A commentary by Les Kinsolving appeared in the August 12-2006 edition of World Net Daily. In that article he chastised a preacher for saying Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and thus to heaven. The best thing that can be said for Kinsolving is he knows how to write, but his Bible knowledge is sorely lacking in all areas (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51504). Read the article to learn the errors he has in understanding the Bible.

First, the law was given to the Jews, and not the Gentiles, for the purpose of showing them that sin couldn’t be erased and salvation earned by their own good works. [Galatians 2:16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. The foregoing also exposes the rejection of Christ by the lady who said, "It was as if no matter how much hard work, no matter how good a person you are, the only way you'll ever be anything is through Jesus Christ," Paul addressed that in Ephesians: [Eph 2:8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [Eph 2:9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Eph 2:10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Next, Paul wrote of the law and its other purpose: [Gal 3:22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. [Gal 3:23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. [Gal 3:24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [Gal 3:25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [Gal 3:26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [Gal 3:27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [Gal 3:28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [Gal 3:29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

In defense of the preacher for saying Christ was the only way to salvation and heaven, and who received the vitriol of Kinsolving and the lady, read the words from the hand of John:  [John 14:6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  The preacher is right and Kinsolving wrong.

Kinsolving further demonstrates lack of Bible knowledge when he questions baptism. The Law didn’t require baptism for remission of sins since the gospel had yet to be presented. (Several types of baptism were practiced prior to Pentecost, but they weren’t the same as the baptism necessary for salvation.)  Jesus said it was his to fulfill all righteousness required by God through keeping of the Law and to show the pattern for salvation that would soon arrive, two of the reasons he was baptized. It stands to reason that since the gospel required baptism for salvation, the Apostles were baptized. In Acts we find the record of Paul’s (Saul) conversion. [Acts 9:17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. [Acts 9:18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Paul was baptized and without doubt the other Apostles were baptized since the law had been made of no effect by the life of Jesus and his death. In every record of conversion baptism is the beginning act of faith in Christ. The essentiality of baptism is found  in I Peter: [1 Pet 3:20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. [1 Pet 3:21] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: [1 Pet 3:22] Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.  

Young people can be cruel and yet they can cut through the chaff and express truth in ways that adults find reprehensible when the truth applies to them or their families. In regard to their words about Alex Dobrich, they told the truth as cruel as it might sound. Luke recorded in Acts: [Acts 4:12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Following is an excerpt from the article: And the New York Times also reported that the Rev. [Jerry] Fike told them: "Because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I will speak out for him. The Bible encourages that. Ultimately he is the one I have to please. If doing that places me at odds with the law of the land, I still have to follow him." The preacher is correct for in Acts the following is found:  [Acts 5:29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men  (Ought means need to, and as such not optional).

It is lamentable that the Dobrich family had the difficulties, yet when Jesus is rejected life can be filled with unwanted consequences. Name calling however isn’t right and never will be. Still, it is always those who claim Jesus Christ who are demeaned, castigated, persecuted, accused of intolerance, called insensitive, and branded as bigots. Why must Christians always be quiet while all the others are given free rein road to mouth off as they see fit? Does not freedom of speech include the professions of faith and the preaching of the gospel? Apparently not in Kinsolving’s world.

Les Kinsolving would do well to have knowledge about which he writes. While his article was about religious intolerance, he is guilty of that which he accused the preacher. In Sorting It Out, it is obvious that intolerance comes in many forms and most of it derives from those who know not the Bible and Christ, and reject both.

© 08-12-2006 DEC