"Witch Hunting"
In the February 21 issue of the Gospel Guardian there are quotations from two brethren which, I believe, need attention. First brother Wilson Coon accuses God's children of lying when they sing to Jesus.
It is surprising that a preacher of brother Coon's standing does not know of a scriptural example of a person praying to Jesus. Brother Coon might profit from a careful reading of the scriptures that tell us to sing. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) Does brother Coon consider Christ's invitation out of date? (Matt. 11:28) Peter said, "For ye were as sheep going astray, but now are returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1 Pet. 2:25) Does brother Coon think it all right to come to Christ, but that if we say a word to him while doing so we lie? To whom did Paul pray that his thorn might depart from him? (2 Cor. 12:7-9)
Sometimes the word Lord refers to God. And sometimes the word God refers to Christ. (Acts. 20:28) Who purchased the church with his own blood? Also in Heb 1:8 the Son is called God. I know we are to pray to God in the name of Christ; but we cannot go to God without going to Christ.
Here Is The Scripture
Brother Coon said: "There is no evidence concerning prayers directed to Jesus or to the Spirit." Read the following:
"And they stoned Stephen calling upon God (RV Lord) and saying Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:59, 60)
We don't mind being asked reasonable questions, but we should not be accused of lying before we have time to answer Brother Coon, we are having a struggle and our enemies are watching. Be careful.
Brother Coon may have a question. My answer: I always express my prayer to God in the name of Christ — unless I am singing.
In the same issue and in the same department brother Fite classes the "good confession" among the traditions of men. He quoted Col. 2:8 concerning traditions of men. We are also told: "Now we command you — brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received from us." (2 Thess. 3:6) Now the question: The "good confession," (1 Tim. 6:13) "is it from heaven or of men?"
The Pharisees and lawyers "rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Lk. 7:30) Some chief rulers "rejected the counsel of God against themselves," by not confessing Him. (John 12:42)
Sometimes Baptists are asked which they believe:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved?" (Mk. 16:16), or, "He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved."
Which of the following does brother Fite believe?
"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?", or
"If thou shalt not confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God bath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved?" (Rom. 10:9)
Brother Fite thinks it unnecessary to confess Christ if the audience understands that one believes. Just whom should we seek to please? God, or man? If one is a fit subject of baptism, that one is glad to confess Jesus as Savior.
Someone said that Romans 10:9 was written to Christians. Does that fact make the statement false? Romans 6:4, Galatians 3:26, 27, and 1 Peter 3:21 were written to Christians, but that does not make them false statements. If being written to Christians excludes "confession with the mouth," it also excludes "belief in the heart."
In Conclusion:
1. It is a "Good confession." (1 Tim. 6:13)
2. It is "from heaven." (Matt. 17:5; 10:32)
3. It gives glory to God. (Phil. 2:10,11)
4. It is made with the mouth. (Rom. 10:9,10)
5. It is a condition of salvation. Rom. 10:9,10)
6. God made it! (Matt. 17:5)
7. Christ made it! (1 Tim. 6:13)
Don't gamble away human souls. They are precious. And again: our enemies are watching us.
-Rt. 4, Frederick, Oklahoma