SERIOUS BUSINESS

There are certain things which are holy unto the Lord. These things are under his perview and are not to be profaned. What God has reserved for himself is not to be treated common by men.

Among these are his name; the sabbath; the ark of the covenant; the tabernacle/temple; his people; his worship. Those who violated the proper use of these were executed. God consider(-s, -ed) these capital offenses. They were just as serious as murder, idolatry, adultery, or sodomy.

God has always taken his worship seriously. Consider Cain and Abel or Nadab and Abihu. Consider what happened to Uzza or to Ananias and Sapphira. We must have authority for what we do in service to and worship of God.

Since we are under a New Covenant we must appeal to it for our authority. Instrumental music is wholly without authority as an element of worship in the New Testament church. To introduce such is to cause division for it cannot be done by faith.

Division is contrary to Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17) and Paul’s admonitions (1 Cor. 1, 3). It is considered a defilement of God’s temple, the church. Those who defile the temple will be destroyed by God (1 Cor. 3:16-17).

This makes adding instrumental music to Christian worship extremely serious business.

THE GOSPEL PLAN OF SALVATION

1. FACTS TO BELIEVE (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

• Jesus died for our sins as evidenced by his burial
• Jesus was raised from the dead as evidenced by eyewitnesses

*NOTE: all of this was foretold in the Scriptures

2. COMMANDS TO OBEY (Acts 2:38; Luke 24:47; Mark 16:16)

• Repent of sins
• Be Baptized (i.e., immersed)

(cf. Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galtians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21)

3. PROMISES TO ENJOY (Acts 2:38; John 3:16)

• Forgiveness of sins
• Hope of eternal life

THREE LAWS OF PARDON

Learn what different people must do to be forgiven of sin by God.

1. The Law of Pardon for an Alien Sinner
This person has yet to give his life to God.
-- upon hearing the gospel with understanding, he must believe it
-- he must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
-- he must repent of sins
-- he must be baptized by immersion in order to be forgiven
(Mk. 16:15-16; Jn. 3:16; Lk. 13:3, 5; Ac 2:38)

2. The Law of Pardon for a Growing Child of God
This person recognizes, although a disciple, he must still deal with sin.
-- he must continue to walk in the light
-- he must freely confess sin to God
-- he must not try to hide his sin from God or deny it
(1 Jn 1:5-10)

3. The Law of Pardon for an Unfaithful Child of God.
This person has reverted back to his old ways.
-- he must repent of his sins
-- he must pray for forgiveness
(Acts 8:9-23)

Now the question -- which one are you? If you are #1 we would like to study with your further. If you are #3 we hope that you reconsider your present condition and take the steps necessary to be restored. For those in #2, God bless you and remain faithful.