BACK TO THE OLD PATHS (Doctrine)
BACK TO THE OLD PATHS (Doctrine) BACK TO THE OLD PATHS
(Doctrine)
C. R. Nichol
“Reformation” and “Restoration” discussions are robbing pulpit time, and paper space, which should be given to preaching the gospel.
The pulpit and religious press are bristling with too many perpendicular pronouns.
Worthy soldiers endure hardness.
Bitter cold, need of clothing, food and sleep have proven the mettle of our men in Korea. Gospel preachers are soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3). Are you seeking physical luxuries and persecution exemptions? Have you proven your valor by contending earnestly for the faith? My brother, if you can live with yourself without becoming a preacher, I beg you, do not disgrace the cause by becoming one.
The words “I think” were used 33 times in a 30 minute sermon, preached recently by a minister in a congregation with many members.
Are you doing violence to your conscience by being a moral invertebrate, perverting the gospel? Adorn the gospel of God in all things. When a mere lad, I heard a member of the church advise an illiterate man, with a large family, to “continue farming, your speech will bring adverse criticism and hurt the church.” The man replied: “I must preach the gospel. Even though they make fun of me, I will preach the gospel. If they put me in jail I will preach the gospel through the key hole. If they put me in a barrel I will preach the gospel through the bung hole.” Can you when standing on the brink of the “Great Divide,” say with pioneer Paul: “I have fought a good fight”? (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
“Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
“Back To The Old Paths”
The theme of this series of lectures, be it a wise selection, or one regarded by some of small moment, does not reflect wisdom on my part; nor warrant an adverse criticism. The general theme stems from the cry of Jeremiah, one of the prophets who lived 600 years before the birth of Christ, in the closing days of Manasseh’s wicked reign. It was during the days when the Hebrews were God’s chosen people, a people who were largely a profligate people; not only failing to follow God’s way, but turned from God into paths of wickedness; when the wreck of Jerusalem and the destruction of national Israel was not far removed.
Jeremiah lived but a short distance from Jerusalem; and his soul was vexed by the wickedness of the people. Josiah’s reign brought some relief, and reformation in a national sense was to some extent in evidence; but it was not of a character to bring the realization of individual responsibility and devotion to right living and holy ideals. The death of Josiah at Megiddo seems to have aroused Jeremiah, and his voice startled all Israel, and brought to him implacable enemies. From his lips fell the words:
“Stand ye in the ways and see, ask for the old paths, wherein is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: But they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16).
It was the call to God’s covenanted people to return from their wickedness, to turn to the paths of right-eousness. They had gone far astray, they had “gone away backward” (Isaiah 1:4). It was not a call to Gentiles, people who had not been in covenant with God as were the Hebrews! Even at that time the destruction of their capital city was pending, for not far removed was the destruction of Jerusalem, following which Jeremiah went to Egypt, and there died, or was possibly killed by his brethren. They despised him because he reproved them.
Many sermons have been preached by my older brethren from the text: “Back To The Old Paths.” They had in mind through the demolition of false doctrine, and a call for the denominations to abandon their human doctrine and become Christians. They preached the gospel. The New Covenant became operative after Jesus had received “all authority” in heaven and on earth, after he had been coronated “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
“All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing (immersing) them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-19).
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and Is baptized (immersed) shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:46-49). To the city of Jerusalem they went, and remained there till they were baptized in the Holy Spirit; and then they began to execute the Great Commission. That day marked the beginning of the church Christ promised to build (Matthew 16:18). On that day the kingdom promised through Daniel (Daniel 2:44), had its beginning on earth (See also Mark 9:1-2; Isaiah 2:1-4,). It was there, and then that the apostles began to preach under the Great Commission, declaring the message which was for all nations, and for all time. Offensive work began, the people present were arraigned and condemned for their rejection of Christ, and demanding his death. In the multitude present there were three thousand who oecame subjects of the new kingdom, members in the new church; they turned from their old religion, and rejoiced in the “new and living way/’ The stone cut out of the mountain without hands began to increase, the leaven was working; conquests were made by the soldiers of Christ; yet not a reed was broken, not a blade of grass was bruised; no war dogs were heard to bark, nor was there a sword of shining steel unsheathed. There was no violence, no physical coercing. See the small group unfurl a new banner, coming with a new message; a small number of men without financial standing, or social prestige, surrounded by thousands of Jews who came to that city to observe the feats of their religion; and Rome with eagle eye, and power almost ten fold, soldiers unnumbered ready to break to pieces any new power proposing to question the supremacy and right to rule. Not a tremor of fear was felt by the men of God as they lifted their voices declaring that Jesus had been made Lord and Christ; and that it was his right to demand the loyal ad- herance of all men. The conflict was opened, the disciples of Christ took the initiative, declaring the law of the King of Righteousness, calling for men to become his servants in the new kingdom; to become members of the new church. The triumph attending the first declaration of the King’s power and authority was attended by the success which has never been attended by the announcement of a new kingdom in all profane history. Within another day the number of subjects were more than doubled. The kingdom grew, the borders of the church were extended; leaping the walls of Jerusalem all Judea heard the new announcement, Samaria was invaded, Galilee was evangelized; within ten years the length of the Medi-terranean knew of the new church. But Asia was not the limits of the field in which the disciples were to labor, for soon Europe heard the new message, and within thirty years the whole world was hearing the gospel of the Messiah. The new church in Jerusalem was of one accord; of one heart and soul (Acts 2:46; Acts 4:32). They were not vasc'illiating, they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s teaching. It was a great brotherhood preaching the same gospel throughout the known world. Within the United States today there are 265 different religious groups, sects, or denominations each group making the claim that they teach the way of life. The divided condition of the professed Christian world is a far cry from the unity which existed when the church of Christ began. The marching order of Christ was: Go preach the gospel. Why preach the gospel? The gospel is God’s power to save. Why preach the word? “It is the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). It illuminates (Psalms 119:30). It is the “seed of the kingdom” (Luke 8:11).
Preach the gospel.
Beyond this no teacher in religion has a right to go. Its God’s power to save. Love for souls impels the faithful man of God, and love for Christ will constrain him, and keep him within the limits of the message delivered to the world, through inspired men, selected by the Master. In olden times the command was: “He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully” (Jeremiah 23:28). To change God’s word is presumptive disobedience. For one to withhold God’s word is to sin against Jehovah, defraud the people, and show oneself a time-server, a cringing coward! A wolf in sheep’s clothing, on whom the wrath of heaven abides! Jehovah said: “I am against that prophet, saith Jehovah that steals my word every one from his neighbor” (Jeremiah 23:30). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). “Thy word have I laid up in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalms 119:11). To Timothy, the young preacher:
“I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and kingdom: preach the word” ( 2 Timothy 4:1-2). Does It Make Any Difference What a Man Believes?
If it makes no difference what a man believes, why the command to “Preach the gospel”? It is a well established fact that if a man believes he is right he feels that he is right; and so long as a man believes he is right his conscience approves his course; hence what a man believes colors his conduct through life. In the early days of the Christian religion there arose false teachers, and warnings were given:
“Though we or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we have preached unto you, let him be anathema" (Galatians 1:8-9).
“Beloved, believe at every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out 'into the world” (1 John 4:1). The curse of heaven rests on those who preach other than the gospel of Christ.
I submit there is too much preaching “about” the gospel, and not enough preaching the gospel; just as there is too much studying “about” the Bible, and not enough studying the Bible. More time is being given to “preparation to preach,” than to preaching. Too much time given to “Sermon Outlines,” too little studying the Bible. To the young preachers: If you must have a “sermon outline” on the pulpit stand before you, or in the Bible in your hand, when the sermon is preached, at the first opportunity tear the “out line” to shreds and throw the litter into the waste basket. Study the Bible. Do not be a copycat, allowing others to do your thinking, study the Bible. Preach the word. If you must have an outline, and the copy on the pulpit stand, then make the “outline” yourself. Do not use one prepared by some other. “Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
It was one of my preaching brethren who said: If Stephen had made the proper psychological approach to the people who murdered him, he would have likely converted them to Christ, and saved his own life. The brother was thinking more of modern psychology than about the word of the Lord. He should have read what God said about Stephen in Acts 6:8-15. The statement of the brother did not indicate reverence for the word of God, nor respect for the gospel of Christ; but rather the egotistical opinion of a self-inflated young man who arrogated to himself, knowledge and wisdom of modern psychology. I advise: Study the approach Jesus and the apostles made. Preach the gospel! Not long ago one of my brethren, a successful business man was boasting of the work being done by the congregation of which he was a member. I mentioned some things I heard that congregation was doing, which I questioned. He replied: “I am not cert?in all the things we are doing are authorized by the Scriptures, but we are doing more than has ever been done by the congregation. We have more money, and are doing more work at home and abroad than the congregation has ever done. We are doing great things!” A few years ago one of my brethren had as his slogan: “Great things for God.” It now seems some have the slogan: “Great things!” and leave God out of the program. I heard one of my brethren in a Sunday morning service. He gave time to welcoming the visitors, assuring them he was glad for their presence; and 'insisting that they register in the “Guest Book” in the foyer of the building. (It was my impression that the strsngers were present, not as visitors of the congregation, but to worship, and proclaim the death and coming of the Lord). What! have ye not houses in which to visit!! The preacher bragged on the members of the congregation, and gave assurance, oral, that he was glad they were present. Announcement was made of the sick of the congregation, naming them one by one, and stating the hospital and room in which they would be found, and insisted they be visited; then came announcements of protracted meeting and lectureships to be had in congregations in other towns, with the assurance those who attended would be welcomed, and profit by hearing the speeches. The preacher spent 21 minutes making the announcements, and 19 minutes were devoted to the sermon. Ala Peter and Paul! Preach the word! In the days of the apostles the studious Gnostics were long on knowing, and shy on doing! The shibboleth seems to be, now, Do! Do whether you know it is in keeping with God’s word, or otherwise. Better go to hell for doing too much, than doing too none! The Jews had much zeal in the days of Paul, but were ignorant of God’s righteousness, and were trying to establish their own righteousness—doing what they thought ivas right! (Romans 10:1-2). “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).
Many professed Christians are today denying the Virgin birth of Christ; miracles are declared to be no more than the religious folk-lore of the ignorant. The church they declare was quite adequate for the age in which it was first established, but in this advanced age, with the great progress the world has made, the Bible, and the church of the first century are out of date, and much of the Bible should be eliminated, and the church modernized! That entertainment should be in the program of the church; as though the Lord built a church to furnish entertainment.
I find an urge among preachers to count noses, members, regardless of the faith, or opinion one may hold, provided he does not disturb the congregation with some crack-pot idea. The number of members, with their names on the church roster is no thermometer by which to measure the strength of the church. Recently a brother published of the congregation where he preached: “We have reached our goal” in membership.
Doctrine
When Zophar, Job’s friend accused him of being impious, Job affirmed: my doctrine is pure (Job 11). The Christians in Jerusalem continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (teaching). Timothy was exhorted to “preach the word.” Teach them what? “Sound Doctrine” (Titus 1:9). When one obeys from the heart the doctrine of the Lord, then, and not till then is he made free from his sins, or saved (Romans 6:17).
How widespread is the view that if one only worships Jehovah he is saved, and his acts of worship are accepted by the Lord. Such a view shows a lack of information on the part of one making such a claim, or else he does not believe the Bible. Jesus said: “In vain they worship me.” I give emphasis to the words of the Master: “they worhship me” (Mark 7:7). Though they worshipped the Lord, they did not recognize, or respect, his authority. It was merely lip-service in which they engaged. “This people honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me, teaching as their doctrine the precepts of men—(Matthew 15:8-9). The worship they offered was “vain” futile, empty, unfruitful, and withal displeasing to the Lord. The worship in which they engaged was not according to the truth, it was unauthorized, it is worship ordered by man. “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). There is no place to compromise the word of the Lord. When Jehovah speaks, “tis not to question why; tis but to do or die.” “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching (doctrine) of Christ, hath not God” (2 John 1:9). The widespread thought, and contention that if one is honest, and conscientious in his acts of worship he is saved, is as far from the truth as the act of Judas was from righteousness when he betrayed the Master. Saul of Tarsus was conscientious, religious, when persecuting Christ — killing Christians; and after the most strict demands of the Pharisees he worshipped, yet he was a sinner, lost! Worship to be accepted by the Lord must be according to the truth, with the whole heart, and not observance of some man-made rote, or form. To Timothy, the young preacher, the command was given:
“I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching (doctrine). For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:1-4).
There are today the characters described in the passage. They yearn for a doctrine which satisfies the fleshly appetite. Such desires if cultivated grow quickly, and rapidly, severing one from Christ; and if continued will damn the soul. For every group, congregation, with “itching ears” who would heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts, there are those ever ready and willing to commercialize their work, to answer the call and meet the demand. The attraction of the “price paid” eclipses the command to “preach the word.” Simony did not end with the offer to buy from Peter and John the gift of God. It exists in many forms today. Many preachers seek temporal benefits, have their price and sell their souls for a mess of cottage. The lake which burneth with fire and brimstone seems to have no terror for them. The New Testament preachers never thought of preaching the gospel as a job or position that carried financial remuneration. The professional idea was unknown to them. The bread and butter side of life was of no standing (to them). Pure devotion to Christ and the truth was their only motive. How many preachers today would retain their present address were they offered $25 per week increase over their present salary?
There are others, among them a host of young men, unsullied souls, stalwart characters, with deep convictions who would suffer themselves “quartered and drawn” before they would deny the Lord or compromise his word at any point, or conditions. Men who are willing, if needs be, to suffer even death before they would withhold, or compromise the truth. Jehovah’s blessing attend them!
You have often heard: Vox yopuli, vox Dei; then came Vox ekklesia, vox Dei; and now it appears the masses thing it is Vox diakonos, vox Dei. In a measure the people are a product, religiously of their ministers. In too many instances the preacher does the thinking, and so often the planning for the church where he labors. There are some places where they do not want strong gospel preaching. They clamor for preachers who deal in generalities, well seasoned with flattery. Preachers who spend much time expressing their gratitude for large audiences, and things which have been done for their glory. Preaching the word is of little consequence. Be soldiers, established by grace (Hebrews 13:9).
There 'is a hue and cry against dogmatic preaching. There are some of my brethren who do not want “doctrinal” preaching. There was no namby- pamby preaching by the apostles. They preached Christ, the Son of God, the head of the church, with all authority in heaven and on earth. That inspired men made known the condition of salvation, and only those who have obeyed the gospel have the promise of salvation.
Christ and the apostles were dogmatic preachers.
A faith that is not dogmatic is as spineless as a jelly fish. An honest character cannot be separated from his faith. There are some who talk as though they can believe to a degree, and repent in a measure, and please the Lord. There are too many perpendicular pronouns in the pulpit. How often one hears in the pulpit: “I think.” Preach the word!
Faith Is Necessary.
Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). In our religious life we walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). In wo^shiD, whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Faith in Christ is not only to believe the fact revealed about him; but it is to impose in him trust; taking him as our guide, his word for us given is the course of our lives; relying on him as Saviour. The inspired word is the source of our in-formation as to what our acts of worship shouM be, as well as the limitation of our service to him. Faith which is not expressed in action, acts of ooedience, never brings a blessing. Faith apart from works is barren (James 2). It is a faith which works that “avails” (Galatians 5:6).
Repentance Is Necessary
Repentance is necessary to remission of sins (Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30).
Immersion In a Condition of Salvation
The Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, he that believoth and is baptized, (immersed) shall be saved” (Mark 16:15-16). “Repent ye, and be baptized (immersed) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:33).
There is not a place in all the Bible, Old, or New Testament, where by God’s authority water, water unmixed with some other element, was ever sprinkled or poured on any one for any purpose! The first known departure from immersion was the case of Novation in A. D. 250, or 251. Sprinkling or pouring water for baptism (immersion) is an invention of man. Sprinkling was “legalized” by the Roman Catholics in 1311 at the Council of Revenna, and has been adopted by many other churches.
Baptize (Immerse) Believers
Believers only were commanded to be baptized (Im-mersed). Infants are not believers; nor are they sub jects of the command to immerse—“baptize.”
Preach The Gospel—Let Others Alone
How often is it heard; “Preach the gospel; let other people alone.” Those making such a demand, or request, are unthoughted, or plain dumb! Surely they are not acquainted with the Bible, or else they do not believe it! Paul did not let those who denied the resurrection alone. John condemned those who taught the doctrine of the Nicolaitans; Jesus condemned false teachers. Exactly what will one teach and “let others alone?” If one preaches “God Is”, the atheist cries: There is no God, let us alone! If you preach that Jesus is The Christ, the promised Saviour, the Jew raises his voice, saymg: “Let us alone.” If you preach that faith in Christ is necessary to salvation in this life, the Universalist insists that you let him alone. If you teach that one must live the faithful Christian life, the Baptists declare you should let them alone, for they declare it IS NOT necessary to salvation to live faithful! If you teach that believers only are subjects of baptism (immersion) the Methodists and Presbyterians insist you let them alone. What can one preach and “let other people alone”?
Paul said: “Am I striving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
Care should be taken to make your religious neighbor know you do not oppose any good thing they, or others may do. The Christian stands for all that is good, no matter by whom it is done. To the extent one does good, that far he is fighting on our side— the side of right. If some society does something that is good, I willingly endorse the good, even though I cannot endorse the society. Those who do good are to that extent on “our side”—they fight with us. Show them that all the good they propose to do, it is yours to do as a Christian, and not as a member of some human society. Unto God be the glory “in the church”, the divine institution (Ephesians 3:21).
Timothy was exhorted to “Guard” that which was committed to him (1 Timothy 6:20). Surely the injunction is as necessary now as it was then.
Many are “missing the mark” today because they do not know what to do, they have not been taught the truth. Even among those who stand with Christians many of them do not know the truth. Around the corner from your residence there are those who have never heard the truth in its simple purity. What have you done about it, what are you going to do? The first persecution of the church in Jerusalem, when it was scattered, the members went forth, preaching the word.
There are more people on earth today than at any time in the history of man. The cry is greater than ever for the simple gospel. Speed the day when in every nook and corner of the earth the gospel will be preached, and the borders of the kingdom extended till every heathen hears the message of salvation.
Hasten the day, Lord, when Christians will be aroused to the full sense of their duty to God and man; when preachers will study to be approved of God; being courageous, never forgetting that battles are not won save by the aggressor; hence the command; “Go, preach the gospel”, granting no quarters to false teachers; making no compromise with those in the plains of Ono. God hates false doctrine! With the blood-stained banner of the Prince of Peace: Preach the word, condemn sin, uproot false doctrine. The gospel is God’s power to save. Preach it. Unto him be glory in the church throughout all ages. The church was not impotent in the days of the apostles, nor is she impotent now. No super-organization is needed! The church in the world is a blessing; but when the world and worldly organization are in the church Satan must hold high carnival in hell! A “20th century church” is not needed, but the church the Lord built, functioning in the 20th century, as it functioned in the first century. Too many with their wisdom (?) feel modern organizations are necessary to the success of the church built by Christ. Jeremiah plead with Israel to return to the way God ordained. Is it amiss to plead with God’s people to return today to God’s way in worship and work? Preach the gospel. Be warned:
The church of Christ in the 19th century was torn asunder by departure from “the faith” —human organizations, and worldly pleasure. God has given a perfect revelation, as well as an adequate church—neither need additions!