes between...

Buddhists, Hindus, etc.
Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc.

The Identity of Jesus Of Nazareth - over which there is a difference between...

Jews, Moslems, etc.
Christians

It would be wonderful if all who accepted Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of God" were one...

Jesus prayed for such unity - Jn 17:20-21
Paul commanded that we be one - 1Co 1:10-13

The main reason why there is not unity pertains to another "issue of distinction"...

That issue is "The All-Sufficiency Of The Scriptures"

Are the Scriptures sufficient by themselves to lead us unto salvation?
Or do we need other sources of authority for what we do in matters of religion?

One's position on this issue will greatly affect his or her religious beliefs and practices!

[To illustrate why this is true, allow me to demonstrate how...]

MANY DENY THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES

SUCH AS ROMAN CATHOLICS, GREEK ORTHODOX, ETC.

Who accept in ADDITION to the Bible...

Traditions of the church which have arisen over the years
Papal or ecclesiastical decrees

Allowing such "traditions" or "decrees" to take precedence over the Scriptures

E.g., using "Father" as a religious title, though Jesus forbid it - Mt 23:9
E.g., requiring celibacy for bishops, though Paul taught otherwise - 1Ti 3:1-2

SUCH AS MORMONS, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, PENTECOSTALS, ETC.

Who accept in ADDITION to the Bible...

Latter-day prophets
Modern-day revelations

Who allow their "revelations" to take precedence over the Scriptures

E.g., the Mormons' concept of God having a body of flesh - cf. Jn 4:24; Lk 24:39
E.g., the Witnesses' denial of the bodily resurrection of Jesus - cf. Lk 24:39-40; Jn 2:19-22
E.g., Pentecostals allowing women preachers - cf. 1Co 14:34-37; 1Ti 2:11-12

[When people reject "the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures", appealing to other sources for their authority in religion, division is the natural outcome. The first step towards unity is to recognize the need for the same standard of authority, which ought to be the Scriptures alone!

But are the Scriptures alone an all-sufficient guide? Consider...]

THE ARGUMENT FOR THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF THE SCRIPTURES

THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD HAS BEEN PROCLAIMED...

In his address to the Ephesian elders...

Paul said he had proclaimed "the whole counsel of God" - Ac 20:27
He had held nothing back - Ac 20:20

In leaving them, he entrusted them to the Word of God - Ac 20:32

Which was sufficient to "build you up"
Which was sufficient to "give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified"

WE HAVE ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS...

Peter wrote how God has given us all things necessary for spiritual life and godly living - 2Pe 1:3
Note well...

He had not given "some" things, but "all" things
He had not given "some" things now, with "more" things to come later

THE FAITH HAS BEEN REVEALED ONCE FOR ALL...

Jude wrote of "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" - Jude 3
In the Greek, "once for all" is "one time for all time"

I.e., the faith (that body of knowledge we are to believe) was delivered one time for all time
The faith wasn't partly revealed, with more to come through later revelations years later!
The faith wasn't revealed just for that generation, with a different faith to be revealed for a generation yet future!

THE SCRIPTURES CAN MAKE US COMPLETE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK

Paul wrote to Timothy of the value of the Scriptures - 2 Ti 3:14-17

Inspired of God, it is profitable for:

Doctrine
Reproof
Correction
Instruction in righteousness

It is capable of making a person "complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work"

Not partial, but complete!
Not some good works, but every good work!

When I turn to the Scriptures, I find that I have all I need to...

Believe in Jesus - Jn 20:30-31
Have life in His name - Jn 20:30-31
Have fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the apostles - 1Jn 1:3
Have joy that is full - 1Jn 1:4
Have help when I sin - 1Jn 2:1
Know that I have eternal life - 1Jn 5:13
Understand the revelation of the mystery of God - Ro 16:25-26; Ep 3:3-4
Be fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom - 2Pe 1:8-11

CONCLUSION

There will always be a distinction related to "The All-Sufficiency Of The Scriptures"
The distinction becomes apparent as one considers the doctrines and practices of any religious group...

Those who accept it are more apt to be like the church you read about in the Bible
Those who deny it will quickly evolve into something much different

I hope I have given you reasons to place your faith in the Word of God, and it alone!

The whole counsel of God has been proclaimed!
We have all things pertaining to life and godliness!
The faith has been revealed once and for all!
The Scriptures can make us complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work!

And so in the words of the apostle Paul...

"...I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION" The Purpose Of Baptism by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/issues-of-distinction/is_06.html

"ISSUES OF DISTINCTION"

The Purpose Of Baptism

INTRODUCTION

In this series we have surveyed the following "Issues Of Distinction":

The Existence Of God - which differentiates between...

Atheists and agnostics, who deny or question God's existence
Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc., who believe in a Supreme Being

The Identity Of God - which distinguishes between...

Buddhists, Hindus, etc., who hold to many gods
Jews, Moslems, Christians, etc., who believe in God of Abraham

The Identity Of Jesus Of Nazareth - over which there is a difference between...

Jews, Moslems, etc., who may accept Jesus as a good man, perhaps a prophet
Christians, who believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God

The All-Sufficiency Of The Scriptures - where again there is a difference between...

Catholics, Mormons, JWs, etc., who deny the Scriptures are all-sufficient
Mainstream Protestants, Christians, etc., who profess the principle of "scriptura sola" (the Scriptures alone)

Another "issue of distinction" is "The Purpose Of Baptism"

Some say that the purpose of baptism has nothing to do with salvation
Others say that baptism is an integral part in God's plan for saving man

In this study, we shall examine...

The common view of baptism held by many denominations
What the Scriptures themselves teach concerning baptism
What difference does it really make

[We begin with...]

THE COMMON DENOMINATIONAL VIEW REGARDING BAPTISM

THAT BAPTISM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION...

The view expressed by many Baptists is a popular one:

"Baptists believe that no one is subject for baptism till he is already saved."
"We believe it is a positive command, enjoined upon the believing, saved soul, and is essential to true, loving obedience."
"Baptists believe that the immersion of a believer is an open declaration to the world that such a one is dead to sin."
"Again, the immersion is a proclamation to the world that we believe in Him who died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."
"So it is a proclamation of our belief that Christ arose from the dead..."

My purpose is not to single out Baptists (my maternal ancestors were Baptists)

Not all Baptists would agree with the above view (see comments below)
But it is indicative of most Baptists, and is held by many Protestants

THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM FROM THIS PERSPECTIVE...

Baptism is simply "a public declaration" of one's faith in Jesus Christ
It is a command to be obeyed AFTER salvation, similar to the Lord's Supper
It is therefore non-essential to salvation: "Is baptism necessary for salvation? I don't beat about the bush about it at all. I come out with a plain, definite NO! No, baptism doesn't save, doesn't help save, and I'll go even further to say that it doesn't have anything in this world to with the saving of a soul." Good News, Edward T. Hiscox, March 2, 1972

[Is this true? Is the only purpose of baptism one of making a public proclamation of one's faith in Jesus? Is baptism for those who are already saved? Please prayerfully consider...]

THE BIBLICAL VIEW REGARDING BAPTISM

IS BAPTISM "A PUBLIC PROCLAMATION ONE'S FAITH"?

There is no teaching in the Bible that defines the purpose for baptism as such

An appeal is often made to the example of Christ's baptism...

That Jesus was baptized to publicly introduce Himself to Israel as the Messiah
And that therefore the purpose for Christian baptism is to serve a similar purpose; i.e., to publicly profess ourselves to the world as disciples of Jesus

An interesting correlation, but one nowhere made in the Scriptures!

If baptism were solely a public proclamation of one's faith...

What about the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch? - Ac 8:35-39

When he asked what might hinder him from being baptized, why wasn't he told to wait until they got to town or some public place?
The fact that he was baptized when it was just he and Philip would imply that there is some other purpose for baptism!

What about the baptism of the Philippian jailer and his family? - Ac 16:25-34

They were baptized "immediately", after midnight and before daylight
Why didn't Paul tell them to wait until a special baptismal service could be held that was open to the public, or at least to the church?

Both of these examples imply that the purpose of baptism is for some reason other than a public profession of one's faith

There was a sense of urgency in both cases
Indeed, in every case where baptism is described in detail in the book of Acts, it occurs immediately after one lesson!

WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT BAPTISM...

When you are baptized into Christ, the Bible says:

You put on the Lord Jesus - Ga 3:26-27
Your sins are washed away - Ac 22:16
Your sins are remitted (forgiven) - Ac 2:38
You die to sin and are freed from sin - Ro 6:1-7
You are baptized into the body of Christ - 1Co 12:13
You are saved through the resurrection of Christ, as you make an appeal for a good conscience - 1Pe 3:21

Here are some thought-provoking quotations from George Beasley-Murray, Baptist scholar, in his book, Baptism In The New Testament:

"In light of the foregoing exposition of the New Testament representations of baptism, the idea that baptism is a purely symbolic rite must be pronounced not alone unsatisfactory but out of harmony with the New Testament itself. Admittedly, such a judgment runs counter to the popular tradition of the Denomination to which the writer belongs..."
"The extent and nature of the grace which the New Testament writers declare to be present in baptism is astonishing for any who come to the study freshly with an open mind."
"...the "grace" available to man in baptism is said by the New Testament writers to include the following elements:

forgiveness of sin, Ac 2.38 and cleansing from sins, Ac 22:16, 2Co 6.11;
union with Christ, Ga 3.27, and particularly union with Him in his death and resurrection, Ro. 6.3ff, Col 2.11f, with all that implies of release from sin's power, as well as guilt, and the sharing of the risen life of the Redeemer, Ro 6.1-11;
participation in Christ's sonship, Ga 3.26f;
consecration to God, 1Co 6.11, hence membership in the Church, the Body of Christ, 1Co 12.13, Ga 3.27-29;
possession of the Spirit, Ac 2.38, 1Co 6.11, 12.13, and therefore the new life in the Spirit, i.e., regeneration, Tit 3.5, Jn 3.5;
grace to live according to the will of God, Ro 6.1ff, Col 3.1ff;
deliverance from the evil powers that rule this world, Col 1.13;
the inheritance of the Kingdom of God, Jn 3.5, and the pledge of the resurrection of the body, Ep 1.3f, 4.30. (pp. 263-264)

Yes, when one comes to the Bible with an open mind, willing to consider whatever the Bible says about baptism...

They will conclude with George Beasley-Murray that the idea baptism is a purely symbolic rite:

Must be pronounced unsatisfactory!
Is out of harmony with the New Testament itself!

They will agree with Martin Luther, who...

In answer to the question, "What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?", replied in his Small Catechism, "It effects forgiveness of sins."
Also wrote concerning the sinner: "Through Baptism he is bathed in the blood of Christ and is cleansed from sins."
Again wrote: "To put it most simply, the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is to save." (as quoted by Jack W. Cottrell in Baptism And The Remission of Sins, College Press, 1990, p. 32-34)
In his commentary on Ro 6:3, wrote: "Baptism has been instituted that it should lead us to the blessings (of this death) and through such death to eternal life. Therefore IT IS NECESSARY that we should be baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." (Commentary On Romans, Kregel Publications, p. 101)

And they will concur with Augustine, who...

Referring to the efficacy of baptism, wrote that "the salvation of man is effected in baptism"; also, that a person "is baptized for the express purpose of being with Christ." (Cottrell, p. 30)
With regard to the necessity of baptism, refers to the "apostolic tradition, by which the Churches of Christ maintain it to be an inherent principle, that without baptism...it is impossible for any man to attain to salvation and everlasting life." (ibid., p. 30)

[Indeed, along with the perspective of church history, the Bible clearly teaches that the purpose of baptism is one that relates to the saving of one's soul, for as one is baptized they are by God's grace and power united with Christ and thereby receive all the benefits of His death!

If this be true, what are the ramifications? Does it really make any difference WHY one is baptized...?]

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

SOME BOLDLY PROCLAIM IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE...

That God will accept a baptism for a different purpose
That while a person may mistakenly think they were saved at the point of believing, their sins are forgiven at the point of baptism
Isn't this rather presumptuous on their part?

To speak for God?
When the Bible does not say what He will or will not do in such cases?

BUT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE...

At best, it raises serious questions about one's obedience to the gospel

Has one really obeyed Christ, if they responded to a perversion of it?

Today, most people are told to simply repent and pray
But the apostles commanded people to repent and be baptized - Ac 2:38

Can a person be taught wrong, and baptized right?

In Ac 19:1-5, we have a case of re-baptism...

John's baptism did not qualify as meeting the conditions of Christ's baptism
Even though John's baptism was the will of God for a short time

If John's baptism required re-baptism in the name of Christ, how much more those who were not baptized for the right purpose today?

At worst, there are some serious consequences!

People who sincerely think they are saved are still lost!
Preachers and teachers who say baptism has nothing to do with salvation are teaching a perverted gospel! - cf. Ga 1:8-9

In any case, it will affect the way one preaches! Here is Beasley-Murray again:

"First, there ought to be a greater endeavor to make baptism integral to THE GOSPEL."
"It is taken as axiomatic amongst us [Baptists, MAC] that the proclamation of the Gospel consists of making the redemptive acts of God in Christ known and calling for faith in Christ as the due response; baptism is then a proper subject for exposition in the enquirers' class, along with instruction as to the nature of the Church, of worship, of Christian obligation in the Church and to the world, etc."
"Peter's response, however, to the cry of his conscience stricken hearers on the Day of Pentecost was not "Repent and believe", but "Repent and BE BAPTIZED"! (Ac 2.38).
"Naturally faith was presumed in repentance, but Peter's answer told the Jews how to become Christians: faith and repentance are to be expressed in baptism, and SO they are to come to the Lord."
"Baptism is here a part of the proclamation of Christ. In an Apostolic sermon it comes as its logical conclusion."
"An effort ought to be made to restore this note in our [Baptist] preaching." (Ibid., p. 393)

CONCLUSION

To restore this note in one's preaching will certainly make a difference!

Our response to the question "What shall we do?" will be similar to Peter's response on Pentecost: "Repent...and be baptized!"
People will respond to our "preaching Christ" like the eunuch: "Here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"

Yet today, rarely do you hear in many churches...

A preacher commanding his audience like Peter did in Ac 2:38
A listener who just heard a gospel lesson ask the question the eunuch did in Ac 8:36
A teacher telling a penitent believer what Ananias told Saul of Tarsus:
"And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Ac 22:16)

Yes, "The Purpose Of Baptism" is another "issue of distinction"...

For one's view on the purpose of baptism make a great difference
It affects our preaching, and it affects the souls of those who hear us!

We must therefore...

Fully understand the distinction between such views on baptism
Make certain that our understanding is in harmony with the Scriptures
Lovingly reach out to those who are in error

What is your understanding concerning baptism? Have you been baptized for the purpose revealed in the Scriptures?