Some say man is saved by faith alone without any acts of obedience. Is it not ironic that those who put so much emphasis on belief do not actually believe what God said? Those who teach “faith only” salvation are the very ones who do not have faith in what God said!

1. They don’t believe God, who said that “by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).
2. They don’t believe God, who said that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20).
3. They don’t believe God, who said that “ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth” (1 Peter 1:22).
4. They don’t believe we have any role in our salvation, even though God said, “save yourselves” (Acts 2:38-40).
5. They don’t believe God, who said that baptism is “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).
6. They don’t believe God, who said that baptism is to “wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
7. They don’t believe Jesus, who requires both belief and baptism for salvation: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
8. They don’t believe God, who said that “water...baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:20-21).
9. They don’t believe God, who said man is not in Christ until he is “baptized into Christ” (Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:26-27; cf. 2 Tim. 2:10).
10. They don’t believe God, who said that man becomes “free from sin” after he has “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” (Rom. 6:16-18).
11. They don’t believe God, who said that “he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:35).
12. They don’t believe God, who said to obey Him and “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12).
13. They don’t believe Jesus, who taught that belief in Him alone is not enough, and that only those who obey God will go to Heaven (Matt. 7:21-23).

        Those who put so much emphasis on belief, inconsistently accept verses about the necessity of grace, repentance, and confession (going beyond “faith alone“), but amazingly reject verses that speak just as plainly about the necessity of water baptism! One cannot really be a person of faith if he does not believe everything God said (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6). It hypocritical and inconsistent to preach about faith, and lack faith at the same time. People of true faith believe every word of the Holy Scriptures, not just a few verses that talk about faith or grace.
        May we all study and “rightly divide God’s Word,” finding the harmony that exists in the totality of the Scriptures, with the desire to please God and go to Heaven (Psalm 119:160; 1 Thess. 5:21).
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        The account of the two demon possessed men in the Scriptures is indeed humbling and sad (Matt. 8:28-33). Evil shines brightly in its overtaking of these two individuals. Demon possession existed on earth during the time that the Lord and his apostles had the power to work miracles. Now that God’s revelation is complete (1 Cor. 13:10-12), neither miracles nor demon possession are possible today.
        Guy N. Woods in Volume 1 of Questions And Answers, p.232, addresses demons and demon possession in saying:

Demons were wicked spirits, under the direction of Satan, opposed to God, and capable of causing much misery to man (Matt. 8:28-34; 12:24). Their powers over human beings enabled them to afflict people with dumbness (Matt. 9:32-33), blindness (Matt. 12:22), and insanity (Luke 8:26-36). They acknowledged the deity of the Lord, conceded their wicked state, recognized impending judgment, and trembled in contemplation of it (Matt. 8:29; Luke 4:41; Jam. 2:19). The apostles were given the power to cast out demons and an instance in which they exercised it is seen in Luke 10:17-18 ...Efforts to “explain” demonology of the New Testament as (1) popular superstition; (2) accommodation of the Lord to current views; (3) illness or insanity; (4) fallen angels; or (5) progeny of angels and wicked women, all fail either (a) because of their own obvious falsity or (b) because they conflict with known facts and our Lord’s limitless goodness and knowledge.

        Let us now study evil as it is personified in these demon possessed men of Matthew 8:28-33.
        Evil Can Use Men To Accomplish Its Purposes! The men of Matthew 8:28 were “possessed” by demons. Although this type of “possession” against one’s will does not exist today (as it required the Lord or His apostles to cast out these demons), a person can allow evil to take control of his thoughts and actions. When this occurs, evil can become the master of one’s life.
        Jesus taught that a person was defiled by that which proceeded from him. In explaining to His disciples He stated, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts,covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23). Evil must not be allowed to dwell in our minds! As the apostle Paul implored, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).
        Evil Is Associated With Death! The fruit of continued evil is spiritual death. One should note that these demon possessed men came “forth out of the tombs” (Matt. 8:28). It is true that the evil heart loves darkness rather than light! The things that righteous people love and cherish are hated and despised by those who are evil. Jesus remarked during His ministry on earth, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20).
        Evil Is The Enemy Of Liberty! These demon possessed men were “exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way” (Matt. 8:28). Sin and evil-doing will always hinder the true liberty that one has in Christ Jesus. Never forget the words of Paul to Elymas the sorcerer: “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord” (Acts 13:10)?
        Evil Resists And Shuns The Presence Of Christ! It is said of the demons, “And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time” (Matt. 8:29)? The demons knew Christ for who He was but were aware that they had nothing in common with Him. All who are in bondage to sin and are happy with its pleasures hate the holiness of God. The demons, like many people today, wanted nothing to do with the Master but were fearful of being tormented by Him. Evil never provides the peace and serenity that is found in Christ Jesus.
        The New Testament describes demons not as unbelievers but as those who “believe and shudder” (James 2:19). They believe, but they are lost! They recognize the authority of Christ and realize that their doom is certain (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10). Let us learn that evil will be punished, and that “belief only” will not save one!
        Evil Leads To Destruction! “So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters” (Matt. 8:31-32). Evil always leads to ruin! Upon entering the swine, the demons did to them what they were trying to do to the men — drove them to immediate destruction. This shows that demon possession was not a normal physical sickness. As J. Noel Merideth stated in The Book of Matthew, p.287 (Getwell church of Christ): “It is important to note that this is not mere insanity, for insanity does not move out of people into pigs — these demons were real.”
        Evil Must Be Cast Out! Evil cannot be tolerated or reformed and made right! Evil never turns into that which is holy and good! Baptism will not change evil into righteousness! One must repent and turn from evil to escape the destiny of the demons and all evil-doers!
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        God has taught His people to be different. His people often forget this truth and lose their distinctiveness. Israel wanted to become like the other nations around them (1 Sam. 8). They did and God cast them off. Surely there is a warning for the church.
        The Church Is Different From The World. The church is different from the world in its attitude and ambitions. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16). Christian values are different from sinners values. Sinners live for self. Christians live to glorify God and serve others (Matt. 16:24; Mark 10:45). Are we losing this distinctiveness today? Are the ambitions of Christians different from non-Christians?
        The Church Is Different From Judaism. Judaism was carnal, the church is spiritual. “Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary ... which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washing, and carnal ordinances imposed until the time of reformation” (Heb. 9:1,10). Look at the word “carnal.” The church is spiritual (Eph. 1:3). It is heavenly (Eph. 2:6). It worships in spirit and truth (John 4:24; Rom. 1:9). This is one reason mechanical instruments of music have no place in Christian worship. If one granted that it was right in the Old Testament it does not suit the spiritual worship of the New Testament. Christian worship must be from the heart. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).
        The Church Is Different From Catholicism. The church differs from the Catholic Church in that it accepts the authority of the Scriptures. Catholics do not. Consider the following: “One must keep the commandments of God and the church” (Catechism of Christian Doctrine, No.I, p.31). The Scriptures are an authority, but not the only authority. In truth, it is no authority since the pope must interpret it. Catholics teach that 2 Peter 1:20 denies the right of individual interpretation, but Peter is speaking of how Scripture was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Paul commanded “prove all things, hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). The Lord’s church urges all to have an open mind and “search the scriptures daily” to see if what is heard is in harmony with what they have read.
        The Church Is Different From Protestantism. The church differs from Protestantism in that it accepts the completeness of the Scriptures. The church has no creed but Christ and no book but the Bible. All teaching is based upon the Book. All questions are decided by what the Bible teaches not a manual or discipline. It also differs from Protestantism in accepting the completeness of the Scripture and denying the need for a direct operation of the Holy Spirit in order to be able to understand it. Protestants misapply 1 Corinthians 2:14. They think the natural man is a sinner and that without a direct operation of the Spirit he cannot understand the Bible. It is strange that though the Bible is made of words, just like those in school books and newspapers, one can understand a book or paper, but not the Bible.
        The Church Is Different From The Christian Church. The church differs from the Christian Church in its respect for the silence of the Scriptures. The Christian church teaches that where the Bible is silent we may speak or act. This opens the door for anything that is not specifically forbidden. This is a real difference between it and the church.
        We should not be afraid or ashamed to be different from the world, from Judaism, from Catholicism, from Protestantism, and even from the Christian Church. Without a doubt one of the greatest problems we are facing in the church today is the fact that most people are afraid to be different.
               
               
               


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        In Ephesians 5:19 Paul states, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” All Bible quotations are taken from the KJV unless otherwise noted. In Colossians 3:16 he declared, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
        In the first text, “speaking, comes from laleo, which means to “talk, tell, or utter.” Speech involves pronunciation, or the giving of the correct vowel and consonant sounds. Speech involves enunciation, or the projecting of these correct sounds. Speech involves articulation, or the correct joining of the syllables into words and phrases. In both texts, “singing,” comes from ado, which is always indicative of praise to God. The term “music,” which appears in neither text, is defined as a rhythmical succession of pleasing tones. With these thoughts in mind, notice the following observations.
        Singing is a specific kind of music—vocal music. It is not merely vocal music that pleases God, however. People may sing notations or tones, which constitute vocal music. The kind of singing which God prescribes in Christian worship involves speaking, or the pronunciation, enunciation, and articulation of words. The singing is directed toward two objects, God and people. In the second text, Paul defines that which is directed toward people as “teaching,” from didasko, which means to “give instruction,” and “admonishing,” from noutheteo, which means to “warn.” In both texts it may be observed that singing, as worship, is directed to God, while in the second text it may be additionally noted that “grace,” from charis, expressive of graciousness or thanksgiving, is directed toward God.
        Humming, the clapping of hands, or even whistling has no place in such activity. Although both humming and whistling constitute vocal music, and clapping of hands is engaged in by God’s creation (cf. Ps. 98:8; Isa. 55:12), and not that which is made by man (i. e. a mechanical instrument), none of them are divinely authorized! People hum and whistle tones, and not words, which involve speech. Humming and whistling do not instruct and warn people in regard to Biblical principles, but singing which involves speaking does! The clapping of hands, which is none other than a rhythmical device, is but a percussion instrument, similar to a snare drum. Thus, neither humming, whistling, nor the clapping of hands involves pronunciation, enunciation, or articulation, by which means people are taught and admonished. Among other things, Paul stated in First Corinthians 14:15, “…I will sing with the understanding also.” In the text, “understanding” is from nous which denotes, “the seat of reflective consciousness, comprising the faculties of perception and understanding, and those of feeling, judging and determining.” People do not reflect, perceive, understand, feel, judge, or determine anything regarding instruction and warning in the New Testament by humming, whistling, or the clapping of hands. The writer affirms, in fact, that there is absolutely no difference in using such to accompany our singing in worship and using any mechanical instrument of music! In each instance they are condemned for the same reason—the New Testament does not authorize their use!
        Regarding the texts under consideration, however, there is another thing that greatly disturbs this writer. Many Christians do not sing in worship to God! The term “yourselves” in the first text and the phrase “one another” in the second text come from heautou, which is a reciprocal pronoun, denoting the fact that mutual action or a cross relationship is involved in the singing. It involves reciprocity or a mutual and cooperative exchange. It means that when the writer sings, he instructs and warns himself and worships and expresses graciousness to God, and at the same time, he does likewise to the other worshipers. The other worshipers, in turn, reciprocate, or do likewise to the writer. Some hold that erroneous view that “making melody (psallo) in the heart” means that it is unnecessary for the singing to be audible. If this were the case, mutual action or cooperative exchange would not be involved in the teaching and admonishing of one another, and in worshiping and expressing thanksgiving to God. Psallo, which is used in the first passage, simply conveys the figurative idea of pulling, plucking, or twanging the strings of the heart. The term “heart” in the text is from kardia, which denotes the seat of the will, intellect, etc. Coupled with the statement of Paul in regard to “understanding” in First Corinthians 14:15, it can readily be seen that not only are Christians commanded to sing in worship, but they are to so do in audible fashion. Since Christians cannot engage in the other items of worship by proxy, we should not think that worship in song is any different. Of course, obviously, there are exceptions. Those who cannot speak, or those who are otherwise physically disabled, are obviously exempt. The statement however, “I cannot sing,” is an indictment against Almighty God, with the above exceptions. If this were true, God would require persons to do that which they cannot do! No doubt many people who make such statements think of their inability as compared to others. They should remember, however, that the singing is not merely directed to their fellows, but also “to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19), or “unto God” (Col. 3:16).
       
        EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is an excerpt of a recently published book titled: Worshipping God In Song by W. D. Jeffcoat. It is written especially for song leaders and those who wish to improve their worship in song. For ordering information, send an email to: AgapeChristianBooks@aol.com
               


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