In this issue:
The Judgment of Christians
David Clayton
A
half truth is often one of the most effective untruths. Fixing itself
upon some element of fact, it is able to raise itself up on a foundation
which, to a superficial examination appears to be sound, and thus, it
has the potential to deceive a great many people.
One illustration of the point which I am making is where the Bible
states as a fact that Christians are not “under the law.” (Rom. 6:14).
This fact is used as a foundation for the false teaching that the law
has been abolished. Another example is where people make the false
statement: “Works have nothing to do with salvation.” Such a false
statement they base upon the truth that we are saved by grace and not by works. (Eph. 2:8).
Many Seventh-day Adventists over the past century and a half, have
had a similar problem in approaching some of the distinctive truths of
Adventism. They have focused on one facet of some truth and have become
so one-sided and unbalanced in their perception of that truth, that to
them, it has seemed to contradict some point of the Advent message. The
consequence has often been that they have ended up rejecting Adventism.
In this article, the third in our series on the Sanctuary message,
we wish to examine another of our teachings which has become a bone of
contention with some who make the claim that, “it contradicts the
scripture.” This teaching is that of the Pre-Advent Investigative
Judgment of the Righteous.
Simply stated, what this doctrine says is that before Jesus returns
to this earth to finally deliver His people, there will be, in heaven,
an investigation of the life record of every single person who ever
claimed to be a Christian, in order to determine, or in order to reveal,
whether the person was truly a Christian, or not. This investigation
will be a public investigation in the sense that all of the heavenly
hosts will be participants. This judgment includes and begins with
Christians who are already dead (from the time of Adam) and climaxes
with the judgment of living Christians in the final moments of time.
When the judgment is over, then Jesus will return to claim those who
have been revealed in the judgment to be His genuine followers.
The question is, does the Bible teach such a doctrine, or was this doctrine fabricated by the Adventist pioneers?
We believe and will demonstrate that this is a clear teaching of the
Bible in both the Old and the New Testament, and that the doctrine of
the investigative Judgment does not depend on the writings of Ellen
White, The SDA pioneers, of even on Daniel 8:14 for its foundation.
A SPECIFIC TIME APPOINTED
Let us first of all examine Acts 17:31:
“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world
in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath
given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
The first significant point which we need to notice is the fact that
God has appointed a day of judgment. It is a part of God’s plan; His
program, His timetable, that there shall be a day of judgment. It is He
who has appointed the day! Some question the need for a day of judgment,
using the following argument:
“Why is there the need for heaven to wait until a certain time to judge men? Cannot each person be judged during his lifetime?”
This question is really irrelevant. Notice, it is GOD who has
appointed a day. It is His wish, His will and wisdom which have ordained
that it shall be so. Beyond this it is neither our prerogative, nor is
it expedient that we should question.
God appointed a time for His Son to come to earth. Why at that
particular time? He appointed a day for the coming of the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost. Why at that time? God knows why. There is order and purpose
in all that He does, and so, He has appointed a day in which He will
judge the world. This is the indisputable teaching of his word.
We need to realize of course that this day of judgment is not a
literal twenty-four hour day, but is rather a prophetic day, spanning a
thousand years (2 Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4). A period of time in which God
finally settles all the issues concerning the destiny of men (a time
also referred to as “The Day of The Lord.”). Let us now examine a few
facts concerning this “Day of Judgment.”
WHO WILL BE JUDGED?
According to the text which we just examined, it is “the world” that
will be judged on that day. Does this mean the entire world, good and
bad, as well as the dead and the living? Or does it mean only the
unrighteous people who are alive in the world at the time of the
judgment? A comparison of this verse with one or two others will give us
a clear and unmistakable answer. Consider the following verses:
Rom 14:10-12 :- But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost
thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the
judgment seat of Christ. {11} For it is written, As I live, saith the
Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
{12} So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
It is not possible to misunderstand this verse. We shall ALL stand
before Christ’s JUDGMENT SEAT! We who? We Christians! We shall stand
there, as well as the unrighteous. We shall stand there, not to praise
and give thanks, but to “give an account of ourselves to God!” There can
be no question as to the intent of this verse. It is before the
judgment seat that we shall stand. A place where sentences are passed,
and evidently, where cases are examined, because there, it says, we must
“give an account (explain our actions) to God.” See how this text is
further supported by the words of Jesus in Matthew 12: 36,37:
Mat 12:36-37 :- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men
shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
{37} For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou
shalt be condemned.
Again, we see the clear teaching that there is a “day,” a specific
period of time when men must give an account of their deeds. As we are
told in Ecclesiastes 12:14, “every work” shall be brought into judgment,
with “every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil.” The
examination of the evidence will take in every detail of our lives.
Nothing will be passed over. Jesus Himself says that EVERY idle word
will be considered. Notice that the words of the righteous, as well as
those of the unrighteous will be examined. The text says, “by thy words
thou shalt be justified.” The only people who will be justified are the
righteous, so, clearly, the righteous must also give an account on that
day.
The question may be asked at this point: Are we to wait until the
day of judgment before we are justified? Does not the Bible teach in
other places that we are justified the moment we believe? The answer is,
yes. We are justified immediately when we accept Christ as Lord of our
lives. However, the process is not over. A day is appointed of God when
we shall be vindicated; when our sincerity, and the genuineness of our
conversion shall be investigated on the basis of an examination of all
our deeds, including every word we have spoken, and even, “every secret
thing.” Then, in another sense, we shall be “Justified,” or vindicated.
An examination of the Greek word which is translated “justified”
will help us to understand the matter. In the Strong’s Greek dictionary,
the word is defined as follows:
1344. dikaioo, dik-ah-yo’-o; from G1342; to render (i.e. show or
regard as) just or innocent:—free, justify (-ier), be righteous..
We see that the word not only indicates being made, or declared to
be righteous, but can also mean, to be SHOWN to be righteous as well. A
person is regarded as righteous, by God, the moment that person
“believes” in Jesus. However, this text clearly shows that there is a
future time, on the day of judgment, when a person must be SHOWN to be
righteous as well. (See also Rev. 6:9-11)
At this point, a seeming difficulty appears. This concept of a
future judgment when the saints must give an account of their deeds
seems to contradicts certain facts.
We know that when Jesus comes again, the saints will be immediately
caught up to meet Him in the air and will enter into the joys and reward
of the Lord. There will be no judgment and examination at that time. (1
Thess. 4:16,17; Matt. 24:30,31).
Will they, in heaven, be brought before the judgment seat, and
demanded to give an explanation of their actions? Clearly the answer
must be no. They will not be embarrassed in heaven by having their past
sins brought back to them in the presence of millions of other beings.
Therefore, any judgment of the saints must take place before Jesus
returns (Dan. 7:9,10). It must be pre-advent. When He comes again, those
who will be saved are already sealed and their destiny settled forever.
In the light of the above-mentioned facts, the difficulty then, is
this: How shall we “appear” at the judgment seat if the judgment takes
place before Jesus comes again? How shall we “give an account” if we are
not present to explain our actions? The answer is very simple. We give
an account, and are present at the judgment, not in person, but on the
basis of the record of our deeds, minutely recorded in the books of
heaven. I do not need to be present, because my life’s record, detailed
in those books, will demonstrate what my relationship with God was like.
In addition, my advocate, or lawyer, Jesus Christ, is present and can
argue my case far better than I ever could.
WHAT ABOUT DEAD CHRISTIANS?
2 Tim 4:1 :- “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his
kingdom;”
Two truths are taught in this verse. Firstly, that both the living
and the dead will be judged. Notice, will be judged. Their destinies are
not yet determined (except in the foreknowledge of God who knows all
things). However, at a certain time, they will be judged. We have seen
before, that this period is referred to as “The Day of Judgment,” or
“The Day of The Lord.” The timing of this day is further clarified in
this verse. It says that this judgment will take place, “at His
appearing and at His kingdom.” When is this? On the surface it may seem
that this “appearing” refers to the time when Jesus appears again in the
clouds of heaven to take His saints to heaven. But we have already seen
that this is not in harmony with other Scriptures. As we search more
closely we see that reference is made to another “appearing” of Jesus,
when He does receive a kingdom. We find this in Dan 7:9-14 :-
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days
did sit ….thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand
times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books
were opened…. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the
Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of
days, and they brought him near before him. {14} And there was given him
dominion, and glory, and a kingdom….”
In this passage we find the following truths taught:
(a) There is a judgment which takes place in heaven.
(b) Hundreds of millions of heavenly beings are present at this judgment.
(c) This judgment takes place before Jesus returns to this earth.
(d) This judgment is based on the evidence found in books.
(e) Jesus is brought before His Father (His appearing).
(f) Jesus receives an everlasting kingdom.
It should be very clear that the “appearing of Jesus, when He
receives his kingdom and judges the quick and the dead, is before He
returns to earth. This fact is further emphasized in Malachi 3:1-3 and
Luke 19:12-15.
EVIDENCE FROM PARABLES
Let us now examine one of the parables of Jesus where once again,
the truth that there will be an Investigative Judgment of the entire
Christian Church, is clearly and unmistakably taught.
In Matthew Chapter 22:1-14, Jesus told the parable of a king who
made a marriage for his son and invited certain guests (the Jews). The
guests were unworthy and murdered his servants and generally despised
the kings invitation. Finally the king sent his armies, and destroyed
them and their city (the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70). The king
then invited all to the wedding (the gospel invitation to the whole
world) and many came in, both good and bad (they became Christians).
Finally, the wedding was furnished with guests, all sitting down and
waiting for the bridegroom’s arrival. However, at this point, something
surprising happens:
Mat 22:11 :- And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
What do we see happening here? The king examines the guests! What
does this mean? Are not all these children of God? People who have
accepted the gospel invitation and become Christians? Why does God
examine (investigate) them? The answer is found in verse 14.
Mat 22:14 :- For many are called, but few are chosen.
This is the striking truth. All Christians are called, all have
responded and come into the Christian fold, but not all are true
Christians. There are wolves among the sheep, there are tares among the
wheat, and so there has to be a choosing process. God (the king)
examines the guests and rejects those who are not prepared for the
wedding. Those who are not genuine in their Christianity. This same
truth is brought out in the parable of the net:
Mat 13:47,48 :- Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net,
that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind, Which, when it
was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into
vessels, but cast the bad away.
In the parable, all the guests are represented as sitting there. In
reality, most of these people are actually dead, today, but they are
nevertheless among the guests, and according to the parable will be
included in the examination.
THE BASIS OF THE JUDGMENT
Before we conclude, there is just one more point which must be made.
It concerns the basis of this judgment. The argument of some is that a
judgment based on our deeds is inconsistent with the teachings of the
New Testament, because the grounds of salvation is not our works, but
rather our faith (Eph. 2:8). The simple answer to this argument is very
clearly outlined in James 2:17-20. “I will shew thee my faith by my
works.” Is that so difficult to understand? My faith can be assessed
only on the basis of what I DO. Not what I say! If we need stronger
evidence, let us examine the words of our Master Himself:
Mat 7:20-21 :- Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. {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.
Jesus makes it clear that it is not our profession that counts, not
our seat among the guests which counts, but our deeds. “He that doeth
the will of my Father.” This is what reveals our true nature. “By their
fruits ye shall know them.” As Ellen White was told by an angel, “you
shall be justified by your faith, but judged by your works.”
The doctrine of the Investigative Judgment is a solid biblical
truth. It is not surprising that it is rejected and condemned by the
greater proportion of Christendom, because the religion of Babylon is
based largely upon wishful thinking and a distortion of Scripture.
Popular religion has converted Christianity into a sentimental, wishy
washy philosophy which lulls men into a false sense of security while
they indulge themselves in sin.
Bible religion is different. Saved by grace, through faith, we
nevertheless guard carefully against every wrong word and action,
recognizing that the tree is known by its fruit.
The Lord has a message for His people. This message will be borne,
whether men will accept or reject it. As in the days of Christ, there
will be the deep plottings of the powers of darkness, but the message
must not be muffled with smooth words or fair speeches, crying peace,
peace, when there is no peace, to those who are turning away from God.
(4BC – 1149 )
Did Jesus Know His Own Identity?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Each time I read this text nowadays, I find that I must pause for a
moment to savour the impact of what it is really saying. The truth
expressed in these few lines is so profound, thrilling and uplifting
that it will serve as the basis for the research and study of our entire
world for a hundred million years. Simply stated, easily read, but vast
and comprehensive in its scope, it encompasses the most precious truths
ever revealed to the universe!
God’s love for unlovely sinners.
The unfathomable depths of that love.
The infinite value of the gift which He gave.
The simplicity and completeness of the salvation provided.
It seems incredible that a truth so simply and clearly stated, and
at the same time so critical to man’s recovery from the consequences and
penalty of sin should be so desperately and wholeheartedly attacked by
men who claim to be believers in the Scriptures. I am frequently amazed
at the lengths to which men will go and the devices they will utilize in
their attempts to destroy these truths so unmistakably stated in this
precious verse.
One man confidently affirms: “Well, you see, the Greek word from
which we get the word “begotten” is “monogenes,” and it does not really
mean, “only begotten,” it means “unique.”
Another “theologian” confidently asserts, “Jesus was not the Son of
God before he came to this earth. You see, He was not begotten until He
was born in Bethlehem.”
Still another of these learned men scoffs at the ignorance of those
of us who believe that Jesus was actually the literal Son of God who
proceeded from the Father in the days before time began. “What you need
to understand,” he says, “is the style of the Bible writers. The term
‘son of God’ was a Hebrew term which was applied by the disciples to
Jesus because in their eyes, He was somebody special.”
And so they heap up theory upon theory, all of which are aimed at
destroying the simple truth that Jesus was, and is, the Son of God,
begotten of the Father from the days of eternity. It is not surprising
that the enemy of truth should try with all his might to destroy or
obscure this truth. If he has his way, men will never understand the
love of the Father for mankind, for this is the truth which will free us
from the bondage of sin. This is the truth which is the central theme
of study of the entire universe.
The title, “only begotten Son,” was not a title imposed upon Jesus,
or chosen by the disciples. If we accept the scriptures as being factual
and accurate, then it was Jesus Himself who first referred to Himself
as God’s “only begotten Son (John 3:16).” We may say that the disciples
had confused ideas about who Jesus was, at first. Perhaps some may have
thought He was a great prophet. Others, maybe, that He was Elijah
returned. Most, perhaps, believed that He was the Messiah (but not
necessarily a divine being). But what about Jesus? Did He know His own
identity? When He referred to Himself as God’s “Only Begotten Son,” what
was He trying to do? Why did He use those words? Was He trying to
confuse Nicodemus or to enlighten him? What was the message which He was
trying to get across to Nicodemus?
Don’t you see that He was trying to get Nicodemus to appreciate the
degree of God’s love? In essence, he was saying, “Nicodemus, do you know
how much God loves men? he loves them so much that he was willing to
give His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON!” Can you see how critical it is that we
understand the meaning of that term, “only begotten Son?” It is only as
we understand it that we can begin to comprehend how much God loves us.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God
sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through
him. (1 John 4:9)
JOHN’S STYLE?
Of all the disciples of Jesus, John is the one who dwells most of
all on the theme of the sonship of Jesus. In fact, he is the only one of
the Bible writers who refers to Jesus as God’s “only begotten Son.”
Trinitarians pounce upon this fact and declare that the use of this
phrase was just a quirk of John’s style of writing. Is this true? Was it
merely John’s style of writing that gave Jesus the title, “Only
begotten Son,” or was John an accurate, truthful, honest Christian who
wrote straight facts?
An examination of the circumstances which surrounded the writing of
John’s letters, his gospel and the book of Revelation, makes it very
clear why John had this emphasis in his writings.
It is common knowledge that John was the last of the apostles to
die, living until somewhere between the years A.D. 95 – 100. He was also
the last of the Bible writers, with his books being the last writings
added to the biblical canon. It is believed that Revelation (written
A.D. 95) was the first of his writings (of those included in the Bible)
being followed by his epistles and the gospel which bears his name.
The epistles of John, written after all the other apostles were
dead, reveal that by the time these letters were written, certain deadly
influences were beginning to rear their heads in the church. Several
references in the epistles of John make it clear that some were
beginning to propagate heresies of the most insidious nature. (1 John
2:18)”
In his first epistle, John emphatically states, several times, that
Jesus is the Son of God. Here he describes Him as the, “only begotten
Son.” What was the reason for the emphasis? Was there a reason why he
chose to describe Jesus in such a particular way?
Chapter 2: 22,23, Makes it clear that there were certain people
arising in the Christian church who were beginning to teach that Jesus
was not the actual Son of God in the truest sense of the word “Son” (the
first Trinitarians?). John, the last of the apostles, one of the twelve
specially chosen by Jesus to be His special witnesses, one who had
“heard, … seen with our eyes, … looked upon, and our hands …handled, of
the Word of life”(1 John 1:1) found it necessary to repudiate this
dangerous false teaching, in clear and unmistakable language. Those who
taught this heresy possessed the “Spirit of Antichrist.” Emphatically,
he stated that, Jesus was not only “God’s Son,” He was God’s “only
BEGOTTEN Son (1 John 4:9).” This was not an idea which John fabricated,
but was a truth which he had heard himself from the lips of the Master
(John 3:16).
Clearly, he makes it known that this truth is the central pillar
which is the basis of all genuine Christian experience. Without this
truth, we cannot overcome the world (1 John 5:5). Confession of this
truth that Jesus is God’s Son, is an indicator that we are abiding in
God (1 John 4:15) and through understanding the truth of the
relationship between God and His Son, we may appreciate the extent of
God’s love for us (1 John 4:9).
Why is it that none of the other Bible writers had made the same emphasis? The answer is simple. Note John’s words:
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we
know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18)”
It is clear that the denial that Jesus was God’s Son was a teaching
that had not been around before the time of John’s writing. No Christian
had ever questioned the fact that Jesus was the Son of God, begotten of
the Father, changed into flesh and sent into the world. But now that
John was old, the only apostle left alive, the devil focused his attack
upon the most critical point of Christian faith: the doctrine of the
love of God, revealed in the gift of His Son.
God chose the defender of His truth well. Ellen White has this to say about John:
The Saviour loved all the Twelve, but John’s was the most receptive
spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the child’s
confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into
sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour’s deepest spiritual
teaching was communicated to the people.
The Acts of the Apostles – 545
It was John’s deep love for Christ that led him always to desire to
be close by his side; and this place was always given him. Jesus loves
those who represent the Father, and John could talk of God’s love as
none of the other disciples could. He revealed to his fellow men that
which he felt it to be his duty to reveal, representing in his character
the character of God.
The Youth’s Instructor – 03-29-00
The Bible has not been warped or distorted by the literary style, or
idiomatic expressions of its writers. So called “scholars” would have
us believe that the plain, simple words of the Bible are not to be
comprehended, believed and accepted until they have first been
interpreted by the “men of learning.” This fallacy has always been and
always will be rejected by those who believe in a sovereign God. One who
intends that His word shall be read, understood and obeyed, and who
therefore has made it simple enough for even a child, guided by His
spirit, to understand.
Camp Meeting Notice
Our next Camp meeting will begin on the morning of Wednesday, August 4, 1999, and will close on Sunday, August 8.
This is just an early reminder so that you can all make arrangements
to be there. Since the plan is to have only one general camp meeting
each year, you are encouraged to make every effort to attend.
the June edition of Open Face will give more details about this camp meeting.
Personal Mention
Neville and Naomi (Joy) Morris were
overjoyed a few weeks ago at the safe arrival of their first child, a
baby boy. In spite of the trauma involved in getting adjusted to a new
member of the family, Neville and Joy are evidently learning the “ropes”
very fast and enjoying the job.
Franklin and Andrea Coach welcomed a new addition to their family
early in March. Sister Andrea gave birth to their first child, also a
baby boy. We join them in giving God thanks for the safe arrival of this
newest Israelite and pray with them that he may become a champion in
the cause of our Master.
Sister Jacqueline Hutchinson came to the meetings at Peartree almost
every night in spite of being in an advanced state of pregnancy. She is
one of those who made her decision to give her life to the Lord at
these meetings. Since the conclusion of the meetings Sister Jacqueline
has given birth to a baby girl.
Mac Lays Down His Armour
Many of us will remember brother Norman McMahon. Sadly, he passed
away on the morning of Sunday, March 7. By the time it was discovered
that he had cancer, it was too late for human assistance to be of any
avail. Many people were praying for him, but the Lord saw fit that he
should pass on.
Brother McMahon had been for many years a noted reformer and a
Christian who was highly respected by both Seventh-day Adventists, (in
and out of the organized Church) and non-Adventists as well.
Though brother McMahon never fully accepted the truth concerning God
and His Son, yet he was always courteous and willing to give
consideration to the views of those of us who promulgate this truth. It
is our sincere hope that we will meet him again in the Father’s kingdom.
At Home and Abroad
THE TRUTH WAS MISSING!
During the week which ended on the 13th of February, 1999, repeated
announcements were made on the radio of an imminent debate between
professed Bible Scholars including Ian Boyne, on the theme, “Is God
Unitarian, Binitarian or Trinitarian?” This was too good an opportunity
to miss and Brothers Colin Gyles and Lloyd Martin decided to attend,
along with the both of us (Wayne and Lorraine Sutherland).
Unfortunately, we arrived late and were only able to hear the
Trinitarians’ view. The Unitarians and the Binitarians had already
presented their arguments. We noted that there were approximately two
hundred or more persons who had arrived ahead of us. The subject
apparently was one that people were interested in hearing more about.
The views of the trinitarians were based on the usual “proofs” and
were not new to us. We waited until the end, and found our attentiveness
increasing as questions were allowed from the audience. Some of the
more striking questions were as follows:
a. “If the Holy Spirit is a separate being from the Father and the
Son, how could He have shed His blood, as recorded in Acts 20:28?” (this
is a paraphrase of the question).
b. “Is Christ the blessed and only potentate referred to in 1 Timothy 6:15?
c. “The Bible teaches that we will see in heaven God the Father, and
Jesus His Son sitting on thrones, but no mention is made of the Holy
Spirit. Why?”
The answer to question C. was especially interesting as the
Trinitarians responded by saying that in heaven, we will see Christ, but
in heaven we will not see either the Father or the Holy Spirit. This
was a new one to us. Question A. received a feeble answer which we
cannot recall, while question B. was ignored altogether.
Then something happened which clearly revealed the hand of God.
Brother Colin Gyles did not ask a question, but made a comment in which
he stated that although three views had been presented, the real truth
was still missing, because there was a fourth view, which had not yet
been heard. In the same breath he asked for permission to distribute
some tracts which we had brought along with us, and which presented the
truth. To our amazement he had hardly finished speaking before people
came streaming from East West North and South of the auditorium anxious
to receive one of the tracts, and even though the chairman requested
that the people remain seated until after the meeting, they kept on
coming.
In a little while the meeting was over, but our wonder continued as
we were immediately surrounded by a crowd of people all eager to hear
about the missing truth. We split up into four groups and inwardly
asking Christ to lead us, we did our best to make the truth known. All
went away with new ideas, some convicted, others adamant in their
traditions, and others more confused than ever. However, we praised God
for the fact that at any rate, for these people, the truth was no longer
missing.
The meeting was interesting, and for us, a memorable experience
overall. However, we marvelled that the so-called learned men, versed in
the dynamics of the Hebrew and Greek languages had succeeded in
complicating the simple thus saith the Lord in such a way that what had
once been plain and simple was now so entangled and difficult for some
people.
It was quite evident to us, however, that people are searching for
the truth as it is found in the scriptures, as evidenced by the stampede
which they made towards us when they learned that we had some tracts to
share. We were grateful to God that though the truth had been initially
missing from the meeting, it did eventually arrive.
Contributed by Wayne and Lorraine Sutherland.
On the Frontline
Since the beginning of 1999, some of the brethren from
Manchester have launched an aggressive tract distribution programme.
Already, thousands of tracts have been distributed in, Morant Bay, St.
Ann’s Bay, Brown’s Town, Kingston and other places. The fruit of this
work has been good, as several persons have called, wanting to receive
more information and additional literature.
Over in Montego Bay Brother’s Moni Smith & Franklin Coach have
been concentrating on a unique project. they have been giving away
sermons on audio cassettes. They have found this to be a very effective
way of getting people to learn, since, for many people, it is far easier
to listen than to read. So far they have given away hundreds of tapes,
and report that the response to this ministry has been very good.
Our meetings in Peartree, Manchester, concluded in mid February. The
interest in these meetings was strong, with full house attendance on
several nights. At the conclusion of the meetings, members of three
families requested further studies, with a view to eventual baptism.
A recent phone call
“Hello, is this Restoration Ministries?”
“Yes it is.”
“I found one of your tracts in my shop. How dare you write such iniquities about the Catholic Church?!”
“We only write what is true Ma’am.”
“TRUE?….you….you need to learn some English! GOOD DAY!
BANG! (phone slammed down)
The greatest tragedy in life is that most people spend their entire lives indefinitely preparing to live.
Live today, as you will wish you had lived when you stand before God.
Science Falsely so-called
The following article has been reprinted from the Sunday Gleaner, a Jamaican newspaper. We have reprinted it because in our opinion it is a classic illustration of the truth of the Bible text which says, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (Rom 1:22).” Please note that this was intended to be a serious article and was not intended by the author to provide humor.
Creating a world without end
Dr Henry Lowe
OF ALL THE AREAS OF SCIENCE the one I least understand and have more
than passing curiosity about, is cosmology. I would not be surprised if
this is the position, not only with other persons of science, but also
the intellectuals who are fascinated by science.
Perhaps my view is Influenced significantly by my frustrating search
to get answers to some of the basic questions about life in general and
the universe, in particular.
For example, as a scientist, I have always accepted the “Big Bang
Theory” of how the universe was formed, because the theory has good and
compelling, scientific and mathematical logic. However, the question
which still remains is, what was there before the big bang?
Well in recent times, I have become a little more comfortable about
the formation of the universe when I read a report that Professor
Stephen Hawking, a mathematics professor at Cambridge University seems
to be developing the answer. Many of his colleagues have stated that
Hawking may have solved the greatest mystery ever, that of the universe,
with his theory of how time began.
Hawking now regarded as one of the greatest scientific thinkers
since Albert Einstein, published a book, A Brief History of Time which
attempted to explain the cause of the Big Bang, which created the
universe.
Mr. Hawking believes that just immediately prior to the Big Bang,
the universe was about the size of a pea suspended in a timeless void,
which then exploded to form the planets, solar systems, etc. and keeps
on and will forever be expanding to infinity.
Faith vs. science
The big question which Mr. Hawking and his colleagues cannot answer
is how did this pea-like universe come about. ‘They believe it must have
been due to a creator. This, is the biggest challenge to man’s
intellect in demanding that there must either be a denial of a creator
due to ignorance, or the acceptance of a creator, based on the facts
available.
I believe this has to be where science and faith meet, and I am
prepared to accept this explanation which now makes me more comfortable
in my search for truth in this matter.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,
so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Heb 11:3)
Open Face is published bi-monthly and is sent free to all who desire to receive it.
David Clayton: Editor and Publisher
P. O. Box 23 Knockpatrick
Manchester, Jamaica W.I.
Phone: (876) 904-7392
email: david@restorationministry.com
