ASKING QUESTIONS
When we began this publication we asked for response from the readers and we do want to hear from people about some of the things we put in this paper. One of the issues that has been brought forth is the very right to ask questions about doctrines. We have been referred to Titus 3:9 where the Bible says "avoid foolish questions." We don't consider the questions we put forth to be foolish, but striking at the very root of the problems we see in the church as a whole. Foolish questions have no potential to profit anyone, for there is usually no definite correct answer for such questions and if there were, no one would be helped or drawn closer to God if the answer were finally agreed upon. But in the case of questions which seek to determine the mind of God concerning salvation and sanctification, a right answer will help draw people to a life more pleasing to God and more free from sin and temptation. The Truth will set people free!
It has been suggested that it is dangerous to ask questions, and that we should not ask questions because it isn't pleasing to God. If that be so, then we are in quite a predicament, brethren, because it must be applied to everyone, not just those we happen to fellowship with. If we can't ask questions about what is being preached by independent Baptists, then we shouldn't question the doctrines of the Charismatics or any other group that claims to be Christian. But we see among our ranks that it is perfectly all right to question anyone's doctrines, except those that are commonly accepted among our ranks as independent Baptists. Something doesn't sound consistent there. A Christian should be in pursuit of the truth, not readily willing to blindly accept someone's teachings without question, no matter who they are or what camp they are in. Certainly, God doesn't require that of anyone and He isn't pleased with people who determine the doctrines that guide their lives in that manner. The Bible tells us to "study, to shew ourselves approved unto God." All study starts with a question in your mind and a desire to find the right answer. That is our purpose in asking questions. As we stated in our first issue, our desire is to provoke Christians, and especially preachers, to study and get what they believe from the Word of God instead of some Bible college or some other preacher somewhere.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. - Thes 5.21
Here we are plainly commanded in the Word of God to question what we are told. Call out what doesn't measure up to the entire teaching of the Word of God and hold fast to that which does. Jesus used questions many times in dealing with people.
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? - Luke 20:4
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? - Luke 20:17
And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. - Mark 3:4
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? - Luke 7:42
These are just a few examples - we could give many more. The point is: it is not against God to question the doctrines and teachings of man. To question men's teachings is not to question the Word of God. By the way, Jesus didn't always tell them the answer to the questions He put forth, either.
Are we really that far down the road in the Baptist church that we have become so much like the Catholics? The Pope doesn't allow anyone to question his teachings either. What the church teaches under the direction of the Pope is final and no one has a right to question anything - you simply must accept it. Are we so insecure in what we believe that we must put up a defense like that? The person who is grounded securely in the Word and God and has truly taken his doctrines from the Bible is not afraid at all for someone to question him. He is ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh him of the hope that is in him. (1 Peter 3.15)
It is our opinion that most people, even among the independent Baptists, have not taken their doctrines from the Bible, but from other men. Most men will say that they believe what they believe because they read it in the Bible. That is simply not true - they have went to camp meetings, or fellowship meetings and they believe what the crowd believes with whom they fit in the best. And then they don't like anyone to rock their boat by asking questions and demanding proof of what they teach as the truth. It is much better to seek the truth and walk with God, but you will nearly always be "outside the camp."
We all grow by asking questions and finding the answers in the Word of God. We are not afraid to question the doctrines of independent Baptists any more than we are afraid to question the doctrines of the Catholics or the Charismatics or the Mormons. Our church has the word "Baptist" on the sign, too, but that is not the starting point to determine doctrine - the Word of God is. Every movement and denomination changes it's stand and teachings over time, and the doctrines that are always most affected are those dealing with sin in the life of a believer and the way of salvation. Questions dealing with the root causes and effects of these teachings are NOT foolish questions that are of no profit. Anyone with an honest heart who looks around at the condition of the church must admit that someone needs to ask some questions about how we got in the mess we are in. The Baptist popes don't like it, but God is always on the side of holiness, and that is where you will have to stand if you will be on God's side.
I wonder. . .
How much holier would our people be if preachers defended the doctrine of holiness with as much vigor as they do the doctrines of eternal security and the "sinful nature"?