The Bible our Guide

Plain Scriptural teaching for followers of Christ

FOREWORD

CHRISTADELPHIANS (brothers and sisters in Christ) became known by this name over 125 years ago, but their aim is to live by faith in Jesus Christ, according to the teaching of his followers from the first century AD, finding their instruction in a wholly inspired Bible.

They believe that those who follow Jesus and his apostles now, looking to him for strength and forgiveness from God, may confidently place their hope in his return to the earth, when he will bring eternal life to his people, and establish in power the long-promised kingdom of God.

The statements in this pamphlet are deliberately challenging, asking every reader to compare his own opinions with the plain teaching of scripture, examining carefully the Bible passages offered as proof. If, as a result, a change of mind and heart is called for, there will be no doubt that the teaching of the Lord, and the Book he trusted, must be followed wherever it leads.

The scripture quotations in this pamphlet are taken from the New King James (also known as the Revised Authorised) Version of the Bible.

THE BIBLE

If we claim to follow Christ we should trust in the Scriptures as confidently as Jesus and his apostles did:

Jesus:

“The Scripture cannot be broken.” (John 10:35)

Paul:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Peter:

“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21)

Peter:

“The things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.” (1 Peter 1:12)

True faith must be founded on a fully inspired Bible.

HUMAN NATURE

If we claim to follow Christ we should admit that we are sinful and dying creatures, without hope of life except in Christ:

Moses:

“Dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Isaiah:

“All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades.” (Isaiah 40:6,7)

James:

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)

Peter:

“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away.” (1 Peter 1:24)

The Bible makes it plain that we are mortal: only when we admit this can we truly look forward to the salvation it offers.

THE FUTURE OF THE RIGHTEOUS

If we claim to follow Christ we should admit that our reward is to be looked for on the earth, not in heaven:

The Psalms:

“But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5)

Jesus:

“And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)

Daniel:

“The stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth … In the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed.” (Daniel 2:35,44)

“The greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High.” (Daniel 7:27)

The Psalms:

“The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth he has given to the children of men.” (Psalm 115:16)

John:

“No man has ascended to heaven but he who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.” (John 3:13)

The Bible tells us that the reward is at present reserved in heaven with Christ, to be revealed on earth at his coming:

Peter:

“An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you … salvation ready to be revealed in the last time … and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:4,5,13)

Paul:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body.” (Philippians 3:20,21)

The Bible tells us that the earth, where God placed men in the beginning, is the place where they will receive His blessing.

THE STATE OF THE DEAD

If we claim to follow Christ we should recognise that the grave is a place of unconsciousness, which only resurrection can bring to an end:

The Psalms:

“For in death there is no remembrance of you; in the grave who will give you thanks?” (Psalm 6:5)

Hezekiah:

“For Sheol cannot thank you, death cannot praise you; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your truth.” (Isaiah 38:18)

Peter:

“David, that is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day … For David did not ascend into the heavens.” (Acts 2:29,34)

Paul:

“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19)

The grave, and the hell of the Old Testament, are the same word and the same place. It is to this place of oblivion that all the dead must go.

THE RETURN OF CHRIST TO THE EARTH

If we claim to follow Christ we should join all his early disciples in looking for his second coming:

Jesus:

“The Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him …” (Matthew 25:31)

Angels:

“This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

Peter:

“And that (God) may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before.” (Acts 3:20)

Paul:

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Only by his second coming can Christ complete the work he began when he came before.