The Power of the Gospel
In the churches of Christ, we claim nothing but the New Testament as our creed. We believe that the apostle Paul wrote the truth when he penned the words, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:16-17).
Manmade creeds are an insult to God, implying that God either could not or would not give man everything he needs (in direct contrast with II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Peter 1:3).
Robert G. Ingersoll, the famous infidel, refused to debate J. S. Sweeney, a gospel preacher, saying, "He is a 'Campbellite,' and these people propagate nothing but Jesus Christ as their guide. I have no particular objection to Jesus Christ. If you want me to debate with a representative of the clergy, procure a man that has a human creed, and I will answer him."
Ingersoll clearly showed the power of denominationalism to destroy faith! He knew that manmade creeds contradicted each other and the Bible in places. He knew that the creeds of man were divisive, that they prevented the adherents from speaking the same thing, from being in the same mind and in the same judgment (I Cor. 1:10).
How is faith built up and strengthened? "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
posted by Jason T. Carter @ 7:35 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
jtc,
there certainly is power in the message of the cross (the gospel of Christ).
i appreciated your post. one small (tiny) question though, your proof text for taking only the NT as our creed (2 Tim 3.16f) is not describing the NT primarily in its context. And it does use that word "all." But its context refers to what is typically called the "Old Testament."
The Ingersoll anecdote, do you have a reference on that? I would like to have it.
Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/
Yes, in context II Timothy 3:16-17 refers to what we call the Old Testament, but as you mentioned it does say "all" which would include the Scriptures yet to be written at that time. As you are aware, the New Testament makes it clear that the Old Testament is no longer our authority in religious matters, though we can still learn from the events recorded by inspiration and preserved for us (I Cor. 10:11).
I cannot remember off the top of my head, but I believe the Ingersoll quote came from a book called "600 Doctrinal Illustrations" that was published about 50 or 60 years ago. Most of my books are packed away right now and I don't have access to them, so I can't be 100% positive on that as the source. I had originally written this article a few years ago.
jtc,
the very text you have cited appears to make the "OT" authoritative does it not?
You have acknowledged that its primary reference in context is in fact the OT. But what appears to be happening is you are applying it to the "NT" and disregarding what it says about the "OT." This is a dilemma for me.
this is one i think we still need to wrestle with.
blessings,
bobby v
http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/
Again, it says "all" which would include the Scriptures yet to be written at that time. I'm sure you are well aware of the passages that show the limitations of the Old Testament (Romans 7, Colossians 2:14, etc.).
jtc,
i do not wish to belabor the pt or be contentious. it just seems to me that the text you cited gives more umph to the hebrew scriptures than you are wanting to do. and the apostolic example of citing the hebrew bible hundreds of times certainly implies he thought of it as "authority."
as for romans 7, i would argue it applies directly to the Torah, but there is more to the "OT" than the Torah. and for col 2.14 i deny it has any relevance to the discussion. it nowhere says that the Torah was nailed to the cross and therefore done away with. several things here: first paul never speaks of the Torah as being "against" us, rather he claims it is "spiritual" in that romans 7 text you cite; second the greek word nomos (law) never occurs in colossians at all. it is not speaking of the torah.
perhaps another way of saying what you are saying is in the manner of the restoration fathers:
"We have no creed but CHRIST.
We have no book but the BIBLE.
We have no name but the Lord's."
Shalom & Hesed,
bobby valentine
I have nothing further to comment, except to suggest that you read my previous comments again. Bobby, you are a talented writer and I pray that someday you may be willing and able to use that talent to promote the truth.
jtc,
i certainly hope and pray that i "promote the truth." that is as important to me as it is to you.
on a different note i request that you look at that col 2.14 text more carefully in light of its historical and literary context. it does not teach the law was nailed to the cross. by asking you to do this i am "promoting the truth."
you are very kind with your words towards me and i share nothing but the most brotherly affections for you.
shalom & hesed,
bobby valentine
stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/
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