Answering A Letter Of Inquiry
Dear Mr. Driscoll, Per your article in the Sunday Ledger-Enquirer, this date, entitled "Why we do not call him Holy Father", I am requesting further data.
I was especially interested in your comment about the Bible "Alone" being God's "Complete" revelation to man.
Yours truly A. J. Eversman 2317 Schaul St. Columbus, Ga.
Mr. A. J. Eversman 2317 Schaul Street Columbus, Georgia Your "note", relative to the article in the Sunday Ledger-Enquirer, and asking further information, has reached me.
You mention that you were especially interested in my comment about the Bible "alone" being God's "complete" revelation to man. Is this the particular point on which you desire more data? This is what I gathered and will therefore comment on this point. If I have misunderstood, please let me know specifically and I shall be happy to do all I can to help.
Please let me say first, that, there isn't anything men may teach religiously (which they may deem a new revelation) but that the Bible itself either teaches it (and therefore it would not be a new revelation) or the Bible condemns it. The Apostle Paul says, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we (the apostles) preacheth unto you, let him be anathema (or accursed K. J. V.). As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema (or accursed)"... Gal. 1:8, 9. The point is this: If it is newer, or different, what the apostles preached it isn't the word of God.
The New Testament is a record of what Paul and others taught hence, it alone is the word of God for us to day and is therefore final and complete. If there were any successors to any of the apostles (which of course the scriptures will not sustain) but, if there were, they could only preach what the apostles taught (which record we have in the New Testament) otherwise the anathema of God would be upon them.
But again, Jesus said to the apostles in John 14:26 "But the... Holy Spirit... he shall teach you ALL THINGS, and... ALL I have said unto you". Then, he shall guide you into ALL THE TRUTH... John 16:13. The apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit into ALL TRUTH. The New Testament is a record of what the apostles taught therefore, the New Testament is a record of ALL TRUTH and is therefore complete and final.
In Jude 3 the writer says, " ...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all (or once for all time) delivered unto the saints". The New Testament contains this system of faith; it is the faith Paul preached (Gal. 1:23 and it has been (past tense) delivered once for all time. Hence, we are today, to contend for what the New Testament teaches; it is final and complete. Jesus speaks of it as "perfect"... Jas. 1:25 and Paul says it will ...furnish the man of God (Christian) completely unto every good work" .... 2 Tim. 3:17.
Mr. Eversman, I hope I have touched the question ("The Bible—The Final and Complete Revelation To Man") for which you asked. If I can be of any service I shall be delighted to do so. You would certainly receive a hearty welcome at our services. They are simple and unpretentious. Also, I live near you and should you desire to talk with me personally I would be glad to stop by. I live at 2509 Gould St.
With every good wish I am Yours for the truth, R. Ervin Driscoll, minister
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Tice Elkins, Alamogordo, New Mexico, July 21: "For months I have been too busy to report, but am happy to say that the church at 9th and Texas Ave., Alamogordo, is doing fine considering vacation time and most people away at mountain resorts to escape the heat. The hottest summer in the memory of the oldest people here. A goodly number have been added to our membership since last report, the last being a man of 44 years, baptized last Lord's Day night. Our growth and increase is due, more than to any other kind of effort, to our radio broadcast of the gospel six days each week, reaching about 15,000 every day. The sects are worried, the masses pleased, and the station owner tells me that the church of Christ program is the most liked of any on the air. But we need help in cash to keep this work going. It takes $130.00 per month to keep on the air. Can't YOU help? If so, send your donation for this work to "Church of Christ, 9th and Texas Ave., Alamogordo, N. M., P. 0. Box 202," or to Box 31. Unless full address is given it may go to our "anti-class group" in this city. This writer can hold no meetings until better health comes; and must stay at home to take care of invalid wife. My own health is very bad but will not stop until "I finish my course" and go to receive the crown "laid up for me." Help us get the gospel to the S. W. if you can."