Redigging The Wells Of Salvation

Albert E. Farley

The work we are doing among churches of Christ is to restore the faith of Jesus Christ as He revealed it almost two thousand years ago. We believe this is not only possible but also that it is absolutely necessary to our salvation. This purpose is, I believe, illustrated by the work of Isaac recorded in Genesis 26. During his life, Abraham, had dug many wells for water. However, after his death, the Philistines had stopped them and filled them with earth. Isaac was a faithful son. After God revealed Himself to him and reaffirmed the covenant He had made with his father, the Bible says that Isaac "digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father ... and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them." (18)

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to offer all men and women "living water." John 4:10. This water is able to be in us "a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (14) This water of life was first offered to the world through the preaching of the apostles of Christ, beginning on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2. On that day, the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ was firmly established on earth. (1:8) Matthew 28:18-20.

However, since that time, Satan like the Philistines of old has been busy filling in the wells of the water of life. Our purpose like that of Isaac is to dig again these wells; to restore the faith that was once for all time delivered unto the saints! Jude 3.

We desire to uncover the Holy Bible. God's Word is the very source of our faith. Romans 10:17. Yet, today, it is neglected and covered with uninspired and false religious books (Qur'an; Book of Mormon; New World [Jehovah's Witness] translation; denominational church manuals, prayer books, catechisms, etc.) 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

We desire to uncover the authority of Christ. God has given Christ all authority in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17. Yet, today, this authority has been covered with uninspired men and councils (the Pope, the "Church," synods, church headquarters, denominational conferences, etc.).

We desire to uncover the church of Christ. Christ built His church upon the rock of His being the Christ. Matthew 16:13-19; Acts 2. Yet, today, this church has been covered with hundreds of humanly built denominations. Matthew 15:13.

We desire to uncover the gospel plan of salvation. Jesus Christ plainly taught what sinners must do to be saved. They must hear the gospel, believe that Jesus is Christ, repent of sin, confess His name, and be baptized for the remission of sins. Matthew 10:32; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:36-38. Today, this has been covered by false and perverted gospels ("faith only," "grace only," ritualistic works, etc.). Galatians 1:6-12.

We desire to uncover the baptism of Christ. The baptism commanded of Christ was a burial in water of repentant believers for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38; 8:38,39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12. Today, this has been covered with "sprinkling" and "pouring." Infants are being "baptized." Others are immersed "because they are already saved." Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.

We desire to uncover New Testament worship. Worship is the paying of homage and adoration to God through His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. It must be offered in spirit (from the heart) and in truth (in accordance with His Holy Word). John 4:24; Acts 16:25; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2; Ephesians 5:19, etc. Today, false churches have covered true worship with entertainment and turned church houses into theaters! (Instrumental music, musical productions, dramas, "holy dancing," handclapping, standup comedy routines, etc.) Matthew 15:9.

We desire to uncover the hope of eternal life. Christ promised His faithful servants a home in heaven, around the throne of God. John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Today, these words are covered by false promises of "health and wealth" on earth that gain is godliness! 1 Timothy 6:3-12.

Truly, the work of restoring the New Testament faith of our Lord Jesus Christ is a high and noble work. Would you, like Isaac, join with us in digging, again, the wells that our Lord gave to us almost two thousand years ago? -Rt. 5, Box 1468, Salem, WV 26426.

 

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