Chapter #1 – “In The Beginning, God . . .”
Text: 2nd Cor. 11:3 “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ” (ASV)
It is significant that Moses, led by the Spirit of God, does not begin the history of mankind by citing his credentials to prove his credibility as the author, or that the subject of his writings does in fact exist. As is the case in instances too numerous to need proof, the author will reveal himself in the very writing itself. While Moses is universally accepted as the historian, guided by the Holy Spirit, the subject of his writings is the Lord God Almighty. This Almighty One will be revealed in the account itself, as will Moses the historian. The Creator author will be revealed in the endeavor itself, overshadowing it, by its very content. Why, then, should the Holy Spirit have prefaced the content of the Bible with a segment designed to prove the existence of God, the real author? To ask this question is by my judgment but to answer it. The real author will become apparent, again and again.
Accepting this premise, how can any intelligent person know that God exists? That He is the rewarder of those that seek Him. (Heb. 11:6.) That He is “not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; . . . for we are also his offspring” (Act 17:27,28). Is it not through his honest and diligent study of the Scriptures, as the Holy Spirit directs Moses to tell us about God’s creation of the universe and mankind, and the purposes of it all? Is it not through a study of the evidences that the Word of God was made flesh (Joh 1:14), lived among men for some 33 years, performed marvelous works that only God Himself could do, was crucified by wicked men for claiming that he was God in the flesh, and was resurrected the third day? Is there any other way?
William James, reputed to be among the very most intelligent humans America has produced stated: “Our faith is faith in someone else’s faith, and in the greatest matters this is most the case.” If I understand what this great thinker is saying, I agree – and I wholeheartedly disagree that this is the way it ought to be, and can be for those who expect to receive Eternal Life. The faith that will save a soul is a personal, committed belief that the Word (Scriptures, Bible) did indeed come from God, and these Scriptures introduce the Author who gave them. The Word of God, and the very existence of God, go together, for who could introduce the Almighty God but God Himself. Paul states in 1Co 2:11, “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
Parents, pastors (shepherds) of God’s sheep, is this not one of the biggest failures of all our teaching? Have we not expected our children, and those who might be depending upon us for guidance, to accept our belief and conviction that God is? Do we not understand that God has no grandchildren, so to speak; only children. Every one of us is a child of God or we are not. And, we -- every single one of us -- became such by our own study and conviction and action. We – each one of us – heard the Gospel, believed it, and obeyed it.
Several years ago, while teaching a high school level Bible class, I asked each student to write out a brief statement as to why they believed in God. When the papers came in, I was shocked a bit, but not surprised. In this class there were five young men who subsequently became preachers (three went to foreign countries as missionaries). Several others were students in the city’s Christian School. Most of the answers to this important question made mention of the beautiful aspects of the world, certainly to be credited to a marvelous creator. But perhaps half of the class members stated that they knew there was a God because their parents, or their teachers, had taught them so. A few wrote that “the Bible teaches” that there is a God.
It is also obvious that the Scriptures teach that every man must do his own hearing, believing, and responding to the Gospel! To refer back to William James, no man can be saved on the basis of his parent’s faith, nor that of a favorite teacher or that of another who might be loved or respected, or by membership of an esteemed religious group. Christ went to the Cross alone, and we must come to Christ alone. The ground at the foot of the Cross is level, it is said. This is surely true, and the way it had to be. As an interesting albeit negative example, an official for a prominent life insurance company in Nashville once stated in a TV interview, “I let my lawyer handle my legal affairs and I let my pastor handle my spiritual affairs.” (We sincerely hope he used his superior abilities to learn differently before he faced the Lord in judgment.)
The existence of God is the First Truth on which All religious Truth depends. He is the all-sufficient First Truth. Accept God's existence and His testimony is not difficult to believe or accept. Deny it, and no foundation is left for life, law, faith, hope, love, truth, justice, freedom, beauty, goodness, holiness, or any other value.
God The Only Ultimate Authority
In this matter of the creation of the universe, and the purpose and destiny of all things, God is the ultimate authority. By authority we mean, the basis of all spiritual life, from the beginning and forever. One scholar defines authority as "That right or power to command action or compliance, or to determine belief or custom, expecting obedience from those under authority.”This scholar suggests two sources of authority: Superior Position, and Truth: Ultimate Authority demands a position absolutely supreme -- and Truth so pure as to be the eternal source of all that is true. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (p. 334) carries some thought provoking remarks on this subject.)
God alone is self-existent and therefore supreme. He is what He is of His own right. If God exists, He is the ultimate criterion (rule, standard) and power of truth and reality. All truth inheres in Him and issues from Him. The question of authority thus becomes one with the proof and definition of God.
The question of God’s existence continues through the ages and is the basis for the obedience of true believers, and, negatively, the basis for disobedience and self-determination for all non-believers (atheists). Until this question is answered there is little hope for peace and security, for it is the cornerstone for all spiritual growth.
A recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll revealed that forty-two percent of US adults are not "absolutely certain" that there is a God. And that’s compared to thirty-four percent who felt that way when asked the same question just -- three years ago. Eight percent is statistically significant, especially in so short a period of time.
As to whether God controls events on earth, twenty-nine percent believe He does, while forty-four percent said “God observes but does not control what happens on Earth."
George Barna is today probably the most often quoted pollster in the religious status in America. He recently reported that many US adults don't view morality the way their fathers did. There are large generational gaps in how people decide what's right and what’s wrong. Nearly half of all older adults said that they view truth as absolute, but only three out of ten of those born between 1964 and 1981 embraced the concept of absolute truth. Two thirds of those over forty said humans should determine what's morally right and wrong by examining God's principles; less than half of those born between 1964 and 1981 agree with that. (Remember the “situational ethics” debates of a decade or so ago?)
We might be inclined to ask, “What is happening?” It would appear that running parallel to the decline in morality and ethics in America (and probably in the world) has been “the collective and concentrated efforts of several groups of people to silence God in our nation.” Surely, surely, one would have to “have his head in the sand” to not hear and read of all the effort being pushed in our national media. Without a belief in the true God, it's impossible to maintain moral order, or civilization. Most of America’s forefathers knew that.
On the positive side we remind that in a report by ABC News (Dec.9, 2004), entitled, “Famous Atheist now believes in God." (Fox News had a very similar report.) The article reported, “British philosophy professor who's been a leading champion of atheism for more than half-century, has changed his mind. He now believes in God.” The man was Antony Flew, who debated our brother in Christ, Tom Warren of Harding University Graduate School, at North Texas State University in Denton, Texas, in September, 1976. Dr. Flew stated that his change of mind was based on a rethinking and study of scientific evidence. His statement concluded that, at age 81, after decades of insisting that belief in God was a mistake, he now believes that some sort of intelligence or first cause must have created the universe. “A super-intelligence is the only good explanation," he said, "for the origin of life and the complexity of nature." Dr. Flew was the son of a religious minister, and became an atheist at age 15. One might legitimately ask, “What had his minister father been teaching his boy (and others)? Was it the Bible, or the preacher? The Inspired Scriptures do not lead to atheism!
More recently we have learned that Princeton University physicist Freeman Dyson is quoted as saying, “The more I examine the universe and the details of its architecture, the more evidence I find that the Universe in some way must have known we were coming." We are reminded of this statement by Isaiah, “For this is the word of the Lord who made the heavens; he is God; the maker and designer of the earth; who made it not to be a waste, but as a living-place for man: I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isa. 45:18).
The Scriptures begin with “In the beginning God . . .” There can be no ultimacy in authority which depends upon its subjects for validity. GOD is not established by human investigation or reasoning. Divine TRUTH is not relative, applying to man's acceptance for its credentials. Truth does not depend upon anyone’s belief for it to be true. If any standard exists by which God must be tried, He becomes subordinate to that standard. That which is ultimate “is its own witness and judge.” Paul states in 1Co 2:16, “ For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?”
A second great principle about the ultimate God is that only God can reveal God. Man can not “take” him, or “find” him by exploration. Paul wrote "the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:11). The Bible is not the product of man's search for God, but the revelation of God to man. Many modern scholars say God revealed Himself in acts, and the Bible is a record of those acts and what men have deduced from them. This is often an effort to escape the weight of doctrinal information set forth in clear language in God's word. It makes stated truth subject to man's interpretation of those acts -- makes man superior in such cases to the Word. But though God used "earthen vessels" to convey His truth (2 Cor. 4:7), He guided their words so that what they wrote and said were His words (1 Cor. 2:13; 1 Thes.2:13). This is the wholly consistent means by which an ultimate God communicates with His creatures.
And this establishes a third great principle. The relationship between God and man is direct. Many feel that such a principle demands some mystical communication between God and each individual -- that the Bible becomes a "third party" or sacerdotal element, or kind of "priest." Historic churches, especially the Catholic, make "the church" this element, so only through it may men reach God. In the “Reformation and Restoration Period”this was a primary issue, but today we are to a great extent unaware of what is at stake here. When Protestants said "the Church must be judged by the Scriptures" they were declaring God's Word superior to its product -- that each individual was answerable directly to God, on the basis of His word rather than through an institution with its clergy. Some called this "Bibliolatry" but such a charge discounts the divine nature of the Spirit-filled word. The choice is between "Church" (which must claim inspiration to even be considered) and the "Bible" (whose inspiration has stood the test of time; and to which even the church must make appeal). Our "more sure word of prophecy" (2 Pet. 1:19) excels even eye-witness accounts of God's majesty (vs. 13-21). "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." When man applies himself to God's word, he can understand (Eph.3:2-6) that God knows his heart, and a direct relationship is developed between God and man.
God has never abdicated His throne. When the Lord said, "Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth...." he did not give the Apostles a decision-making authority or responsibility. They were not to originate the truth that was bound (Mat. 16:19). The Greek uses periphrastic future tense here (future perfect passive) saying literally "shall have been bound in heaven." That is, by the time you bind it on earth it will have originated and been already bound in heaven. This fits perfectly with all of Christ's instructions: "Tarry . . . until you are endued with power from on high." The Apostles were to speak only as divine power inspired them to speak. (Matt. 16:19; 18:18) "There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy: who art thou that judgest another?" Look at Jas.4:12 closely, and you will see that legislative executive, and judicial authority remain in ONE, the ultimate God authority.
Delegated Authority is restricted by stipu1ated purpose or intent. The Apostles were never anything more than inspired messengers "sent" to deliver a divine message. They were simply to interpret and apply the terms of salvation and the ethical demands of the gospel but were not to intrude between God and man in such a way as to make decisions which God would be expected to ratify.
The Integrity Of God’s Word
Integrity is from the Latin word "integritas," and means soundness. The American Heritage Dictionary says integrity is completeness, honesty, soundness. So, when applied to our subject, it means the completeness, honesty, and soundness. of the Word of God. The new Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English authenticated says that integrity is "Behavior in accordance with a strict code of values, moral, artistic, etc.; honesty; entirety; the quality of wholeness; something without mark or stain; soundness." Synonyms according to this same dictionary are, uprightness, honesty, rectitude, purity." So, again, when applied to our subject, it means the uprightness, honesty, rectitude, and purity of the Word of God.
The "Word" of course refers to the Word of God, contained in what we call the Bible. The word “Bible” is not in the Scriptures. It simply means “book,” and the Bible contains all of the inspired Scriptures known and authenticated by reputable scholarship of the last 2000 years. (A later lesson will deal with versions, modern versions, paraphrases and commentaries.)
The integrity of the Word of God necessarily stands or falls on the merits of its author. Is the Almighty God really the Creator of the universe as claimed? Is He then the “ultimate authority” for all things done or reported? Is He the real author of the Scriptures? If so, are these writings only a proof of itself, written by itself? Are these Scriptures that we have today complete, totally honest and true? IF so He – The Lord Almighty -- has integrity, and all his works have integrity.
Our Problem Today
Our problem today is not new. There is an important difference between a “fact” and a “claim.” A fact can be proven to be true with reliable evidence; a claim may or may not be true, and often is spoken (or written) without any offering of evidence. Paul tells us that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom 10:17). Someone once asks, “Can a man be saved who does not believe the Bible?” The answer is a resounding NO! Through study an intelligent and sincere person can be convinced that the Bible is factually true. The same study will convince of the reporting of these facts, and then the confirmation. God does not expect us to believe without adequate evidence. First the fact, then the reporting of the fact, and its confirmation, and then faith – the only faith that will save the soul.
One of the most malignant evils of all time, is that preachers and teachers often ask listeners to believe what is taught on the basis of their confidence in them, and not Him, the Son! Some false teachers are sincere in their belief of erroneous teaching; others are apparently deliberately and willfully propagating error, usually for the sake of money. My judgment is that many saints, like sheep, will believe almost anything that a favorite teacher or counselor will offer. This is sad. But, Jesus warned his generation to not only take heed “what” they hear, but also “how” they heard. (Mar 4:24; Lu 8:18; see also 1Co 3:10.) A later chapter will deal with “false teachers,” and the harm they are doing to the “simplicity that is in Christ.”
Hearing truth is not necessarily the same as believing the truth. And, believing the truth is not necessarily responding to it. Some purposes of truth offered might be, 1) For information only, 2) For purposes of convincing in questionable matters, 3) For sincere call to action. We can go all the way back to the garden and see that Adam and Eve heard God, but did not believe God, and consequently did not do what the Lord said. The garden incident is a near perfect example of God’s authority, man’s choice to obey or not obey, the cunning of Satan in his appeal, and the evil results of disobedience of the Almighty.
Even today we see that Satan is always ready to deceive and destroy through misapplication of God's Word. He is basically evil and deception is a favorite tool. In today’s religious environment workers of evil have capitalized on selling a Gospel based upon man’s “felt needs.” We are hearing much about “ministering to the whole man.” There is an element of truth in every false doctrine, but the Gospel of “seeking and saving the lost” must be most important in any effort for Christ. The statement of Genesis 3:6 is monumental:
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
But -- we learn that sin then, and sin now – has its consequences. Excuses, apparently, based on Adam’s reply to God, will have little effect when we meet the Lord in Judgment:
Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? . . . And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. . . . And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: . . . Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. . . . Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; . . .
“And so He drove out the man” is one of the saddest judgments ever recorded. Our series of studies will address the things that we must believe that we may live in hope and confidence, and never be faced with the horrible fate of being “driven out” from the presence of the eternal Almighty God!
– Hank Tankersley
Something To Think About:
After Paul was converted to Christ from Judaism, he wrote several “masterpieces,” among them his Letter to the Romans. In this letter he expresses his affection for his countrymen, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (10:1). What caused Paul’s concern about their salvation? “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. . . . The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (vs. 2-17).