The Songs We Sing

     The vast majority of the songs congregations of Christ sing when worshiping
God conform to the New Testament standard, but there are some songs that
do not. I would like to cite some of the songs that need to undergo lyrical
changes or be discarded because they express sentiments that promote false
doctrine or contradict God's word.

     Paul wrote the  following  words  to the  brothers and sisters in Colossae,
"Let the word of Christ  dwell in you richly, teaching  and  admonishing  one
another  in  all  wisdom, singing  psalms,  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs, with
thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Col. 3:16, ESV-2011) According to
Paul, we teach when we sing. So  it  is  appropriate  to  ask, "May we sing
songs that do not harmonize with sound teaching? May we sing words that
contradict sacred scripture?" The fact is, since we teach when we sing, we
should be as certain that we sing the truth, as we should be that we preach
the truth.

     There is a song in the older books titled "When we All Get To Heaven."
Someone understood that biblically speaking "We All" will not get to heaven.
(Mat. 7:13-14; 25:41,46) The song has been updated in many of the newer
books, and it now says, "When the Saved Get To Heaven." Why the change?
Because we are to teach the truth when we sing. The song was not abandoned,
but some of the words were changed to bring the song into conformity with
New Testament teaching.

     There is another song titled "What If It Were Today?" The opening line
says, "Jesus is coming to earth again, What if it were today?" The main
problem is this: by no stretch of the imagination is it true that our Lord is
ever coming to the earth again! Paul said we "will be caught up in the clouds,
to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thess. 4:17) The words of the song contradict
the word of the Holy Spirit.

     There is also a song titled "Jesus Is Coming Soon." Many congregations
have sung this song. The melody is a toe tapper and very delightful to the
ears. But, that is not the standard by which we determine if a song is
appropriate in the worship of God. It may be the case that Jesus will come
soon, but what scriptural testimony do we have to that effect? Some people
appeal to the words "I am coming soon" in Rev. 22:7,20; NIV, ESV) as
evidence that his second coming will be soon. The ASV-1901 says, "I come
quickly." Why the difference? The Greek word tachu is always used in
adverbial phrases in the New Testament and expresses the manner by which
something is done. It indicates speedily, quickly, without delay, and can
connote soon, in a short time. Even if tachu can be translated "soon" the
question is this: Is Rev. 22:7,20 speaking about the second coming of Christ?
The answer is a resounding no! Whatever the "coming" of this passage refers
to, it was a message of consolation to the seven congregations of Christ in
Asia at that time. (Rev. 22:16) The Lord would come in judgment against the
enemies of his people near the end of the first century. The song "Jesus is
Coming Soon" reflects a mistaken view of Mat. 24 where the Lord is talking
about the destruction of Jerusalem, not his second coming. One thing that
may help is to sing "Jesus May be Coming soon," rather than singing "Jesus
is Coming Soon."

     Another beloved song among members of the body of Christ is, "Lift Him
Up." It is a take on the words of Jesus in John 12:32, where the Master said,
"And if I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all people unto me." Friends,
Jesus is referring to his crucifixion. The very next verse says, "But he said this,
signifying what manner of death he would die." The chorus of the song says,
"Lift him up (lift the precious Savior up...) still he speaks from eternity..." When
we sing the chorus that says "Lift him up," based on the context of Jno. 12:32-33,
are we not saying crucify him?  

     There is a song titled "Jesus Paid It All." The third verse says, "Sinner, not
for me alone did the Son of God atone; Your debt too, he made his own, On
the cruel tree. Come to him with all your sin; Be as white as snow within; Full
salvation you may win And rejoice with me." The New Testament does not 
teach that Jesus made our "debt" or sin his own. Our sin is our sin. Jesus was
the sacrifice for sin but he did not make our sin his own, (2 Cor. 5:21). If he
made our sin his own, how could he not be a sinner by transfer? (Heb. 4:15;
1 Pet. 2:22) The concept of Jesus making "our" sin "his" own is purely
Calvinistic denominationalism!

     Another song frequently sung by Christians is "It Won't Be Very Long."
The song says "It won't be very long till Jesus shall descend." The question is:
how do we know this to be true? How can we know what Jesus doesn't even
know? He said, "But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the
angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mat. 24:36; NIV-2011)
How do we know "It won't be very long?" Therefore, how can we sing what
we don't know as if we know it?

     Another song that has gained great notoriety among believers is "Guide
Me O Great Jehovah." The name of the deity is Jehovah? One thing that
nearly all, if not all, Hebrew scholars acknowledge is the fact that God's
name is not Jehovah. As expressed by the Hebrew tetragrammaton, deity's
name is  YHWH  and   God   himself  says  so. (Ex. 3:14-15; Isa. 42:8;
Jer. 10:16; 16:21; Amos 9:6, etc.)YHWH is used in the Hebrew scriptures
about 6800 times and is never correctly represented by the name "Jehovah."
Jehovah is of late medieval origin. It does not accurately represent any form
of the Name ever used in Hebrew. God's name has never been, is not now,
and never will be Jehovah.

     Friends, let us pay more attention to the songs we sing when we worship
God. This is especially important when we become aware that many of the
most loved hymns were written  by  people  from  Calvinistic,  Pentecostal, 
and  denominational backgrounds. Their theology influenced the lyrics of their
songs. We teach when we sing and it is mandatory that we always teach the
truth. (Colossians 3:16)
                                                                                                    R. Daly

Copyright 2012


 

Must A Person "DO" Anything To Be Saved?

     To be consistent, those who advocate the erroneous doctrine of salvation by grace alone,
must deny that there is anything for a person to "do" in order to be saved. Those who teach
the doctrine of salvation by "grace alone," contend that a person is passive, not active, and
that anything that is "done" constitutes a "work" and they say, "We are not saved by works."

     One thing they fail to understand is this: there are different kinds of works, and one must
understand the difference in order to have a biblical concept of grace, faith, law, and works.
There are works of the law of Moses such as offering sacrifices, sabbath day observance,
and circumcision. No person can be saved by keeping the law of Moses. The law of Moses
has been removed. It is not binding on anyone. (Acts 15; Romans 3:21,27; 7:4; Galatians
3:23-25; 5:1-4). There are works of "merit" by which one seeks to "earn" or "deserve" the
right to salvation. No one can, by his own planning, earn or deserve salvation. It is a gift from
God and no one can boast. (Romans 4:2-8; Ephesians 2:5,8-9) There are also works of
obedience. These are the "works" that God himself has mandated or made necessary in
order for people to be saved. (Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 5:8-9) When a person complies
with God's conditions of pardon he is not attempting to save himself apart from God's grace,
nor is he trying to earn his salvation. He is by the grace of God, yielding to the commands of
the heavenly Master! A good question for the Calvinist is this: Can a person be saved without
submitting to the conditions that God has made necessary for salvation?

     On the day of Pentecost, the Jews who were cut in the heart by the apostles' words
asked, "Men, brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:36-37)  The  Holy  Spirit  who  was
revealing God's will through Peter and the rest of the apostles, did not respond to their
question by asking,"Do, what do you mean 'do?' There is nothing to 'do.' God has already
done it all. " Luke tells us, "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be immersed every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ in order to receive the forgiveness of your sins, and you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) The Holy Spirit, through Peter, told them
what to do. Therefore, a person must "DO" something in order to be saved!

     In Acts 16:30 Luke says the jailer asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be
saved?" Paul did not say, "Do, what do you mean do? There is nothing to 'do.' God has
already done it all. " Paul told him, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you
and your household." (v. 31) Paul  did  not  tell him to "only believe," or "believe only."
Salvation by faith alone is  not  taught  in  the  New  Testament. It is found in the mental
corridors of denominational theologians who have discarded God's plan of salvation. Paul
told him to "believe in the Lord Jesus." To "believe in the Lord Jesus" involves accepting
all conditions God has made necessary for salvation from past sins, and this includes
immersion into Christ Jesus! After Paul and Silas  spoke  the  word  of  the  Lord  to him
and those in his house (v. 32), he was immersed at once, he  and  all  his  family! (v. 33) 
It  is  after  he  and his household heard the word and were immersed that Luke tells us,
"And he rejoiced that he had believed in the God." (v. 34) Yes, a person must "do"
something in order to be saved, and when he does it, he has not earned his salvation,
neither has he vitiated or nullified the grace of God. The Bible says "he has believed in the
God."

                                                                                                                        R. Daly

Copyright 2012

"Those Who Had Believed Through Grace"

     The word "grace" (Grk. charis), in connection with God's plan of redemption for
mankind, refers to favor, or God's acts of kindness in bestowing salvation on those
who willingly submit to the conditions God's has mandated. God's grace is not
earned, neither is it deserved. God extends his grace to sinners because he wants all
people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4) Paul told
Titus, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people." Without
grace there is no salvation. Paul told the brothers and sisters in Ephesus, "by grace
you have been saved." (Eph. 2:5) Every person who has ever been saved, was saved
by the grace and mercy of the loving God.

     Yet, there are many false notions about the grace of God. Most denominational
theologians, and many among the Lord's own people misrepresent scripture's
teaching about the grace of God.  There are those who say, "Since we are saved by
grace, and inasmuch as grace is God's part, there is nothing we can or should do.
Doing something involves 'works' and we are not saved by works." This is the old
Calvinistic concept popularized by the French reformer, John Calvin, in the 1500's.
The fact is: John Calvin was wrong then, and his religious puppets are wrong now.
The Bible does not teach that salvation by grace negates the acts of obedience with
which a person must comply before God will save them. The New Testament
clearly teaches that Christ is "the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."
(Heb. 5:8-9; Mat. 7:21) Those who teach grace saves without a person rendering
full compliance to God's conditions, are guilty of not accepting all the Bible teaches
on the subject of salvation.

     Others  teach  the  concept  that  since  grace   is  extended to all people, those
who die in denominational error, and those who die as disobedient children of God,
may be received into heaven on the day of judgment. This doctrine is as smooth as
molasses, as sweet as honey, and as comforting as a summer breeze. But there is
a major problem with it; God's word teaches it is not true! Paul asked the Romans,
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may increase? By no
means! How shall those of us who died to sin live in it any longer?" (Rom. 6:1-2)
Grace is not designed to give hope to anyone who dies in defiance of God and
his word. It provides a way out of sin, into the kingdom of God, and finally a way
into heaven when time is no more. Grace does this by teaching us how to live. "The
grace of God has appeared, teaching us..." (Titus 2:11-12)

     An interesting statement was made by Luke when he wrote about the work of
Apollos among the brothers and sisters in Achaia. He said Apollos "greatly helped
those who had believed through grace." (Acts 18:27) How had they "believed
through grace?" Everything that God had done (sending his unique Son to die on
the cross (Jno. 3:16); providing for the establishment of his congregation (Eph.
3:8-11); sending the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles in their work of preaching
the saving gospel (Jno. 16:13; Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:18,21); and giving
commands to be obeyed in order to have forgiveness of sins (Mat. 28:19; Acts 2:38;
Rom. 6:3-4) was an act of grace. When the people in Achaia obeyed the gospel of
God, the very grace that was manifested through all that God did was the means by
which they became believers, for it was the God of grace who saved them!

                                                                                                                   R. Daly

Copyright 2012

More Advice To Young Preachers

     Prepare yourself to defend the truth. Not everyone has the knowledge, disposition,
or skill to be an effective public debater, but all of us can learn to give "an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have." (1 Pet. 3:15) You
will not always have the full support from every member of the congregation with
which you work as evangelist, but you do not need such to be ready for the defense of
the gospel. (Phil. 1:16) You are God's servant and God says "Fight the good fight of
the faith." (1 Tim. 6:12) God also says we should, "be contending for the faith once
for all delivered to the holy people." (Jude 3) You will always have people who say
"debates are simply mean spirited contests." Others will say debates "never do any
good." Jesus, Paul, and Apollos were debaters! Many people were brought to the
Lord as a result of Paul's debates. (Acts 17:1-4, 10-12) Luke tells us that Apollos
was a great help to the brothers and sisters in Achaia, "For he vigorously refuted
his Jewish opponents in public debate." (Acts 18:27-28) Do not try to make a name
for yourself as a defender of the truth. Always glorify God! Study, study, study, and
learn to reason through the text. Think logically and keep your explanations simple.
Remember, every issue does not need debating. Do not waste precious time debating
matters of mere opinion or judgment. The substantive issues are important and
should be thoroughly examined.

     Do not be afraid to differ with fellow preachers if necessary. Do not swallow
everything that every preacher, elder, editor, or professor says. Some preachers are
not studious, but they choose to "go with the flow." Always "examine the scriptures
daily to see if the things taught are so." (Acts 17:11) If another preacher proclaims
something that contradicts God and his word, reject what he says without apology!
"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,
because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 Jno. 4:1) If a fellow
preacher says something that is not true or is questionable, ask him for the proof
from scripture. If he is a friend of God, he will get glad; if he is a friend of the devil,
he will get mad. Whether he gets mad or glad never hesitate to ask for "book, chapter,
and verse." (1 Pet. 4:11) It is important not to go  looking  for  a  "fight,"  but you
shouldn't run if it is necessary to fight. (1 Tim. 6:12) 

     Pray unceasingly. (Acts 2:42; Col. 4:2) Never begin or end a day without fervent
prayer. Jesus and the apostles prayed often. Paul requested the brothers and sisters in
Ephesus to pray that he "will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."
(Eph. 6:19) Preachers of the gospel are soldiers of Christ and God will provide help
in our work if we humbly ask him to assist us. A  preacher  who  does not pray is a
preacher who will not remain strong, grow, or stay in the battle for truth. He will
have no incentive to do so, because he fails to communicate with God, the source of
his strength.

     Never use the pulpit or pen to destroy people or to vent personal resentment 
for those who hate you. Preachers who promote  righteousness  will  have  enemies,
but we must not allow them to make us hate them, for if we do, we will rot from the
inside out. We as preachers are seeking to destroy "strongholds" and "we demolish
arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and
we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor. 10:4-5) We want
the  people  to  be  saved   and   we   accomplish   this   without  being  quarrelsome.
(2 Tim. 2:24-26)   Always have the best interest  of   people  at heart, but "hate  the
clothing stained by corrupted flesh." (Jude 22-23)

     Use  accurate  modern  English  translations  that  convey  the  words  of God
in a way that people understand.  The  preacher  is  a  teacher  and  this necessitates
the understandability of both the translation he uses and the message he preaches. A
teacher fails if no one learns because of the complexity of his message. Shame on us
if we believe scholarship is deliberately preaching over the heads of the people. The
recorded sermons of the Jesus and the apostles were powerful, profound, and simple!
They are perfect models of how to do our work. (2 Tim. 4:1-5) Do not preach any
sermon until you understand it. Now, ask yourself if the people will understand it.
Aim for  scripturality and understandability. (Eph. 3:4; 5:17)

     Learn to appreciate the work of your predecessors, but do not believe one
thing just because they believed and taught it.  (Acts 17:11; Heb. 13:7) I admire
the men who called for a return to the Bible during period known as the restoration
movement. I appreciate Alexander Campbell's ability as a debater, J.W. McGarvey's
scholarship, Ben Franklin's consistency, courage, and clarity of thought. Yet, neither
of them is the standard of authority in religion. Some people are so enamored with
the restoration movement, that they spend more time analyzing the lives, times, and
writings of Campbell, McGarvey, Franklin, and Lipscomb than they do  studying
the writings of the apostles of Christ. Our faith does not rest on the wisdom of men,
but on the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:5) All of the men who lived and preached during
the restoration movement were fallible. They made many mistakes and taught some
things that were wrong. The same is true today. We must not defend or excuse any of
the errors the so-called restorers believed and practiced anymore than we should
defend preachers today who believe in premillenialism, the personal indwelling of
the Holy Spirit, the acceptability of mechanical instrumental music in worship, etc.
The  fact  that  some  of  those  who believed and taught  error  were in the early
stages of making a clean break from denominationalism, is no excuse for the fact
that they taught error. Any religious error from any source must be rejected.
                                                                                 
                                                                                                                     R. Daly

Copyright 2012 




         

1st and 2nd Timothy: Advice To Young Preachers

     In the mid to late 60's A.D. Paul wrote two letters to a young evangelist 

whose name was Timothy. They contain some profound wisdom from Paul 

to Timothy, that would serve him well along life's way after Paul had taken 

his exodus from the land of the earthly living.

     I have known several men through the years who have been dear friends 

and advisers to me.  Sometimes they told me things that were like bitter weed 

at the time, but they were meant for my well-being. By the grace of God, I have 

lived long enough that I am now able to pass along some things that I have 

learned to young preachers. 

     Be a worker. (2 Tim. 2:15) Never be ashamed of the gospel. It is the 

message of salvation. (Rom. 1:16) Be prepared to rise during the early hours 

of  the morning, or to study into the late hours of the night in order to fill the 

mind with the word of the living God. "Study long and study deep." Take 

nothing for granted and be thorough in your research. Examine every possible 

avenue of understanding in your analysis of a word, phrase, sentence, verse, 

etc. When you "lock down" the meaning, put it in your head. Remember, an 

evangelist is a worker. (2 Tim. 4:5)

     Read scripture. (1 Tim. 4:13) Be devoted to public and private reading. 

Read, read, and read again. Reading will keep your mind fresh and you will 

always have a reservoir of information for those you serve. If you are not 

widely read, you will grow stale and you will experience burnout. But, more 

importantly, have an intimate familiarity with the book on which you stake 

your life! 

     Learn to speak clearly, distinctly, and emphatically. Many of us

began preaching "race horse style." We were nervous and the main thing

on our mind was standing up, speaking up, shutting up, and sitting down,

often at the expense of  good diction and clarity. Slow down and speak

up in order to be heard and understood. When Peter addressed the people

on the day of Pentecost, he "stood up with the eleven, raised his voice

and addressed the crowd." (Acts 2:14) We must teach people in order

that they may learn, and they will learn if they understand what we are

saying. Slow down and pronounce your words clearly.

     Commit as much of God's word to memory as possible. You will

not always be in a position have a copy of the Bible in hand, but you should 

strive to have it in head. You should not memorize scripture in order to

dazzle an audience with your own accomplishments, but memorization

is  expedient and useful, and  it  enables  the  preacher  to  conserve  time   

in delivery. Placing God's word in the heart also enables a person to be

upright before God. The psalmist wrote, "I have treasured your word in

my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11)

     Keep your sermons simple and relatively brief. Simplicity is one

of the keys to all successful teaching. Some preachers have taken pride

in the fact that they are "preachers' preachers." Such is not good! We 

should learn from Jesus and his apostles that truth is to be taught in an

understandable manner. Jesus frequently used parables as a means to 

convey God's truths. (Mat. 13) Why? They were both simple and memorable.

Neither Jesus nor his apostles tried to teach over the heads of the multitudes.

It is also a fact that "the mind will not absorb more than the body can

tolerate," so keep the sermons relatively brief.

     Do not participate in "preacher gossip." Preachers are some of the
most notorious gossipers on earth. One of the reasons for this is, many
preachers travel throughout the country in meetings and they hear a lot,
see a lot, and know a lot. As a result they are overcome by the "can't
wait to tell it bug." Many preachers also think of preaching as a
"competitive sport" rather than the work of God. Therefore, they seek
to belittle and cast aspersion on those they deem to be competitors. This
is shameful and should be avoided at all costs. Use your mouth in the
classroom and the pulpit, not on the telephone, computer, and breakfast
table to spread the latest news. Remember, if gossip is brought to you
about someone else, it will be taken from you to someone else! A dog
that will bring a bone will take a bone. Guaranteed! The Bible says to
avoid those who gossip. (Prov. 20:19)      

 

     Forget about lining up with "brotherhood" positions. Make it your 

goal to be fiercely loyal to the truth. "Buy the truth and do not sell it; get 

wisdom, instruction, and understanding." (Prov. 23:23) The only person in
whom you should have one hundred percent confidence is God, and the
only "position" you should hold is the one that aligns with truth! Avoid
sectarian philosophy by refusing to "line up" with men and movements.
(1 Cor. 1:11-13) Be an independent thinker. Do not believe anything  
just because a friend believes it, and do not reject anything  just because
an enemy believes it. Go wherever truth leads! Follow the trail of evidence.
Nothing but the facts; only the facts.

     Be wise in selecting commentaries. Do not focus on commentary 

"sets" per se. Most sets are highly uneven in quality. Carefully pick the 

individual volumes on particular biblical books. Furthermore, give high 

priority to exegetical commentaries, that is, those that explain the text 

and examine it lexically, contextually, and grammatically. I do not want 

a commentary to necessarily agree with me, but I want it to make me 

think my way through the text. Do not turn to commentaries as your first 

"court of appeal." Delve into the text itself. First try to determine what
you see in a passage. Attempt to draw your own conclusions before
you seek out a commentator's point of view.

     If possible learn the biblical languages. Not everyone can or will 

become an expert in Hebrew and Greek, but most preachers can either 

learn the basics of the biblical languages or at least learn how to use the 

fundamental reference works that are available. No, you don't need to 

learn Hebrew and Greek to go to heaven. But since our heavenly Father 

chose those languages as the means of conveying his will to humanity, it 

would seem that one would want to know something about them. It may 

also enable a preacher to avoid making some of the common mistakes often

observed, such as etymologizing for word meaning, lexical overloading, 

condemning modern translations when they differ with the KJV, misusing 

Hebrew and Greek grammars and lexicons, etc.

     Never be ashamed to say, "I am wrong" when you are wrong. 

Pride is a destroyer of self, friendships, and the soul. (Prov. 16:18) 

Sometimes people will point out a fault or sin just to embarrass you or 

because they are being eaten from the inside out by jealousy. Be man 

enough to admit the fault. Make the necessary correction and move ahead. 

If their motives are not pure, even though they might have embarrassed 

you, it will be God who gets the last word! He knows peoples' hearts and 

your adversaries will have no escape. The Lord's apostles had critics, but 

they did not allow that to stop them. (Phil. 1:15; 2 Tim. 4:14-18)

     As a general rule, avoid  "preachers' " meetings, breakfasts,
luncheons, etc. Very often they evolve into opportunities to consume
more than what's on the plate. If half the people are half as bad as most
preachers say, it seems that instead of talking about it, they would get
up and go help the people overcome their weaknesses and sins. Spend
your time diligently studying God's word and helping the people you
should love. Help them overcome the obstacles they face on the road
to eternity. (Gal. 6:1)

     Never entertain resentment for other preachers. We are all
needed in the Lord's service. We all approach things differently and
our knowledge varies. I refuse to be jealous of another man. If I am
envious of him, I am rebelling against God, for it is God who has
blessed my fellow preachers with their ability. Rejoice in the ability
of others and perfect your ability. If you spend time honing your skills,
you will not have time to sit idly and resent others! (Gal. 5:19-26)

     Avoid institutional thinking regarding the local congregation.
The local congregation is God's appointed "group" to perform the work
he has assigned her. (1 Tim. 3:15; 5:16) Shun the idea that the well-being
of the congregation is dependent on men and papers, or colleges and
universities. The well being of the local congregation is dependent on the
Lord's blessings and her adherence to his inerrant word! God has given
her an all-sufficient arrangement (Phil. 1:1); guide (Jas. 1:25; 2 Pet. 1:3);
worship (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1Cor. 11:17-26; Eph. 5:19); and mission
(2 Cor.11:8; Phil. 4:14-17; 1 Thess.1:8) No human arrangement or
society is her equal! Defend God's plan against any and every
unauthorized human scheme. Do not expect to have many true friends
when you stand for the truth. Cherish those who are proven friends,
and remember, God is the friend who is larger than the world!

     Develop a hobby. Learn to get away from things sometimes.
The Lord was a fisherman. He loved the wilderness and would often
get on the water . A change of pace is good for one's face, for the race
we are running, and for one's faith as it shows us the variety in Yahweh's
creation. When you resume your routine after having "taken a breather,"
you will be fresher than a rose bouquet that's one minute old, and ready
like a race horse to leave the gate!

     Practice habits that are conducive to good health. The preacher's
mind is a terrible thing to waste. "Water is nature's beverage and honey
is nature's sweetener," so consume a lot of both if you are not allergic to
them! Eat large amounts of  fruits and vegetables, especially those that
are high in antioxidants. Blueberries, pomegranates, apples, pears, nuts,
bananas, whole grain cereal, etc. Seek out sources that are high in
vitamins C and E along with the mineral zinc. You will not regret it! Do
all you can to preserve and strengthen your mind. It is your "workshop."
Pray constantly. (Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17) Remember, stress is a killer.
(Prov. 14:30; 15:13; 17:22)

     Do not be a braggart. Be humble and unassuming. (1 Cor. 13:4)
You do not need to blow a trumpet about your academic attainments.
People will know your capabilities by your conversation, writings,
preaching, etc. A person is not a scholar merely on the basis of
academics. There are men and women with PhD's who have trouble
understanding Jno. 3:16; Acts 2:38; Eph. 5:19 and many other texts.
Scholarship indicates depth of thought, thoroughness of research,
originality, and unflinching loyalty to the truth.
                                                                                                RD

Copyright 2011 

Radicalism

     A radical is a person who goes to extremes, or one who seeks revolutionary changes,
whether they are political, social, or religious in nature. Radicalism refers to the beliefs,
doctrines, and practices of radicals. It is important to "speak where scripture speaks and
to be silent where scripture is silent." (1 Pet. 4:11) It is never right to go beyond the
teaching of God's word. (1 Cor. 4:6) We should not allow human emotions, tradition,
like or dislike for men or movements to cause us to become extremists. It is possible
for  both  "liberal"  and  "conservative"  thinkers  to  be  proponents  of  radicalism. A
conservative  radical  is  as  dangerous  and  undesirable  as   a  liberal radical. Neither
recognizes  the  proper  balance  in  their  approach  to   issues. Both  are  driven by a  
unidirectional approach that is based on extremism.

     For  instance, the  radical  liberal  goes too far with scripture's teaching about the
mercy of God. They see the mercy of God as the means by which a person who dies out
of Christ, might have hope of being received into heaven after the resurrection and
judgment. They even go to the extreme of teaching that a child of God who dies in a
state of unfaithfulness might have hope because God is "rich in mercy." There is no
doubt  that  God  is  "rich in mercy"  because the Bible says so. (Eph. 2:5) Scripture
teaches that we are saved by mercy. (Titus 3:5) But the radical liberal sees mercy as
doing something that God never promised. Where does God's word teach that God
will allow a person who dies in rebellion to him to enter heaven? Actually, God says,
"Or do  you  not  know  that  wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?"
(1 Cor. 6:9)

     Consider the following: It is a known fact that both Ananias and his wife Sapphira
lied to the Holy Spirit and died as the result of their attempted deception. (Acts 5:1-11)
Will their sin be erased in the judgment because of God's mercy? Why not apply the
radical liberal's view of God's mercy to them as well as others who die in sin? God
himself has already spoken as to the eternal destiny of Ananias and Sapphira. "All liars
will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Rev.
21:8, NIV-2011) Neither the radical liberal nor anyone else has the right to speak falsely
for God. (Job 13:7,RSV) The radical liberal opens the gate too wide. They are too far to
the left.

     The radical conservative makes a similar mistake. They also go to extremes but
in a different direction. The conservative rightly teaches that the local congregation's
work is preaching and defending the gospel (1 Tim. 3:15); providing benevolence for
believers who are destitute (1 Cor. 16:2),  and  worshiping  God  (1 Cor. 11:17-34). 
Therefore,  the conservative correctly reasons that the congregation has no authority
to build and maintain facilities for political, secular, and worldly entertainment purposes.
But the radical conservative goes a step further and denies that the meetinghouse could
be used as a place to feed hungry believers. They would say that any and all "eating
in the building" is unauthorized. They  have  missed  the  mark. The  building  is
authorized  as  a  place in which to assemble and worship (Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25),
and as a place for the congregation to meet, discuss, and perform it's work within the
realm of expediency. (Acts 6:1-6;14:27; 1 Tim. 5:16) It may not always be expedient
or advantageous to feed needy believers in the meetinghouse, but such is not necessarily
wrong. The New Testament teaches that the local congregation may provide food for it's
needy members. (Acts 6:1-4) The food may be paid for with money from the treasury.
The place where the food will be served to hungry believers may be provided by
money  from  the  treasury,  and  that  place  may  be  the  meetinghouse  of  the
congregation without any violation of scripture. The radical conservative goes
too far to the right and the radical liberal goes too far to the left. If one goes too
far to the right or left they have gone in the wrong direction! Disaster is the result.

                                                                                                                     R Daly
Copyright 2012
 

What Is The "Name" of The Lord's Church?

     The title of this article is a question that I have been asked several times. The answer
must be given on the basis of the teaching of God's word, and not according to human
tradition, opinion, and denominational and sectarian thought. Those who seek truth must
look to the scriptures, for only they have been breathed out by God. (2 Tim. 3:16-17;
1 Cor. 2:13) The person who speaks should do so as one who speaks the very words of
God, without addition, subtraction, or any modification whatsoever! (1 Cor. 4:6;
1 Pet. 4:11) The Bible is right!

     The fact is, the New Testament does not give any "proper name" for the Lord's
congregation. What we do find are descriptive words and phrases that give us details
about God's people. The details tell us about  the  people  themselves  who  comprise 
the body of Christ, or they tell us  about  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit  who 
possess  the  saved, or they tell us about some relationship that deity and the
people sustain to one another.

     The word that is used most of the time in the New Testament to refer to the people
of God is ekklesia. It means "congregation, assembly, or group." It is used 114 times in
the Greek New Testament. Jesus promised to build his congregation (Matthew 16:18). He
is the head of the body which is the congregation of the saved. (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18,24)
The congregation that Jesus promised to build is comprised of all the saved, living and dead,
who have obeyed the gospel of the Messiah since the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:41,47;
Hebrews 12:23)

     The New Testament uses the phrase "congregation of God" to describe the saved. This
tells us that they are God's group, that is, it is God's congregation. (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:13)
In the letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the
congregations of Christ send greetings." (Rom. 16:16) Instead of being a proper name,
the phrase "congregations of Christ" informs us that they are "of" Christ, that is, they are
Christ's congregations. They belong to him and honor him as their Master. His blood
acquired them. (Acts 20:28) We even read about "the congregation of the Thessalonians."
(1 Thess. 1:1) This congregation existed among people in Thessalonica, and accordingly
it was made up of Thessalonians.

     Let us not assume that since the New Testament does not ascribe a proper name to the
Lord's congregation, that any "descriptive phrase" is acceptable to God. For instance, the denominational names such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Jehovah's Witness,
Episcopal, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic are wrong because they are not explicitly or
implicitly authorized by the New Testament as designations for God's people. They are
"names" or phrases that honor men or movements. They do not honor God! They resulted
from a departure from God's one way of doctrine, worship, organization, and practice.
(Mat. 15:13-14)       

     There is great spiritual satisfaction to be derived from simply "speaking as scripture
speaks and being silent where scripture is silent." (1 Pet. 4:11) Let us not go beyond what
is written. (1 Cor. 4:6) There is joy from remaining in the teaching of Christ. (2 Jno. 9-11)
If  we hold these things dear in our hearts, we will always seek to do things God's way, for
in  doing so, not only are we safe but we are also right!
                                                                                                                             R. Daly
Copyright 2012

The Book Of Acts

     The title "Acts of the Apostles" (Praxeis Apostolon) appears in P-74 (Papyrus
74), a 7th century fragment located in Geneva. Manuscripts Sinaiticus, Vaticanus,
and Bezae Cantabrigiensis from the 4th to 6th centuries also have the title of the book
as  "Acts."

     The book of Acts is undeniably a critical book of historical value in understanding
the New Testament. God through the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit is its
author, and Luke  is  the  penman  of  this  marvelous  document.  In  general  most
theologically conservative scholars date the writing of the book from the early to mid
60's AD. The books of Luke and Acts share several similarities in style, and for good
reason; they were written by the same individual.

     A close reading of the book of Acts reveals the following points of emphasis
throughout the text:

     The work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles. Jesus had promised the apostles
that the Holy Spirit would be sent from heaven to teach them, to remind them, and to
guide them into all the truth. (Jno. 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:13) He began doing these
things on the day of Pentecost and continued throughout their work on the earth.
(Acts 2:1-5, 43; 4:31; 5:32; 8:18; 13:8-12, et.al.) In Acts, Luke shows the Holy Spirit
supernaturally enabling the apostles to perform miracles, defend the gospel, rebuke
error, interpret the intent of peoples' hearts, address rulers, etc. The Holy Spirit enabled
them to do their work flawlessly!

     The style and content of apostolic preaching. The book of Acts portrays the
apostles as courageous men who fearlessly proclaimed the gospel. We never see the
apostles depicted as doctrinally weak, timid, and soft compromisers with the religionists
of their day! On the great day of Pentecost Peter is described as a man who "stood up
with the eleven" and "raised his voice and addressed the crowd." (Acts 2:14) The word
"addressed" translates apophthengomai and it means contextually, "to speak out, to
declare boldly or loudly." Peter and John are described as having courage. (Acts 4:13)
They publicly declared the need to obey God rather than human beings. (Acts 5:29)
They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah,
even in view of physical mistreatment. (Acts 5:40-42) When Paul obeyed the gospel
of God, even he "at once began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of
God." (Acts 9:19-20) He spoke boldly. (Acts 9:28) The apostles, unlike many today,
did not befriend those who were enemies of the cross! They showed no tolerance for
any of the religious sects of their day. Their allegiance was to the Lord Jesus!

     The preaching of the kingdom of God receives prominence in the book of Acts.
The phrase 'kingdom of God" refers to God's reign or rule administered through the
word of truth. This reign is over people who are in Christ, and it is through Jesus the
Messiah that the reign is effected. (Mat. 28:18; 1 Cor. 15:24-27; Eph. 1:22-23)  Another
word used in the book of Acts to refer to the people who are subject to God's reign
is the word ekklesia (congregation, assembly, church). The book of Acts acknowledges
the existence of God's congregation in Acts 2:41,47. This was the result of God's
planning (Eph. 3:11), Christ executing (Eph. 3:11-12), and the Holy Spirit's revealing
(Eph. 3:5). Luke tells us in chapter 8 about Philip proclaiming the good news of the
kingdom. (Acts 8:12) He said Paul also argued persuasively about the kingdom of God.
(Acts 19:8) The other apostles did the same. There is no indication that the apostles
adhered to the "preach Christ not the church" philosophy so prevalent today. They
understood that in religion you do not separate the head from the body! (Eph. 1:22-23;
4:4)

     Numerous accounts of conversion. The curtain unfolds with the conversion of
Jews and converts to Judaism. They "repented and were immersed in order to receive
forgiveness of sins." (Acts 2:38) In doing so, they left Judaism and became followers
of Jesus Christ. They continually devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, not to
that of Moses and the prophets. More and more men and women believed and were
added to the Lord. (Acts 5:14) Later Simon himself believed and was immersed, along
with others in Samaria who heard the preaching of Philip. (Acts 8:12-13) Luke records
the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch. He likewise believed and was immersed. As
the result of obeying the Lord his sins were forgiven. (Acts 8:26-40) Saul, later known
as Paul also believed and was immersed in order to have his sins forgiven. (Acts 9:18;
22:16) The same is true of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-48), Lydia (Acts 16:13-15), the
jailer (Acts 16:29-34), those of Berea (Acts 17:10-12), the Corinthians (Acts 18:7-8),
and the men of Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7).  The teachings of  denominationalism that
a person is justified by faith only (Jas. 2:24), saved by grace only (Eph. 2:8-9), and
consequently may join the church of his choice (Mat. 16:18; Rom. 16:16) has no
basis in the holy scriptures!

     Local  congregations  were  organized  to  accomplish  the work  that  God
assigned. There was a congregation of Christ in Jerusalem. (Acts 6:1-7) Elders were
appointed in Jerusalem when men were qualified. (Acts 15:2,4,6,22) The disciples in
Judea  also  had  elders. (Acts 11:30)  The  congregation  in  Ephesus  had  elders.
(Acts 20:17,28) Elders were appointed in other congregations who had men qualified
to do the work of overseeing the flock of God. (Acts 14:23)  The congregations
sent men out to preach the gospel and provided financial support for their work.
(Acts 15:3,22). They also provided benevolence for the members who were in need.
(Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30). They  provided opportunities to come together and worship
God. (Acts 2:42; 20:7) God was glorified through their work and they were edified.
(Acts 20:32) None of the relatively modern denominational efforts, organizations, and
officers were needed for them to do exactly what God led them to do under the guidance
of the apostles! No popes, cardinals, presidents, vice presidents, presiding bishops,
ministerial alliances, "socio-religious" clubs and societies,  missionary societies, and no
human organizations stood between the congregations and the work that God had
appointed them to do. There were no synods, conferences, inter or intra congregational
organizations that existed. The spiritual growth and stability of the congregations were
not dependent on any colleges, universities, or other human societies. The congregations
were independent  (their  existence  was  not  dependent on any other organization or
group.) They were autonomous (they "governed" themselves by applying the commands
and principles taught in God's word.) They simply did their work the way God intended
and were continually blessed in doing so. These are the things that are prominently seen
in the book of Acts.
                                                                                                            R. Daly

Copyright 2012 

Believers Marrying Unbelievers

     Though  it  is  not  always  wise,  it  is  not  inherently  sinful  for a believer to marry
an unbeliever. The New Testament does not explicitly state, nor does it imply that such a
marriage is sinful. Therefore, we must be cautious not to make laws that God did not 
make. To do so is itself sinful. "There is one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to
save and to destroy. But you, who are you, the one judging your neighbor?" (James 4:12)
God is the lawgiver and judge! When we makes laws for God we impeach his perfect
wisdom, and we meddle in an area that is off limits for human beings. I can think of a
number of reasons why a Christian should marry a faithful member of Christ's body, but
I refuse to formulate a law that says it is sinful for a Christian to marry an unbeliever.
There are certain  believers  who  should  not  marry  other  believers  because  they
lack the qualities that are conducive to a successful marriage.

     Paul wrote, "To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is
an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman
has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not
divorce him." (1 Cor. 7:12-13, ESV) Some people argue that this refers to a marriage
that occurred while they were both unbelievers. I ask, "So what?" It doesn't matter. The
fact is, Paul said the believing mate is "not to divorce him/her." If the relationship is inherently
wrong, how can they remain married? Paul goes on to say, "For the unbelieving husband
has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through
her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy."
(1 Cor. 7:14, NIV-2011) The unbelieving husband or wife "sanctified" through the
believing wife or husband? Yes, that is exactly what Paul wrote. The unbelieving mate is
not "sanctified" in the sense of being consecrated in the Lord, that is a Christian and saved.

     A  person  becomes  a  Christian  by  obeying  the  gospel  of  Christ.  (Mat. 28:19;
1 Cor. 12:13;  Acts 11:26) The word from which "sanctified" is translated is used in a
specialized sense. In this text the meaning is the unbelieving mate is in an acceptable
union, and the unbeliever is acceptable as a mate. God  accepts the marriage as a
legitimate relationship. The word  "sanctified"  (Grk. hagiazo),  in  the  context  of
1 Cor. 7  connotes  to be "accepted or acknowledged" by God as being in an approved
state (marriage) with a Christian, a child of God. A believer, if faithful to the Lord,  who is
married to an unbeliever, wields a powerful influence for good, and to the extent that the
unbeliever yields to the mate's life of holiness, they are "set apart" for each other in the
marriage. If the relationship is not acceptable to God, the children born in the union
would be unclean, but they are "holy" (consecrated, that is, legitimate).  (1 Cor. 7:14) 

     Some teach 2 Cor. 6:14-16 forbids a believer marrying an unbeliever. The context of
the passage discusses an "unequal yoke," namely, "Christ and Belial," "the temple of God
with idols," and the like. A marriage between a believer and an unbeliever is not necessarily
an unequal yoke, anymore than a believer being employed by an unbeliever is an unequal
yoke. The unequal yoke Paul discusses must be dissolved, for he says, "Therefore go out
from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord..." (2 Cor. 6:17) Yet, he tells
the believers who are married to unbelievers in 1 Cor. 7 not to separate from or divorce
their mates.

     There are many reasons why a believer should not consider an unbeliever as a first
choice for a mate. For example, a person should marry someone who will help create an
atmosphere conducive to growth and stability in the home, and who can encourage both
partners to seek heaven as an eternal home. Nevertheless, care must be taken not to make
and bind laws that Yahweh has not made!  He  has  made  no  law  forbidding  marriage
between believers and unbelievers.
                                                                                                                       R. Daly

Copyright 2012

Nations That Forget God

     Psalm 9:17 says, "The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that
forget God." (NIV-2011) The word translated "nations" is the Hebrew word goy, and
it means "nation or people."  No  nation  is  so strong militarily, financially, politically, or
socially that it will continue to stand  if  it  defies  the  will of Almighty God! There have
been  several  large  and  powerful  empires  and kingdoms of days gone by, that were
thought to be invincible, but they met their demise when things  got  so  bad  that  there
was no conscience and no turn around in sight. Ancient Babylon, Greece, and Rome
are examples of  "Oh, how the mighty have fallen." We learn from history that there are
several telltale signs that the road leading to an ultimate fall is being traveled. What are
some of the signs that indicate a nation is traveling the road leading to destruction?

     First, when it forgets God! This is seen when those who are its leaders have little if
any concern for governing according to principles of righteousness and fairness. Instead,
they are seekers of pleasure, hungry for corruptly obtained wealth, and they seek the
good-will of human beings rather than God. No nation is stronger than those who lead
it. Leaders tend to be the "voice" for the people, especially in a society that elects its
leaders. People generally elect leaders who reflect their political, social, and religious
beliefs. Something  is  amiss when a nation disregards principles of righteousness and
elects leaders based on race, intellect, or in order to send a message, instead of right and
wrong. Principles of right and wrong should be the guiding light in all situations.

     Second, a nation is traveling the road to destruction when it devalues human life. There
is nothing that magnifies this attitude more than the practice of abortion. Abortion is the
murder of innocent unborn human beings! Life begins at conception. What has an unborn
baby done to deserve death? We often hear people say, "It's about the mother's rights."  
No, it's about the baby's life! No nation that murders its own innocent people can
survive the wrath of God. Murdering unborn children is the taking of innocent life. One
thing that should bother us is the fact that generally speaking, relatively few of God's own
people realize the seriousness of abortion. Some even cringe when abortion is condemned
as sinful. God teaches us that the attitude underlying such a senseless act is inexcusable
and wrong! (1 Tim. 1:8-11) Where is the same clear, emphatic, and bold denunciation
of abortion as there is of sins of a doctrinal and moral nature? There's a dead cat on the
line somewhere! 

     Third, a nation's demise is forthcoming when God's law of morality and marriage is
disregarded. God's  word  clearly  teaches  that  the  sins  of  bestiality, adultery, child
exploitation and molestation, lesbianism, rape, and homosexuality will end in hell unless
those who practice such things repent. (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Rev. 21:8) Sexual sins are not
only addictive, but they are also destructive to one's body, mind, soul, and society.
Who would have believed that this nation would "progress" to the point that lawmakers
would support same sex marriages and civil unions? A person cannot believe the Bible
and support, accept, and defend same sex marriages! God joins an eligible man and
woman in marriage. He does not join those of the same gender! (Mat. 19:1-9) Yet,
many of those who accept and defend such are "religious" people. This proves that many
people have no real concept of God teaches about true religion. To them religion is just a
"belief system." Atheism is a belief system, and it is corrupt to the core!

     In order to survive, people must seek God by reading his word, loving his will,  and
practicing righteous principles. There is no other acceptable way. Nations that forget God
will perish!
                                                                                                               R. Daly

Copyright 2012

Where's The Choir?

      Those  who  visit  the  assemblies  of  the Lord's people sometimes ask, "Where's
the Choir?" They are astonished that faithful congregations of Christ seek to tenaciously
adhere  to  the  teaching  of  the  apostles when  they  worship  God  in  spirit and truth.
(Jno. 4:24; Acts 2:42) The New Testament does constitute a "pattern" and we must be
careful to do only  what  it  authorizes. (Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11)  This  brings  us to the
reason  we  do  not  see  choirs, choruses, duets, solos,  trios,  quintets, sextets, or
any  other  kinds  of  "tets" singing  to  or  performing  for faithful congregations when
they are assembled for worship. The New Testament does not authorize such things.
If you believe these things are authorized, I ask, "Where is the passage that warrants
choirs, choruses,  duets,  soloists, and  the  like  to  sing  to  or perform for the local
congregation?"

     Paul wrote "to the holy people and faithful brothers and sisters at Colossae" and said,
"whatever you 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) Before an act can be right in God's sight it
must be authorized, or done "in the name of the Lord Jesus." We do a thing in the name
of our Lord when he authorizes it by means of a direct statement, approved apostolic
example, or implication in the sacred text. For instance, by direct statement we learn
that people are to be immersed in order to receive forgiveness of their sins. (Acts 2:38)
By apostolic example we learn that water is the element in which one is to be immersed.
(Acts 8:36-39; 10:47) By implication, that is, a necessary or logical conclusion, we learn
that when a person is immersed in water in order to have his sins pardoned, he becomes
a Christian and a member of the body of Christ. (Mat. 28:19; Acts 11:26)

     There is no direct statement in the New Testament that tells us a choir is to  perform
for a congregation with God's approval. There is no apostolic example that shows us that
a choir did perform for a congregation with God's approval. Neither is there a passage that 
implies  a choir  may perform  for  a congregation assembled to worship God. Therefore
there  is  no divine authority for choirs,  choruses,  and  "special"  singing  groups  in  our
congregational worship. When we "gather together in congregation" (1 Cor. 11:17-18),
we " speak to one another" and "teach and admonish one another," as we sing and make
melody with our hearts to the Lord. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)  The "group" that God tells to
sing is the congregation. Singing is an act of worship and  is to be a  corporate  experience;
an  act  in  which  the  voice  of  every  man, woman, boy, and  girl is lifted up to Yahweh.
We do not sing for show or entertainment! "Where's the choir?" You won't find one in the
congregations of Christ that are faithful!
                                                                                                               Ron Daly
Copyright 2012


    
 

"Why Have You Forsaken Me?"

     "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lema
sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' " (Matthew
27:46, ESV)

     It is commonly believed by many religionists, that Jesus' statement indicates God
abandoned or turned his back on his Son, because Jesus while on the cross, took on
the sins of the whole world, and thereby became the greatest sinner the world has ever
known.

     First, let us consider the following facts: (1) Jesus said he and the Father are one,
that is, harmonious in work and purpose. (Jno. 10:30; 5:17) Is it conceivable that the
Father would abandon or desert his own Son with whom he was working harmoniously
or  as  one?  (2)  Jesus  said  he  came  to do  and  always did the will of his Father.
(Jno. 5:19; 8:29) This shows he was perfectly obedient to his Father. Is it possible that
the Father would abandon one who obeyed him in every respect? (3) The Father always
heard the Son. (Jno. 11:42) This indicates that God always approved of him. Therefore
Jesus was righteous. Is it even in the realm of possibility that the Father would desert one
whom he approved and who was righteous? (4) The Son always pleased the Father.
(Jno. 8:29) This proves the Father and the Son were in perfect fellowship. The Father
was "well pleased" with the Son. (Mat. 17:5) Is it conceivable that the Father would
abandon one who was in perfect fellowship with him, and was well pleasing to him?
(5) The Son never sinned. Never committed a sinful act, nor did he ever entertain a
sinful thought. (Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22-23) In  view  of  the  preceding facts, is it in
harmony with the scriptures to believe God deserted his sinless and beloved Son while
he was on the cross?

     Second, while on the cross did Jesus cease being "one" with the Father? Did he stop
doing the will of the Father and become a disobedient Son? Did he become unrighteous
and  thereby  meet  God's  disapproval?  Did  he  stop  pleasing  God the Father and
consequently cease having perfect fellowship with him? Did the Son of the living God
who never sinned, suddenly abandon his life of perfect holiness, and become the greatest
sinner the world has ever known? The answer to the questions above is absolutely not,
even to the bane of Calvinists.

     So, what is the significance of the Lord's cry,  "My  God,  my  God, why  have you
forsaken me?" Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1, a psalm for deliverance. It reads, "My God, my
God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words
of my groaning?" (ESV) In this psalm David cries out to God for deliverance from scornful
people (v.6); from mockers (v.7); from the bulls of Bashan, an idiom meaning the strong
ones  of  Bashan  (v.12); from dogs, a  metaphor  meaning  gang  of  evil  doers,  moral
reprobates (v.16); and  from  the  lion,  used   metaphorically   of  those  who  mercilessly
destroy  (v. 21, cf. v.13)

     We may be assured that Yahweh had not actually forsaken David because David says in
the same psalm, "You who fear Yahweh, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred
the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard,
when he cried to him." (verses 23-24, ESV, all emphasis mine, RD)

     If indeed neither David nor Jesus had been actually forsaken by Yahweh, then what is
the significance of the question, "Why have you forsaken me?" It would seem to those
who were onlookers of both the persecution of David and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,
that  God   had  abandoned David and Jesus because  he  allowed   their   enemies   to 
carry out their evil schemes.  The first line of Psalm 22:1 holds the clue to the interpretation.
"Why  are  you  so  far  from saving me, from the words of my groaning?" As Yahweh
allowed  David  to suffer, so he allowed Jesus to be  delivered  up and suffer  at the  hands
of  lawless men. (Acts 2:23) It is not as though Jesus was asking the Father for an answer
to   the  question. Both  Jesus  and  the  Father  knew  why  Jesus would die (Jno. 1:29;
Mat. 20:28; 26:28) There is very likely an element of rhetorical effect in the words Jesus
speaks; "Why have you forsaken me?" You have given me up to death that people might 
live. 

                                                                                                                       R. Daly

Copyright 2012