Online Articles
Throw the Flag!
Questioning calls and plays has become a part of modern athletic endeavors. Thanks to the television instant replay capabilities and its slow-motion potentials, it is now possible to examine most carefully what has just transpired and compare it with what has been affirmed as actual, or according to the rules of the game.
You see a pass delivered from a talented quarterback right over the shoulder of the defender and right at the out-of-bounds sideline marker. It’s called a catch. But the coach on the other team thinks there is a good chance that both feet weren’t in bounds, thereby negating the catch. What does he do? He throws the review flag. “The call is being questioned,” says the official. The referee retires to the head phones on the side line. A group of experts review the play carefully to see whether or not it is a legitimate catch. “After review, the call is reversed...not a catch.”They got it right because he threw the flag.
The score is tied. The clock shows a scant 3.5 seconds–just enough time to get off a three point shot which, if made, will win the game. The pass comes. Another quick toss, the shot is launched just behind the three point line. Swish! It appears to be a winning basket. But just a minute. Take a look. Did the time on the clock expire just before the shot was made? The referee retires to the scorer’s table where the television replay system is located. It is slow-mo-ed to see the relationship between the clock and the moment the shot was launched. Only then can it be told for sure who won the game. “It’s good” is the call. The game’s won. He threw the flag.
It’s a tight ball game. Both pitchers have had great “stuff.” The score is tied. It’s the bottom of the 9th. There are two outs. A man is on third base, representing the potential winning run. The batter squares around to bunt the baseball. It’s a near perfect bunt, just a quarter way down the first base side and about three feet inside the base line. The runner tears out toward first base. The pitcher tears out toward the bunted ball. The runner tears out toward home with what may be the winning run. The pitcher fields the bunt, turns quickly toward home plate and fires the ball to the catcher. The runner slides in just at the moment of the tag. “Out!” barks out the umpire. The play creates a furor. The opposing manager flies out of the dugout, screaming demands for a replay. The umpires come together to receive word from those who review such close encounters. In a few minutes the results come. “He’s safe!” says the Ump. The game’s won.
It’s a big match. The server in the third set is now at AD–advantage for the server– in the tie breaking set. A first serve misses. The second serve comes screaming across the net and down the inside line toward the base. “Out!” comes the call. Oh, no. The server is not satisfied with the call and immediately asks for a review. The match stops to take care of the inquisition. The crowd begins to clap in time, anxious to see who will win the big show. Is it in or is it out? The television screen pictures the shot by graphically showing it from the racket, hurtling toward the base line marker. “It’s good,” is the call. The serve wins the match. All because of a truthful replay.
We all understand each of these incidents and how important the replay is. Why, tell me, cannot we not see that same principle in religious doctrines being fomented today? We need to throw the flag and get the replay.
“Baptism never saved anybody; faith only is what saves.” Throw the flag! Let’s retire to the Bible and get a good replay (II Timothy 3:16-17). What do we see? Look carefully. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21; James 2:22. That’s from the Authority. Will we accept what He says or not? Throw the flag.
“Once saved, always saved.” “Once you’ve saved, you’re saved; you can’t be lost.” Wait a minute. Throw the flag! Let’s return to the proper replay (II John 9). “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him who called you...” (Galatians 1:6-9). “For if we sin willfully after that we have received a knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins...” (Hebrews 10:26). That’s the decision. Will we honor it?
“Nowhere does it say we can’t use instruments of music in worship services.” Hold it. Throw the flag! “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God” (II John 9). “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). That’s the ruling. What do we do about it?
We demand truth on matters having to do with athletics, as well as most other things. Why can we not see the sense in requiring the Higher instant replay? We need to learn to throw the flag and get the replay, folks.
