Part One

The Simplicity (and purity)

In Christ

      There are no unimportant parts of the Sacred Scriptures, and scholarly efforts to arrange in a helpful manner have been excellent. Even we old-timer traditionalists need to go back occasionally and trace the “thread” running from the Creation to Pentecost. And, we need to do it honestly and accurately.

      I’ve heard many times, usually by Baptists, that the Church of Christ “does not believe in the Old Testament.” This of course in foolishness, but no more foolish than many who take from the Old Covenant/Testament whatever is convenient to prove a point of their emphasis. This has led to the saying that “a Scripture taken out of context becomes a pretext.” The basis truth is that we today – and all men to the end of time – are under the Law of Christ, the New Covenant / Testament, in the Kingdom of God and Christ.

      And yet, with many, being unable to “rightly divide” the Word presents some problems to some saints today. We are not with the great heroes of primitive mankind where God talked directly with whomever He chose, and neither are we Jews, to whom the gave the great Law of Moses. We live in the Kingdom of God today where Christ is King, and are governed by the laws of the New and last Covenant. Certain principles of relationship with God and moral righteousness have been binding upon mankind from Eden to the Judgment, and the particular covenant period is inconsequential. One excellent example of the command to love God and brethren, not a part of any one dispensation, but for all ages for all men.

Our Study

      Probably we should never start any Scripture study with the question, "What does this Scripture mean to me?" Rather, we probably should ask, What did it mean to those to whom it was written, and, is it applicable to us today, and, if so, in what way is it applicable? For more than half a century I have been taught a simple formula in Bible study: (1) To which “covenant” does this Scripture belong, and is it presently applicable to my relationship to the Lord? And then, and only then, (2) Who is speaking, and is the speaker (or writer) inspired? (3) To whom are they speaking, and again, is what is being said applicable to my present relationship to the Lord? (4) What do the words actually and accurately say, and again, are they applicable to my relationship to the Lord?

      Language often means different things to different people. This writer was born and raised in the South, in the very heart of the “Bible Belt.” Certain sectarian friends have helped me to understand that “we” have acquired many expressions that can hardly be found in Scripture, but are familiar to “us.”. This is not to say that they teach error, but encourage non-communication with those of different backgrounds. This has handicapped our evangelistic effort in many cases, and should prove that the common ground is the only ground for true co-munication, and this common ground is the Holy Scripture. A wise and successful speech professor stated accurately (by my judgment), “Effective speech is not for exhibition but for communication.” Paul said it well to Timothy, “Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2Ti 3:15,16).

      Thus, we need to understand if possible the language being used as it was being used by the audience to whom God gave it. The Lord God was the perfect communicator, and never confused the knowledge of His will, to Adam in the Beginning and to us through Christ today. While Truth never changes, nor the commands to obey the principles under all circumstances, proper language is important, and we need to respect competent scholarship to keep from abusing God’s Message. The professionals refer to “effective speech,” i.e., that which produces desired results. And, we must remember that the number of Hebrew and Greek words used in the Scriptures was rather limited, while in modern English today we probably have many times more words in English. We need to be careful and as accurate as possible!

      We will continually stress that this presentation is never intended to be a “commentary” of the Scriptures. (There are plenty of these available to everyone.) It is a testimony of this writer’s experiences and understandings, with a sincere request that it be evaluated and all questionable statements be confronted. Your understanding of this will be much appreciated! Anyone who innocently misrepresents God’s Message needs to be helped, and anyone who deliberately misrepresents the faith designed to save souls needs to be soundly rebuked.

      We trust that all disciples of Christ (especially this disciple) will attempt to use His Word correctly. Even then there is another consideration that is often violated. Paul writes to Timothy, “charging them before the Lord that thy strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers” (3Ti 2:14).

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