There is only one passage in the New Testament (in the King James Version) in which the term imputed is used to contrast righteousness with works. Whenever we see critical portions of an important doctrine—one that is discussed much in Scripture—based on a single brief passage, it may be to our advantage to carefully consider the evidences and rethink the doctrine.

Mankind became wicked. The sons of God compromised with sinners. Evil filled the earth. God decided to pour out His wrath upon the wickedness. And “the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished” (2 Peter 3:6).

What may have been an advanced civilization was eliminated. An entire world full of plants, animals, and men was destroyed. The face of the earth was reshaped. But astride the waves that pummeled the world into oblivion, a great box—an “ark”—carried the forebears of new life on a new earth.

The President today wouldn’t have to ride in a limousine; after all, he can’t fill all the seats at once! Nor would he have to live in a huge mansion. Nor would leaders of other countries have to sit on thrones. While some of the luxury and display that rulers show is perhaps caused by pride and vanity, there could actually be a useful motive behind some of this pomp and show—impressing those who might harm the ruler’s (or his country’s) interests, showing them the ruler’s authority, and perhaps frightening them into controlling their antagonistic impulses.

The fifth chapter of Genesis is, perhaps, not quite so full of exciting and dramatic events as the four before it. In this chapter we read of the slow passing of centuries with no recorded major event until the life of Enoch. Then again the narrative continues to tell us the genealogy. But apparently man was not being quiet and still; the previous chapter briefly describes some of the events that occurred with Cain’s family line, and the next chapter tells of the great wickedness of mankind. But we really know very little of the earth before the flood. And while this chapter may hint at the impending judgment, it seems that God was waiting. Waiting for the iniquity to come to its fullness, giving man a chance to repent, raising up a righteous leader for the generation to come.

We know little about Abel, but the little we know is sufficient to show us that he was a man of greatness. He was the first shining light of righteousness in a young world already marred by sin and turmoil. But Cain, one of the wicked, burning with the shame of his own wickedness, slew Abel, and the shining light was quenched. From that time on, for more—probably much more—than a hundred years, the only major event the Bible lets us in on seems to be that Cain had a son and built a city. For more than a hundred years!

Paul exhorts us, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (II Corinthians 13:5) After we’re saved, studying the issue of salvation may not always be the top thing on our minds. But if we don’t think back to it occasionally, and know what the Bible says about salvation, how will we be able to examine ourselves? How will we be able to know whether we are indeed in the faith? How will we be able to bring others to the faith? Thus it is good for us—even if we are saved—to study the Scripture and know what it says about salvation.

Recently we’ve received calls to political action from several different organizations with religious ties, urging us to become involved in the political battle for “freedom.” As this call is likely to intensify, and we will be pressured more and more to involve ourselves in politics, it may be good for us to study the Scripture, specifically the New Testament, to see what plan God has for His church regarding politics.

The fall of man was a catastrophic event. A peaceful, beautiful world was plunged into despair and misery. A bountiful, helpful earth was turned into a bed of thorns and thistles. Even the animals and humans which populated the earth and heretofore had lived in peaceful coexistence, would soon be turned one against another, creating violence and strife which would not cease for thousands of years. After their sin, Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden, and, now knowing their sinfulness, vainly strove to conceal themselves.

Genesis 2 tells the story of the formation of the first man, Adam, which provides a foundation for the rest of the Bible. If we believe that “thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11), then we know man’s purpose for life. Otherwise, we are left adrift on a sea of unknowing. No Christian should have to wonder why he is on this earth, because God has told him in the Scripture. Nor should he have to wonder what his purpose in life is.

It’s interesting to me to see how, for some false doctrines, “evidences” which have already been proven false are still being widely taught as proof of the doctrine. And people believe them, even though true data would not be hard to find. An example of this is what could be labeled the “doctrine of crowns,” which states that ungodly people can reach heaven (provided they believe a few necessary facts); however, they will receive fewer “crowns,” which are given to the saints to cast at the feet of Jesus.