Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
April 4, 1963
NUMBER 47, PAGE 7b

"Keep A Tight Grip On The Teachings"

Forrest Darrell Moyer

The Williams Translation of the New Testament gives this interesting rendition of 2 Thess. 2:15: "So, then brothers, continue to stand firm and keep a tight grip on the teachings you have received from us, whether by word of mouth or by letter." What a powerful way of stating our need of holding on to the divine pattern!

Please observe that the teachings on which they were to "keep a tight grip" are those which:

(1) Were taught by Paul, Silas, or Timothy (or any inspired speaker or writer) by word of mouth,

(2) Or by letter. This eliminates the "traditions" of men that do not come from either source. "Traditions" which come from human authority or past practice are not the ones to "keep a tight grip on." But everything that is taught by apostolic authority must be held to firmly.

This whole chapter (2 Thess. 2) is dealing with the revelation of the "man of sin" — the one who works without authority. "For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work." (v. 7, Williams) Apostasy — "the great revolt" — could come only when men turned loose of the teachings of the Lord. Therefore, "keep a tight grip on the teachings" so that you will not fall away. Do you realize, friends, that the Roman Catholic Church would not exist today if people had "kept a tight grip on the teachings" of Inspired men? There would be no denominationalism if everyone would "keep a tight grip on the teachings" of the Bible. There would be no problems in the Lord's church if we would keep a tight grip on the teachings." Why can't people see that? Every departure from the sacred pattern has come because someone has turned loose of the teaching of God.

The Bible was written to give us the teachings of the Lord. But these teachings are of no value if we do not hold on to them. To be loose or liberal in dealing with sacred things is to risk the salvation of our souls and others. Let me plead with everyone who reads this: "Keep a tight grip on the teachings." Study them to know; believe them to act; obey them to be saved; hold them to be faithful.

— 5140 Planet Parkway, Sacramento 23, Calif.