Led By Sound Words
The young first century preacher, Timothy gained his knowledge of salvation from the Holy Scriptures through possession of faith in Christ Jesus (II Timothy 3:15). He was following his mother and grandmother’s advice from childhood and in later years was under the apostle Paul’s instruction to follow that pattern of sound words (II Timothy 1:13) that when committed to is able to save one’s soul (James 1:21). Now, what was true for this young man is also true for you and me for according to Jesus these sound words will endure as truth until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).
The Koine Greek [original language of the New Testament] word translated as “pattern” or “form” in II Timothy 1:13 is hupotupōsis. Strong’s dictionary definition says this is a compound word meaning typification after a sketch or to imitate a pattern. To illustrate one might use the strike of a type face onto a piece of paper and find the exact image of the type replicated on that piece of paper. Further to this the word translated “sound” in II Timothy 1:13 is hugiainō which Strong’s defines as something that is true or incorrupt.
Only from the word of God can one receive assurance that following such one can be saved (Acts 4:12). Except you follow the pattern of sound words through faith in Christ Jesus, remember your faith can only come about by hearing and applying Christ’s word (Romans 10:17), you will not inherit the kingdom of heaven as your eternal home. That means if you follow a man’s interpretation such as is presented by various denominations and cults claiming to be Christian, then you will not go to heaven – end of story. Why do I say this? Because denominational Christianity and cults are sectarian and are condemned in scripture (cf., I Corinthians 1:10ff; 4:6, Galatians 1:6-9).
Hear the apostle’s plea: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (II Corinthians 13:5). Paul is saying that your obligation is to make sure you are saved by self examination of proof; that is, not taking the word of confirmation from others such as the so-called pastor, preacher, father or minister etc. Further, he says that unless you are in Christ i.e. saved by being baptised in water according to the sound words found in these sample of verses: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; I Corinthians 12;13; Galatians 3:27; Titus 3;5; I Peter 3:21, then you are no more than a “reprobate” i.e. unapproved, worthless, rejected, castaway soul.
Come out from among them and be added to the only church Jesus built and paid for with His blood – church of Christ
Graham Walker
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