EXPOSITORY FILES 7.2

Feb. 2000

Edited by

Warren E. Berkley & Jon W. Quinn

 

 

Welcome to EF 2000

 

&

 

Front Page

Jon W. Quinn

 

Sin and Its Consequences

Gen. 3

Jon W. Quinn

 

“To Whom It May Concern”

1 Pet. 2:11

Larry Hafley

 

Humility and related matters in Psalms 131

Warren E. Berkley

 

Preaching the Word, Acts 8:4

Randy Harshbarger

 

Divorce & Remarriage

David Riggs

 

Plan of Salvation

 

Final Page

Warren E. Berkley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Front Page

By  Jon W. Quinn

 

Who Was King James?

 

 

An interesting article appeared recently in "Christian History Magazine"   by Elesha Coffman, Assistant Editor of Christian History magazine. The article simply gives some history concerning the life and character of King James of England, who authorized scholars to translate a new English language version of the Bible. This version has been the most widely used version among English speaking people for several centuries and has proven itself reliable, though not perfect. The most serious objection to it usually made has to do more with archaic language than mistranslation, though these can be found as well.

 

The magazine article reports on a January 12, 1604 meeting over which King James presided over  at his estate at Hampton Court. The gathering included English bishops and the leaders of the Puritan movement. The Puritans were calling for church reforms, and one of their was the need for a new Bible translation. King James, a student of theology himself, promptly approved. "I have never yet seen a Bible well-translated," he said. Work began in 1607, and the first copy appeared in print in 1611.  Yes, at one time even the KJV was "one of them modern translations."

 

Although often called the "Authorized Version," the translation was only authorized by its own title page.  The authority is of man, not God, that this is the Bible that "is to be read in the churches."  Not everyone liked this, mistrusting the "newfangled" version.  And there were complaints about some of its inconsistencies. But it must be admitted that it was a big improvement over the earlier Bishops' and Geneva Bibles. 

 

The article asks: "But just how honorable was James?" The answer is given: "Not very." King James liked the bishops, and was enraged by the Puritan's request to be freed from their authority. He would often interpret laws to favor the bishops, and they, in turn, would ignore his faults, including drunkeness and very likely homosexuality.

 

At any rate, there are some interesting insights into the man.  In Biblical history, we find God using not only imperfect men and women, but sometimes wicked unbelievers to advance His purpose, including Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, Judas and Pilate to name a few.

 

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Sin and its Consequences in This Life

(Genesis 3)

By Jon Quinn

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          Our world and our lives have not been made better because of sin. In fact, sin has made everything about our existence much, much worse.

 

          The thief may think his life is better after having successfully stolen something valuable. The shoplifter is pleased that he avoided the security cameras. The hedonist is on top of the world with his latest sexual escapade. The con artist found a good mark and the corrupt politician got away with the lie and the drug dealer settled an old score. All of them are pleased that their lives are better for it. But they are wrong.

 

          Sin changes things, Many may be subtle changes but in the end the consequences are horrific. If sinners only knew what they were doing to themselves, they would not feel so clever. If disciples will always remember that sin is never free, then they will much better be able to deal with temptation. Sin changes things.

 

Sin Changes Your Relationship With God

 

          "And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8).  One observable result of the first sin was fear and insecurity. Before sin, there had been joy, confidence and trust. But sin took all that away and replaced it with fear and guilt.

 

          Adam and Eve had a very immature concept of God, as seen in their attempt to hide from God behind some trees. They could not, and we cannot, either hide our deeds nor ourselves from God. Far better to keep our deeds in line with His commandments, for God does see (Psalm 10:11-13).

 

          Does everyone live in fear who lives in sin. No, not really. If one denies the existence of God, or the reality of judgment, then he or she may succeed in canceling out the fear of judgment.  Some boldly mock the idea of the righteous retribution of God, but will they be so bold when they stand in His presence? More likely, they will try to follow the lead of Adam and Eve and vainly find a tree to hide behind (Revelation 6:16,17; Hebrews 10:30,31).

 

Sin Changes Your Self-Relationship

 

          "Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, lest he stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" (Genesis 3:22).  One definition of "peace" is the absence of conflict.  Up until the time of disobedience, there had not been the daily moral struggle, no pangs of guilt, no inner conflict. It was only when temptation was given permission to bear fruit in Eve's heart that he problem began.

 

 

          Along with the loss of security in the world came the loss of self esteem.. The peace within was gone, and mankind has been forever since trying to rediscover it. The search has led to many false hopes and promises. The answer was not to be found in eastern religions, drugs, alcohol or suicide. though people have searched in all these to find peace. Some have chosen to just look at themselves as products of blind evolution and their lives are without purpose. Believers are not afraid of death because of confidence in the purposes and promises of God, but these lost ones are not afraid of death because they have nothing much to live for.

 

          It is for this reason that the promise of Jesus, the "prince of peace" to give "peace" is so inviting.  "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7). The Lord counsels us that we can maintain this peace by keeping our thoughts in perspective. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8). As I read this verse, I cannot help but think that this probably well describes the minds of Adam and Eve before the fall. In Jesus, we can approach this peace again.

 

Sin Changes Your Relationship

With Others

 

          "And the man said, "The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate." (Genesis 3:12).  It seems as chivalry was already dead long before the demise of the knights of the round table. Here we see how suspicion and conflict enter into human relationships. This conflict will lead to one of this couple's children murdering his brother, and countless more conflicts through the ages to come.  This is the true "mother of all battles."

 

          Jesus advises us on how to repair human relationships and make them what they ought to be. Much of His teachings has to do with that very thing. There are many "one another"  passages in the New Testament.

 

          "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also." (1 John 4:20,21).

 

          When we apply the teachings of Christ to our lives, our relationships will improve accordingly.  When two true and obvious disciples of Jesus relate to one another, there is no room for distrust, selfishness and suspicion.  Think about what this can do for a marriage!

 

Sin Changes Your Relationship

With Nature

 

          "Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it'; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life." (Genesis 3:17). Finally, we see that nature itself was cursed. Every human tear of sorrow ever shed can be traced back to the fall. Exhaustion, pain and natural calamity are the result of sin.  Sin demands too heavy a price, both now and in eternity, don't you think? There is a better way (Romans 6:23).

 

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"To Whom it May Concern"

(1 Peter 2:11)

Larry Ray Hafley

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To whom is 1 Peter 2:11 addressed? "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul."

 

In the context, the answer is obvious. It is addressed to the elect, the saved, to those who have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, to those who purified their souls in obeying the truth, to those who have been born again, to those who constitute a spiritual house, having been called out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Pet. 1:2, 18, 19, 22, 23; 2:5-9).

 

However, those who believe the Calvinistic doctrines of total depravity and "once saved, always saved," cannot answer the question, "To whom is the passage addressed?" Let us see why they cannot hold to their doctrines and be consistent with the word of God and those addressed in 1 Peter 2:11.

 

First, is the text written to the unsaved, to children of the devil? No, as we have shown, that cannot be the case. Further, the sinner cannot be spoken to, for he, according to the creeds of men, is born totally depraved, completely defiled in all faculties of the soul and body.

 

 

Thus, fleshly lusts cannot war against his soul. His soul is already as evil and corrupt as it can be. There would be no need to say that fleshly lusts war against his soul. Those lusts are in harmony with his corrupted nature, not at war with it. Hence, Calvinists (Baptists, Presbyterians, etc.) cannot say that 1 Peter 2:11 is directed to the lost.

 

Second, is the text aimed at the saved, the children of God? Yes, as we previously noted in the context, it is pointed toward those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. But this answer contradicts Calvinistic conclusions. Those who subscribe to the doctrine of unconditional eternal security cannot say the passage is speaking to the saved, because they do not believe that "fleshly lusts war against the soul" of the saved.

 

They believe that a saved person's soul is untouched and untainted by the assaults and ravages of "fleshly lusts." The body, they say, remains a child of the devil, but the soul, once cleansed by the blood of Christ, cannot be affected by sin. The soul of the redeemed is as pure and safe as God himself, they say. Therefore, "fleshly lusts" cannot corrupt or condemn it. So, according to their view Peter could not have focused his remark upon those who have been born again.

 

As we have seen, Calvinists cannot consistently contend that 1 Peter 2:11 is addressed to either the saved or to the unsaved. Then, to whom does it refer? Will they tell us?

 

Often, when writing a letter and not knowing to whom it may apply, one may begin his salutation with, "To whom it may concern." Perhaps this is what our Calvinist friends will have to do with 1 Peter 2:11.

 

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Psalms 131

Warren E. Berkley

 

1             My heart is not proud, O LORD,

               my eyes are not haughty;

               I do not concern myself with great matters

               or things too wonderful for me.

2             But I have stilled and quieted my soul;

               like a weaned child with its mother,

               like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3             O Israel, put your hope in the LORD

               both now and forevermore.

 

Some claim this passage expresses David’s attitude of submission at the time he actually became king. Others think this was written in the time of the Jews’ captivity, telling of the humility they learned in that ordeal. In either case, this text illustrates the submissive temper and humility that should be present in the heart of every child of God – that will produce contentment, peace, hope and cause us to behave in a manner that pleases the Lord.

 

The first statement in verse one should be the sincere confession of every child of God – “My heart is not proud.”

 

Consider the heart. If we only had Proverbs and Psalms we would have sufficient information about what the heart is. Repeatedly, in Proverbs and Psalms we are told what the heart is and how the heart functions. We have statements like Prov. 4:23 …

 

Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.

 

You may be more familiar with this translation of that verse: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The heart is that part of the inner man which is the source and center of every attitude, word and deed. All that we are is determined by the content of our hearts.

 

When I was in the Army in basic training there was this exercise called BIVOUAC … about 14 days out in the woods under simulated combat conditions. At the campsite there would be these huge water bags hanging from a tree or pole. Around the bottom of the bag, several outlet tubes; you would put one of those tubes into your canteen and release a value to replenish your water supply.

 

Now the mess sergeant who was in charge of this would put a huge salt tablet inside the water bag; this was at Ft. Benning Georgia in July, so you had to have salt tablets to prevent heat exhaustion.  The salt was put in the source – so it didn’t matter which tube you used to fill your canteen, all the water that came from that bag had salt in it.

 

Whatever you put in your heart (the source) affects every issue of life (every outlet)! Because your heart is the source and center of all your life. If I put something impure in my heart, I have polluted the source!! If I put something pure in my heart, I have purified the source!! So in the NIV at Prov. 4:23 …

 

Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.

 

Now, if we will put the good things of God into our hearts – if we will put the Word of God and the Son of God into our hearts, our hearts will not be proud; our eyes will not be haughty. If I’m a Christian and the Word of God abides in me – this will be my confession: My heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. You cannot have God’s Word in your heart, and be haughty at the same time. The heart is the source. If the Word of God is there, the source is pure and right and produces what is pure and right. Every Christian should be able to say, “Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty.” And this humble disposition of faith produces the best kind of contentment.

 

Now we are still in verse 1, and in my judgment, the next phrase is also related to what we have already studied:

 

I do not concern myself with great matters

                        or things too wonderful for me.

 

There is a temptation we may encounter here on the earth; or we may observe this in others – I’m talking about an ambition to occupy ourselves with things which are beyond our reach. Now when I say that I’m going against the grain of modern culture. The world says, Nothing is beyond our

reach.

 

The New Age spirit of Humanism (that has such power over the academic  world and the media) sends the message that man can do anything he wants to do. The Bible teaches – there are things we shouldn’t do or be concerned about; there are matters beyond our reach.

 

If I do not accept this, I waste a lot of time and energy laboring to find answers not intended for me … studying, debating and bothering myself over matters that belong to God, that I don’t need to know!              In those things revealed to us and for us, there is enough for us to read and study and do!  If I’ll just limit myself to that which God has revealed, that I need to understand and believe and do – there will be no time left to try and find answers which are not revealed!!

 

Pulpit Commentary is right when it speaks of  “…our temptation … to long and to labor for that which is beyond our capacity, for which we were not created and endowed, which would exalt us, but which we should not adorn.”

 

For example, folks want to know all about angels and demons. So, you bring up every passage; you present everything the Bible says; you limit yourself to what is revealed about angels and demons.  But some are not satisfied; they want to know more --- so they ask probing questions, raise hypothetical matters and engage in some lengthy debate that is entirely subjective, and that has no good spiritual purpose.

 

On any subject – simple, complex; practical or mysterious – when you have examined everything God has revealed … THAT’S IT; you have to leave it alone.

 

Now I believe all of this in Psalms 131 is connected, is related … so let me make this observation. If I have the humility illustrated in the first part of this passage – I will not wear myself out with matters beyond my capacity. If my heart is not haughty and my eyes are not lofty … I will not exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me!

 

If you ever want a passage in the Bible that forbids INTELLECTUAL ARROGANCE, this is that passage!          Those who are awed and captivated by scholars; those without overall Bible knowledge, but they always bring up one or two questions that sound profound … Those who shirk the simple principles of character taught in the Bible – and who would rather debate the deep theological issues … They are guilty of intellectual arrogance – and it is a product of PLAIN OLD ARROGANCE.

 

We need to keep arrogance out of our hearts, and pride away from our eyes – so that we will not have this vain ambition for the deep and great matters that the elite debate about. If the Word of God lives within me, my heart is not haughty; my eyes not lofty and … And do not concern myself with great matters, into which I have no access anyway.

 

In verse 2 …

 

But I have stilled and quieted my soul;

like a weaned child with its mother,

                        like a weaned child is my soul within me.

 

The humility emphasized in this passage will keep us from the vain ambition that fuels intellectual arrogance; but this humility will also still and quiet the soul! Here is real contentment.

 

Notice, “a weaned child.” The ordinary process of weaning a child will involve some disappointment or pain for the child; but that distress is temporary. Once the child is weaned  there is contentment … a product of trust in the mother. I used to read this and think about a baby in the process of being weaned, but I now see that’s not it. This is about a child who has been through that process – IS NOW WEANED, and as a result of the process – there is this contentment, this satisfaction of trust.

 

The child knows it will still be fed. The child has learned that the mother will still be there. The weaned child illustrates contentment, satisfaction and peace - all products of trust. When I really have the humility of heart this passage describes … I am able to trust in God so completely and so deeply – I have the contentment and peace of a weaned child.

 

I think that’s what this is about. And I think there is not one person in the EF readership who doesn’t need to read this and believe this. When I really have the humility of heart this passage describes – I am able to trust in God so completely and so deeply, I have the contentment and peace of a weaned child. If I have that – my eyes will not be haughty, and I will not concern myself with matters not revealed … things too profound for me anyway!!     

                  

Then this …

 

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD

                        both now and forevermore.

 

Well, we just add something else to the spirit of this passage and the practical influence of it. We add hope. Here it is again -- When I really have the humility of heart this passage describes – I am able to trust in God so completely and so deeply, I have the contentment and peace of a weaned child … and with this disposition in me, I will not hesitate to  hope in the Lord, “both now and forever more.”

 

Finally I want to say this – What some people have, that they call “contentment” is not this kind of contentment, reflected in this passage! What some people have is a temporary respite from stress – based on something temporal, and they call it contentment. What many have is a “contentment” based on environment, social life, money, romance, popularity or sensuality --- that’s nothing but a short term respite from despair, based on something earthly.

 

This passage speaks to real, long-lasting contentment, based on humility before God. David learned this in his experience with God, just like Paul learned it and wrote in Phil. 4:11, “ I have learned … to be content.” We can learn this contentment; we can have this contentment, but it begins with the Word of God in our hearts – producing the humility described in this text.

 

Isaac Watts wrote a hymn based on the 131st Psalm, that was never published in musical format so far as I know; here it is …

 

Humility and submission

 

Is there ambition in my heart?. Search, gracious God, and see; Or do I act a haughty part? Lord, I appeal to thee. I charge my thoughts, be humble still, And all my carriage mild, Content, my Father, with thy will, And quiet as a child. The patient soul, the lowly mind, Shall have a large reward: Let saints in sorrow lie resigned, And trust a faithful Lord.

                            

Trust a faithful Lord, first, by coming to Him in obedience. Then let His word live in your heart and produce the contentment you long for.

 

 

 

“Preaching the Word”

Acts 8:4

Randy Harshbarger

 

 

             “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).  Stephen was dead, Saul was on a rampage, the apostles were left alone in Jerusalem, and persecuted Christians were preaching the word.  What a remarkable story!  Hearts were saddened at the loss of Stephen, that young man, “...full of grace and power,” who had, “...wrought great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8).  Yes, we can read his sermon on the pages of inspiration; but wouldn’t you like to have been there, to have heard his eloquence, and to have seen the convicting power of God’s word?  Surely the Christians left behind mourned the loss of this man of great faith.  Surely they were encouraged at his last words: “...Lord Jesus, receive my spirit...Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:59-60).

 

            Then, there was another young man, Saul of Tarsus.  How could a young man be so full of hatred for those dreaded Christians?  Later evidence suggests a thorough education in Judaism (Acts 22:3).  Most will admit being influenced in at least some way(s) by their teachers; Saul more so than perhaps most.  His zeal for the Law of Moses and for the traditions of the fathers produced a rabid, zealous disciple of what he believed to be absolutely right.  He was willing to openly declare his allegiance to Judaism.  But the change that came over Saul on the Damascus road is a watershed, too.  So ferocious was Saul’s opposition to Christ, that his conversion the one he had been persecuting is more remarkable and glaring.  Some of the Christians wondered if the change was real.  But it was, as the life of the Apostle Paul bears out.

 

            What about the apostles who remained in Jerusalem?  The Lord had commanded them to wait in the city for the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4), but how long after this they were to remain is unclear.  Undoubtedly, by this time there were Christians in prison; and they would need comforting and assistance.  Luke does not tell us if Peter and John and James and the others became the immediate target for more opposition.  They had already suffered much, with more to come (Acts 5, 12).  Did Peter ever forget his denial of the Lord?  Did John ever forget the great love he had for his Savior, and the Savior for him?    Each man had his own story to tell.  The statement made by Paul sums up the reality of each apostle:  “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Phil. 3:10).

 

            And then, there were those persecuted Christians who were scattered throughout the region of Judea.  They did their work well.  Again from Paul: “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews” (1 Thess. 2:14).  There was something lasting about the work these people did.  Their emphasis was God’s word. They were happy to announce the good news of salvation to lost men and women.  “The people doing this evangelizing were not elders, deacons, and preachers.  They were disciples, great hosts of them, seeking a place of refuge from the destruction of Saul.  As they found places to sleep or stay for a few days, they would have to explain the purpose of this plight and flight.  In so doing, they went everywhere telling the bad news of their persecution and the good news of salvation in Christ” (Reese, New Testament History: Acts, 317).

 

            These early Christians preached the word in spite of losing loved ones and friends.  These early Christians were sometimes isolated and alone, but they still preached the gospel.  These early Christians were forced to leave home and hearth behind, but they still preached the word.  They faced enemies.  If they preached the word in the midst of their circumstances, can’t we preached the word in the midst of our circumstances?

 

EF Topic Section 2000

Divorce and Remarriage

By David J. Riggs

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Please examine carefully the Lord's words in Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18. A close examination of our Savior's words will reveal the following:

 

(1) There is one EXCEPTION or one CAUSE for divorce and remarriage.

Matthew 5:32 - "...Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."

 

Matthew 19:9 - "Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."

 

Thus, in God's sight there is only one cause for divorce and remarriage; there is only one exception whereby one can divorce and marry another. The cause or reason for divorce is all-important because if a couple is divorced for some other reason than fornication, neither party is free to remarry. The question is sometimes raised, "If a couple was divorced for some other reason than fornication, would one be free to remarry if the other later became guilty of fornication?" The answer is, "No!" The reason is that according to the Lord, there is only one instance in which one is free to remarry and that's when he divorces his companion because of fornication.

 

(2) The Lord's instructions with regard to THE MAN - mentioned in all four accounts.

 

Matthew 5:32 - "...Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."

 

Matthew 19:9 - "Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."

 

Mark 10:11-12 - "Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her."

 

Luke 16:18 - "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."

 

Consequently, the man who divorces his wife for some other cause than fornication, does not have a right to remarry. If he does, he commits adultery.

 

(3) The Lord's instructions with regard to THE WOMAN. It is the same as for the man but is mentioned only in Mark's account.

 

Mark 10:11-12 - "Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery."

 

Therefore, the woman who divorces her husband for some cause other than fornication does not have a right to remarry. If she does, she commits adultery. Paul said the same regarding the woman in Romans 7:2-3.

 

(4) The Lord's instructions regarding THE DISMISSED PARTY -- the innocent party who is dismissed -- mentioned in two accounts.

 

Matthew 5:32 - "But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."

 

Mark 10:11 - "Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her."

 

Thus, we have two reasons why a man should not divorce his wife, except for fornication, and marry another.

 

(A) "Causeth her to commit adultery." If he divorced his wife for other than the Scriptural cause, he opens his wife to great temptation to sin. See I Corinthians 7:8-9. Think of the jeopardy a man puts a woman in, when she married because she could not contain, and the man breaks the tie for other than the Scriptural reason in divorce. If she seeks to satisfy her desires outside of marriage, she sins, or if she marries again, she sins. Jesus is showing that it is wrong for a man to open his wife to such jeopardy.

 

(B) "Committeth adultery against her." This shows the seriousness of the sin of adultery. He not only sins against God, but against his wife, and to obtain forgiveness, he must confess his sin to both. Some think that as long as they can hide their unfaithfulness, everything is all right; on the contrary, they have sinned against their companion, and if they want to be saved eternally, they must ask for forgiveness.

 

(5) The Lord's teaching concerning THE THIRD PARTY -- mentioned in three passages.

 

Matthew 5:32 - "But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."

 

Matthew 19:9 - "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."

 

Luke 16:18 - "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."

 

Consequently, the third party who either marries one who was divorced without Scriptural grounds, or marries one who was divorced because of guilt of fornication, commits adultery.

 

Young people should be extremely cautious, to say the least, in dating those who have been divorced. Young people can't seem to understand why their parents get upset when they begin dating a divorced person. Perhaps with a knowledge of these things they can now understand why their parents so react. Young people should heed the warnings of their parents in this matter. What if a young person marries a divorced person thinking everything was all right only to find out later that it was not al lright? Such could only result in a wrecked life.

 

(6) The Lord's instructions regarding the GUILTY PARTY -- the one who is guilty of committing adultery against his married companion.

 

The guilty party does not have a right to remarry as seen in the expression, "...Whoso marrieth her that is put away doth commit adultery." Furthermore, we have already seen that the only instance in which one is free to remarry is when he divorces his companion because of fornication. The guilty party does not fit this one instance.

 

Again, it shows the seriousness of the sin of adultery. Married persons should by all means avoid defiling the marriage bond. When one commits fornication, he sins against God and his companion. He should confess his sin and try to be reconciled to his companion. If the companion sees fit to divorce the guilty, the guilty must live in celibacy (the state of being unmarried) for the rest of his life, if he wants to go to heaven. The laws of God promote purity in the marriage bond. Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."

 

Any second marriage is sinful, unless the first marriage was dissolved by death, or by the innocent husband or wife divorcing their adulterous companion. Only the innocent party has a right to remarry. Our generation is truly an "evil and adulterous" one and needs to be taught God's law regarding divorce, and remarriage. Regardless of what the law of the land may recognize, God's law is always the same. The world may recognize easy divorce for every cause, but that doesn't change or make void God's law. Those who violate God's law and make no genuine repentance, will be eternally lost in hell (Col. 3:5-7).

 

We sympathize with those who upon a study of the law of God find themselves in an adulterous marriage. We plead with them to not allow their physical relationship to become more important than their desire to please God and go to heaven. All relationships in this life are soon over. Don't be foolish and sell your eternal inheritance for a cheap price. "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright." (Heb. 12:15-16).

 

http://www.public.usit.net/driggs/

 

 

The Plan of Salvation

By Jon  W. Quinn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Plan #1

 

    Announced by the apostles, inspired by the Holy

Spirit, to new believers in Christ who had asked what they

must do:

 

     "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name

of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and you shall

receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  (ACTS 2:38)

 

Plan #2

 

    On the back page of a tract, sinner were urged to pray

this prayer to be saved. This prayer is not found in the

Bible; nor were alien sinners commanded to pray for their

forgiveness.

 

The Sinner's Prayer:

 

    "O' Lord, I accept that I am a sinner and that Jesus

died for my sins. I now accept Him into my heart as Lord

and Savior asking for your mercy and forgiveness in His

name. Amen."

 

The editors of Expository Files are happy with plan #1 and

thankful to the God of all grace for it. We cannot

recommend Plan #2 at all, but will change our minds when

this prayer can be shown to us in the Bible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Final Page

Warren E. Berkley

I Love You

 

I don't know why so many of us have trouble with these words. I suppose there are a variety of reasons depending upon the individual.

 

Did you hear about the old farmer and his wife? Having marital trouble, they went to see the preacher who was a young fellow; no experience in marriage counseling at all. He listened to the couple for an hour or so; couldn't think of any profound or powerful solution to their problem. So, he decided to use a dramatic approach. He said to the old farmer: "Brother, in order for your marriage to improve - here's what needs to happen." The young preacher got up – walked around the desk and gave the farmer's wife a hug and kiss and said, "I love you."

 

The preacher sat down and said, "Now that needs to happen at least three times a week." The farmer said, "Fine. You want me to bring her in on Monday, Wed. and Friday, or Tues., Thurs. and Saturday??"

 

Some men would do almost anything to keep from saying these words: "I love you!" I heard of a husband who said to his wife: "I told you I loved you when we  got married … If I ever change my mind I'll let you know."

 

That's about how we are sometimes. Yet one of the greatest things we can do for people we love is TO SHOW THEM, AND TELL THEM AND REASSURE THEM OF OUR LOVE. And I know some who hear this are ready to say THAT'S NOTHING BUT SENTIMENT AND EMOTION; there is no strength and substance to it. Really?

 

Let me tell you about a man we all know. He was a Christian, who lived many years ago; he was so faithful and bold and strong HE PREACHED THE GOSPEL, LIVED THE GOSPEL AND DIED BECAUSE OF IT!! He stood face to face with sinners and false teachers and rebuked them. He walked in among brethren who were in error and told them what they needed to hear. He was pursued by Satan and Satan's men everywhere he went. His name was Paul, and over and over in his letters to brethren he said: "I love you!"

 

Biblical love is capable of being displayed by deeds and by words; and there is nothing weak or embarrassing or inappropriate in saying to the people you love: "I love you." I'm persuaded - if we have real, biblical love in our hearts, we will find it only natural to speak, to express that love. {1 Cor. 13}.

 

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