Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
March 20, 1969
NUMBER 45, PAGE 9b

Bones Or Words?

David Arnold

Recently the mass news media called to our attention the announcement that possibly the bones of Peter and Paul have been identified. In the announcement we were told that some might choose to debate as to whether or not the bones under consideration are actually the bones of the apostles Peter and Paul. Bible believing men and women have little interest in such propaganda. They hold that the WORDS of the two apostles contain meaning and hope, but that the BONES of both are of no value to sanctification and eternal salvation.

Bones or words? Let us hold to the words of the beloved apostles of Christ who, as they spoke, revealed God's will to man. Let us consider some examples of their words. Peter revealed his attitude on humility when a man had fallen down to worship him with these words: "Stand up; I myself also am a man." Acts 10:26. On the subject of redemption he wrote, "...ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." I Peter 1:18,19. To believers Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." I Peter 3:21. Both the Romans and other denominationalists who get so excited about bones should listen to the words of Peter.

The words of Paul also need closer scrutiny by the examiners of bones. Showing that baptism is an immersion Paul wrote, "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." Romans 6:3,4. With regard to the falling away from the truth, Paul wrote. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." I Tim. 4:1-3.

It appears to this writer that men should examine the words of Peter and Paul more carefully and cease to concern themselves with the bones that have been found. It is the gospel which saves (Romans 1:16); relics only tend toward idolatry.

— 506 Gaudin Street, Gonzales, La. 70737