It is Settled!

A series of lessons from the Bible

by Howell Lasseter

The Standard at Judgment

Some 3000 years ago, the above statement was written. It is as important and true now, as it was then. Approximately 1000 years later, the apostle Paul describes the judgment scene, when we all will stand before God. Notice: "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences" (1 Corinthians 5:9-11). Why will there be "terror" when we appear before God? What will be the standard by which we will be judged? The standard will be the law of God under which one has lived. Those who lived under the law of Moses, given by God, will be judged by that standard. Today, we do not live under that law, but under the law of Christ.

The doctrines and commandments of men will not be considered in the standard, but the gospel of Christ, God's Son. Religious groups today have manuals, disciplines, prayer books, catechisms, etc., by which their religious practices are guided. National and state conventions are held by them, in which articles of faith and practice are voted on and changed. Here is an example from the manual of a denomination prevalent in our area: "It is certain that in ages past baptism was for the remission of sins. Today, it is not so." Question: why is it not so today? God's law has not changed, and in the judgment, His standard will be used. Here is a clear example of a denomination attempting to change God's law, substituting a man-made law. Is this attempt acceptable to God? Any person who knows much about the Bible knows such an attempt is not acceptable to God. Another example is the attempt to change the mode of baptism. Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 teach, without a doubt, that baptism is a burial. Various denominations today teach baptism can be a sprinkling of water on one's head or pouring a small amount of water on one's head. God's law does not accept these modes. Again, man has turned from the law of God, and yielded to the doctrines and commandments of men. "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:7-9). Yes, when man stands before God having accepted the commandments of men as the rule and practice in attempting to serve God, terror will abound! Not only those who have committed heinous crimes against humanity, such as are listed in Romans 1:18-32 and Galatians 5:19-21, will be terrified at the judgment of God, but also those who follow the commandments of men!

This article has briefly pointed to the attacks of the religious world on baptism. These questions must be asked: Has the religion which you are following denied the truthfulness of Jesus concerning His command to "believe and be baptized" (Mark 16:15,16)? Does your denomination or preacher deny plain Bible teaching on the necessity, the purpose, and/or the mode of water baptism? See John 1:19-34. Please be with us next week.