The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
June 15, 2003
In
This Issue:
Baptism
a work of Merit?
--
author unknown
Is
VBS Authorized?
By
Steve Klein
Baptism a Work of Merit?
Many have it ingrained upon their heart that baptism could not possibly be a condition the sinner must meet to be saved, and that, if it were, then baptism would be a work of merit. What saith the Scriptures?
The Case of Naaman
When Naaman came to Elisha for healing from leprosy,
"Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the
Jordan seven times." (2 Kings5:11). Though at first reluc-tant,
he went "down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan,
according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh came again
like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean" (v.
14). Now Naaman did not say, "The water saved me." Nor did
he say, "I've healed myself, " or "I've earned my
healing." What we have here is a man who was healed by God's
grace, and by faith, yet he had to meet the condition that the man of
God set forth in order to receive the blessing of healing from leprosy.
The Blind Man
When Jesus and His disciples came unto the man who had
been born blind, Jesus healed him. The manner in which Jesus healed
him can help illustrate how He saves us from sin. Jesus "spat on
the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and anointed his eyes with
the clay, and said unto him, 'Go wash in the pool of Siloam.' He went
away therefore, and washed, and came seeing" (John 9:6-7). No
one would deny that God's grace gave him his sight, but does
any reader imagine that this man would have received his sight if he
had protested, "There's nothing in the water," or "I
cannot do that because that would be a work of merit whereby I would
earn my vision?" The grace of God provided for his sight, but
there would have been no way for him to receive his sight without
meeting the condition that Jesus set forth. He understood that Jesus
healed him, but He healed him when he obeyed what Jesus said.
If we can see that Naaman received his cleansing when he dipped in the Jordan and not until then, yet the dipping did not earn the healing, and, if we can see that the blind man received his sight when, and not until, he washed in the pool, yet the power was not in the water but in Christ, we ought to be able to see the truth about baptism. It is a condition that God set forth for salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Meeting that condition does not nullify grace, or earn salvation, any more than in the cases of Naaman and the blind man.
Via Gospel Guide, Vol. 13 No. 8 August 1981
Some might wonder whether or not it is right for a church to organize a special teaching effort during the summer and call it Vacation Bible Study (or Vacation Bible School) like so many denominations do. They might also call into question whether it is right for such an effort to direct its appeal primarily to children (if that is the case) many of whom are not even of accountable age.
These are important concerns. If we are serious about serving the Lord, we want to be sure that we are doing what He approves (cf. Colossians 3:17).
To determine whether or not VBS is a good work, we must not accept any other authority than God's word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We must realize that something is neither right nor wrong just because denominations do it. Nor can we accept a thing as being right just because it conforms to what has been traditionally accepted. It might be tempting to try to justify VBS by comparing to many other things already being done by the church. For instance, most every objection to VBS could also be made against the regular Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday. But this proves NOTHING about whether either is authorized.
To determine whether or not VBS is authorized, we must also understand the nature of Bible authority. Direct statements, commands, approved examples and necessary conclusions authorize approved beliefs and practices. BUT, they don't always do so specifically. As an example, churches are specifically authorized to assemble and sing (1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 10:25; Colossians 3:16). No specific mention is given of church buildings, songbooks, or pews. But these things are authorized and approved because they enable things that are specifically mentioned (i.e. assembling and singing). Even so, no specific mention is made in Scripture of "Bible classes," "gospel meetings" or "vacation Bible schools." Whether or not these are approved must be determined based on whether or not they serve to accomplish things that are approved.
VBS IS AUTHORIZED BECAUSE...
(1) According to a direct statement of Scripture,
the church is to support the teaching of truth. "The church of
the living God" is "the pillar and ground of the truth"
(1 Timothy 3:15).
(2) According to approved example,
non-Christians may attend and benefit from church assemblies. 1
Corinthians 14:24-25 describes an unbeliever coming into the assembly
of the church and being convicted of the truth because of his
experience. In Acts 11:26, Paul and Barnabas assembled with the
church for a whole year and were thus able to teach "a great
many people."
(3) According to a command, Jesus wants little
children to come to him. In Matthew 19;13-14, "little
children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and
pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, 'Let the little
children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the
kingdom of heaven.'"
(4) According to direct statements of prophecy,
Children are to be taught about the Lord's salvation by those who
know the story. "A posterity shall serve Him. It will be
recounted of the Lord to the next generation, They will come and
declare His righteousness to a people who will be born" (Psalm
22:30-31). Speaking of the Messiah's kingdom, Isaiah 54:10 states,
"All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall
be the peace of your children."
Other statements, commands and examples from Scripture could be offered. But these suffice to show that it is right for the church to arrange to teach children God's word. If such an arrangement is during summer vacation, and teaches the Bible, one could hardly find a more accurate name for it than Vacation Bible Study (or School). Note however that none of the Scriptures mentioned authorizes ADDING bribes of recreation or food to entice children to attend.
Our hope is that every member will be able to support our VBS conscientiously and enthusiastically as a good work approved by God. Our prayer is that many children will learn more about the ways of the Lord, and that many adults will be edified. Our aim is that God be glorified in all things!
by Steve Klein