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& Should Christians Accept Evolution REASON & REVELATION and an Old Earth A Monthly Journal of Christian Evidences to Win Converts? May 2022•Vol. 42•No. 5 Part 2 How to TREAT False Teachers DVD Q&A: Liquidation Why the Delay on Writing the N.T.?

Jeff Miller, Ph.D. Should Christians own preconceived biases (exegesis). Accept Evolution Peter, however, warns about the result of “untaught and unstable and an Old Earth to people” twisting the Scriptures to fit their agenda. It will bring on their Win Converts? (Part II) own “destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). Genesis 1 is as much Scripture as [EDITOR’S NOTE: Part I of this two- truth (Ephesians 4:15); telling the the rest of the Bible. Teaching error part series appeared in the April issue. truth (Ephesians 4:25); walking in about Creation is just as wrong as Part II follows below and continues, truth (2 John 1:4); doing the truth teaching error about anything the without introductory comments, (John 3:21); working for truth (3 Bible teaches. where the first article ended.] John 8); practicing the truth (1 John 1:6); following the way of truth (2 In Job 13:7, Job defends himself REASON #4: WE WANT Peter 2:2); standing in the truth against the accusations being made (John 8:44); girding our waist with by his friends, who had claimed that S TO BE RATIONAL. truth (Ephesians 6:14); rightly divid- God was punishing him for sinning. CIENTISTS pride themselves ing the truth (2 Timothy 2:15); wor- He warns his friends about putting on being rational, basing their shipping in truth (John 4:24); and words in God’s mouth saying, “Will conclusions on the evidence. rejoicing in the truth (1 Corinthians you speak falsely for God?” (ESV). Christians wish to do so as well, in 13:6). The truth is what sets us free Would we want to attribute some- keeping with Scripture’s teaching (John 8:32). Jesus is described as thing to God that He did not do, or on the subject (e.g., 1 Thessalonians “the Truth” (John 14:6). say He did something that He did 5:21; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). “Blind” not say? Would we want to claim (i.e., evidence-less) faith is unbiblical.1 According to 2 Thessalonians that He did something—like Cre- 2:10, loving the truth leads to sal- ation—in a way that He did not do So, if Creation as it has been vation. Do we love the truth? If a it? In so doing, we become false wit- taught for thousands of years is person loves the truth taught in nesses for God! correct, we want to know that God’s Word—be it the truth about fact, because we want to be ratio- Creation or the Cross—will he In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul gives a nal, drawing the right conclusions. not want to oppose those ideas he defense of the fact that, in the end, If Creation as it has been taught is believes to be false and only teach there will be a resurrection from incorrect, we want to know that, true ideas to others (regardless of the dead. Souls are not annihilated too! We want the truth, because their popularity)? at death: there is an afterlife. Paul we want to be rational. We want to, argues that, if there is no afterlife, “Prove/test all things, hold fast what REASON #6: TEACHING then, contrary to the testimony of is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Is Paul and the apostles, Jesus was not the pursuit of sound conclusions a T ERROR IS SINFUL. resurrected. “Yes, and we are found worthy reason to oppose Evolution HE Bible is explicit in its false witnesses of God, because we when Evolution has proven to be an condemnation of teaching have testified of God that He raised irrational theory? error regarding biblical mat- up Christ, whom He did not raise ters. “My brethren, let not many up—if in fact the dead do not raise” REASON #5: WE WANT TO of you become teachers, knowing (vs. 15). Would we want to be false that we shall receive a stricter judg- witnesses of God, claiming He used I TEACH THE TRUTH. ment” (James 3:1). When we want Evolution, the Big Bang, and deep T is clear that “truth” is a theme to believe or do what we want to time, if He did not do so? If God in Scripture, on par with faith: believe or do, it is tempting to try to did not use Darwinian Evolution, coming to know the truth (1 force the Bible to say what we want and Christians say He did, then are Timothy 2:4); believing the truth it to say, injecting our own ideas into they not giving false testimony for (2 Thessalonians 2:12); obeying the the text (eisegesis), instead of letting God? truth (1 Peter 1:22); preaching the the text interpret itself without our Undoubtedly, some people simply have not thoroughly examined the evidence concerning Evolution, deep time, and the Bible. Perhaps they have no opinion on the sub- R&

jects because they do not care or Evolution. However, as mentioned taneously, starting in the 1960s and because they humbly recognize in Part I, belief in Theistic Evolution 1970s, the U.S. index crime rate, that they currently have insufficient is a “gateway doctrine” which tends which includes the reported crimes evidence to draw a conclusion. Per- to lead towards faithlessness and of murder/manslaughter, rape, rob- haps they lean for or against belief belief in pure naturalism, as it did bery, aggravated assault, burglary, in Evolution due to the evidence for Charles Darwin. While Darwin larceny, and motor vehicle theft, they currently possess. We would was a self-espoused orthodox Chris- began to skyrocket. The crime not suggest that every person must tian when he first wrote Origin of rate climbed from a steady yearly necessarily passionately believe in a Species, upon dwelling on Evolution- average of roughly 700 crimes per young Earth and a literal Creation ary ideas, he “very gradually, with 100,000 people in the 30s-50s, to to be saved. However, the moment many fluctuations, became weaker” 6,000 crimes per 100,000 people— a person begins definitively teaching in his faith, ultimately becoming over 800% growth in 20 years.5 No and encouraging others to accept an agnostic. Later, he stated, “Then doubt there were several contribut- as true a particular position with arises the doubt, can the mind of ing factors to the explosion of crime, biblical implications, he is bound man, which has, as I fully believe, but one would predict that the wide- by Scripture to “speak the oracles been developed from a mind as spread teaching of Evolution would [i.e., utterances (NASB)/very words low as that possessed by the lowest result in immorality and violence, (NIV)] of God” (1 Peter 4:11). No animals, be trusted when it draws since, as leading Evolutionists have matter the topic, a person should such grand conclusions [i.e., belief in acknowledged (including Darwin, be careful to speak the truth in all God—JM]?”2 Evolution devastates himself), Evolution and morality things. If the truth can be known faith, as it did its “Father.” are incompatible. about something, the truth should be taught. If a person knows he is We have documented extensively Famous evolutionary biologist, not, or cannot be, certain what the elsewhere3 that when Evolutionary Richard Dawkins said, “Absolut- truth is on a subject, he should be thinking is carried to its logical ist moral discrimination is devas- careful not to speak definitively, implications, society becomes dark, tatingly undermined by the fact instead using disclaimers (e.g., indeed. If students are taught their of evolution.”6 Cornell University “might be,” “could be,” “seems,” etc.). whole life that Evolution is true and, evolutionary biology professor On the other hand: if the evidence therefore, only the most fit will tend William Provine, keynote speaker conclusively substantiates a truth, he to survive by tooth and claw, what at the Darwin Day event at the should unashamedly teach it. We would we expect those students to University of Tennessee in Knox- have yet to see a solid, reasonable be like after roughly two decades of ville, said, “Naturalistic evolution case made for how Evolution and indoctrination? If they are taught has clear consequences that Charles deep time should be drawn from the that “might makes right” in the Darwin understood perfectly. 1) No biblical text or injected into it. On Evolutionary paradigm (as opposed gods worth having exist; 2) no life the contrary, they have been shown to Scripture defining what is right) after death exists; 3) no ultimate to be lacking in essential scientific and that humans are merely hairless foundation for ethics exists; 4) and biblical evidence. Should we apes, why would we not expect the no ultimate meaning in life exists; not, therefore, if desiring to speak emergence of a society populated by and 5) human free will is nonexis- the oracles of God, teach against them? violent animals? Why would we not tent…. The first 4 implications are expect an immoral populace that so obvious to modern naturalistic REASON #7: EVOLUTION IS A uses weapons instead of intellects evolutionists that I will spend little and takes what they want if they time defending them.”7 Charles WDANGEROUS DOCTRINE. have the power and opportunity to Darwin said, “A man who has no HEN a person thinks do so? assured and ever present belief in about Evolution academi- the existence of a personal God or of cally and superficially, Is it coincidence that over the a future existence with retribution without considering its heinous last several decades, as Evolution and reward, can have for his rule of implications and inevitable, delete- (including Theistic Evolution) life, as far as I can see, only to follow rious effects on a society, he might began being taught in earnest in U.S. those impulses and instincts which fail to see the inherent danger in public schools and churches, that are the strongest or which seem to not speaking against it, much less the percentage of Americans who him the best ones.”8 Is it any wonder promoting it. One might think that believe the Bible is the actual Word that more and more people in soci- Evolution and morality can co-exist, of God and is to be taken literally ety would live out the implications especially if Theistic Evolution is has steadily declined, while the per- of Evolution if they are taught to accepted, instead of Naturalistic centage of Americans who believe believe that it is true? the Bible to be a book of fables, his- tory, and moral precepts recorded by What kind of things are implied man has steadily increased?4 Simul- by Evolution that would lead to a R&

dark society? Consider Darwin’s ing and propagating their kind,” if One would think that the fal- own words in The Descent of Man: there is no morality if Evolution laciousness of such an approach is true? From serial murderer Jef- would be self-evident. People have With savages, the weak in body frey Dahmer10 (who murdered and a problem with many more bibli- or mind are soon eliminated; and dismembered 17 men and boys) to cal doctrines than Creation and a those that survive commonly Pekka Auvinen (who massacred young Earth. From miracles to the exhibit a vigorous state of health. eight people in his school in Fin- divinity of Christ to the Bible’s We civilised men, on the other land in 2007), calling himself a teaching about sexual immorality hand, do our utmost to check the “natural selector” eliminating “all and divorce—the bulk of the world process of elimination; we build who I see unfit…, failures of natu- will not choose to accept God’s way. asylums for the imbecile, the ral selection,”11 many have carried It has always been that way. Should maimed, and the sick; we insti- out the logical implications of their Noah have adjusted his teachings tute poor-laws; and our medical belief in Evolution. In 1999, Col- to “save” more people on the Ark men exert their utmost skill to umbine High School shooter Eric with him? We should not go beyond save the life of every one to the Harris made his plans to put on his what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). last moment. There is reason “natural selection” T-shirt and enter We should not twist the Scriptures, to believe that vaccination has his high school to shoot dozens or we are inviting our destruction preserved thousands, who from of students and teachers, stating (2 Peter 3:16). a weak constitution would for- in his personal writings that he merly have succumbed to small- would “kick natural selection up Jesus certainly did not adjust His pox. Thus the weak members a few notches,” killing “whoever I teachings to make them more pal- of civilised societies propagate deem unfit.”12 Nazi Germany was, atable to people (which, ultimately, their kind. No one who has of course, the most notorious of is why He was killed). Should attended to the breeding of those carrying out the implications we? Certainly not. In fact, Jesus domestic animals will doubt of Darwinian Evolution, killing directly warned His disciples that that this must be highly injuri- 6,000,000 Jews in Europe for being, the world would hate them and ous to the race of man. It is sur- in their view, “unfit.”13 their message (John 15:18-20). It prising how soon a want of care, will be considered foolishness to or care wrongly directed, leads As Richard Dawkins said con- the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). It to the degeneration of a domes- cerning Evolution, “My own feel- will be laughed at. Peter warned that tic race; but excepting in the case ing is that a human society based scoffers who wish to live immoral of man himself, hardly any one simply on the gene’s law of universal lives will “willingly forget” Genesis is so ignorant as to allow his ruthless selfishness would be a very 1 (Creation) and Genesis 6-9 (the worst animals to breed. nasty society in which to live.”14 global Flood of Noah’s day). They The aid which we feel impelled If Evolution is false (along with will belittle and make fun of the to give to the helpless is mainly its necessary foundation of an old teachings of Christians on those an incidental result of the Earth), would not a rational, moral subjects (2 Peter 3:3-6), but Peter instinct of sympathy, which was person do everything in his power warned that God “is not slack con- originally acquired as part of the to oppose it? cerning His promise”: Judgment social instincts, but subsequently Day is coming just as certainly as rendered, in the manner previ- CONCLUSION Creation happened and the judg- ously indicated, more tender and ment of the Flood came, whether more widely diffused. Nor could Should a Christian accept Evolu- or not they wish to “willingly forget” we check our sympathy, even at tion and an old Earth to make the that truth (vss. 7-13). the urging of hard reason, with- Bible more “palatable” and win more out deterioration in the noblest converts? Worded another way: if Few passages more directly apply part of our nature…. We must the Bible does not teach something, to the mindset of those who advo- therefore bear the undoubtedly should we claim that it does if it will cate for Evolution than 2 Timothy bad effects of the weak sur- make more people happy with it? 4:3-4: “For the time will come when viving and propagating their Should Christians adjust and com- they will not endure sound doc- kind; but there appears to be at promise every Bible teaching that trine, but according to their own least one check in steady action, people have a problem with? Is that desires, because they have itching namely that the weaker and infe- how God wants humans to treat ears, they will heap up for them- rior members of society do not Scripture? selves teachers; and they will turn marry so freely as the sound; and their ears away from the truth, and this check might be indefinitely increased by the weak in body or mind refraining from marriage, though this is more to be hoped for than expected.9 But why must we “bear the undoubt- edly bad effects of the weak surviv- R&

be turned aside to fables.” “Sound” We should not be ashamed of the record-few-americans-believe-bible-literal- doctrine refers to teachings that Bible’s teaching on any subject, nor word-god.aspx. are healthy, logical, and rational— should we be shaken by those who 5 “Uniform Crime Reports, 1933-1998,” Fed- reasonable conclusions that follow scoff at us. Evolution not only has eral Bureau of Investigation, https://www. from the evidence. Paul warns no evidence to support its most basic jrsa.org/projects/Historical.pdf. that some people would not just tenets, it actually stands against 6 Richard Dawkins (2006), The God Delusion reject the evidence, they would not mounds of scientific evidence which (New York: Houghton Mifflin), p. 301. endure (“put up with”—NIV) it. refutes it.15 Belief in Evolution is, 7 William Provine (1998), “Evolution: Free By implication, they would actively therefore, not only dangerous, but Will and Punishment and Meaning in try to fight it, because the implica- irrational. “Buy the truth, and do Life,” emp. added, http://eeb.bio.utk.edu/ tions of that evidence run counter not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). Defend darwin/DarwinDayProvineAddress.htm. to “their own desires.” They want to the truth (1 Peter 3:15), contend- 8 Charles Darwin (1958), The Autobiography live the way they want to live with- ing earnestly for it (Jude 3). “Preach of Charles Darwin, ed. Nora Barlow, (New out being accountable. They want the word” always (2 Timothy 4:2), York: W.W. Norton), p. 94. to do that which is right in their regardless of its popularity. 9 Charles Darwin (1874), The Descent of Man own eyes. Their solution: surround and Selection in Relation to Sex, The Project themselves with “experts” who will ENDNOTES Gutenberg EBook of the Descent of Man, tell them what they want to hear. by Charles Darwin, Natural Selection as With enough “smart people” bol- 1 Dave Miller (2003), “Blind Faith,” Apolo- Affecting Civilised Nations, https://www. stering their view, they can, with getics Press, https://apologeticspress.org/ gutenberg.org/files/2300/2300-h/2300-h. little bother from their conscience, blind-faith-444/. htm, emp. added. believe in something that is not sup- 10 Stone Phillips (1994), Interview with Jef- ported by either the Bible or legiti- 2 Charles Darwin (1887), The Life and Let- frey and Lionel Dahmer, http://www.you- mate scientific evidence. ters of Charles Darwin: Volume 1, The tube.com/watch?v=IjW7bezdddE. Project Gutenberg EBook of the Life and 11 “Teen Dead Who Opened Fire on Finn- If we are warned that many Letters of Charles Darwin, Volume I (of ish Classmates, Police Say” (2007), CNN, people will not accept the truth II), by Charles Darwin, Chapter 1.VIII.— http://w w w.cn n .com/20 0 7/ WOR L D/ (regardless of how it is packaged), Religion, https://www.gutenberg.org/ europe/11/07/school.shooting/ index.html. the Christian should realize that the files/2087/2087-h/2087-h.htm. 12 “Eric Harris’ Journal,” transcribed by packaging is not the real issue. Some Peter Langman, 2014, https://school- people will not accept the truth. 3 Kyle Butt (2008), “The Bitter Fruits of shooters.info/sites/default/files/harris_ Period. So, why try to change the Atheism (Part 1),” Reason & Revelation, journal_1.3.pdf. packaging to suit those who are not 28[7]:49-55, https://apologeticspress.org/ 13 Kyle Butt (2001), “Hitler—The Ultimate searching for the truth anyway and wp-content/uploads/2021/08/0807.pdf. Evolutionist,” Apologetics Press, https:// invite our own judgment? Why join apologeticspress.org/hitlerthe-ultimate- the anti-Christian, ungodly forces 4 Lydia Saad (2017), “Record Few Ameri- evolutionist-866/. of the world who wish to “suppress cans Believe Bible Is Literal Word 14 Richard Dawkins (1989), The Selfish Gene the truth [including Creation—JM] of God,” GALLUP On-line, May 15, (Oxford: Oxford University Press), pp. 2-3, in unrighteousness” so that they can https://news.gallup.com/poll/210704/ emp. added. live as they want (Romans 1:18-32)? 15 Jeff Miller (2017), Science vs. Evolution A Christian should never forget that (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press). Evolution is, first and foremost, a theory championed by “haters of Reason & Revelation is published monthly by Apologetics Press, Inc. Periodicals postage God” (Romans 1:30). One should paid at Montgomery, AL. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reason & Revelation, be very certain Evolution is true before endorsing such a dangerous 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; issn:[1542-0922] usps# 023415. doctrine (Romans 1:32) and sup- porting its promoters (2 Chronicles Apologetics Press is a non-profit, tax-exempt work dedicated to the defense of New 19:2). Testament Christianity. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. Christians should understand that most people are not going to Editor: Orders: like or accept what the Bible teaches on many subjects (Matthew 7:13- Dave Miller, M.A., M.Div., M.A.R., Ph.D.* Phone: (800) 234-8558 14), but boldly and lovingly teach Fax: (800) 234-2882 them anyway. “Therefore, since we (*Communication, Southern Illinois University) have such hope, we use great bold- On-line Web store/catalog, subscription ness of speech” (2 Corinthians 3:12). Associate Editor: order/renewal form, current issues, archives, and other information (all orders processed Jeff Miller, M.S., Ph.D.* on a secure server): (*Biomechanical Engineering, Auburn University) Annual Subscription Rates: $14.00 Domestic URL: w w w. A p o l o g e t i c s P r e s s .o r g $12.00 Domestic Bulk E-mail: [email protected] (5+ TO SAME ADDRESS) Discovery—Scripture & Science for Kids is a sister publication for children. 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Eric Lyons, M.Min. CBoibnlsiicsatlency the eternal destiny of Christians, saying, “Watch yourselves, that BF aellTsioeraefnevdTaetehteram’scheenrts you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may IF Christians are to be kind and oversight, but he may occasionally receive a full reward” (vs. 8, NASB). loving to everyone (Luke 10:29- have to expel a disorderly child from John was alarmed because decep- 37), some question why 2 John the school for at least two reasons: tive false teachers who denied the 10-11 teaches, “If anyone comes to (1) so that the hundreds of other incarnation of Jesus were a serious you and does not bring this doctrine students who want to get an educa- threat to the salvation of Christians. (‘the doctrine of Christ’—vs. 9), do tion can safely and successfully do “For many deceivers have gone out not receive him into your house so, and (2) in hopes that such drastic into the world who do not confess nor greet him; for he who greets measures will cause the unruly child Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” him shares in his evil deeds.”1 Also, to awaken to his senses before it is (2 John 7). These false teachers why did Paul instruct Timothy to too late (and he does something far (known as Gnostics) alleged that “shun profane and idle babblings” (2 worse as a teenager or as an adult). Christ could not have been incar- Timothy 2:16; 1 Timothy 6:20-21)? An uninformed outsider, who nated because the flesh is inherently Are Christians to shun those with sinful. And, since the flesh is sup- whom we disagree, and even go so False doctrine was posedly intrinsically evil, Gnostics far as not to greet them or allow a real and present taught that Christians did not need them into our homes? danger in the first- to resist fleshly temptations. Just century church, just “do whatever feels good” and know First, Scripture, indeed, repeat- that such wicked actions are only edly calls for Christians to love as it is today. physical and not spiritual. Allegedly, everyone—whether family, friends, the soul could still be pure, even if fellow Christians, or enemies (Mat- sees a father disciplining his son the individuals themselves partici- thew 5:43-48; 22:36-40; Romans or a school principal punishing pated in wicked activity.2 12:9-21). We are to “[r]epay no one a student, may initially think less evil for evil” (Romans 12:17), but of these adults and wonder how The apostle John (who had “seen” strive to “be kind to one another, they could call themselves Chris- and “handled” the actual body of tenderhearted, forgiving one tians. The logical, more informed Christ—1 John 1:1-4; i.e., Jesus another, even as God in Christ bystander, however, will quickly did come in the flesh) repeatedly forgave” us (Ephesians 4:32). But size up the situation and easily see condemned the central teachings Christian kindness and love are the consistency in loving, disciplin- of certain Gnostics who were con- not antithetical to such things as, for ary actions. fusing and misleading first-century example, punishing rule breakers. A Christians. father who loves his son, and would In the epistle of 2 John, the even die for him, will promptly apostle expressed his concern for Beloved, do not believe every discipline him for unruly conduct spirit, but test the spirits, (Proverbs 13:24; Ephesians 6:4). A whether they are of God; because school principal may genuinely love many false prophets have gone and care for every student under his out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Anti- christ, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world (1 John 4:1-3). Whoever commits sin also com- mits lawlessness, and sin is law- lessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is R&

no sin. Whoever abides in Him the wayward child of God to come the ungodly efforts of these mislead- does not sin. Whoever sins has to his senses (being “ashamed” of ing “messengers” would be greatly neither seen Him nor known his sinful conduct; 2 Thessalonians diminished. In time, they might Him. Little children, let no one 3:14; 1 Corinthians 5:5)—repent- choose to (or have to) stop their deceive you. He who practices ing of sin and being restored to the sowing of error altogether because righteousness is righteous, just family of God. of lack of opportunities, assistance, as He is righteous. He who sins and encouragement. Such a result is of the devil…. Whoever has Similarly, in 2 John 10-11, the combined with genuine repentance been born of God does not sin apostle of the Lord instructed hos- would be the very thing for which (1 John 3:4-9). pitable Christians to recognize the Christians hope and pray. False doctrine was a real and present seriousness of greeting and housing danger in the first-century church, deceptive false teachers. [NOTE: Anyone who can see the rea- just as it is today. Christians were “The greeting was ‘Chairo!’ literally, sonable and loving consistency of (and are) to be on “guard” because goodspeed or God speed. This greet- parents telling their children to “some have strayed concerning the ing was more than mere formality; “be nice to everyone,” but “don’t faith”—profane and idle babblers it was an approval of the course listen to these dangerous people” and teachers of contradictory doc- being pursued by the one thus (showing them pictures of known trines of “what is falsely called greeting, and included a desire for child molesters), should be able to knowledge” (Greek gnosis; 1 Tim- success in the effort attempted.”3] see the consistency of God’s mes- othy 6:20-21; cf. 2 Timothy 2:15- First-century roaming teachers sage concerning Christian love and 26). Denying the physical life, death, and preachers “depended on the hospitality, and the way Christians burial, and resurrection of the body generosity of the members of the react to false teachers who espouse of Christ was heresy, and thus John church” for their housing and hos- damnable error. Children who and others warned the early church pitality.4 John the apostle, however, shun dangerous sexual predators of such deception. What’s more, wanted the church to understand are protecting their own innocence, claiming that “all unrighteousness the serious threat that these dan- as well as keeping themselves and is not sin,” was to directly contradict gerous false teachers posed to the their families from a moment (or a the Law of Christ. In truth, “the precious bride of Christ. Doctrinal lifetime) of grief. What’s more, the works of the flesh are evident,” and error is not something to “play with,” avoided, dangerous strangers are not “those who practice such things will especially when such error involves given the opportunity to continue not inherit the kingdom of God” the foundation of the Church (the in their sins. Thus, the children’s (Galatians 5:19,21). John wrote: life of Christ—2 John 7) and the obedient avoidance of them could “Whoever does not practice righ- denial of sin (the very thing that be of great help to the sinful strang- teousness is not of God,” because results in eternal death for the ers in the highest way possible—if “all unrighteousness is sin” (1 John impenitent—Romans 6:23; Luke they awaken to their spiritual senses. 3:10; 5:17). 13:3,5). By refusing to house and Christians are commanded bid God-speed to deceptive teachers, Christians are actually fulfill- to withdraw fellowship (lovingly, ing the Law of Christ to “do good faithfully, and sorrowfully) from to all” (Galatians 6:2,10) even as brethren who rebel against the we identify and refuse to embrace teachings of Christ (cf. 1 Corin- and fellowship false teachers. We thians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6- are “doing good” to the “household 15). Such actions by Christians and of faith” by helping keep her pure churches are taken for at least two and unaffected by cancer-spreading reasons: (1) to keep the church and deceptive teachers (2 Timothy 2:17- the Christian families that comprise 18). Allowing error to spread would her from being harmed spiritually be tantamount to “rejoic[ing] in by the defiantly unfaithful (whose iniquity,” which is unloving (1 Cor- very tolerated presence would have inthians 13:6). What’s more, the even more damaging effects than false teachers themselves are in no an incessantly disruptive student way encouraged to continue down in a school room; cf. 1 Corinthians the road of deceit. Rather, it is the 5:6-7); and (2) in hopes of causing hope and prayer of Christians that false teachers would become con- R&

victed of the error of their ways and Wbtoe WhyNrSewioTtesLttaomeennntg?tfhoer repent before the Master Teacher (Luke 2:47; John 7:46) returns and Eric Lyons, M.Min. judges them eternally for their doc- trinal deceit (2 Peter 2). Q: Why did God wait approx- that the New Testament is, indeed, a imately 20 years after the first-century production.1 As Irwin [NOTE: Near the conclusion of Church was established to H. Linton concluded regarding the his excellent commentary on 2 John, begin writing the New gospel accounts: “A fact known to Guy N. Woods made an appropri- Testament? Why such a long span all who have given any study at all to ate observation that both Christians of time? this subject is that these books were and critics of 2 John 10-11 should quoted, listed, catalogued, harmo- consider: “John does not here forbid A: Normally when we discuss nized, cited as authority by different hospitality to strangers, or, for that the penning of the New Tes- writers, Christian and Pagan, right matter, to false teachers when, in tament, we do so in view back to the time of the apostles.”2 so doing, false teaching is neither of the fact that God inspired men encouraged nor done. Were we to write about Jesus and His will Still, some wonder why God to find a teacher known to be an for the Church within only about chose to wait approximately 20 advocate of false doctrine suffering, 20-65 years of the Savior’s death years to begin writing the New it would be our duty to minister to and resurrection. Perhaps even more Testament. Why didn’t the first- his need, provided that in so doing impressive is the abundant amount century apostles and prophets begin we did not abet or encourage him in of evidence for the New Testa- penning the New Testament as soon the propagation of false doctrine…. ment’s first-century origin. Due to as the Church was established? What is forbidden is the reception the volume of ancient manuscripts, of such teachers in such fashion as versions, and citations of the New The simple, straightforward to supply them with an opportunity Testament documents, even many answer is that we cannot say for to teach their tenets, to maintain an liberal scholars have conceded the sure why God waited two decades association with them when such fact that the New Testament must to begin penning the New Testa- would involve us in the danger of have been completed by the end ment. [NOTE: Conservative schol- accepting their doctrines…. The of the first century. Whereas the ars generally agree that the earliest test is, Does one become a partaker extant copies of Plato, Thucydides, written New Testament documents, by the action contemplated? If yes, Herodotus, Tacitus, and many including Galatians and 1 and 2 our duty is clear; we must neither others are separated from the time Thessalonians, were likely written receive them nor give them greeting; these men wrote by 1,000 years, between A.D. 48-52.] We could ask if No, the principle here taught is manuscript evidence for the New any number of things regarding why not applicable.”5] Testament reaches as far back as the God did or did not do something: early second century, which has led Why did God wait some 2,500 years ENDNOTES most scholars to rightly conclude after Creation and some 1,000 years after the Flood to write a perfect, 1 Cf. Steve Wells (2015), “Should inspired account of these events? Believers Discuss Their Faith with Why did God only spend 11 chap- Nonbelievers?” http://www.skeptic- sannotatedbible.com/contra/discuss. html. 2 For more information, see “Gnos- ticism” (1982), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans), 2:484-490. 3 Guy N. Woods (1979), New Testa- ment Epistles of Peter, John, and Jude (Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate), p. 349, italics in orig. 4 I. Howard Marshall (1978), The Epistles of John (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans), p. 74, emp. added. 5 Woods, pp. 349-350, emp. added. R&

ters in the Bible telling us about the tament were originally written for explicitly indicate why He delayed first, approximately 2,000 years of specific audiences and for specific putting His last will and testament human history, and 1,178 chapters purposes (though they are appli- in written form. Yet, logical rea- telling us about the next 2,000? cable to all Christians). For example, sons exist—most notably, the fact Why did God discontinue special, the epistles that Paul wrote to the that the documents that make up written revelation for over 400 years church at Corinth could not have the New Testament were written (between Malachi and the New Tes- been written until there was a to specific peoples and for specific tament)? There are many questions, church at Corinth. If the church at purposes. even specific ones about the makeup Corinth was not established until of God’s written revelation, that we the apostle Paul’s second missionary ENDNOTES would like to know about that He journey (ca. A.D. 49-52), then Paul simply has not specifically revealed obviously wrote to the Christians 1 Cf. F.F. Bruce (1953), The New Tes- to us. in Corinth after this time. Further- tament Documents—Are They Reli- more, since in 1 Corinthians Paul able? (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans), Having made that disclaimer, dealt with specific problems that fourth edition; Norman L. Geisler we can suggest a few logical rea- had arisen in the church at Corinth and William E. Nix (1986), A Gen- sons why God waited to inspire (e.g, division, immorality, etc.), he eral Introduction to the Bible (Chi- first-century apostles and prophets could not have explicitly addressed cago, IL: Moody), revised edition; to pen the New Testament. First, these matters in detail until after Philip W. Comfort and David the early Church had the treasure they had come to pass. Thus, there P. Barrett (2001), The Text of the of the Gospel “in earthen vessels” was a need for time (i.e., a few years) Earliest New Testament Greek (2 Corinthians 4:7). That is, the to pass before the New Testament Manuscripts (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale apostles were miraculously guided documents were penned. House). by the Spirit in what they taught (Galatians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 2:10- Although some may be bothered 2 Irwin H. Linton (1943), A Lawyer 16). The Spirit of God guided them by the fact that God waited approxi- Examines the Bible (Grand Rapids, “into all Truth” (John 16:13). Also, mately 20 years to begin penning MI: Baker), sixth edition, p. 39. those on whom the apostles chose to the New Testament through lay their hands in the early churches His inspired writers, we can rest 3 Cf. Dave Miller (2003), “Modern- received the miraculous, spiritual assured that He had good reasons Day Miracles, Tong ue-Speak- gifts of prophecy, knowledge, for this relatively brief postpone- ing, and Holy Spirit Baptism: A wisdom, etc. (Acts 8:14-17; 1 Cor- ment. Admittedly, God did not Refutation—Extended Version,” inthians 12:1-11). Even though the Apologetics Press, http://www. Church was without the inspired a p o lo g e t i c s pre s s . or g /a p c ont e nt . writings of Paul, Peter, John, etc. aspx?category=11&article=1399. for a few years, God did not leave them without direction and guid- SPEAKING SCHEDULES ance. In a sense, they had “walking, living New Testaments.” When the Kyle Butt miraculous-age ended (1 Corinthi- ans 13:8-10),3 however, the Church May 14-15 Conway, AR (417) 589- 0088 would need some type of continual guidance. Thus, during the miracu- Eric Lyons (303) 659-1420 lous age, God inspired the apostles and prophets to put in permanent May 8-11 Brighton, CO (334) 264 -2985 form His perfect and complete rev- (510) 306 -2726 elation to guide the Church until Dave Miller Jesus’ return (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). (334) 272-8558 May 8 Montgomery, AL (334) 272-8558 Second, it was necessary for God (334) 264 -2985 to wait a few years to write the New May 18,25 Richmond, CA (417) 334 -3866 Testament, and not pen it immedi- ately following the Church’s estab- Jeff Miller lishment, because the books and letters that make up the New Tes- May 3,5,10 Denver, CO May 12,17,19 Denver, CO May 22 Montgomery, AL May 29-June 3 Branson, MO R&

APOLOGETICS PRESS • 230 LANDMARK DRIVE • MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 Periodicals Postage PAID The Ed itor Drastic DVD Liquidation For many years, AP has provided the public nonprofit organization—our sole purpose is to with a host of DVDs that address a spread the Word of God around variety of topics and critical issues. DVDs for a $1.00 the world—we seek to accom- It’s hard to believe that the DVD modate the electronic trend of is now going the way of the audio providing video viewing without cassette tape and the VHS tape. cost. We depend on our gracious They are being phased out by supporters to “take up the slack” “the powers that be” as technol- so that we may be able to make ogy continues to expand, develop, this transition without reducing and improve. Most computers our productivity and effective- and cars being sold on the market ness as an evangelistic outreach. these days no longer have DVD or Now is the time to acquire CD slots. While many people will any DVDs that you may not continue to hold on to their DVD players as long have acquired from AP as well as to buy extras as possible, nevertheless, the time is coming when to pass to individuals that you want to influence they will be completely obsolete. with the truth. Like tracts, this form of evangelism We thought this might be a good time to reduce makes it possible for both churches and individual our DVD inventory so that the material preserved Christians to teach and promote God’s thinking on these disks might be accessed while the market inexpensively and with ease. Please consider taking still supports the format. Hence, we are implement- advantage of this transitional phase and help us get ing a “drastic DVD liquidation” sale in hopes that these spiritually enriching materials into the hands these materials will find interested individuals who of those who may profit from them. will acquire and view them. In the meantime, AP has been gradually moving toward online access to our videos where people See Center Spread can view them without charge. Since we are a for More Details