Only

By Lee Carter Maynard

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     There has been a lot said over the years about folks who talk about faith only, and they seem to have no difficulty with James, who says, "Not by faith only." None of us seem to have much trouble defending our traditions. Many of us have supplied the word "only" to help promote a particular party or cause.

     When a preacher overworks the expression, "The Bible says," you can be sure he is picking out favorite portions to promote his opinions and practices. He may be honest and sincere in use of the expressions, and he may have correct interpretations and practices, but he may also be defending a peculiar doctrine. Phrases taken out of their context may make the Bible say what it does not mean.

     I believe the Bible says what it means and means what it says, if fairly quoted in context. "Adding to, or taking from the words of the prophecy of this book" refers to the Revelation letter, but surely no believer would dare think that men have the right to change the word of God. If this refers to the wording of a verse from the Authorized Version, as many have proclaimed, we are in serious trouble, for all newer translations have changed the wording of many verses. If scholars have no right to make changes in the wording of the Bible, we should have all of the manuscripts fresh from the hands of the original writers.

     It seems that all of us are guilty of accepting these changes as customs change, and with new light on the behavior of people in Bible times. Examples of this are found in the use or disuse of the holy kiss, fasting, certain meats, and other things. With the same reasoning we have added many things to our gatherings in the assemblies. The Holy Spirit will lead us into a peaceful acceptance of these changes if our hearts are right with God and man. If one section -- or sect -- of the body of Christ happens to do certain things in a different way, it is not grounds for counting them as outsiders to the faith. Belonging to the body of Christ and holding membership in a specific congregation is not always exactly the same thing.

     Our use of the word "only" is a good example of what I mean. The Bible says, "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him." That is good, but it had nothing to do with taking an offering on Sunday morning. It was strictly to supply the needs of poor saints in Jerusa-

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lem. It is still a good practice but when we put the word "only" on the end of the verse, we make trouble. Surely no one believes it is wrong to take a collection for the needy at any time, day or night.

     Some churches have put an "only" on the end of the verse and forbid taking an offering except on Sunday mornings. They even brag that no offerings are taken at any other time. It sounds as if it were a sin to give except on Sunday morning. Paul did not say "Sunday morning only." In fact he was not talking about congregational giving. The money was to be used solely for foreign poor. A revivalist announces there will be no offerings taken. Is this an inducement to get people to come? Many Christians enjoy giving when they hear the good news. There are always plenty of places such money could be used to the glory of God and for the needy.

     The Bible says, "Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples met together to break bread." No one can prove this was the Lord's Supper, or a common meal. If there were two "breakings of bread" as the chapter seems to indicate, the first was on what we call Saturday night, since our day begins at midnight. Even though there is no record of any congregation observing the Lord's Supper at a morning hour, someone has decided that it should be observed on the first day of the week, and in the morning only. It caused quite a stirring of the bushes when it was learned that some congregations were actually serving the holy feast at the evening hour. By the same human prohibition they refused to allow the evening audiences to participate in the contribution, but they did take money from those who partook of the communion. Lord, have mercy!

     People who drove an automobile in the old days of dirt roads know how difficult it was to get out of the rut. The main difference between a rut and a grave is length and depth. People who dare to think know how hard it is to get out of ruts of habit and custom. Some have decided that our gifts of love must be given through the congregational treasury only. Others decided that the King James Version only may be used. Others have caused the scriptures to read, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and hymns and spiritual songs (only), singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (only)." Some have decreed that fermented wine only may be used in the communion, while others rule it must be unfermented only.

     It is high time that we become Christians only and treat others as we enjoy being treated. Remember there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved, except Jesus only. It takes wisdom, love, faith and Spirit to use only where it belongs and to leave it off where it has no business being!