Vol.XVIII No.III Pg.2
May 1981

Tell Me, And Send Proof

Robert F. Turner

We would prefer to ignore some matters, hoping they would go away; but the world seems differently made. The young editor of a widely scattered journal has published a "special" to combat the errors of 1) forgiveness without repentance, 2) imputed righteousness, 3) tolerance of sin, 4) impossibility of apostasy, 5) saved on the basis of a right heart only, and 6) "automatic cleansing." He says an "old headquarters staff" is quietly spreading such doctrine, and his paper will focus on those men. His concept of avoiding slander, giving opportunity to repent, and some "small degree of anonymity" is to make citations by code, and then sell the public a copy of names and articles for $6. I first saw the "special" (Jan. '81 issue) in April, and learned that one of my P.T. articles (May, '75) was republished in the expos. This puts me on the "old headquarters staff" and guilty of cunning heresy. Selah!

I am a heretic for saying "Walking in the light is a manner of life, a general pattern, which is not canceled by a specific or single act." (This is less than half of the original sentence.) Yet, in the same paper one of his writers says, "The word walk is used repeatedly in the Scriptures to represent one's way of life, his habitual course of conduct." Too, "He whose walk is 'in the light' is also not one whose every deed is righteous; 'walking in the light' does not equal sinless perfection." The above piece of my sentence is also used to prove (?) that I teach it is only the willful or high-handed sin that separates man from God once he has obeyed the gospel. (Hines) Two sentences above the quoted scrap I had said, "It is difficult to conceive of one who is 'walking after the spirit' or 'in the light' as trying to excuse any sin."

The editor says "these brethren" seek to reduce God's judgment of men "simply upon a matter of attitude, not obedience." I'm supposed to be guilty because I say continually confessing our sins is "an expression of attitude." (Expression of, mind you; I did not say attitude and confession were the same.) Again, I said, "an improper attitude toward any sin is a rejection of God." He deleted my emphasis upon "any" — but I suppose my use of the word "attitude" was proof.

I do not believe I have been "misunder- stood;" I believe an irresponsible editor and one of his writers have acted foolishly. If any of my readers think I have ever taught any of the errors charged, please tell me, and send proof to Faith and Facts, 3910 Rankin Dr., Erlanger, Ky. 41018.