The Book of Mormon--An Evidence of the Inspiration of Joseph
Smith--Its Purport--Impossible to Write Without Divine
Aid--Prophecies in the Book of Mormon--A Bible! A Bible!--Isaiah's
Prophecy--Book Gives a Test of its Truth--Attested by Direct
Evidence--Testimony of Three Witnesses--Testimony of Witnesses
Unchanged--Testimony of Eight Witnesses--Secular Proof of the Book
of Mormon--Colonists from the Tower of Babel--Origin Before the
Christian Era--Of Hebrew Origin--Indian Customs--Indian Practice
Resembling the Passover--Tradition of a Sacred Book--Acquainted
with the Old Testament Record--Tradition of Moses--Tradition of
Eve--Tradition of the Flood--Led by Youngest Brother--Engraved
on Plates of Metal--Egyptian Writings--Evidences of Advanced
Civilization--Ruins Discovered--Indians all of One Origin--Ruins
in Yucatan--Ancient Glass Jar--A Ruined City--Ancient Coins and
Implements--Destruction at the time of the Crucifixion--Ruins on
the Ridge of a Mountain--Destroyed by the Action of Heat--Remains
Found under Lava Beds--Discovery of a Hidden City--Evidences of
Great Eruptions--The Messiah Known to the Ancient Inhabitants
of America--The Cross as an Emblem--Knowledge of the
Godhead--Tradition of the Christ--Strong Proofs of the Truth of the
Book of Mormon--Conclusion.
Footnotes:
1. See Tract No. 3, "Marks of the Church of Christ."
{291}
MARKS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
THE OUTWARD SIGNS BY WHICH IT MAY BE KNOWN.
BY EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.
OUTWARD SIGNS BY WHICH CHRIST S GOSPEL MAY BE KNOWN--CHARACTER OF HIS
CHURCH KNOWLEDGE THE OUTCOME OF TRUE FAITH--HOW IT MAY BE OBTAINED--AN
ILLUSTRATION--PARABLE OF THE SOWER--WHERE IS THE TRUE GOSPEL AND CHURCH
OF CHRIST?
MANY FORMS OF RELIGION.
There are many religions in the world. Teachers of one form of religion
will tell us they are right. Those who teach another form will make the
same claim for themselves. All religions have some truth, or people
would not believe in them.
ONLY ONE PERFECT RELIGION.
The Savior taught only one form of religion. That one is called the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. It embraces all truth, and contains nothing but
truth.
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one
hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of all." (Ephesians 4: 4, 5, 6).
JESUS CHRIST THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION.
All Christians believe that salvation is only to be gained through
Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
{292} "'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me." (John 14: 6).
"For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby
we must be saved." (Acts 4: 12).
The holy scriptures justify us in rejecting all religions that do not
teach belief in Christ.
WHICH RELIGION CONTAINS ALL TRUTH?
There are many varieties of religion even among Christian believers.
But the whole truth is what we want. None but the true Gospel can be
acceptable to the Lord.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." (Matthew
6: 33).
How are we to know which religion contains all truth?
THE BIBLE WILL GUIDE US.
The Bible will assist us in making this discovery. It tells us many
things which Jesus taught as His Gospel. Any teaching contrary to what
He gave cannot be true.
"Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be
accursed." (Galatians 1: 8).
The Gospel which the Savior taught has not changed. It is the same
to-day as it was when He dwelt upon the earth.
FAITH A DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.
The first and principal doctrine taught by Christ was faith.
"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).
Our Savior knew that if people truly had abiding faith in Him they
would follow Him. They would love Him and obey all His teachings.
"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."
(John 14: 13).
"If a man love me, he will keep my words." (John 14: 23).
REPENTANCE NECESSARY.
Another commandment taught by Christ was that of repentance. {293} True
repentance is sorrow for sins and a turning away from them. The first
words recorded of the Savior's preaching were:
"Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4: 17).
Deep humility always accompanies true faith and repentance. Without it
men cannot be saved.
"Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child
shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke 18: 17).
In the days of Christ's ministry, those who believed on Him and
sincerely repented of their sins were then ready to receive the next
ordinance of the Gospel. They were humble and willing to obey.
BAPTISM.
Christ was baptized Himself. He told John it was necessary for Him "to
fulfill all righteousness." He taught that it was necessary for all men
to be baptized.
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God." (John 3: 5).
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16: 16).
Christ's disciples also taught the same. When those who believed
Peter's preaching on the day of Pentecost asked what they should do to
be saved, he replied,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2: 38).
These passages of scripture prove that Jesus and His disciples taught
baptism.
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The last passage quoted shows that the gift of the Holy Ghost was to
be given to those who obeyed the principles of faith, repentance and
baptism.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
The teachings of the Savior show that it is necessary to observe the
ten commandments given through Moses. Upon one occasion a man asked
what good thing he should do to gain eternal life. Jesus replied, "Keep
the commandments," and then named some of them. (Matthew 19: 17, 18).
{294}
OTHER COMMANDMENTS.
Besides the ten commandments, the Savior gave new ones which He said
should be obeyed. Many of these are recorded in the fifth, sixth and
seventh chapters of Matthew.
TEST DOCTRINES BY CHRIST'S WORD.
In our search for the true Gospel we can safely reject any teaching
that does not agree with Christ's word. Anyone who says we can be saved
without obeying His commandments is in error.
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom
of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2: 4).
Any teacher who adds to these any doctrines of men is a false teacher,
and should not be followed.
"In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men." (Mark 7: 7).
MANY CLAIM TO BE TRUE TEACHERS.
The teachers of many forms of religion claim that they teach these
doctrines of the Gospel of Christ. How are we to decide which one is
right?
HOW FALSE TEACHERS MAY BE KNOWN.
The Savior has furnished a test by which we can prove false teachers.
He says, "Beware of false prophets." (Matthew 7: 15). He further adds,
"Ye shall know them by their fruits." (10). "By their fruits" means by
their works or by their teachings. False prophets or teachers teach
falsehoods, and their works are evil. True prophets teach truth, and
live righteously. They will not teach anything contrary to the words of
the Savior.
HOW TRUE BELIEVERS MAY BE KNOWN.
The Savior tells us how we might know true believers. He says,
"These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take
{295} up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall
not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover." (Mark 16; 17, 18).
The nineteenth verse of the sixteenth chapter of Mark states that these
signs did follow the believers in the days of Christ's early apostles.
These signs are outward evidences that people are true believers in the
Gospel. The absence of them is a proof that faith is lacking, for the
same cause will always produce the same effect.
OTHER PROOFS.
If a person truly believes in the Gospel, sincerely repents of his
sins, is baptized for the remission of sins, and has hands laid upon
him for the reception of the Holy Ghost, he should know that he has
received the true Gospel.
"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his
that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the
doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
(John 7: 16, 17).
OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Holy Ghost was promised to those who obeyed the Gospel. To all who
receive it, it bears witness to the truth of the Gospel.
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father,
he shall testify of me." (John 15: 26).
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you
into all truth." (John 16: 13).
If people receive the Holy Ghost they will be led into all truth,
according to the promise of Christ. If they are led into all truth they
will be led to understand and believe alike.
HOW THE SAVIOR'S DISCIPLES MAY BE KNOWN.
Jesus told how His disciples may be known:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as
I have loved you that ye also love one another. By this shall all
men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
(John 13: 34, 35).
When people are divided in their religious views it shows that they do
not love each other, and are not the disciples of Christ. If they did
love each other they would be united. If they possessed the Holy Spirit
they would be joined together in love.
{206}
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." (Galatians 5:
22, 23).
THE CHURCH JESUS ORGANIZED.
When Jesus dwelt upon the earth He organized a church. Those who
believed on Him and obeyed the Gospel became members of that one church.
ST. PAUL DESCRIBES IT.
The Apostle Paul told the Ephesian saints they were established upon
the foundation of apostles and prophets.
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and
are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2: 19, 20).
He had reference in these words to the church of Christ.
THE CHURCH COMPARED TO A MAN'S BODY.
He again likened the church to the body of a man. (I Corinthians 12).
He showed that the members of the church were like the members of a
man's body, and altogether they made a complete whole.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members
of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For
by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews
or Gentiles." (I Corinthians 12: 12, 13).
St. Paul continues by explaining that all the members of the body of
Christ, or officers of the church of Christ, are dependent upon each
other, and each is needed in his place. One cannot do without the
other, any more than a man's body can be complete without every limb
and organ.
OFFICERS NAMED.
This same apostle names some of the officers of the church of Christ.
He also names in the same connection some of the gifts that are always
to be found in that church.
"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts
of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." (I
Corinthians 12: 28).
WHAT THESE OFFICERS WERE FOR.
In another place he tells the reason for having these officers in the
church.
{297} "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. . . . That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine." (Ephesians 4: 12, 14).
These officers were to continue in the church, "till we all come to the
unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God." (Eph. 4:
13).
NEED OF APOSTLES AND PROPHETS.
People differ in their opinions regarding the Gospel. There is,
therefore, a need of apostles and prophets to declare the word of God
to them. His revealed word will settle all differences and bring those
who believe on it to a unity of the faith.
WHAT ST. PAUL'S WORDS PROVE.
The scriptures just quoted prove that apostles and prophets must always
be in the church of Christ. Any church not founded upon apostles and
prophets, with Christ as the chief corner stone, is not the true church
of Christ. Any religious organization that rejects these and the other
officers mentioned as belonging to Christ's church, or does away with
the miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, and diversities of
tongues, is not the true church.
POWER TO DO MIRACLES.
When Jesus called unto Him twelve apostles He "gave them power against
unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness
and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10: 1). When He sent them out to
preach the Gospel, He told them to say, "The kingdom of heaven is at
hand." He also told them to "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise
the dead, cast out devils." (Matthew 10: 7, 8).
AUTHORITY TO ACT IN CHRIST'S NAME.
Men have no right to choose for themselves to be Christ's apostles or
ministers of His Gospel. He said to His disciples,
"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you."
(John 15: 16).
St. Paul says concerning the holy priesthood of Christ,
"No man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron." (Hebrews 5: 4).
{298} He also says, "God hath set some in the church, first apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers." (I Corinthians 12: 28). This
shows that it was not man's right to place men in positions in the
church, unless God authorized them to do so.
Jesus said John the Baptist was the greatest of prophets, yet he did
not presume to baptize with the Holy Ghost, although he had the right
to baptize with water. John understood that men should be specially
authorized to act in any calling.
RESULT OF ACTING WITHOUT AUTHORITY.
We read in the scriptures, (Acts 1: 13-17), that certain Jews at one
time undertook to act in the name of the Lord. They tried to cast out
evil spirits. But they had no authority, and were overpowered by the
evil spirits, and duly punished for taking upon themselves to act in
the name of the Messiah without authority.
CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM PASSAGES MENTIONED.
From the scriptures mentioned, together with many others of like
character, we may conclude that Christ's true apostles have power over
unclean spirits and over diseases. They also have authority to act in
His name. We can as well conclude that those who think it unnecessary
to be authorized to minister in the ordinances of the Gospel are in
error. Men may without authority attempt to teach the same doctrines as
Jesus taught; they may organize a church after the same pattern; and
some may even perform miracles by the power of the evil one, as did the
magicians before Pharaoh in the days of Moses; but without authority
from heaven to do so their pretensions are vain. We may justly reject
any who may have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.
ALL TRUE DISCIPLES PERSECUTED.
The disciples of Christ were told that they would have to suffer
persecution. The Savior informed them that this should be the case, and
led them to expect it.
"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because
ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you. . . If they have persecuted me,
they will also persecute you." (John 15: 19, 20).
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you: for so did
their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6: 26).
{299} The Apostle Paul says, "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus
shall suffer persecution." (II Timothy 3: 12).
OUTWARD SIGNS OF THE TRUE CHURCH.
Most of the marks pointed out herein are outward signs by which the
true Gospel and church of Christ may be known. The disciples of Jesus
may always be recognized by the following signs which have already been
pointed out:
They will Obey and Teach the Ordinances that Christ has said Must be
Obeyed.
Those Ordinances are:
First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
Second, Repentance;
Third, Baptism by Immersion for the Remission of Sins;
Fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
They will Teach the Necessity of Obeying all the Lord's Commandments.
The Signs or Blessings Promised the Believers will Follow them,
They will be United, and will Love one Another.
They will be Organized into a Church after the Pattern Mentioned in the
Scriptures.
They will have Apostles and Prophets at their Head, who will have Power
and Authority to Act in Christ's Name.
They will be Persecuted as Long as Wickedness Reigns in the Earth.
FAITH NEEDED.
The pointing out of the marks by which the disciples of Christ are
to be known may assist one in searching for the truth. But faith on
the part of the individual himself is needed to guide him. It is very
important to salvation.
HOW TO GET FAITH.
The question may be asked, how can this faith so necessary to salvation
be gained?
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans
10: 17).
When one hears the Gospel of Christ--the "glad tidings of {300} great
joy"--naturally he should wish it were true, because it is so good.
That wish or desire will help greatly to awaken belief in his mind.
When a person hopes a thing is true he becomes interested in finding
out if it be true. Prejudice is a foe to faith. It often causes one to
turn away from that which is good.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL NECESSARY TO SALVATION.
It is necessary for every individual to know for himself concerning the
truth of the Gospel of Christ.
"This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17: 3).
There is a way to get this knowledge. That way is similar to the way in
which we obtain other knowledge. It is by putting works with our faith.
"Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."
(I John 2: 3).
Faith comes by hearing, knowledge by doing. Knowledge is the result of
faith.
HOW KNOWLEDGE IS GAINED.
When a child is told that he can learn to read and write by following
the instructions of his teacher he is likely to believe it. If he is
told so by his parents or some one whose word he can rely upon he will
believe with much assurance or confidence, which is called faith. That
faith causes him to act. He follows the instructions of his teacher,
and in time learns to read and write. His faith is then turned to
knowledge. He does not depend upon the testimony of some one else. He
knows from actual experience that the arts of reading and writing can
be learned by taking the course marked out. It is the same with the
Gospel. When it is obeyed it brings knowledge to the individual.
GROWTH OF FAITH ILLUSTRATED BY A PARABLE.
One of our Savior's parables shows very beautifully how the word of
God, when received in the heart, begins to grow and expand. In His
parable of the sower He likens the word of God, or the Gospel, to
a seed. (Luke 8: 5-16). Embodied within a tiny seed is the germ or
source of a most marvelous power. It is one of the greatest forces of
the natural world. Under proper conditions that little mite of matter
is capable of the most remarkable development. When {301} a gardener
obtains a precious kind of seed, or one that will produce a desirable
fruit, he will preserve it with care. He will thoroughly prepare the
soil in which he plants it, and will do all in his power to favor its
growth. The desire to receive the good fruit he has been told it will
produce makes him hope that the seed is good. That hope or wish will
inspire him with enough faith to make the test.
In due time after planting he finds that the seed has commenced to
grow. It puts forth tiny leaves that appear above the soil, and his
faith is strengthened. He is assured that the seed had the germ of
life within it when he received it. He continues to favor its growth,
by keeping down the weeds, by protecting it from the scorching heat
of the sun and the blighting breath of the wind and frost. By doing
this the gardener sees that the plant continues to increase in size
and strength. Thread-like roots spread out in all directions beneath
the soil to secure hold therein, as well as to procure sustenance for
its life and growth A tender twig shoots upward to receive additional
sustenance from the air and the sunlight. Day by day and year by
year the plant continues to grow and gain strength, until eventually
it becomes a mighty tree. The heat of the sun now only causes it to
grow the stronger, and the fierce winds to make its root more firmly
planted, so that no ordinary force can resist its power of expansion.
In due season the tree produces fruit of its kind. Its seeds ripen
and fall to the earth, and they in turn grow, and thus the species is
perpetuated forever.
With the ripening of the fruit the faith of the man who planted the
tree is ripened into perfect knowledge. He knows what was told him
about the seed was true, having thoroughly tested it.
WORD OF GOD LIKE A SEED.
The word of God, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is in character like
the seed. As the seed contains within it such great physical force,
so the word of God possesses most wonderful spiritual power. When the
Gospel of Christ is heard by one who has a desire to obtain its fruits,
that desire will awaken within him a spark of belief. That belief will
cause him to prepare his heart for the reception of the word of God. He
will plant it there by seeking to obey its teachings. When once planted
there, if cherished, shielded and protected it will grow. Its effect
will be similar to that of {302} the seed buried in good soil. Its
roots of faith will sink deep in the heart and become firmly planted
there. Hope, like a tender twig, will spring heavenward. By this the
person will know that the seed was good Day by day and year by year it
will strengthen, until neither the heat of temptation nor the storms
of adversity can disturb it or uproot it from the heart. It, too, in
time will bring forth fruit, the fruit of eternal life. Such is the
wonderful character of the word of God, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
WHERE IS THE TRUE GOSPEL AND CHURCH OF CHRIST?
The reader may ask the question, Is the Gospel of Christ, with all its
attendant powers, gifts and blessings, upon the earth to-day? If it is,
it must be of the character described herein. It must be the same as it
was anciently, for it is everlasting and unchangeable in its nature.
IT IS UPON THE EARTH.
There is a church that claims to teach the very same doctrines that
Christ taught. Its members claim to enjoy the same blessings promised
the believers. They claim to have the same organization, with living
apostles and prophets at the head. These officers claim to have
received the same power and authority as Christ's first apostles had.
They and their followers have been evil spoken of and persecuted for
their religion ever since they were first organized as a church. They
manifest all the outward signs by which the followers of Christ may be
known. They make the same promises as the former disciples of Jesus
made to those who obey the Gospel. The many thousands who have accepted
their teachings and obeyed them testify that the promises made to them
have been received.
THEIR CLAIMS DIFFERENT TO ALL OTHERS.
The claims of the members of this Church are different from those of
all other professors of religion. They claim to have received their
doctrines and their authority direct from heaven, by the visitation of
holy angels. There is no other source from which it could be received.
The name by which this Church is known is the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. The Lord in a revelation commanded His latter-day
disciples to take upon themselves this name.
The message of the restoration to earth of the true Gospel of Christ
is a glorious one. All who hear it should rejoice in {303} the
contemplation that the Lord has again spoken from heaven. The message
is such a good one that all mankind should desire and hope that it is
true. If they will do this, they will be led to investigate it. Then
they will learn for themselves that it is indeed the Gospel of Christ.
The Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bear
witness to the truth of this divine message which they are proclaiming
to the nations of the earth. They kindly ask all to lay aside prejudice
and examine their claims in the spirit of humility and prayer.
"_Do you suppose that this people will ever see the day that they
will rest in perfect security, in hopes of becoming like another
people, nation, state, kingdom or society? They never will. Christ
and Satan never can be friends. Light and darkness will always
remain opposites_."
--_Brigham Young_.
"_Though our religious principles are before the world, ready
for the investigation of all men, yet we are aware that the
sole foundation of all the persecution against us has arisen in
consequence of calumnies and misconstructions, without foundation
in truth or righteousness_."
--_Joseph Smith_.
{304}
SIGNS OF CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS CONCERNING HIS ADVENT.
BY ELDER EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.
WHAT THE SAVIOR AND HIS APOSTLES AND THE ANCIENT PROPHETS SAY
CONCERNING IT--THE MANY THINGS TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE THAT GREAT
EVENT--THE SIGNS ALREADY APPEARING.
SCRIPTURAL PROOF THAT HE WILL COME.
The holy scriptures supply many proofs that Christ will again come to
earth. After His resurrection He appeared to His disciples, and was
"seen of them forty days." Then "he was taken up; and a cloud received
him out of their sight." While the disciples were looking towards
heaven as He went up, two men (angels) in white apparel stood by them
and said:
"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same
Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in
like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1: 11).
MANNER OF HIS APPEARANCE.
Christ's second coming will be both glorious and terrible.
"They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with
power and great glory." (Matthew 24: 30; Mark 13: 26; Luke 21: 27).
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his
angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
(Matthew 16: 27; Mark 8: 38).
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus
shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming
fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not
the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the
glory of his power." (II Thessalonians 1: 7, 8, 9).
TIME OF HIS COMING.
The day and the hour of the Messiah's coming is not known.
"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels
{305} which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye
heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." (Mark 13:
32, 33).
MANY SIGNS OF HIS COMING TO APPEAR.
The Bible foretells many things that shall take place before the Savior
comes to reign in glory upon the earth.
WARS, FAMINES AND EARTHQUAKES.
Christ's disciples asked Him to tell them what should be the sign of
His coming, and of the end of the world. He answered them in these
words:
"Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name,
saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of
wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these
things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall
rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall
be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."
(Matthew 24: 4, 5, 6, 7).
GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO BE PREACHED.
In addition to this he mentioned another sign. He said:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world
for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
(Matthew 24: 14).
These words have no reference to the ministry of Christ's former
disciples. The end of the world, or the end of the reign of wickedness,
did not follow their preaching. The Savior certainly referred to a
time in the future. He spoke of a special message of the Gospel of the
kingdom to be restored in latter days, otherwise the preaching of it
would not be a witness or sign to all nations of the near approaching
end, as He said it should be.
JOHN'S PROPHECY.
The beloved Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, foretells many
things that should take place after the time of his writings. One thing
he describes in these words:
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and
to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with
a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his
judgment is come." (Revelation 14: 6, 7).
John evidently refers to the same event as does the Savior. The coming
of an angel with the Gospel message for all nations, as predicted by
John, should be in the hour of God's {306} judgment. That is at the
same time referred to by Jesus, when He said wars and rumors of wars,
famines, pestilences, and earthquakes should occur; for these things
are some of God's judgments.
PREDICTIONS OF DANIEL.
The Prophet Daniel also foretells a similar event, which he says,
"_shall be in the latter days_." After describing the image
Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream, Daniel explains the meaning of it. He
says the image represented Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and the kingdoms
that should be built up after it. The fourth great kingdom--the Roman
power--should be divided, and a number of kingdoms should grow out of
it. Then he declares a wonderful event shall take place. He says:
"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a
kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not
be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume
all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (Daniel 2: 44).
WHAT DANIEL REFERS TO.
Some may think this prophecy refers to the establishing of the kingdom
of heaven on earth in the days of Christ's first coming. This cannot
be the case. God's kingdom at that time did not "break in pieces and
consume" the one great kingdom then existing--the Roman empire. On the
other hand the worldly powers, which St. John describes as a "beast,"
made "war with the saints," and overcame them, and got power over all
kindreds, and tongues and nations. (Revelation 13: 7).
The kingdom referred to by Daniel, as he plainly says "_shall not_ be
left to other people," while the Gospel of the kingdom in the days of
Christ's former Apostles was rejected by the Jews and _left to other
people_. It was taken to the Gentiles.
CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM THESE PREDICTIONS.
The Apostle John, in speaking of the great event of the future, says he
heard voices in heaven saying--
"The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our
Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
(Revelation 11: 15).
This is also in harmony with Daniel's prediction about the kingdom of
God being set up in the latter days.
{307} As all these prophecies so nicely agree, we are forced to the
conclusion that the Gospel of Christ is to be preached in all the world
in latter days as a witness, or sign, of the coming of the Messiah and
the establishment of His kingdom.
GOD'S ELECT TO BE GATHERED.
Other significant events should precede the Savior's second coming. He
mentions them also:
"But in those days, after the tribulation, the sun shall be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars
of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be
shaken. . . . . . And then shall he send his angels, and shall
gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost
part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." (Mark 13: 24,
25, 27; Matthew 24: 29, 31).
St. Luke adds that there shall be "upon the earth distress of nations,
with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing
them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on
the earth." (Luke 21: 25, 26).
That all these things shall be signs of His coming is to be understood
from what the Savior adds:
"When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at
the doors." (Matthew 24: 33; Mark 13: 29; Luke 21: 31).
ANCIENT PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE LAST DAYS.
More than twenty of the ancient prophets and apostles whose writings
are in the Bible predict events that shall happen in the last days,
or near the time of Christ's second coming. Many of them prophesy
concerning the gathering of the Lord's chosen people, the descendants
of Israel. They not only foretell the gathering of the Jews but also
the whole house of Israel. Some of the other tribes as well as that
of Judah are scattered among all nations. The Prophet Jeremiah says
concerning this gathering:
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall
no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of
Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, that brought
up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all
the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again
into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send
for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and
after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from
every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the
rocks." (Jeremiah 16: 14, 15, 16).
{308} The Prophet Isaiah says:
"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set
his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his
people. . . . . And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and
shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the
dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11:
11, 12).
The Prophets Isaiah and Micah declare:
"It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the
Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and
shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto
it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to
the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and
he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for
out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from
Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2: 2, 3; Micah 4: 1, 2).
GATHERING OF ISRAEL A SIGN OF CHRIST'S COMING.
From what the prophets have said it is evident that this gathering of
Israel shall be connected with Christ's reign upon earth, and will
therefore be a sign of His coming. The Prophet Ezekiel predicts that
Israel shall be gathered, and in the same connection declares the word
of the Lord, saying:
"I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in
the midst of them forever." (Ezekiel 37: 26).
The setting of the Lord's sanctuary in the midst of them forever must
have reference to the establishing of His kingdom never more to be
thrown down.
In connection with this gathering Isaiah speaks of a time when enmity
among the animal creations shall cease, and when "the earth shall
be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea,"
(Isaiah 11: 9), indicating that the gathering will be near the time
when peace and righteousness shall prevail upon the earth.
SIGNS FOLLOWING THE BELIEVERS.
That the blessings of the Gospel, which were in the church in the days
of Christ and His apostles, will be restored at the time when the
gathering of Israel shall take place is shown by what Isaiah foretells:
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the
deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
and the tongue of the dumb sing." (Isaiah 35: 5, 6).
A MESSENGER TO APPEAR.
There is still another sign to mark the coming of the {309} Messiah.
The whole volume of sacred scripture gives proof that it will be
manifest.
The Prophet Malachi, repeating the Lord's words to him concerning His
coming in glory, says:
"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way
before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his
temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3: 1).
The following verse shows that this prophecy does not refer to Christ's
first coming:
"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when
he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's
soap." (Malachi 3: 2).
It appears from this prediction of Malachi that the Lord will send a
messenger to prepare the way for His second coming, as was done at the
time of His first coming. It is reasonable to believe this, for it is
in full harmony with the teachings of the scriptures. The Prophet Amos
says:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret
unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3: 7).
ABUNDANCE OF SCRIPTURE TO PROVE IT.
The whole Bible history bears witness to the truth of these words of
Amos. It is a record of God's dealings with mankind through the agency
of "his servants the prophets," The sacred book tells us nothing
concerning the things of God but what has been revealed by His holy
prophets. In connection with all important events it relates, we
read of some inspired men appearing. These prophets were raised up
to deliver special messages from the Lord direct to the people. From
time to time the Lord has such messages to declare to mankind. In all
past ages He has proclaimed them by the mouths of His prophets. The
Lord spoke to these men with His own voice, sometimes face to face,
sometimes from the midst of a cloud or from a burning bush, and at
other times by a voice from heaven.
Before the Lord destroyed the inhabitants of the earth with a flood, He
raised up the Prophet Noah to warn the people of the danger they were
in, and to point out to them a way of escape.
When the Lord was about to raise up a chosen people of the posterity of
Abraham, He told that patriarch of His intention. {310} He also renewed
the promise to Jacob, by speaking unto him, and Jacob prophesied
concerning his posterity.
After the children of Israel became slaves to the Egyptians, and when
the Lord was about to free them, He revealed His intentions to the
Prophet Moses. He chose this man to prepare the people for deliverance
and to lead them out of Egypt.
When the Jews were about to be taken captives by the Babylonians,
prophets were sent to warn them of their danger. Jeremiah and Ezekiel
were two of those prophets. The people heeded not their warning, and
many were slain or taken as prisoners.
When the Lord was about to destroy Nineveh, unless the people repented
of their sins, He sent the Prophet Jonah to call them to repentance.
The people listened to and obeyed his words and were saved.
When the Jewish kingdom was about to be entirely overthrown for the
last time, John the Baptist and the Savior Himself appeared to point
out the way for the people's salvation; but they were rejected by the
great majority.
THE FUTURE DETERMINED BY THE PAST.
Jesus says about His second advent:
"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son
of man be." (Matthew 24: 37).
As Noah was sent to warn the people of the approaching flood in his
day, is it not reasonable to expect that a prophet will be sent in the
latter days to warn the people of the destruction of the wicked, when
the Savior comes to take vengeance upon them?
The Bible fully establishes the fact that all important things done by
the Lord in past ages have been preceded by the appearance of inspired
prophets. Surely the greatest event of the world's history--Christ's
glorious reign on earth--will be preceded by the appearance of divinely
inspired messengers!
SIGNS ENUMERATED.
Scriptural testimony has been presented in the foregoing to show that a
number of signs of Christ's second coming will be made manifest to the
world before His appearance takes place:
There will be Wars and Rumors of Wars, Famines, and Pestilences, and
Earthquakes.
{311} The Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World for
a Witness unto all Nations.
The Sun and Moon shall be darkened, the Stars of Heaven shall Fall, and
the Powers of Heaven shall be Shaken.
The Lord's Chosen People will be Gathered.
The House of the Lord shall be established in the Top of the Mountains.
All the Gifts and Blessings of the Gospel shall be Restored.
A Messenger shall Come to Prepare the Way Before the Lord.
APPEARANCE OF THE SIGNS.
The order in which these signs will appear is not clearly stated in the
scriptures. It is consistent to believe that several will be apparent
at once. Famines and pestilences often occur as the results of war.
The preaching of the Gospel and the gathering of the Lord's elect will
take time, and may proceed together. It is plainly evident that before
the preaching or the gathering the Lord's authorized messenger must
appear to begin the work and to show how the Lord desires it carried
out.
SIGNS ALREADY APPARENT.
The "wars and rumors of wars," the rising of "kingdom against kingdom,"
the "distress of nations," and the "famines, pestilences, and
earthquakes" of the present time proclaim that THE COMING OF THE LORD
"IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS." The desire awakened among the Jews to
return to Jerusalem, and the efforts being made for them to do so, are
also witnesses that THE TIME OF THEIR "REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH."
WHO BELIEVES THESE THINGS.
But what about the messenger to prepare the way before the Lord? How
about the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom in all the world?
Where are the gifts and blessings of the Gospel--the signs to follow
the believers? Where are the chosen people being gathered? And where is
the house of the Lord being established?
In this age of unbelief who is looking for the fulfillment of these
important events which must surely come to pass? Well might the Savior
ask the question: "When the Son of {312} Man Cometh, shall he find
faith on the earth?" "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming
of the Son of man be." There were but few believers in Noah's day.
A PEOPLE PREPARING FOR CHRIST'S COMING.
The Latter-day Saints claim that the divinely inspired messenger has
come to prepare the way before the Lord. They know that the gifts,
powers and blessings of the Gospel have been restored, for they are
partakers of them. Among them the eyes of the blind have been opened,
the ears of the deaf unstopped, and the lame healed. Their missionaries
in a humble way have been proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom for
over sixty years; and thousands of them are among the nations of
the earth declaring it at the present time. Many of those who have
believed their message have been gathered out from all nations, "from
the four winds," from the "islands of the sea," from the "mountains"
and "hills," and the "holes of the rocks." They have built the Lord's
house in "the top of the mountains," where "all nations shall flow unto
it," as they are now doing. There they are being taught the Lord's
ways, that they might more fully "walk in His paths." The claims of the
Latter-day Saints are worthy of the earnest and prayerful consideration
of all who are seeking to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
"_We have turned the barren, bleak prairies and swamps into
beautiful towns, farms and cities, by our industry; and the men
who seek our destruction and cry thief, treason, riot, are those
who themselves violate the laws, steal and plunder from their
neighbors, and seek to destroy the innocent, heralding forth lies
to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes by
bringing destruction upon innocent people_."
--_Joseph Smith_.
{313}
SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH OBEDIENCE.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS CONCERNING SALVATION ANSWERED BY THE WORD OF GOD.
EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL ENGLAND.
BIBLE TEACHINGS UPON THIS SUBJECT--IMPORTANT QUESTIONS CONCERNING
SALVATION ANSWERED BY THE WORD OF GOD SALVATION FREE TO ALL WHO WILL
OBEY--FAITH ALONE WILL NOT SAVE--TRUE FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM
WORKS OF OBEDIENCE--ILLUSTRATIONS OF SALVATION BY GRACE.
IS SALVATION FREE TO ALL?
The Bible plainly says that it is. St. Paul tells us that our Savior
"Will have all men to be saved." (I Timothy 3: 4). John tells us that
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3: 16, 17).
ARE ALL MEN SINNERS?
The Bible says so.
"There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3: 10).
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and
sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7: 20).
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us." (I John 1: 8).
WHAT IS THE LORD'S INVITATION AND PROMISE TO SINNERS?
He invites them to come unto Him, and promises them rest unto their
souls and forgiveness of their sins.
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will
{314} give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I
am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11: 28-30).
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1: 18).
CAN SINFUL MAN SAVE HIMSELF?
No. The Apostle Paul says salvation "is the gift of God," (Ephesians 2:
8); he also says,
"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life."
(Romans 6: 23).
THEN BY WHAT MEANS CAN MAN BE SAVED?
Only through the grace of God, which means by His goodness, favor, or
kindness.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man
should boast." (Ephesians 2: 8, 9).
DOES THIS MEAN THAT WE ARE TO DO NOTHING?
Certainly not, for the next verse of St. Paul's writing states that we
must perform good works.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
(Ephesians 2: 10).
WHAT IS THIS GIFT OF GOD WHICH BRINGS SALVATION TO MAN?
It is the atonement made by Jesus Christ, by which He took away the sin
of the world.
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the
unjust, that he might bring us to God." (I Peter 3: 18).
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
(John 1: 29).
FROM WHAT IS MAN SAVED BY CHRIST'S ATONEMENT?
First, from the effects of Adam's fall, which is death.
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of
the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be
made alive." (I Corinthians 15: 21, 22).
Second, from the sins man himself commits, provided he accepts the
grace which Christ offers.
{315} "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2: 2).
HOW CAN MAN RECEIVE THE GREAT GIFT OF SALVATION FROM SIN?
Only by obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ; that is, by doing what He
has commanded. There is no other way. St. Paul says of Christ:
"Being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5: 9).
The Savior Himself says:
"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." (Matthew 7: 21).
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14: 15).
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that
loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I
will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (John 14: 21).
SHALL WE BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO OUR BELIEF OR ACCORDING TO OUR
OBEDIENCE?
The scriptures tell us that every man will be rewarded according to his
works.
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his
angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
(Matthew 16, 27).
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who
by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and
immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and
do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and
wrath." (Romans 2: 6, 7).
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the
books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book
of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up
the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead
which were in them: and they were judged every man according to
their works. (Revelation 20: 12, 13).
WHAT WILL BE THE PENALTY OF DISOBEDIENCE?
The Apostle Paul says the Lord Jesus will take vengeance upon those who
obey not the Gospel of Christ.
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus
shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming
fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not
the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1: 7, 8).
{316} The Apostle James says people deceive themselves if they do not
the things the Lord commands:
"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves." (James 1: 22).
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith,
and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them,
Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit?" (James 2: 14, 15, 16).
The Apostle John gives this testimony concerning those who obey the
Lord:
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have
right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into
the city." (Revelation 22: 14).
ARE NOT MANKIND CLEANSED FROM SIN BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS?
Yes, if they follow Him, that is, keep His commandments.
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare
unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If
we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we
lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in
the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1: 5, 6,
7).
#DOES THE OBEDIENCE WHICH THE LORD REQUIRES MEAN BELIEF ONLY?
No; for true belief, or faith, cannot be separated from works. Jesus
says,
"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."
(John 14: 12).
"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." (Matthew 7: 21).
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?" (Luke 6: 46).
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:
14).
The Apostle James also tells us,
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James
2: 17).
Knowing that a man cannot show that he has faith except by his works,
this Apostle adds:
"Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith
by my works." (James 2: 18).
{317} To make it plain that a belief without works is not a living
faith and will not save, he says,
"The devils also believe and tremble." (James 2: 19).
WHAT WORKS ARE REQUIRED WITH OUR FAITH?
The ordinances of the Gospel, such as repentance, baptism and the
laying on of hands, and all the works of righteousness God has
commanded. Jesus says concerning repentance and baptism,
"Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4: 17).
"Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13: 5).
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16: 16).
The Apostle Peter says,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2: 38).
In regard to works of righteousness Christ says:
"Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the
scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom
of heaven." (Matthew 5: 20).
"He that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10: 22).
Upon this subject the Apostle Peter writes:
"Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to
knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly
kindness charity." (II Peter 1: 5-7).
DOES ANY PART OF THE BIBLE TEACH THAT MAN CAN BE SAVED WITHOUT
WORKS?
No. The passages that some people suppose teach such a doctrine are not
fully understood by them. Paul and Silas said to the jailer, when he
asked them what he should do to be saved,
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy
house." (Acts 16: 31).
They knew that the jailer could not truly believe without obeying. That
he did obey is shown by the words that follow:
"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their
stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." (Acts 16:
33).
On the day of Pentecost the Apostle Peter repeated these words from the
prophecy of Joel:
{318}
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name
of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2: 21).
But on the same occasion he commanded every one of them to repent and
be baptized. (Acts 2: 38).
St. Paul says,
"A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans
3: 28).
It is made plain by other remarks which he makes in the same connection
that he refers to the Jewish law, and not to deeds of righteousness,
nor Gospel ordinances. In no place does the Bible teach that faith
without works will save.
AN ILLUSTRATION.
Suppose a farmer were told these words by a friend: "If you only
had a horse, you might do much more work." The farmer would at once
understand that his friend meant that he should not only procure a
horse, but that he should feed it, and use it in the harness in order
to get the work performed. He would be considered a very foolish man if
he merely bought the horse, and never fed it or used it, simply because
his friend did not say the words "You must feed it and make use of it
after you get it." The horse would soon die, and then be of no use to
the owner if he treated it in such a way. Anyone who says he believes
in Jesus Christ and never obeys His commandments has but a dead faith,
which is of no more use to him than is a dead horse to a farmer.
WHAT KNOWLEDGE DOES THE BIBLE SAY IS NECESSARY TO ETERNAL LIFE?
A knowledge of our Father in heaven, and our Redeemer.
"This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17: 3).
CAN THIS KNOWLEDGE BE OBTAINED WITHOUT OBEDIENCE TO THE
COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD?
It cannot. The Apostle John says:
"Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandment.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2: 3, 4).
{319}
CAN THERE BE MORE THAN ONE WAY OF SALVATION, OR MORE THAN ONE TRUE
GOSPEL AND CHURCH OF CHRIST?
No. The Savior taught only one way, and organized but one church. He
says:
"I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me." (John 14: 6).
"He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth
up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." (John 10: 1).
St. Paul says concerning the one Gospel of Christ:
"Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be
accursed." (Galatians 1: 8).
The same Apostle says concerning the Church of Christ:
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one
hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians
4: 4, 5).
St. John gives this warning against those who teach not the necessity
of abiding in Christ, that is obeying all His doctrines:
"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive
him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that
biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 10,
11).
IF ORDINANCES AND COMMANDMENTS MUST BE OBEYED HOW ARE MANKIND SAVED
BY GRACE, WHICH IS A FREE GIFT?
The Gospel plan is given through the grace of God. It is a gift to man.
If man refuses to obey it he rejects the gift, which is the only means
of his salvation.
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth." (Romans 1: 16).
TRUTHS DECLARED BY THE WORD OF GOD.
The passages already given are from the writings and sayings of
divinely inspired apostles and prophets. They are the words of God, for
these men "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." With many other
passages in the Bible they prove that--
Salvation is Free to all. All men are Sinners.
{320} The Lord Invites all Sinners to come to Him, and Promises them
Forgiveness.
Sinful man Cannot save Himself.
He can only be Saved by the Grace of God.
He can only partake of the Full Grace of God by Obeying the Gospel of
Christ.
Obedience means to Keep the Commandments as well as to Believe.
The Bible Teaches no other way of Salvation.
SALVATION AND EDUCATION.
The Gospel which redeems from sin may be likened unto a course of
education which redeems from ignorance. The two are so near alike
that if we understand the one we may be able to understand the other.
Sometimes wealthy men establish schools that are free to the public.
All who desire to get an education are invited to receive it freely.
It might be said that it is by the grace or kindness of these men that
those who accept their offer are educated. But to receive the education
they offer so freely one must comply with the rules of the school.
He cannot enter unless he is willing to do so. After he has entered
the pupil must obey the instructions given or he never will gain the
education offered, although it is offered freely.
Salvation in the kingdom of heaven is very much the same. It is offered
to all freely, but to receive it one must accept of the conditions
upon which it is tendered; and he must gain it by obedience to the
instructions of the Savior, who made salvation free to mankind.
SIN AND DEBT.
Sin may be likened unto a debt. Sometimes men get into debt and are
unable to pay what they owe. Suppose a man in this condition was told
by the man to whom he was in debt that he would be forgiven if he would
agree to certain conditions. Such a man would not expect forgiveness
unless he made the promise and kept his agreement.
All men are sinners before the Lord, and they cannot free themselves
from their sins. The Savior, however, promises them forgiveness on
condition of their obedience to His commandments. How then can we
expect to receive forgiveness unless we accept His offer and obey His
word?
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THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.
RULES THAT MUST BE OBEYED BY ALL WHO ENTER CHRIST'S CHURCH.
BY ELDER EDWIN F. PARRY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.
###WHAT IS SALVATION?
Salvation means redemption from eternal death, and deliverance from the
effects of sin. It is the gift of God to man.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2: 8).
Adam's transgression, or original sin, brought eternal death upon
mankind. The atonement made by the Savior made redemption from that
eternal death general or universal; that is, all will be redeemed from
it. Both good and bad will be resurrected.
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of
the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be
made alive." (I Corinthians 15: 21, 22).
OUR OWN SINS.
Salvation from our own sins is a special blessing of our Heavenly
Father. It is offered freely, but all who desire it must accept it upon
the condition specified. That condition is obedience to the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is called the plan of salvation. It is a
system of rules by complying with which salvation may be gained; hence
it is called in the scriptures the "power of God unto salvation."
{322} There are many systems or branches of knowledge known to man,
such as that of music, of chemistry, of mathematics, of geometry, etc.
By learning and practicing the rules of one of these systems a person
can receive the benefits to be had from that particular system. By
learning and practicing the rules of the Gospel we can receive the
blessing it offers, which is salvation.
To enjoy the privileges and blessings of civilized society children
have to learn the rules or customs of civilized people. This they
do by obeying the teachings they receive from their parents. If an
uncivilized man wishes to associate with civilized people, and enjoy
their company, he must be willing to obey their teachings, or the rules
of their society. The Gospel of Jesus Christ leaches the rules of
conduct that are to be observed by all who are saved in the kingdom of
heaven. These rules are simple, but they are very strict. They must be
obeyed.
THE FIRST RULE--FAITH.
The first rule or principle of the Gospel is faith in God. The Apostle
Paul says:
"Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11: 6).
It is shown in the above passage that we cannot come to God without
believing that He exists, and also that He rewards them that diligently
seek Him. In order to believe that God rewards all that seek Him, we
must trust Him, or have confidence in His word. That is, we must rely
upon His promises. This is the full meaning of faith. The same apostle
gives this definition of faith:
"Faith is the substance" [assurance] "of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11: 1).
The reason why it is impossible to please God without faith is because
He desires that His children should come unto Him, that they might be
saved. It pleases Him when they keep His commandments, while He is
displeased when they are disobedient.
NATURE OF TRUE FAITH.
True faith is sometimes called living faith. It is capable of growing.
When exercised it becomes stronger. When we {323} trust in the Lord we
prove to ourselves that He can be relied upon. We learn that His word
can be depended upon, and so our confidence in Him is increased. By
the continued exercise of faith in God it becomes a principle of great
power. Men by it have influence with the Lord. By it they are enabled
to do many marvelous things. Jesus says,
"If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that
believeth." (Mark 9: 23).
"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto
this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove;
and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17: 20).
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye
receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11: 24).
POWER OF FAITH.
St. Paul mentions many great things done by the power of faith, and
speaks of a number of men of old "who through faith subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of
weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the
armies of the aliens." (Hebrew 11: 33, 34).
Knowing the great power of living faith, the Savior promised with
assurance that marvelous blessings should follow all who believe on the
Lord. These blessings, He said, should be signs or evidences of their
belief.
"These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take
up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt
them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
(Mark 16: 17, 18).
All these blessings were enjoyed by believers in former days. They are
also received by true believers to-day. The result of faith is always
the same. If it was possible for miracles to be performed by the power
of faith in ancient times it is equally possible to do the same by
faith at the present time.
NECESSITY OF MIRACULOUS GIFTS.
It is necessary that the signs or gifts of the Gospel should follow
believers in our day as well as in past ages. They furnish a proof of
our faith. If our faith is not sufficient to bring to us the temporal
blessings of God which we need or desire, then we have cause to fear
that our faith is not strong enough to bring to us eternal salvation.
It is possible for a {324} person to be mistaken in estimating his own
faith. Sometimes people over-estimate their strength, and only learn
of their mistake when they make some test of it. Persons can also
overestimate the faith they possess, and if they do not test it they
may deceive themselves.
Faith, like bodily strength, can only be developed or increased by
exercising it; and a person once possessing faith may lose it by
disuse, as one loses his strength of muscle when it is not exercised.
EXISTENCE OF FAITH SHOWN BY WORKS.
True faith is always made manifest by works. When a person has faith in
the Lord he will show it by his works of obedience; that is by keeping
the commandments of God. It is useless for any one to profess that he
has faith, if he does not show it by his obedience. The Savior asks the
question,
"Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
(Luke 6: 46).
The Apostle James says we deceive ourselves if we are not doers of the
word:
"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves." (James 2: 22).
He further adds that it is not profitable to say we have faith and do
not perform works, and that the best way to show our faith is by our
works:
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith,
and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them,
Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils
also believe, and tremble." (James 2: 14-19).
ANOTHER EVIDENCE OF FAITH.
True faith can be recognized by another proof or test. When it is
obtained it causes its possessor to be very humble. It is always
accompanied with humility. It convinces its possessor that he is a
sinner, and he feels penitent.
THE SECOND RULE--REPENTANCE.
Repentance is the second rule or principle of the Gospel of Christ. It
naturally follows faith in God and Jesus Christ. True faith leads to
repentance of sin as one step up a ladder leads to the next.
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MEANING OF REPENTANCE.
According to the teachings of the scriptures, to repent means to feel
sorrow for sins committed and to turn away from them; that is to do
them no more. St. Paul, in writing to the Corinthian saints, says to
them concerning their repentance:
"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed
to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner that ye
might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of
the world worketh death." (II Corinthians 7: 9, 10).
The same apostle in exhorting the Ephesians to repent told them what
they should do, or how they should repent. He says,
"Let him that stole steal no more." (Ephesians 4: 28).
One who sincerely repents will also seek to make restitution for wrongs
done. If he has stolen he will return, if possible, that which he has
taken. Such is the full meaning of repentance--to forsake sin.
NECESSITY OF REPENTANCE.
Repentance is very necessary to salvation in the kingdom of heaven.
Those who have been led to exercise faith in the Lord are under great
condemnation if they do not repent. They are in rebellion against Him
and cannot receive His approbation. Unless they turn from their sins
they are not fit subjects for His kingdom. Both John the Baptist and
Jesus began their labors in the ministry by calling upon the people to
repent.
"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness
of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand." (Matthew 3: 1, 2).
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4: 17).
John refused to baptize those who came to him, without repenting, and
told them to bring forth "fruits meet for repentance." (Matthew 3: 7,
8).
Neither faith nor baptism will benefit a person unless he repents also.
The object of the Gospel is to bring mankind back to God. Through sin
they are separated from Him.
"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your
sins have hid his face from you." (Isaiah 59: 2).
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To return to Him it is necessary to put away sin--to repent of it.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of
God?" (I Corinthians 6: 9).
"Except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish." (Luke 13: 3).
It is only upon certain conditions that the blood of Christ cleanseth
from all sin:
"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
us from all sin." (I John 1: 7).
In order to "walk in the light" we must turn away from the dark paths
of sin.
THE THIRD RULE--BAPTISM.
Repentance alone does not remit sin, yet every one who is truly
penitent desires that his sins be remitted. It is through the atonement
of Jesus Christ that a remission of sins is obtained. To make that
atonement effective to each individual the Savior has instituted an
ordinance. By obeying that ordinance, after repenting of his sins, a
person can receive a remission or forgiveness of them.
TRUE MODE OF BAPTISM.
The ordinance for the remission of sins is called baptism. The meaning
of the word baptize is to immerse or dip. The only proper mode of
baptism is by immersion. All the baptisms described in the New
Testament were performed by immersion.
St. Matthew says concerning the baptism of Jesus:
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the
water." (Matthew 3: 16).
This shows that He must have gone down into the water. "And John
also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much
water there." (John 3: 23).
This is also a proof that John baptized by immersion.
The baptism of the eunuch by Philip is described thus in the Bible:
"They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch;
and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip." (Acts 8: 38, 39).
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This, again, shows the manner of baptism practiced by the Savior's
disciples.
St. Paul writes:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ
were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by
baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness
of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of
his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
(Romans 6: 3, 4, 5).
The apostle here likens baptism to the burial and resurrection of
Christ. Any ordinance called baptism performed in some other way is not
in the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection, and is not baptism
at all.
All the early church historians testify that baptism by immersion was
practiced during the first centuries after Christ.
WHAT BAPTISM IS FOR.
The following passages of scripture show that baptism is for the
remission of sins:
"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1: 4).
"And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the
baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Luke 3: 3).
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." (Acts
2: 38).
The scriptures tell of no ordinance or means by which a remission of
sins can be obtained without baptism. Faith and repentance are not
sufficient. The Bible says of John the Baptist's ministry:
"All the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God,
being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and
lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not
baptized of him." (Luke 7: 29, 30).
It appears from this that those who refuse to be baptized reject the
counsel of God against themselves. To do this is a great sin, and the
only way to repent of it is to obey the counsel of God, and the counsel
of God is to be baptized.
Cornelius, who is described as "a devout man, and one that feared
God," and who was visited by an angel from heaven was commanded to be
baptized. (Acts 10: 48). This shows {328} that baptism is necessary for
all mankind, no matter how righteous they may be.
OTHER PURPOSES OF BAPTISM.
Jesus said it was necessary for Him to be baptized, in order to fulfill
all righteousness, though He was without sin:
"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized
of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized
of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him,
Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all
righteousness." (Matthew 3: 13, 14, 15).
If it was becoming or proper that the Savior, who was without sin,
should obey this ordinance, how much more becoming and necessary it is
for all mankind, who are in sin, to follow Him and be baptized!
Baptism is one of the ordinances by which persons are admitted into the
church of Christ, as shown by the following scriptures:
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
(Acts 2: 41).
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God." (John 3: 5).
To be "born of water" one must be baptized in water. Upon another
occasion Jesus said,
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that
believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16: 16).
In no part of the scripture is it stated that man can be admitted into
the church of Christ or be saved without baptism. It is an ordinance
binding upon all who have reached the age of accountability.
The words of Jesus to the thief on the cross, "To-day shalt thou be
with me in paradise," (Luke 23: 43), are believed by some to mean that
the thief was promised salvation without complying with the ordinance
of baptism. The Apostle Peter says Christ, after being "put to death
in the flesh," "went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which
sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited
in the days of Noah." (I Peter 3: 18, 19, 20). Three days after His
crucifixion, and after He was resurrected, Jesus said to Mary: "Touch
me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father." (John 20: 17). This
proves that Christ did not go to heaven on the day He told the thief he
would be with {329} Him in Paradise; if He did not, then it is evident
that the thief did not.
THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS.
The baptism of infants is not an ordinance of Christ's church. He never
instituted such a practice, and does not require it nor approve of
it. Baptism as has been shown, is for the remission of sins, and for
admission into the kingdom of God. It must follow faith and repentance.
Infants are without sins; they are unable to exercise faith, or to
understand repentance. Concerning them Jesus says:
"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:
FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD." (Mark 10: 13, 14).
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED WITHOUT BAPTISM.
If this ordinance is so essential to salvation, it might be asked,
what becomes of those good people who die without baptism, not knowing
it is necessary? Will they be lost? It might also be asked, What will
become of those good people who die without believing on the Lord Jesus
Christ, never having heard of Him? Let the scriptures answer these
questions:
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,
and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were
evil." (John 3: 19).
"Where no law is, there is no transgression." (Romans 4: 15).
"For sin is the transgression of the law." (I John 3: 4).
"That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many
stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of
stripes shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much
is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 12: 47, 48).
These passages of scripture are sufficient to make it clear that people
are not condemned until they, after having the privilege of complying
with the law of God, reject it. The Lord in His infinite mercy has
provided means by which all who die without the privilege of hearing
and obeying the Gospel may be saved by future compliance.[1]
But those who do hear it and refuse to obey its teachings simply
because other good people before them who died without {330} the
opportunity did not comply with them in this life, will surely be under
condemnation.
BAPTISM A TEST OF OBEDIENCE.
The fact that baptism is a commandment of God should be enough to
convince any one that it must be observed. It is not an unreasonable
requirement. The Lord promises salvation to those who obey Him.
Baptism is one of the tests of obedience. Nothing but a lack of
faith, repentance and humility will cause one to object to baptism.
An unwillingness to submit to baptism is a proof that faith and
repentance have not been complied with. Baptism therefore serves as a
test of one's faith and repentance, just as repentance is a test of
faith. A spirit of repentance and humility proves that we have faith;
and an honest desire to accept baptism proves that we manifest faith,
repentance and humility.
When these three rules or principles have been sincerely obeyed we are
prepared for the next one. By complying with it the Lord's approval of
our course is to be received.
THE FOURTH RULE--LAYING ON OF HANDS.
Following the ordinance of baptism by immersion in water for the
remission of sins, is that of laying on of hands for the reception of
the Holy Ghost. The manner of conferring the Holy Ghost in the days
of the apostles was by the ordinance of laying on of hands, as the
following passages will show:
"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost." (Acts 8: 17).
"When Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the
Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money." (Acts 8: 18).
"When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on
them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19: 6).
Those who truly believe, sincerely repent of their sins, and are
baptized by one having authority are entitled to receive this ordinance
of laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. If it is
performed by one called of God, that is, one having authority to
administer His ordinances, the Lord will sanction the act by bestowing
the gift of the Holy Ghost upon those who receive the ordinance.
NECESSITY OF LAYING ON OF HANDS.
The scriptures show that it is very essential that this ordinance be
received by all who accept the Gospel of Christ. Like that of baptism,
it is one by which mankind are admitted {331} into the church of
God. When the people of Samaria accepted Philip's testimony and were
baptized, Peter and John were sent to lay hands upon them, that they
might receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8: 14-17). If it was not necessary
that the people of Samaria should have this ordinance attended to the
apostles would not have gone to the trouble of sending Peter and John
unto them for that purpose.
OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.