ALL LIVES MATTER
For weeks now we have seen and heard the message, morning, noon, and night that “Black Lives Matter.” That is a true statement. But there is an even truer statement that needs defending: “ALL LIVES MATTER!” We cannot know for sure why only a percentage of America’s citizens are in need of assurance that their lives matter, when the truth is that “All Lives Matter.”
A century and a half ago, Clarence H. Woolston wrote the words of a song that has been sung by children of all ages, in Bible classrooms, in Vacation Bible Schools, and yes in the main auditorium by adults! Listen: “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” It is reported that Mr. Woolston based the thoughts of that song on the words of Jesus: “And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me” (Matt. 18:5). Yes, Jesus loves the little children and He loves them when they grow to adulthood, too. The apostle Paul wrote, “But God commendeth His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). What police officers have not sinned? What hardened criminals have not sinned? What Republicans or Democrats have not sinned? What politicians have not sinned? Listen to the correct answer: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:22).
January 22, 1973 was the blackest day of American history. The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Roe vs. Wade that the infant within the mother’s womb is not alive! From that decision until the present day we have murdered in excess of 62,000,000 little Americans! The mother’s womb has become the baby’s tomb! Have you noticed that all those who are “pro-choice” always choose death, and never life! In Proverbs 6:16-17 God still hates “hands that shed innocent blood…”
May God forgive us for our stupidity as a nation! Why do we not have parades and protests to shout: “Innocent Human Life Matters”? “Black Lives Matter” is true! “All Lives Matter” is true! “Innocent Human Life Matters” is true as well. One more needs to be added: “ALL SOULS OF ALL MEN MATTER!” And it does not matter whether those men be red, yellow, black, or white!
God’s only begotten Son said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). There is one thing that every man living can know for a surety: “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Whether you be two, twenty, thirty, seventy, or eighty all men have an appointment with death. How you die and when you die is of very little importance. However, whether you are prepared or unprepared for judgment is of eternal importance!
Christ the Lord said you must believe in Him (John 8:24). Christ said you must repent of all sin in your life (Luke 13:3-5). Christ said you must confess Him as Lord (Matt. 10:32-33). Christ said you must be baptized into Him for the remission of your sins (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5). Jesus Christ said, and all the demons of hell cannot change this truth: “Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Jess Whitlock
BIBLE QUESTIONS DESERVE BIBLE ANSWERS
Jess Whitlock
QUESTION: Mr. Whitlock, what exactly are “cowboy churches” and what can you tell me about their origin?
ANSWER: “Cowboy Churches” have been around for circa fifty years in the Western states; but there has been an uprising in the past twenty years. Look into Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming. It is estimated that close to 1,000 groups are meeting presently under the auspices of the “American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches,” that’s according to the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The roots of this movement go back to religious ministries that have targeted rodeo events and related happenings. Let me say now there is nothing wrong with meeting in a barn, a metal building, or an old-style western building. I have preached in tents, under shade trees, and on the side of a mountain. The location is not what matters in worshipping God.
The majority of Cowboy Churches of my acquaintance have a “gospel band,” which contradicts the Word of God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; et al.). Baptisms are generally done in stock tanks, and I have baptized prisoners in stock tanks behind prison walls. But, baptisms in the Cowboy Churches are NOT for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1st Pet. 3:21). The few lessons I have heard are what might be called “sermonettes given by preacherettes” to make one feel good about self. One Bible subject that is seldom, if ever heard in their services is “repentance.” The subject of “repentance” is found in the Bible over seventy times! (see Luke 13:3-5; 2nd Pet. 3:9; Acts 2:38). So, if you drink, keep on drinking; if you cuss, keep on cussing; if you gamble, keep on gambling; if you dance, keep on dancing; if you are unfaithful to your mate, keep on cheating; et al. Some of these Cowboy Churches have Saturday night hoedowns, and the liquor flows freely; so join in the fun!
The Cowboy Church in Sanger, Texas is called “The Riding for the Brand Cowboy Church” and you can read about that “church” in Titus 5:19, (look it up). Their Bible studies sometimes feature re-runs of Andy Griffith and John Wayne movies! The “country-western musicians” of Cortez, Colorado announced, “We’re gonna’ sing about Santa Claus tonight…” (Saddle-Up, taken from the Cortez Journal). Most Cowboy Churches are formed for the entertainment, and not a serious study of God’s Word. I have challenged a couple of cowboy churches to meet in public debate, but so far, no takers!
Compiled by Jess Whitlock
Martin Luther said: “The organ in the worship is the insignia of Baal. The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews.” (McClintock & Strong’s Encyclopedia, Vol. 6, p. 762).
John Calvin, founder of the Presbyterian Church wrote: “Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things from the Jews.” (Calvin’s Commentary, Psalm 33).
“The Greek word psallo is applied among the Greeks of modern times exclusively to sacred music, which in the Eastern church has never been any other than vocal, instrumental music being unknown in that church, as it was in the primitive church.” (McClintock & Strong’s Encyclopedia, Vol. 8, p. 739).
Lyman Coleman, Presbyterian historian says: “Such musical accompaniments were gradually introduced; but they can hardly be assigned to a period earlier than the fifth and sixth centuries. Organs were unknown in the church until the eighth or ninth century.” (Primitive Church, pp. 376-377).
Albert Barnes, a Presbyterian scholar records: “Psallo is used in the New Testament only in Romans 15:9 and 1st Corinthians 14:15, where it is translated sing; in James 5:13, where it is rendered sing psalms, and in the place before us. The idea is that of singing in the heart, or praising God from the heart.” (Barnes’ Notes, on Ephesians 5:19).
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist religion stated: “I have no opposition to the organ in our chapel provided it is neither seen or heard.” (Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 684).
Thomas Aquinas is quoted: “Our church does not use musical instruments, as harps and psalteries, to praise God withal, that she may not seem to Judaize.” He was a Catholic theologian of the middle ages. (Bingham’s Antiquities of the Christian Church, Vol. 2, p. 483).
“Question # 6: Is there any authority for instrumental music in the worship of God under the present dispensation? Answer: Not the least, only the singing of psalms and hymns and spiritual songs was appointed by the apostles. Not a syllable is said in the New Testament in favor of instrumental music nor was it ever introduced into the church until after the 8th century, after the Catholics had corrupted the simplicity of the Gospel by their carnal intentions.” (Questions on the Confession of Faith and Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, published by the Presbyterian Board of Publications, Philadelphia, PA. 1842, p. 55).
From the Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia we learn: “In the Greek church the organ never came into use. But, after the eighth century, it became more and more common in the Latin church; not, however, without much opposition from the side of the monks.” (Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 1,702).
Charles Spurgeon, one of the most famous of all Baptist preachers, never allowed mechanical music in a worship service where he was doing the preaching said: “I would as soon pray to God with machinery as to sing to God with machinery.” (Professor Girardean’s Music in the Church, p. 176).
“For almost a thousand years Gregorian chant, without any instrumental or harmonic addition was the only music used in connection with the liturgy…The church has never encouraged, and at most only tolerated the use of instruments…She (the Catholic church – jlw) holds up as her ideal the unaccompanied chant, the polyphonic, acapella style. The Sistine Chapel has not even an organ.” (The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 10, pp. 657-658).
John Girardeau, a Presbyterian Professor at Columbia Theological Seminary is on record: “The church, although lapsing more and more into defection from the truth and into a corruption of apostolic practice, had no instrumental music for 1200 years, and that the Calvinistic Reformed Church ejected it from its service as an element of Popery, even the Church of England having come very nigh to its extrusion from her worship… It is heresy in the sphere of worship.” (Instrumental Music, p. 179).
Adam Clarke comments plainly: “I am an old man, and I here declare that I never knew them to be productive of any good in the worship of God, and have reason to believe they are productive of much evil. Music as a science I esteem and admire, but instrumental music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music…” (Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 686).
Frequently the Lord’s church has been accused of being prejudiced against the instruments of music in worship of the Lord God. Consider the above quotations and you cannot charge these men with prejudice, since they came from the very churches which come to the defense of mechanical instruments of music in worship today. They were simply Bible scholars who realized that we cannot authorize from the Scripture, that which the Scripture does not authorize!
If you look carefully at the quotations noted you understand that the addition of instruments of music in worship was not widely accepted, even in the churches made by men for many centuries after the establishment of the Lord’s church (Acts 2). For several centuries the instruments being forced into worship services caused much consternation. It is only in the past few hundred years that this addition to God’s worship has come into such great popularity among the masses of religion.
Worship to God with the innovation of instruments of music remains a topic of controversy today; not because we cannot understand what the Scripture teaches on this subject, but because of what men want. In my many years of attempting to preach the Gospel of Christ I have heard a dozen plus arguments in defense of the instruments of music in worship. I, along with other Gospel preachers, have answered all of those arguments, save one! (sarcasm intended, editor) Yes, there is one argument that we cannot answer to man’s satisfaction. I heard it just a while back. We had engaged in a thorough discussion on the meaning of the Greek word psallo. Then came his reply to me: “Well, preacher I want you to know this, I like it, I want it, and I am going to have it!” He was speaking of instrumental music in the worship of God. That, my friend is the reason that this controversy will remain with us until the Lord comes again.
Letter to the Editor
March 27, 2020
Garvin County News Star
Printed & Published in Maysville, OK
Jess Whitlock
As of today’s date over 100 Americans have died because of the coronavirus. In 2009 over 1,000 Americans died as a result of what is called “swine flu.” Both times the government became very excited and interested in what to do to “control” the death toll. And, rightfully so. We sorrow with all who have lost loved ones in this time of national crisis.
According to the “National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse” we find this statement: “An estimated 88,005 people (approximately 62,000 men and 26,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.” This has been going on for multiplied years in our country. The government has done absolutely NOTHING in an effort to control the number of lost lives each year due to alcoholism. Why not? The truth be known, because most leaders in our nation are addicted to alcohol. We are warned that “wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging” (Pro. 20:1). Alcohol continues to mock Americans and taking American lives by the thousands every year. Yet, the majority of politicians in our land could care less. What a shame.
Since the “Roe vs. Wade” decision of the Supreme Court in 1973 in America, we have killed almost 62,000,000 innocent babies in our nation. The Bible reveals that life begins at the moment of conception in the mother’s womb (Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41; 2:21). One politician stated that it “would be un-Christian to attempt to put an end to abortion on demand.” This woman has no idea what Christianity is. Willful murder in the sight of a holy God has never been right, nor had His approval. Most politicians in our land today are “pro-death” when it comes to innocent babes. When a woman enters an abortion clinic today the mother’s WOMB becomes the baby’s TOMB. May God forgive us for our stupidity as a nation.
You may make the sin of alcoholism legal in our nation, which we have most assuredly done, but you can never, ever make it right! You may make the murder of little babes in our land legal, which we have most assuredly done, but you can never, ever make it right!
Where is the political leader that will take a stand against alcoholism? Where is the politician who will defend the right of innocent babes to have a chance for life? May God raise up such men and women while there is still time.
The Plain Truth About Christmas
Jess Whitlock
As the season to be jolly approaches, we often hear it said that we need to put Christ back into Christmas. However, rather than putting “Christ” in “Christmas” I’d rather see us putting “Christ” into “Christians.” Christ has never been in Christmas, and the word “Christmas” cannot be found one time in the pages of Holy Writ. Encyclopedic studies reveal that Catholicism gave the “mass of Christ” which was shortened in time to “Christ’s mass”; and finally, “Christmas.” Christians are not commanded to commemorate the birth of Christ; but His death, burial, and resurrection (Matt. 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; 1st Cor. 10:16-21; 11:20-ff). Let us honor Him in His way and not the traditions of men as portrayed in Christmas cards of the season!
It is strongly suggested that Christ was born on December 25th. However, at the time of His birth, “there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8). That generally does not take place in Palestine during the winter season. Shepherds would not have their sheep in the fields at night following the middle of October. The sheep needed protection from the cold and rain. The shepherds would not have the sheep in the fields again until late March or early April. There is no logical way the birth of Christ occurred December 25th.
Did you know there were three wise men? Count them in nativity scenes and Christmas cards. Always three, no more, no less. The Bible nowhere specifies three wise men (magi). There were three kinds of gifts to be sure. Matthew 2 informs us of a plurality of wise men, and three types of gifts. There could have been more than three wise men. Have you ever wondered why “…all Jerusalem…” would be greatly troubled by just three strangers asking questions about the birth of a baby? Cf. Matthew 2:1-3.
Finally, we are assured the wise men gave their gifts to the Child while He was in a “manger.” Look at the nativity scenes or one of your Christmas cards! Let your fingers do the walkin’ and let the Bible do the talkin’. “And when they (the magi – jlw) were come into the house, they saw the young Child (the Christ – jlw) with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him…” (Matt. 2:11 & emphasis mine – jlw). The shepherds and animals were at the manger; but not the wise men. To be sure, they were in a house! It was at least 40 days following the birth of Jesus, probably longer.
We have no Biblical authority for a religious holiday, we have the wrong day, possibly we have the wrong number of wise men, and we surely have the wrong setting for their visit. Let us simply enjoy the family customs and traditions of the season; but do not think of Christmas as a religious holiday!
What About Halloween?
Jess Whitlock
As we near the end of October it is time for that annual question that is always of great concern to Christian parents, “What about Halloween?” What can we do and what ought not to be done?
Samhain was an ancient Celtic New Year’s Festival. This season involved both human and animal sacrifices offered to the Lord of the Dead (Saman). This ritual also involved worship to the Sun god. Originally it was celebrated on November 1st. Around the 8th century it came to be called the eve of All Hallows Day, or “All Saints Day.” Now, it is observed October 31st.
The association with witches, ghosts and death can be traced back to the ancient pagan holiday. After a large feast was offered to the dead, the villagers would don masks and costumes imitating the departed dead. They would form a procession at the edge of town. Then, they supposedly would lead the “ghosts” away. The Celtics would pour oil or wine on the ground as their sacrifice. This would insure them many rewards for those gifts in the year to come. However, if they neglected to make such an offering, the wrath of those gods would haunt them in the coming year! It is from this that we get our expression, “trick-or-treat.”
Now, the question arises, “Is it wrong to observe Halloween because it is rooted in mythology/paganism?” Will you also stop calling “Thursday” by its name since it is rooted in worship to a false god? Originally, it was called “Thor’s Day.” Every day of our week derived its name from mythology, along with the names of our months of the year. Most folks know that Easter and Christmas customs were derived from pagan festivals as well! New Testament Christians do not observe such holidays as “religious holy days.” Is it wrong to eat candy from a basket, hunt eggs, enjoy a hayride, make and EAT pumpkin pie (oh, I hope not), and give and exchange gifts? We must observe the conscience of others (1st Cor. 8). In the city of Ephesus many practiced exorcism and witchcraft, yet, Luke records, “And not a few of them that practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed” (Acts 19:19-20).
If you allow your son to dress up as an astronaut, or allow your daughter to dress up as a clown or princess and accept candy from family and trusted friends, let us be careful to do nothing at this time of the year, nor any other, that would tend to glorify Satan and his realm (1st Cor. 10:20-ff). Always remember the “golden rule” when it comes to tricks that are played, especially if you should come to our house!
Have You Been Warned About The Churches of Christ?
Jess Whitlock
I heard it again just last week, “the churches of Christ don’t believe in music?” Satan must surely enjoy hearing it again. Let me say that I have never attended a worship service of the Lord’s people minus music. The accusation should be altered to say, “churches of Christ do not use mechanical music in worship to God.” The man-made churches suppose that singing without instruments of music is “new”; however, it is the addition of the mechanical music into worship that is NEW! The church of my Lord began in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). From that time until now the Lord’s church has refused to mimic the man-made perversion of this unscriptural practice into our worship to God on the first day of the week.
God’s Word is clear: Acts 16:25, “…sang praises”; Romans 15:9, “…sing unto Thy name”; 1st Corinthians 14:15, “…sing with the spirit”; Ephesians 5:19, “…singing psalms”; Colossians 3:16, “…singing with grace”; and James 5:13, “let him sing…”. The mechanical instruments did not invade the churches of men for many centuries following the establishment of the church of my Lord.
The corrupted church (Roman Catholicism) was the first religious group to introduce this innovation into worship as authorized, not by God, but by Pope Vitalian I, in A.D. 670. The organ caused such an uproar it had to be removed. The American Encyclopedia, states: “Pope Vitalian is related to have introduced organs into some of the churches in Southern Europe about A.D. 670, but the only trust- worthy account is that of one sent as a present by the Greek Emperor, Constantine Copronymous, to Pepin, King of the Franks in 775” (Vol. XII, p. 688).
The Greek Catholic church refused to allow the organ into its worship, and does not allow it to this day. The Schaff-Herzogg Encyclopedia of Religions says, “In the Greek church the organ never came into use, but after the eighth century it became common in the Latin Church, not however, without opposition from the side of the Monks…” (Vol. II, p. 1702).
~ MARTIN LUTHER, a great reformer of the 16th century spoke of music in worship calling it “…an ensign of Baal.” (McClintock & Strong, Vol. VI, p. 762)
~ JOHN WESLEY, founder of the Methodist church, which is quite fond of the instruments of music, declared, “I have no objection to the organ in our chapels, provided it is neither seen nor heard.” (Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. IV, p. 684).
~ JOHN CALVIN, a Presbyterian commentator, wrote, “Musical instruments in celebrating the praise of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and other shadows of the Law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things from the Jews.” (John Calvin’s Commentary, the 33rd Psalm).
~ ADAM CLARKE, the greatest Methodist commentator of that group, says, “Music as a science, I esteem and admire; but instruments of music in the house of God, I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music…” (Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. IV, p. 686).
~ CHARLES SPURGEON, no doubt the greatest Baptist preacher ever (spoke to 10,000 plus every Sunday in London for 20 years), never allowed the organ to be played in a service where he spoke, commented on 1st Corinthians 14:15, “… I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding… I would as soon pray to God with machinery as to sing to God with machinery.” (Instrumental Music in the Worship, by M.C. Kurfees, p. 196).
Therefore, the Word of God, history, and religious leaders are in agreement that the addition of instruments of music in worship to God is a NEW thing! The church belonging to Christ has never and never will offer this innovation in its worship to Jehovah. If you will review the evidence you can see the Lord’s church is not the only ones who stand opposed to this unauthorized practice in worship. There is Bible authority for singing (1st Pet. 4:11; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; et al.). There is no Bible authority for the addition of instruments of music into the worship of God (Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 14:23; 2nd Cor. 5:7; 2nd Pet. 1:3; et al.).
Will we obey God, or the whims and desires of men (will worship)???
It Is Mother’s Day
Jess Whitlock
A Junior High school science teacher discussed magnets and their properties. The next day he gave a pop test and asked, “My name begins with an ‘M’ and has 6 letters, and I pick up things. What am I?” Over half of his students said, “Mother!”
It was May 9th, 1914, that Mother’s Day was first recognized in America as a national holiday. President Woodrow Wilson designated the second Sunday of May as the day for a yearly observation to give “mom” respect and adoration. However, such recognition ought to be given to “mother” each and every day of every year.
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord Thy God giveth thee” (Exo. 20:12). This is referenced in Paul’s words, “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:1-3). We see such honor bestowed upon Mary by God’s only begotten Son as He hung upon the cross, “…there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold, thy son! Then saith He to the disciple, Behold, thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home” (John 19:25-27).
All of us are commanded to honor both father and mother (Exo. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; Matt. 15:4; 19:19; Mark 7:10; 10:19; Luke 18:20; and Eph. 6:2).
Mary, of all the Marys’ of all the world, was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. That fact speaks volumes as to the kind of woman she must have been. We do not know much about her and very little about the childhood of Jesus. Twice we learn that Mary, the mother of Jesus, treasured certain things in her heart about her Son. At the time of His birth, shepherds abiding in the fields heard the angelic message concerning the coming of Christ. When they came to Bethlehem, they informed Mary of what had transpired, and the texts says, “Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
The next time we note Jesus is twelve years of age. The parents of Jesus had taken Him to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. On their return trip, the parents of Jesus noted that he was not with them. Hastily, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Jesus, and found Him in the temple discussing with the teachers of the Law. What a scene that must have been, “And when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said unto Him, Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I sought Thee sorrowing. And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? Knew ye not that I must be in My Father’s house? And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and He was subject unto them; and His mother kept all these sayings in her heart” (Luke 2:48-51). Mary pondered, treasured, kept carefully, “all these things in her heart.” The next thing we note is that “Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
That is just the way mothers are… and continue to be. That is the way my mother was, and I suspect your mother, too. Mothers, thank you for the sacrifices you make for your children and your children’s children. You are vital to a better world. May we always honor our mothers, not only on this day, but every day of every year. To all our mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers, we say:
Happy Mother’s Day
Under Attack
Marriage and the home are under attack in America today!
We are called “politically incorrect” when we speak against homosexuality, lesbianism and the transgender crowd. When a person is “Biblically correct,” then he will be “politically incorrect.” Homosexuality is vile, against nature, and sinful (Rom. 1:26-ff).
From the beginning of time, God has always intended that marriage be between one man and one woman. In the beginning God created them Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve! God never, ever intended for same-sex relationships:
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24).
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination…” (Lev. 18:22).
“If man also lies with mankind, as he lieth with a woman both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death…” (Lev. 20:13).
“Have ye not read, that He who made them from the beginning made them male and female…” (Matt. 19:4).
“…giving themselves over to strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7).
Long ago, God’s prophet, Isaiah declared, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (5:20). There can be no doubt that just such a time as this has descended on my America with a soul-damning vengeance.
Most Americans remember the sad date of June 26, 2015. That is when the so-called Supreme Court handed down the decision to pass a “law to approve same-sex marriage.” Allow me to reiterate that there “ain’t no such critter” in the sight of a holy and awesome God. I, along with hundreds of thousands of true Americans, cringed that very evening as we beheld “our” White House bathed in a rainbow of colors, rejoicing in the stupidity of that decision handed down that day.
In the days and weeks that followed we came to realize that both the home and marriage are under attack in our nation as companies and organizations, followed suit, in their praise and adoration of this shameful and sinful decision (i.e., Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Delta, American Airlines, Target, The Gap, Old Navy, Starbucks, Burger King, Macy’s, Master Card, Visa, AT&T, Jell-O, Tide, Net-flix, et al.). It is noteworthy that all of that rejoicing and jubilation over this sinful act, did not negate the Word of God, not by one whit!
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Gen. 1:27 emphasis mine – jlw).
YOU MAY MAKE THE SO-CALLLED “SAME-SEX” MARRIAGE LEGAL IN THIS NATION; WHICH WE HAVE MOST ASSUREDLY DONE; BUT —–
YOU CAN NEVER, EVER MAKE IT RIGHT!
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“EASTER” AND THE RESURRECTION”
Jess Whitlock
Multiplied millions of “religious” people will celebrate this time of the year what is called “Easter Sunday,” a term that is non-existent within God’s Holy Word. Collier’s Reference Service began an article, “The story of Easter is the history of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the two most important feasts in the Christian calendar…” Never give it a second thought that neither the term “Christmas” or “Easter Sunday” can be found in the pages of holy writ.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt we know that Christ “was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father” (Rom. 6:4). The Scriptures declare that the Son of God was resurrected on the first day of the week (Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22, 1st Cor. 10-11). However, there is not one passage of Scripture that commands us to commemorate His resurrection on one particular Lord’s Day, set aside from all others. To set aside one day as “Easter Sunday” is to add to God’s Word!
Collier’s Encyclopedia tells of the difficulty in determining the date annually; “This complicated mathematical problem has involved ecclesiastical authorities in long and bitter controversy… After a long period of wrangling, the Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) decided that Easter must be celebrated, everywhere, the first Sunday after the vernal equinox (March 21st), with one reservation; if the full moon happens upon a Sunday, Easter Sunday is the Sunday after…there are two Easters in the ecclesiastical year.” Now, is all of that as clear as mud? The date for “Easter Sunday” changes from one year to the next. Serious Bible students know that the exact date of Christ’s birth and Christ’s resurrection are both UNKNOWN!
Easter traditions are steeped in paganism and ungodly customs that are older than Christianity. The KJV of the Bible translates the Greek word pascha accurately 28 times as “Passover” which is its’ meaning. One time (Acts 12:4) they translated (actually mistranslated the same word as “Easter”). That is both an inaccurate and unfortunate reading, that goes back to the order of an uninspired King. Adam Clarke, in his commentary wrote of that word “Easter”: “Perhaps there never was a more unhappy, not to say absurd, translation than that in our text.”
Therefore, there will be no “Easter Sunrise Service” this Sunday, nor any other in the church of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
GOD’S WORD IS THE LAST WORD
Jess Whitlock, Evangelist
In “hermeneutics” (how to properly study the Scripture), one of the first principles learned is to take into account all that the Bible teaches on a subject. Too many are content to select one or two passages to the exclusion of anything else the Bible has to say on the subject. This is certainly the case when men begin to “search the Scriptures” in considering what man must do in order to be saved!
If you turn to John 3:16; 8:24; & 20:31, one learns that man is saved by believing in Jesus Christ. However, we also discover in Luke 13:3-5; Acts 17:30 & 2 Peter 3:9, that man must repent of his sins. Again, when we study Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10; & 1 Tim. 6:12-13, the good confession of Christ as Lord is a divine requirement to one’s salvation. According to Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; & 1 Pet. 3:21, it is learned that unless one is baptized into Christ for (unto, in order to obtain) remission of sins ~ there can be no salvation from past sins. There is not one passage of Scripture that lists every step in just one verse!!!
Ephesians 1:13 does mention that hearing and believing are required for one to be saved. Galatians 3:26-27 informs the student that faith and baptism are required by God for salvation. Acts 18:8 forthrightly tells us the Corinthians heard the Gospel, and believed what they heard, and that they were baptized. Acts 16:13-15 tells how Lydia and her household heard the Word and were then baptized. Romans 10:8-17 is inclusive of hearing, believing, and confessing faith as part of what one must do in order to be saved. There is no single passage that spells out: (1) Hear the Gospel; (2) Believe or have faith in Jesus as God’s Son; (3) repent of all sin in your life; (4) confess your faith (belief) in Christ as Lord; & (5) be baptized into Him in order to be saved. Yet, all of these things are clearly taught within the pages of the New Testament, as just demonstrated.
Many years ago I was handed a tract being passed out by a denomination in the area. It was titled: “What You Must Do to Be Saved.” Toward the end of the tract I noticed this statement: “We learn in Acts 16:30-31 the answer to the question “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house.’ STOP READING RIGHT THERE! THERE IS NO NEED TO READ FURTHER! THAT IS WHAT ANY MAN MUST DO IN ORDER TO BE SAVED…” (emphasis in tract).
Friend, there is a need to read much further IF you desire God’s full answer to the question. Why did that preacher not want us to read further in God’s Word??? Verse 32 tells us “they spake the word of the Lord unto him” and in verse 33 (just 2 verses after we were asked to STOP reading): “he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was BAPTIZED, he and all his, IMMEDIATELY.” (Emphasis mine—jlw). Verse 34 informs us they rejoiced “having believed in God” (cf. verse 32).
We cannot afford to have a “cafeteria” religion, where we go through the line and pick and choose what we will believe (accept), and what we will not believe (accept). It is a common practice in the denominational and interdenominational circles of our day for certain preachers to “camp out” on the Scriptures that teach “faith” or “grace” and insist that salvation comes by that one thing alone. Just as the writer of the tract mentioned above, “camped out” on a few passages that mentioned “belief” and then insisted that believing in Christ alone would result in salvation. The Word of God must be the last word!
Let me give you a clue to all of this. If any man stands in the pulpit and declares that you can be saved by alone or only; then that man is a false teacher!!! If [he fills in] that blank with the word faith, or repent, or confess, or BAPTISM, and then indicates alone or only, that man is a false teacher!
There are numerous factors that are involved in the salvation of any man! You must take into account Jehovah God (John 3:16). You cannot omit Jesus the Christ nor His blood (Heb. 9:15-22; Eph. 5:2). The Holy Spirit has revealed the true teaching of what we must do to be saved (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10). The Bible Itself is an integral part leading to our salvation (John 17:17; Heb. 4:12; Jam. 1:21). There must be both faith and obedience on the part of man (John 8:24; Heb. 11:6; Rom. 1:16; Heb. 5:8-9; et al). There is a hymn that we sing frequently: “Trust and Obey; for there is no other way…” How very true are the sentiments sung! The man who teaches that one can be saved without being baptized into Christ for salvation must explain away:
Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2-8-9-10-16-22-26; Rom. 6:2-6; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:21; et al.
Jesus Christ declared: “He that rejecteth Me, and receivth not My sayings, hath one that judgeth him; the Word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). God desires that all men be saved (2 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). Let us never forget that “the Word of God is the Last Word” !!!
Noah Was Saved by Grace
Grace is defined: “favor, or mercy.” Genesis 6:8 states, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” “But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah.”*
We Are Saved by Grace
Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith.”
Noah Was Saved by Faith
Hebrews 11:7 reads, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.”
We Are Saved by Faith
Hebrews 11:6 specifies, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” As noted earlier, “For by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8).
Noah Was Saved by Obedience
Compare Hebrews 11:7 (again) with Genesis 6:22: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”
We Are Saved by Obedience
Jesus said in Matthew 7:21: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” The Hebrews author penned, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:8-9).
Noah Was Saved by Water
“Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water” (1 Pet. 3:20).
We Are Saved by Water
1 Peter 3:21 states, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
A faith that will not obey is a faith that will not save!
Source: BEACON. VOL. XXXV. MARCH 13, 2006. NO. 11. A PUBLICATION OF BELLVIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL 32526. http://www.bellviewcoc.com. * ASV-1901.
Thanksgiving
We are moving into a season of the only true American holiday. The holiday comes from colonial days of a religious fervor. Pilgrims, after one year, paused to give thanks for their wonderful blessings. While many in our land seek to remove God, His word, prayer, and thanksgiving, the fact remains that Thanksgiving Day is ingrained in our nation. Our founding fathers were seeking religious freedom.
Paul wrote, “But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph, in Christ… Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2nd Cor. 2:14; 9:15). The act of thanksgiving has always been a way of life for those who are called Christians. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil.4:6). Paul writes in Colossians 2:7, “… abounding therein with thanksgiving” and in 4:2, “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Yes, the giving of thanks to God for all His wonderful blessings, is a way of life to the child of God’s. Giving thanks is not limited to one day of the year. Let us be thankful to Him each and every day.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:20). As we offer thanks to God the Father, we do so in the name of, i.e., by the authority of the name of Jesus Christ. “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col. 1:12). We must live lives worthy to receive the inheritance of the soul in heaven. “And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17). Again, “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). We have noted that the “giving of thanks” must become a way of life in every day of the year. The true worshipper of God gives to Him the fruit of our lips in song, praise, and prayer. The Psalmist declared, “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Jehovah my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever” (Psa. 30:12). “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving” (Psa. 69:30). “That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all thy wondrous works” (Psa. 26:7). “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…” (Psa. 95:2). “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving…” (Psa. 100:4).
“Thanksgiving” is not only Christ-like, but it is a way of life that will lead the thankful person into the gates of glory one day. Let us give thanks for God, His word, the gift of Christ on the cross, and the establishment of His church (Acts 2). Are you thankful? Wait, you forgot to answer! Are you thankful? Happy Thanksgiving
SINGING, HUMMING AND AHH-ING?
Jess Whitlock
The late brother J.T. Marlin and I made many trips together. On one of those trips he related to me a phone call that he received from a sister in Christ. She had visited in another congregation on vacation. The sister stated that while the Lord’s Supper was being observed, the song leader had instructed the congregation to hum the hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” She asked brother J.T. if he thought that was acceptable in worship to God? He answered, “Of course it is! Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:19, ‘Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, humming and making melody in your heart to the Lord.’’” The sister responded that brother Marlin knew that Ephesians 5:19 did not read that way. J.T. then said, “Sister, I knew that you knew the Bible did not say that! So, why have you called me?”
A brother in Christ once returned from vacation and came to talk with me. He told of visiting a church where the song leader sang a solo to the congregation. Some songs in many of our hymnals require the brethren to Ooh and Ahh while others sing the actual words! I cannot think of any reason why to hum in worship to God would have any more approval than oohing and ahhing! Colossians 3:16 states, “Teaching and admonishing one another…” Ephesians 5:19 declares, “Speaking to yourselves…” The Lord has only authorized singing in worship to Him (Matt. 26:30; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1st Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; James 5:13). Let me ask you to list every scripture that authorizes “humming, oohing, and ahhing” in our worship to God?
We have all heard and used the arguments as to why instruments of music in worship to God are sinful. They all boil down to just one thing: there is no Bible authority for such! Would not the same biblical principle apply to humming, oohing, and ahhing in worship to God? The Bible is plain that we are to “speak, teach, and admonish” one another in our songs of worship to God. What would you think if I should enter the pulpit next Sunday and hum my sermon outline? What if our Bible class teachers should begin oohing and ahhing their class notes?
Years ago in southwest Oklahoma I conducted a radio program in Hobart, Oklahoma. I was making the journey to record the sermon for that coming Sunday. I had tuned in that station. A “pastor” was getting ready to deliver a message on the cross of Christ. I decided to hear what he was going to teach on the subject. He announced that before the message he wanted us to think about the words of the hymn, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.” I have always loved that hymn, so prepared to listen. The instruments of music began, which did not surprise me, but the words never came! The preacher returned and apologized. He thought the words were on the recording, but they were not. Then he said, “Well, anyway, we are all admonished by that hymn aren’t we?” I thought to myself, “Well, no, not really!” we cannot be taught and admonished without words.
When it comes to instrumental music, humming, oohing, and ahhing, there is no biblical authority for such in God’s Word. Ask yourself these questions in regards to each one: (1) Is it scriptural? (2) Is there a New Testament command? (3) Do we have an example of such in the New Testament? (4) Can we find an (implication) in the scripture? The answer to each and every question is a definite and resounding “No.” Let us do Bible things in Bible ways.
When Did Majority Vote Become the Determining Factor?
Article by Jess Whitlock
NOTE: There are four articles on this page about the problems of the NIV.
Years ago a bulletin crossed my desk with a cartoon designed to teach a valuable lesson. It pictured a business meeting in some man made church. The chairman is speaking to a group of men seated around a large table. The caption read, “So, it is determined that the will of God cannot be overturned without a two-thirds majority vote.” At the time, it was thought to be funny. However, how many thought that such thinking would ever invade the church for which Christ died? Christ died for His church which is the “one body” (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; Matt. 16:18).
During that time we had a group of young people taking part in Bible Bowl competition in the Oklahoma City area. One of the men brought to my attention that the coordinators had decided to change the basis for the questions from the King James Version to the New International Version. We wrote to inquire as to why such a change had been made? We were informed by letter that the change had been made to the NIV for the Bowl “because it was by landslide the choice of the sponsors” for the Bowl. I asked if the sponsors voted by “landslide” to bring in the Baptist Manual, or Methodist Discipline, or the teachings of Calvinism and/or Premillenialism what would happen? They informed me that such could (would) never happen. It was then that I explained that the doctrines of total depravity (Psa. 51:5; Rom. 7:18, 25), unconditional election (Rom. 9:16; 2 Cor. 2:2; 5:5), salvation by faith alone (Rom. 1:7; 4:5; 10:10; Eph. 1:13), and the doctrine of once saved, always saved (2 Cor. 13:5-6), are all taught in the text of the NIV! Check this out in a copy of the NIV today. Not only that, the NIV denies that Jesus Christ is God’s “only begotten Son” (John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9). Don’t take my word for it, look up each passage in the NIV text and the Greek word monogenes is only half translated.
Christ warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Every copy of the NIV that I’ve ever seen says somewhere on it, Holy Bible. But, does God’s inspired Bible teach that man can be saved by faith alone, that Christ is going to return to earth and set up a reign in literal Jerusalem, that we can use mechanical music in worship to God, that Christ is not deity, or that man comes into this world with a “sinful nature”? Yet, the NIV advocates these false doctrines plus 101 others.
NOTS In the Devil’s TALE Continues…
Article by Jess Whitlock
Most Gospel preachers have delivered a lesson based on a play of words concerning the temptation in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3). Herein, Satan very cleverly added the little three-letter word: NOT. His deceptive ploy continues to this very day. Paul cautioned “that we may be no longer children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error” (Eph. 4:14).
The churches of men are upset with the powerful truth of Jesus Christ when He declares, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Now, that is easily understood; you would need at least two PHD’s to misunderstand that truth! Almost the entire denominational world rejects the Lord’s teaching in Mark 16:16. So, Satan has come to their rescue by resurrecting his favorite means of deception, i.e., the use of that word: NOT.
The Simple English Bible, states in the margin, “Verses 9-20 do NOT appear in two important manuscripts.” Satan is alive and well on planet earth today.
The Revised Standard Version, simply ends the Gospel of Mark at Mark 16:8 and offers this footnote: “Other texts and versions add as 16:9-20 the following…”
The New Testament of Inclusive Language Bible, has this, “The following (Mark 16:9-20 – jw) does NOT appear in the oldest manuscripts.”
The Living Bible, chimes in “Verses 9 through 20 are NOT found in the most ancient manuscripts…” As a rule those manuscripts are never identified for us.
The New International Version, joins the crowd of unbelievers in this fashion, “The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do NOT have Mark 16:9-20.” Notice please, those ancient witnesses are NOT identified for the reader. In the NIV the name “Jesus” is omitted 38 times; “Christ” is omitted 43 times; “Lord” is omitted 35 times, and the name “God” is omitted 31 times! Ask yourself “why”?
The Jerusalem Bible, also yielded up, “Many manuscripts omit verses 9-20 and this ending may NOT have been written by Mark…” Satan NOT only wants you to not believe these words emanated from the Christ, but that Mark is not the author of the Gospel bearing his name.
Even the American Standard Version (1901) has a similar footnote to so many others at Mark 16:9-20 (usually with a space separating those words of the text) and has this, “The two oldest Greek manuscripts, and some other authorities omit from verse 9 to the end…” So, is it safe to say that Mark 16:16 is NOT there??
Alas, the New King James is not immune. At the end of Mark we find this, “Verses 9-20 are bracketed in NU-Text as NOT original. They are lacking in Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, although nearly all other manuscripts of Mark contain them.” At long last we have identified for us the two manuscripts, i.e., Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, two of the most corrupt and unreliable manuscripts available to us, and one of those was found in the trash can!
{The emphasis on the word “not” throughout this article are mine – jw}
THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION & MECHANICAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP
Article by Jess Whitlock
“Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein” (Jer. 6:16). God’s prophet of old admonishes us to seek the “old paths,” but so many today cry out for change! Change has become the way of the world. It is demanded. Change has affected our nation to the point that America has slid down the slippery slopes to Sodom and Gomorrah. The authority of God is being ignored and blasphemed. God is being re-written (even in books purporting to be His Word)! Changing the word of God is nothing new… God said to Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:17 concerning the tree of knowledge that “in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” and Satan in Genesis 3:4 re-wrote the word of God by saying to the woman, “ye shall NOT surely die…” Satan added to the word of God; thereby contradicting exactly what God said in the beginning.
If I wanted mechanical instruments of music in worship to God (which some of my brethren seem to want), then the NIV (Non-Inspired Version) would be the Bible (?) of choice for me. Listen: “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). Now, listen to it in the NIV: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (NIV). The change of the word “melody” to “music” opens the door for generic music, i.e., vocal music, instrumental music, or even a combination. That moves the piano or organ right into the text. For centuries it could be shown the Greek word psallo gave no credence to mechanical music, since the instrument is named in the text, “your heart.” (I am aware of almost a dozen congregations in Texas and Oklahoma that now have brought in the instruments of music. In at least half of those churches, the NIV text was brought into the church buildings FIRST)!
The Greek text of Ephesians 5:19 literally reads as, “singing and praising with heart your to the Lord.” The Instrument is the “heart.” It is not any instrument of music. Melody is heart-made; NOT brass-band produced and NOT piano-made or organ-manufactured.
In the parable of the prodigal son Luke used the Greek word sumphona which is translated “music” in Luke 15:25 (cf. KJV, ASV (1901) and even in the NIV)! That Greek word is NOT the word that Paul uses in Ephesians 5:19. He used a form of the Greek word psallo. That word definitely means to SING! (Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Heb. 2:12; Jam. 5:3; Acts 16:25; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Matt. 26:30; Mark 14:26).
Remember that when the NIV translators (or should we say mistranslators?) decided to change the word “melody” to “music” they did not use any italics. Of course, they do not use italics anywhere in their mistranslation. Why not? This dishonest method allows them to add words, subtract words, and change words without anybody knowing what they are doing! In this instance they wanted the generic word “music” so that anyone, in all good conscience, could introduce the mechanical instruments of music and believe they had Bible authority to do so.
“But they said, we will not walk therein.” (Jer. 6:16d).
A GREAT INCONSISTENCY
Article by Jess Whitlock
Years ago I attended a Gospel Meeting in Oklahoma. The speaker informed us that he would be using the text of the New International Version. Later that evening he took to task one of the cardinal points of Calvinism. While he made some good arguments against that error, his choice of versions was not consistent with his lesson. That night the thought struck me that if you would speak against any tenet of Calvinism, you had better stay far away from the NIV. The NIV text supports every “petal of the Calvinistic TULIP,” as we shall show:
T — Total Depravity… inherited sin, Adamic sin, sinful nature, original sin, et al. One must not attack this error of Calvinism with the NIV in hand. The NIV rendering of Psalm 51:5 states, “Surely I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” That is not what the text says, but that is the 1978 rendering; then in 1984 they changed it, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” The KJV correctly reads, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psa. 51:5). David was not saying that he was born as a sinner, rather, he was born into a world of sin. One must transgress God’s Law (1 John 3:4) in order to become sinful. The NIV had no idea of the meaning of the Greek word sarx, as they originally (mis)translated that word to “sinful nature” (see Rom. 8:3-5, 8-9, 12-13; 13:14; 1 Cor. 5:5; Gal. 5:13, 16, 19, 24; 6:8; Eph. 2:3; Col. 2:11,13). Now, it is true that in the 2011 edition of the NIV they wanted it to appear they had realized their error, and took away the words “sinful nature” in 13 of the 15 occurrences… but, they could not let go entirely. It is still found in Romans 7:18, 25. And, at the other texts you will find the NIV has a clever footnote which reads: “In contexts like this the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition of the Spirit” (Emphasis mine – jw).
U — Unconditional Election… (salvation), commonly called Predestination. The NIV altered Romans 9:16 to state, “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desires or effort, but on God’s mercy.” (Cf. 2 Cor. 2:2; 5:5 in NIV) and see the phrase “… guaranteeing what is to come.” The NIV changes the past tense and then inserts “… what is to come” which words are not so much as found in the Greek text!
L — Limited Atonement… i.e., only a certain “limited” number will be saved. The NIV blasphemed my Lord in 1 Peter 5:8, “… and a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” I emphatically deny that Christ has forced any man to stumble and fall, but that is the teaching of the NIV text. The inconsistency of the translators is self-evident in Hebrews 2:9; 5:8-9 where the NIV points out that Christ tasted death for ALL men. They goofed again at 2 Peter 3:9 where they point out that God does not want anyone to perish, but desires that “everyone to come to repentance.” IF Christ causes men to stumble and fall (because they are not in that limited number); then why did the (mis)translators leave these passages in tact?
I — Irresistible Grace… hence, the direct operation of the Holy Spirit separate and apart from the word of God. The NIV has this in Acts 16:14, “The Lord opened her (Lydia -jw) heart to respond to Paul’s message…” Notice that her heart is opened before she heard the Word of God! Watch our for 1 Corinthians 2:14 in the NIV: “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him and he CANNOT UNDERSTAND THEM…” (emphasis mine – jw). If this be true, then why encourage anyone to read the Bible, to obey the teaching of God’s Word? Without this so-called Irresistible Grace, you stand condemned. This doctrine makes God to become a respecter of persons, which doctrine contradicts Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11 and Ephesians 6:9.
P — Perseverance of the Saints… commonly referred to as “once saved, always saved,” “once in grace, always in grace,” or the “Impossibility of Apostasy.” This asserts you cannot fall from grace. The NIV perverted 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 by removing the words, “except ye be reprobates” and “we are not reprobates.” It has been watered down to read, “you fail the test” and “we have not failed the test.” The NIV had to get rid of the word for “reprobate” because the word itself denies their pet doctrine. When I met Mr. Ballard in public debate on the subject of the impossibility of apostasy, he tried to get me to use the NIV text, but I adamantly refused to do so. I knew full well why he wanted to use the text of the NIV.
There you have it; the entire tenant of Calvinism located in the text of the NIV. The NIV text is shot through and through with the doctrines of John Calvin.
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