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Sunday, 28 June 2009
The Bible tells us that God hates all sin and He is angry with the wicked every day. The Bible also tells us that God is love, full of compassion and is longsuffering. Both concepts are equally true though for some difficult to reconcile.
Among Christian ministers the love of God and the justice of God are often made to be mutually exclusive or a matter of choice for emphasis. The faithful minister will be careful to preach the whole counsel of god. The faithful minister must be careful to share with the people the totality of divine essence not focusing attention on one holy attribute at the expense of another.
As much as I love to talk about the free grace of God, as much as I enjoy preaching about the mercy of God and His longsuffering, there is also the need to speak plainly about the anger of God.
There are things that men and women do which displease Him intensely. There are things which we say and think that arouse His holy wrath so that He is moved to chasten His own. In this, God is not unlike us as parents.
Parents will endure much from little children and rightly so. But there are some attitudes, there are some actions that are so bad that concerned, loving parents are forced to take action.
With this in mind, I feel compelled to share with you a study about a sin which is so obnoxious, so disgusting, so vile to the sight of God that He is moved to divine discipline.
I share this study out of a deep concern for the individuals who do it because it may be they do not realize just how serious a sin it is. The deadly sin is discussed in 1 Corinthians 10:10. The Bible teaches, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer."
I hope that no one reading this has breathed a sigh of relief over recognizing the deadly sin. For some, there is almost a cavalier attitude towards this. "Oh, is that all. Why everyone complains; everyone murmurs." The answer of course is not everyone. Not the man, not that woman who loves God and seeks to obey Him.
In mentioning the sin found in the Church of God, the apostle Paul puts an absolute prohibition on it. "Do not murmur. Do not complain. Do not grumble. Do not be negative. Stop seeing the dark cloud in the blue sky. Stop looking at the thorns on the roses."
There is a very good reason not to murmur, not to complain. In fact, there are many good reasons not to complain. Paul provides one, I will suggest another.
Paul says not to complain lest it lead to the ultimate form of divine discipline, a premature death. "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer."
The reference is to an event recorded in Numbers 16:41-50. In context a man named Korah, a great-grandson of Levi led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram (who were also Levites) charged that Moses and Aaron took too much authority to themselves, in view of the fact that all the congregation was holy.
In a democratic society, this sounds very reasonable. All people are made in the image of God. Everyone is equal. Besides, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. These are some of the more familiar principles. However, there are two problems. First, democracy has never been a principle in the Church. Not in the Old Testament and not in the New Testament. Second, God has chosen to work through appointed leaders who are to be recognized and submitted to for in the day of judgment they must give an account for the souls of the sheep which they oversaw.
Korah and his followers did not want to recognize the God appointed leadership. They did not want to submit. They wanted to lead and there is nothing wrong with such a desire unless God says no.
When God said no to Korah, the man began to complain. He murmured. He grumbled. He spread gloom to others and he died under divine discipline.
Lets examine this thing of murmuring more closely and observe several points. The first thing to be said is the murmuring is associated with the fallen nature, the Old Man, not the new creation. In the Garden, when sin stormed the citadel of peace and beauty, the first thing Adam said was a word of murmuring. "God, its your fault for you gave me this woman and this woman made me eat." The implication is obvious. If only things had been different, if only this woman had been different this would never have happened.
Then second, murmuring is habit forming. The mind can be programmed to look at everything in a critical, judgmental, negative way. There are those who chose to see only the ugly wherever they are. Nothing is right. Nothing is good. Nothing is pretty and so a string of verbal abuse is heard as these people must describe it all. There is not profanity but the critical words are just as putrid. Like acid, they eat away at the soul. For this reason, the Bible commands Christians not only to be different but think differently (Phil. 4:8) and to speak differently (1 Cor. 10:10).
Third, murmuring is self-destructive on several levels. It is mentally self-destructive. Negative thoughts breed fear, anxiety, and insecurity. The act of murmuring incites the dark side of the soul to dominate and will not allow healthy, inspiring, praise-filled thoughts to flood the mind so that creativity can come forth.
Murmuring is emotionally self-destructive. No one is happy who murmurs. The gutter thought words expressed do not bring inner peace, inner joy, or inner stability.
Murmuring destroys any basis for intimacy and all people desperately desire to be intimate with someone else. But I know of no people who have ever built a meaningful relationship on the negative. Because each party is so critical of all things they will be critical of each other and unless one backs off will tear and stab and scar each other emotionally. It would be a living hell.
Finally, murmuring is self-destructive because, for the child of God, there is certain to be divine discipline and as this passage teaches, premature death. God simple will not put up with the soul that murmurs year after year because all of the complaining, grumbling, negative words are ultimately an attack on His grace, His character, and His provision.
That is why the Bible says, "In whatsoever place or condition you find yourself, be content." Contentment is an act of the regenerated will. Contentment is the peace of God in the midst of circumstances and situation. The kingdom of God can only be advanced by people who do not complain or criticize or see the ugliness of life or the impossibility of a situation.
Caleb and Joshua represent the point well. When others come back with a critical, negative, murmuring report from the Promised Land, they come back with a better report. The eye of faith saw what an omnipotent God could do against the impossible and their hearts were encouraged.
The murmurer is basically a self-centered person. I want joy. I am bored. I feel guilty. I am fearful. I am lonely. I am insecure. I need to impress people. I want what I want. I know what should be. Self-centeredness is self-destructiveness.
But it gets worse for murmuring is not only self-destructive it is also other-destructive. Again, several levels can be noted. First, others are made angry by a barge of unkind, unwholesome, unhappy, critical comments. I know I am. My response is not always Christ-like in this area but I confess, I get very, very angry when I sit in a Board meeting or I listen to someone and all I ever hear is negative thoughts.
When I see a person who is sour, unpleasant, critical, unresponsive to love and good works, I want to get away from them and stay away because I know that all of their murmuring will destroy me. I don’t want to be like them so I don’t want to be with them. And if they won’t stop, if they won’t change, they don’t have to destroy me.
Parents in particular must watch out for this spirit in themselves because I assure you, the sins of the parents can be visited upon the children.
Pastors must be careful of this spirit lest a wrong, sinful influence is communicated. I subscribe to a religious newspaper that has been a source of blessing to millions of people. But recently, I have noticed how critical, judgmental, and negative the articles and comments are. If the trend continues, I shall discontinue my subscription because I know that others can be destroyed by the influence welded. Individual Christians must be careful because each represents Christ and He was not critical.
In our passage, Korah joined with others, encouraged them to complain and the end result was a literal death by an angry God.
I have tried to share with you the seriousness of this deadly sin with reason and with a historical examination of its end. Let me conclude with a suggested replacement and a word of exhortation.
First, if you are guilty of this sin of murmuring, if you are a person given to negative thoughts, critical comments, and general petty remarks, confess this as the terrible sin for which it is. Ask God to fill you with His words of praise and to bring joy to your soul.
Second, make a conscious effort to be different. No one has to be a complainer. It is a matter of the will. You may find yourself in unpleasant situations. Others can create an evil, unlovely environment but one thing nobody can do is to take away your choice of how you will respond to a circumstance or situation.
Third, remember that there is beauty in everything if only you will look for it. Acknowledge the ugly, but focus on good thoughts, pleasant thoughts and behold the results.
First, people will be attracted to you. People love pretty thing. If we as Christians would be complimenting, positive, inspiring, and encouraging, they would be the light God wants us to be to attract souls.
Second, you will feel better. There will be a peace and joy.
Third, the Lord will be pleased for there will be an obedience to His command. So let us not murmur as others. It is a deadly sin. It is a sin for which Christ had to die for it. He did. Now, He offers a new tongue to sing songs of praise and to speak words of peace.
Today, in the providence of the Lord it is our good fortune to be able to take communion. Communion speaks of fellowship but Biblical fellowship is based upon honest confession of sin. Here is the grave danger. Sin can become so commonplace that it is not thought to be evil any longer.
I dare say that the Jews did not see themselves as murmurers. They were just voicing an opinion. They were just being honest. They were just letting others know how they felt. Their virtue was to God a vice worthy of stern discipline.
Dear people, I do not know to what extent this sin goes on in this congregation, but like Paul my desire is that it not even once be named among us a becometh saints.
As we take communion, I ask you pointedly, "Have you murmured against God? Have you been critical of His choice of leadership? Have you murmured about His daily grace provisions in your life?"
If the answer is, yes, I beg of you confess that sin now. Ask God to forgive. Commit yourself to guarding your mouth lest you be found to be a complainer. Now look at the cup. Look at the bread. Remember the Cross. Enjoy the fellowship of the moment by saying, "Thank you Jesus for all you have done."
Friday, 26 June 2009
At the age of fifty Michael Jackson is dead, and the media’s incessant coverage is testimony to the millions around the globe who will mourn the passing of this "icon," as more than one news agency has put it.
Anyone who has followed Jackson’s turbulent career knows how tragic his personal life has been, and so a retelling of the sordid details will not serve any good purpose. What might be of value, however, is the shock his tragic ending can offer to a younger generation. In a culture that is obsessed with fame and fortune and promotes narcissism, a sudden confrontation with the end of it all has value. Therefore, let me offer just a few of life’s most important lessons:
First, time is short, death is certain, and eternity is real. The Bible says that it is appointed unto men once to die, and after that the judgment (Heb 9:27). While death comes to all people, not all people will meet death in the same manner. There is the death of the wicked, and there is the death of the righteous. It is far better to die the death of the righteous and be able to say as John Wesley did, "The best of all is, God is with us. Farewell! Farewell!"
Second, there is more to life than fame and fortune—contrary to popular opinion. More than one commentator has noted that Jackson earned in excess of one half billion dollars in his career and yet he died in debt. Jesus told the parable of a rich man who planned only for the future. "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:20)
Third, young people are to remember God. Michael Jackson had a fascination with youth reflected in part by his own private Never Never Land where Peter Pan never grew up—and spending time with young children not his own. The Bible counsels a movement towards maturity for young people. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them" (Eccl 12:1).
Finally, there is only one King and His name is Jesus. All others kings are temporary. Alexander the Great, seeing Diogenes looking attentively at a parcel of human bones, asked the philosopher what he was looking for. Diogenes' reply: "That which I cannot find—the difference between your father's bones and those of his slaves." The King of Rock and Roll died on August 16, 1977. The King of Pop is now dead. Only the King of kings and Lord of lords lives forever and His name is Jesus. For those who want to live with THE King, believe in Him. Love Christ and following Him forever. The king is dead, long live the King.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Recently, I had a very sobering conversation with my nineteen-year-old nephew who has joined the Marines and will soon begin his basic training. As a young man he faces many temptations and has many questions about life. As we talked about sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come, he asked me if, in eternity, one person’s hell could become their heaven? In other words, can someone who is of their father the devil and doing the lusts of their father, can that person love the passions of the flesh so much that their hell becomes their heaven? I must confess that it is indeed an interesting question, and the biblical answer is twofold.
First, there is pleasure in sin, but only for a season (Hebrews 11:25). There is no doubt that giving free reign to the lusts of the flesh brings pleasure and a sense of personal power of self-choice. But, this pleasure, this "heaven," will not last long for there is a second truth which is that God has established a moral universe. God knows how to take the pleasure out of sin and how to make a person wish they had never exercised their freedom to violate His moral law. Jesus illustrated this truth principle in Luke 16:19–28.
Therefore, what a person who is facing temptation must ask himself is this: To whom do I belong? Do I belong to my father the devil and so I must and will do the works of the flesh for that is the only heaven I will know? Or, is God my Father because I have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ?
If the honest answer is that, "God is my Father by way of the new birth," then one of the grand objectives in the Christian’s life is to have a pure conscience so that belief and behavior match the rhetoric of the confession of faith. The command comes in 1 Timothy 3:9 to hold or to maintain "the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." A pure conscience is what the true Christian desires.
It is possible for the conscience not to be pure because it has become desensitized to the point it is likened to being seared or branded with a hot iron. Nothing touches the conscience when it becomes this hardened. All sensitivity is lost. Notice the words of 1 Timothy 4:2. Paul writes of individuals who can speak "lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron." Neither fearful threats of exposure, nor faithful warnings of ultimate damnation, neither the tragic consequences of others, or the wretchedness of public shame and exposure, will stop the soul from sinning when the conscience is seared and the heart is hardened.
Following his conversion to Christ, Paul was able to maintain a good conscience before God. The apostle wrote, "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day" (2 Tim 1:3).
Some of the most tragic words in the Bible refer to those whose "conscience is defiled" (Titus 1:15). The conscience is defiled through unbelief. Unbelief occurs when there is no longer anything that is considered holy or sacred. Unbelief defiles time so that even the Sabbath ceases to be a time for worship. Unbelief defiles sex so that marriage is no longer the divinely ordained place for intimacy. Unbelief defiles life so that any hope of a happy life is destroyed almost before it begins. Unbelief defiles the Moral Law, the Ten Commandments, so that they are no longer binding (Romans 13:8, 9).
Because all of this is true, Christians must pray for one another to have a good conscience. "Pray for us," wrote the author of Hebrews, "for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly" (Heb 13:18).
Gospel obedience produces a good and clear conscience before God. "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 3:21).
The Enemy of the soul suggests it can give a person his own personal and private "heaven" if only he will yield to temptation. The reality, however, is that it is just another lie of the devil.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 has been the standard confession in many Baptist churches worldwide for more than three centuries. The 1689 has been honored, respected, and used by some of the greatest theologians, including Charles Spurgeon who called the confession "the best expression of the Christian faith." I concur. I believe the 1689 is the "best expression," because it is the repository of Christian orthodoxy regarding the Bible, the Trinity, the Person of Christ, and the sovereignty of God. Spurgeon recognized the need for Christians to have a concise summation of the historic faith that was delivered once to the saints (Jude 1:3). He also realized the 1689 was a treasure of truth that could help believers progress in their Christian maturation. So with that said, here are a few questions, answers, and commentary from the Essence of the Christian Faith: A 1689 Confession for the 21st Century:
Question 3–1: What has God decreed?
Answer: God has decreed in himself, from all eternity, freely and unchangeably, all things which come to pass. (a) (b) (c)
(a) Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand, and Iwill accomplish all my purpose" (Isa 46:10).
(b) In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph 1:11).
(c) So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath (Heb 6:17).
Remarks: Predestination is the biblical term used to signify God’s predetermining or foreordaining the ultimate destiny of every individual. God’s decision was made in eternity past and includes his decision to save some from eternal damnation (election) and to leave others in their sin (reprobation). Scripture does not reveal why God chose some to salvation, but the Bible is clear in that he predestined so that his purpose in election would stand (Rom 9:11) and to show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us (Eph 2:7).
Question 3–2: Does predestination make God the author of sin?
Answer: God is neither the author of sin nor does he have fellowship with evil. (a) (b)
(a) Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one (Jas 1:13).
(b) This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
Remarks: The historic Reformed position has always been that God is not the author of evil but that he uses secondary causes to achieve his ends. However, it is not as if God did not want sin to come into existence. God’s will was that sin should enter the world for his ultimate glory, otherwise it would have never happened. And it was more than bare permission—it was by God’s eternal decree in order to fulfill his purpose. If God was not in absolute control over evil then we would have no assurance that he could prevent sinful actions from happening. If God did not ordain every evil act—past, present, and future—then there is no redemptive purpose why evil occurs. But, we know that God uses all sinful actions for his ultimate glory, just as Joseph told his brothers: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Gen 50:20).
Question 3–3: Are God’s decrees based on foreseen events?
Answer: Although God knows everything that shall come to pass, (a) he has not decreed anything because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon given conditions. (b) (c) (d)
(a) Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world (Acts 15:18 KJV).
(b) So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills (Rom 9:18).
(c) So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy (Rom 9:16).
(d) Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls (Rom 9:11).
Remarks: Some have suggested that God’s election is based on his foreknowledge of those who would accept him as Savior when given the chance. There are two main problems with this belief: it cannot be supported in Scripture, and it ignores the biblical view of man since the fall. Paul writes, "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God" (Rom 3:10). Foreknowledge in the Bible refers to God’s special love he had for his people before the foundation of the world.
Question 3–4: Does God ordain salvation?
Answer: Some men and angels are predestined to eternal life through Jesus Christ (a) (b) to the praise of his glorious grace, (c) while others are left to revel in their own sin to their just condemnation. (d) (e)
(a) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels Icharge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality (1 Tim 5:21).
(b) Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34).
(c) He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved (Eph 1:5–6).
(d) What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction (Rom 9:22).
(e) For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (Jude 1:4).
Remarks: God deals with people in two ways. He grants mercy to some and rewards justice to others. The Bible reminds us that we are all born into sin (Rom 5:12) and therefore all deserve death (Rom 6:23). God is under no obligation to save anyone, yet because of his mercy he has chosen to express free and sovereign grace to redeem a people for himself. Paul seems to address this very issue to the imaginary objector when he asked if election made God unjust, to which he responded "by no means" (Rom 9:14)! Paul continued, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" (Rom 9:15).
Saturday, 20 June 2009
At first glance it would seem totally unnecessary to discuss reasons for studying God's Word. One might assume that, upon conversion, the most natural thing for a new believer to do would be to begin a lifelong study of that book which originally brought him to Christ. But personal observation, as well as church history, proves the facts to be quite the opposite. The truth is most Christians know very little about the Bible! Here then are some sound reasons for studying the Scriptures.
First, the Bible should be studied because of its Author. Often God is thought of as a Creator, a Redeemer, a Shepherd, a Judge, etc. This is correct thinking, of course, for he does indeed function in all these roles. But there is one great accomplishment of God, which is almost always left off the divine attribute lists compiled by men. This wonderful but forgotten role is that of Author! God has written a book, and that profound and priceless book is the Bible. As testified to by any human author, the nicest thing one can say to an author is, "Oh, yes, I have read your book."
It is a tragic but true fact that many of the Christians who will someday (along with all believers) stand before the judgement seat of Christ will be sadly forced to admit that, while they were saved by heeding the salvation message in God's book, they nevertheless failed to take the time to read it. Therefore, if for no other reason, the Bible should be carefully read to allow the believer to proclaim to Christ on that day: "Lord, there were many things I did not do on earth that I should have done, as well as other things I did do that I should not have, but one thing I did--I read Your book!"
Second, the Bible should be studied because of the often-repeated command to read it:
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" (Jos 1:9).
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15).
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Especially to be noted is this last verse. Jesus said every word" (Matt 4:4).
Third, the Bible should be studied because the Bible is God's chosen way to accomplish His divine will. Sinners are saved through the message of the Bible. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:13-17).
On the Day of Pentecost Peter preached the gospel. "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words" (Acts 2:14). There was good success. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do" (Acts 2:37)? Peter told them what to do and 3,000 were added to the church.
Saints are sanctified through the message of the Bible. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps 119:9-11). "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).
Fourth, the Bible should be studied because the Enemy, the Devil has read it. During the account in Matthew 4, Christ is tempted three times by the devil. On each occasion the Saviour answered Satan with the phrase, "It is written" and then proceeded to quote from the Word of God as found in the book of Deuteronomy. But what is almost always overlooked is the fact that the phrase "it is written" is repeated four times in Matthew 4, and that the fourth time it is the devil using it to quote Scripture to Christ! Note the background at this point. "Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone" (Matt 4:5-6).
Here Satan quotes from Psalm 91:11-12. It, of course, is taken completely out of context, but how did Satan know about it in the first place? The answer is painfully obvious. One day when the devil had nothing better to do, he must have sat down and studied Psalm 91. Many Christians today have probably never even read this Psalm, but the devil apparently has it memorized! Thus, we need to read God's Word lest Satan get an advantage upon us.
Fifth, the Bible should be studied because of the example of Paul. Paul was arguably the greatest Christian that ever lived. His spiritual accomplishments are nothing short of staggering. Here was a man who made the first three missionary journeys, who founded and pastored many Bible-believing local churches, who wrote more than half of the New Testament, who on five occasions saw the resurrected Christ, and who was at least once was actually caught up into the third heaven itself! But then he was arrested, condemned to death, and placed in prison. Note carefully his final words to Timothy just prior to his execution. "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments" (2 Tim 4:6-8, 13).
What were these parchments? They were his copies of the Old Testament scrolls. The point to be made here is that in spite of all his marvellous achievements, the old apostle still felt he could profit from studying the Word of God on the eve of his death.
Sixth, the Bible should be studied because the Bible alone provides answers to life's three great questions. These questions have been pondered by every generation:
Where did I come from? The Bible says that we came from the hand of God. "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Gen 1:26-27). "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people. and the sheep of his pasture" (Ps 100:3).
Why am I here? The Bible says we are here to fear God and keep His commandments. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl 12:13). "Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev 4:11).
Where am I going? I am going to heaven. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:16-18).
Moreover, I am going through the Valley. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps 23:1, 6).
Nevertheless, I might be going to hell. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev 20:15).
Seventh, the Bible should be studied because we'll never have the opportunity to apply many of its verses after we leave this earth. There will be no opportunity to apply 1 Corinthians 10:13 in heaven. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Reason: In heaven there will be no temptation.
There will be no opportunity to apply 1 John 1:9 in heaven. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Reason: In heaven there will be no sin.
There will be no opportunity to apply Philippians 4:19 in heaven. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Reason: In heaven there will be no need.
There will be no opportunity to apply John 14:1-3 in heaven. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Reason: In heaven there will be no sorrow.
There will be no opportunity to apply Psalm 23:4 in heaven. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Reason: In heaven there will be no death.
Eighth, the Bible should be studied because the only ultimate proof for our faith is the Bible. To introduce the eighth and final reason for studying God's Word, the following imaginary situation is proposed. Often the unbeliever hurls the following accusation at the believer: "Oh, you Christians-you're all alike! You're so dogmatic. You think you alone are right and everybody else is dead wrong. How can you possibly be so sure what you believe is true?"
This question, though often asked in a scoffing manner, is nevertheless a fair one. How does the child of God know his faith is the only correct one? Let us suppose that you are invited to an important social function in your hometown. Attending this gathering are people from all over the world. As the introductions are being made, it slowly dawns upon you that the only professing Christian there is you. You are subsequently introduced to a Buddhist, a Confucianist, a Shintoist, a Moslem, and others--all belonging to various non-Christian religions.
After a pleasant dinner, the conversation gradually turns to matters of religion. Your hostess, realizing this subject to be of general interest suddenly announces: "I have a wonderful idea! Since everyone here seems to have a great interest in religion, may I suggest that we share with one another by doing the following: Each person will be allowed to speak uninterrupted for ten minutes on the subject, 'Why I feel my faith is the right one.' "
The group quickly agrees with this unique and provocative idea. Then with no warning she suddenly turns to you and exclaims, "You go first!" All talk immediately ceases. Every eye is fixed on you. Every ear is turned to pick up your first words. What would you say? How would you start? Let us quickly list a few arguments, which you should not use.
You should not say, "I know I'm right because I feel I'm right! Christ lives in my heart!" This, of course, is a wonderful truth experienced by all believers, but it would not convince the Buddhist, who would doubtless feels that he was right too.
You should not say, "I know I'm right because Christianity has more followers in this world than any other religion." This is simply not true today. Actually, the sad truth is that evangelical Bible-believing Christianity is a distinct minority in the world today. The Moslem would doubtless quickly point this out to you.
You should not say. "I know I'm right because Christianity is the oldest of all religions." Ultimately, of course, this is true. But the Confucianist might contend that Confucius presented his teachings centuries before the Bethlehem scene. Of course, he would not understand the eternal existence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These then are arguments you should not use. What should you say? In reality you would have at your disposal only one single argument. But that argument, that weapon used in the right way, would be more than enough to overwhelmingly convince any honest and sincere listener at that social gathering. That wonderful weapon, that unanswerable argument, is one's own personal copy of the Bible! What could you say? Well, you could hold up your Bible and confidently proclaim the following: "Look at this! I know I'm right because the Author of my faith has given me a Book which is completely unlike any of the books of your faiths."
You could then continue (until your time ran out) by pointing out the unity, the indestructibility, and the universal influence of the Bible. You could discuss its historical, scientific, and prophetical accuracy. Finally, you might relate exciting examples of perhaps the greatest single proof of the supernatural nature of the Bible, that is, its marvellous life-transforming power!
Of course, it must be pointed out that neither the Word of God nor the God of the Word can be scientifically analysed in a laboratory test tube. The divine Creator still desires and demands faith on the part of his Creation. (Heb 11:1-6.)
But he has presented us with a heavenly textbook to aid us in this needed faith. In fact, the Gospel of John was specifically written "...that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31).
Why study the Bible? Because of its Author. Because of the often-repeated command to read it. Because the Bible is God's chosen way to accomplish his divine will. Because our enemy the devil has read it. Because of the example of Paul. Because the Bible alone provides answers to life's three great questions. Because we'll never have the opportunity to apply many of its verses after we leave this earth. Because the only ultimate proof for our faith is the Bible. That's why.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
The fact of a Divine creation is declared in the very first statement of the Bible: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). Christians believe this to be true without question and without apology to modern science. There is good reason. Since creation is not observable and has not been repeated then any "scientific" explanation of the universe demands faith to receive it. In reality, what people are being asked to do is to make a choice between the science of Humanism and Creation Science. The choice to remain with the Scriptures should be constant for it is part of the Word of God that lives and abides forever. In contrast science keeps changing.
During the latter part of the nineteenth century, the infamous atheist Robert G. Ingersol laughed at Moses for summarizing the whole subject of astronomy in five words: "He made the stars also." Robert Ingersol should not have laughed. The author of Genesis never intended to teach astronomy as much as he wanted to declare a logical and necessary starting point: God was the Creator of all things. Five words were enough to state the obvious.
It is one of the ironies of history and literature that Genesis chapter 1 should be declared unscientific for Genesis chapter 1 has made the study of true science possible. Historically, there was no science, and there could be no science, until men recognized that unity, order, and development are intrinsic in nature. This understanding came as a result of accepting the Divine revelation. It was Christian men who gave the world science because they realized that God was a God of unity, order, and law. The unity, order, and law that God established according to sovereign will could be studied. And so it was that science was born. The world owes a debt of gratitude to the scientists who were Christian: Francis Bacon, Johannes Kepler, Galileo, William Harvey, and Isaac Newton to name just a few.
Of course, not all Christians have appreciated the scientific mind and new discoveries, even of other Christians who were scientists. The story is told that when speaking of Copernicus (1473-1543), Martin Luther said bluntly, "The fool wants to turn the whole science of astronomy upside down." It was true. Copernicus finally grew bold enough to write, "As if seated upon a royal throne, the Sun rules the family of the planets as they circle around him." Copernicus was correct and consistent with both science and the Scriptures for the Bible never taught the concept that all things revolve around the earth. The Bible never taught that the earth is flat, as it was once believed. In fact, it was Isaiah who saith that, "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth" (Isa. 40:22) True science will never replace or disprove the Bible for the Bible provides the starting point of all discoveries: "In the beginning God." Inquiring Christian minds want to know as much as possible how God created things in the beginning while unregenerate minds want to insist that creation occurred apart from God. True discovery, however, must always begin with the fundamental proposition: In the beginning God…
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Dear Wesley,
It distresses me to read that you believe the perseverance of Christians in Christ Jesus is a myth. To be quite honest I can think of nothing more comforting than knowing we serve a God who promises to fulfill what He sets forth to accomplish by preserving His saints unto the end. It is not a matter of trusting in our own frailties but of relying on an immutable God who decreed the ends from all eternity and the means to achieve those ends. What He desires shall come to fruition. While I appreciate the anecdotal evidence you gave in support of one being able to lose his salvation, I do not believe that it is consistent with what we know about the nature of God nor is it compatible with Scripture.
In my opinion, it is clear that a state of confusion currently persists concerning the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints reflected in such statements as "you are secure no matter how you live," and Calvinists "deny or explain away the real possibility of a believer falling away for the sake of tradition." These straw men arguments do little to enhance the real issue relative to this discussion and only serve to confuse the meaning of the doctrine in question.
Before I clarify what the biblical position actually is concerning the preservation of the elect, it is important that we should be clear upon the issue that we are really discussing. If we only trade verses for or against my Calvinistic position we will never progress in our arguments. It is imperative that we escape this myopic view that dominates so many discussions relevant to this topic and note what the foundation of your position really is—a synergistic concept of salvation based upon grace mingled with works, with the emphasis being upon the latter.
Now if we are to engage in an intellectually honest discussion then you must be sincere in acknowledging that you stand in opposition to the Protestant Reformers on this fundamental position in that you are embracing a system of salvation that removes grace alone through faith alone. This is the inevitable consequence of a position that denies salvation is of the Lord from the beginning to the end. If Christ is not our Savior, Sanctifier, and Sustainer then there is no hope for anyone just as Isaiah teaches us that even our righteousnesses, reflected in good works, are as filthy rags. "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away" (Isa 64:6). The ultimate hope of any believer is relying upon the sufficiency of Christ. The gospel message is that Jesus shall save His people from their sins (Matt 1:21) and not that He shall make them savable when combined with their own good works.
A synergistic theology, when carried to its logical conclusion, gives man the final decision in his eternal destiny in that he performed a righteous act—that is, believing—and saved himself. While this may be flattering to man’s ego, it is an affront to the grace of God. In a system of salvation other than grace, the perseverance unto salvation is dependent upon an individual’s own good works and removes God from being the "the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb 12:2 KJV). These two opposing viewpoints of salvation cannot be reconciled for one is of works and grace, while the other is all of grace.
Writing to the Christian faithful in Rome, the apostle Paul taught that believers are not under the law but are under grace, and because of this reality, are not condemned for having violated the law. "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace" (Rom 6:14). Works cannot cause one’s ultimate and final downfall since we are no longer under the system of the law but are operating under a system of grace. "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace" (Rom 11:6).
Conversely, the one who thinks he can contribute towards his own salvation, no matter to what degree, becomes a debtor to do the whole law (Gal 5:3). So when you argue that we must persevere in good works unto our final salvation, you are putting us back under the law and are abrogating the system of grace that Paul so clearly articulated throughout his epistles. If you deny this logical outworking of your beliefs, it would still leave you with the difficult position of having a God who bestows grace on individuals then removes that grace and places them back under a system of laws. Either way, you have reached an untenable position. Nevertheless, what you are doing is ultimately giving man the deciding factor in his own salvation, while the Reformed position maintains that it is wholly of the sovereign and perfect will of God.
Beyond arguing this point, remember that Christ has freed us from the anxiety of falling from grace by promising, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out" (John 6:37). Likewise, "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day" (John 6:39). Again, Christ tells us, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand" (John 10:27–29). Jesus’ own words support the sovereignty of God in choosing a people, giving them to the Son, and preserving them unto the end (cf. Jude 1:24).
John Calvin further remarks in his Institutes, "when he declares, ‘Every tree that my Father has not planted will be uprooted,’ (Matt 15:13) he conversely implies that those rooted in God can never be pulled up from salvation." The Johannine epistle concurs with this assessment by recording that, "They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us" (1 John 2:19). Furthermore, the apostle Paul writing to the Philippian Church promises, "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6). This was the definitive promise that Paul gave to the Christian faithful and what a magnificent covenant it is. It provides a secure hope that God will remain faithful. Just as Christ prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail (Luke 22:32), His prayer for His people is that they too shall remain strong until the end.
Yet this teaching appears antithetical in light of the anecdotal evidence you presented wherein your friend claimed to be saved at a young age, but then repudiated God later in life, and is now on a path towards destruction. I admit that that is truly a sad predicament, and I can only pray that he returns to God lest he suffer the eternal consequences for his obstinacy. Nevertheless, the Bible tells us that such an individual never truly cleaved to Christ with the trust that the elect do. Remember, that they went out from us, because they were not of us. I will not deny that your acquaintance displayed signs that were similar to those of the elect, but good works alone are not always sufficient proof to say definitively that someone is saved. When one has been regenerated, the Lord enters his heart and transforms his life forever. This does not mean one will never sin again. The unfortunate reality is that the taint of original sin remains within us and we will never be able to change that until we receive our resurrected bodies fit for heaven. Even the elect can act badly for a season, but they will not persist in that sin unto eternal destruction.
So how then are we to read the numerous warning passages? Do they not imply that that the elect can loose their salvation? I would offer this answer in response. When we read passages such as Paul’s warning to the Corinthians, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall" (1 Cor 10:12), we are reading a warning against the confidence of the flesh, which "bears in its train haughtiness, arrogance, and contempt of others, snuffs out humility and reverence for God, and makes one forget grace received."
With that said, let me also remind you of what Christ’s death on the cross actually accomplished. Jesus did not merely leave the eternal glory that was His to manifest Himself in the form of man only to suffer an ignominious death and to watch His elect fall from grace. Such belief would mean that it was theoretically possible that Christ died for the salvation of mankind, but yet, those very same individuals for whom Jesus died might still suffer eternal damnation. Despite the suffering, humiliation, and best efforts of Jesus, all men could potentially suffer eternity in hell. This is the logical extension for which your system of belief could allow.
But the good news, however, is that we do not have to worry about that tragic outcome, because Jesus told us, "I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine" (John 17:9 KJV). Take comfort in knowing that God prayed for us that we would be kept from the evil one for all of eternity. When Jesus prays, God hears Him. His prayers are always answered because He knows God’s will, and the end result is that the elect are preserved through faith in Christ Jesus for all eternity—both in this life and that to come.
Your affectionate uncle,
Luke
Extract from Predestined to Believe
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
There is an old adage that politics and religion should never be discussed if individuals want to have friends—or at the very least remain friendly towards one another. The reason for this counsel is a belief that politics and religion are emotionally charged and divisive subjects. Be that as it may, all of life is ultimately rooted in spirituality and that includes how rulers think and act and the impact they have on others. Understanding this truth will help to answer a question that thousands have asked one another, “How can millions vote into office a man who will protect the murdering of babies through late term abortions, destroy national industries based on an unusual and unscientific ideology of environmentalism, diminish the military capacity of the nation, raise excessive taxes, squander the countries resources leaving an impossible debt to repay for decades to come and personally live lavishly while calling upon others to sacrifice?” “How is all of this possible?”
The answer is rooted in an understanding of a biblical passage found in 1 Corinthians 1:19. “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent”.
With these words the apostle Paul quoted Isaiah the prophet. Isaiah 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. According to Scripture, God Himself will perform a work of astonishment and wonder by causing a nation to suspend rational thoughts and remain without moral discernment thereby allowing the most self destructive and other destructive personalities to surface.
Sometimes these individuals are intrinsically cruel by nature reflected in the rise to national prominence of men such as Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein, or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the current president of Iran. Sometimes these individuals are simply ideological zealots willing to implement their vision despite imperical evidence against their theoretical concepts. The end result for both types of personalities remains the same and that is physical, economical and emotional hardships for the citizens of the nation.
There is a spiritual answer for inquiring minds as to how such individuals surface to lead a nation. From a divine perspective God takes ultimate responsibilty and plainly declares, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent”. It is self evident that God is judging America and rightly so for the blood of millions of unborn aborted babies cries out for justice. The screams of multitudes butchered by criminals cry out for vengeance and yet their murderers lavish in the comforts of our prisons at the expense of taxpayers dollars. The moral bankruptcy manifested in child pornography, of which America is the leading exporter, and the corruption found in alternative lifestyles testifies to a nation that has been given over to divine condemnation according to Romans 1. There is an answer to the mental, political and socially moral madness manifested in America. All we need to do is to listen as God says, ““I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent”.
Sunday, 07 June 2009
I am sometimes asked, "What is the unpardonable sin?" As a child growing up in a conservative Baptist church I was taught the unpardonable sin was rejecting Jesus Christ as personal savior. While it is certainly true that Christ must be embraced as Lord and Savior if there is to be any hope of eternal life, the unpardonable sin relates to another transgression.
To understand the words of Christ in Mark 3:28-29, it must be remembered that the religious leaders of Israel were mocking the great works Christ was performing. The scribes were attributing the miracles of Jesus to Satan. "And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils" (Mark 3:22).
When the Lord heard these slanderous remarks He took the occasion to teach how impossible the concept was that the source of His power came from Beelzebub, Satan, the Devil. "And he [Jesus] called them [His disciples] unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house" (Mark 3:23–27).
The message found in the words of Christ are compelling. He spoke the truth. The Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18–19). It was impossible that He should derive His spiritual power and authority from the source of all evil.
But then the Lord added another theological truth. Anyone who ascribes to Satan the works of God has committed such a serious transgression it shall never be forgiven. What makes this particular transgression different from all other sins is its relationship to the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit’s working that opens the hearts and minds of unbelievers and persuades them to repent. However, when this power is specifically refused, God permits the hardened heart to remain as such and leaves the sinner in state of enmity towards God.
Any person who has the desire to repent of his sins has not committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit lives within him. Only those who continuously and perpetually harbor a deep hatred towards God are capable of committing this unpardonable sin—the one transgression that will never be forgiven in this life or in the next.
Friday, 05 June 2009
Of all the positions set forth by those who embrace the doctrines of grace, perhaps none is more abhorrent to a devout Arminian than the concept of a definite redemption. More time, more emotion and more energy is spent trying to discredit the biblical idea that Christ specifically came only to save "His people from their sins" (Matt 1:21) than any other position.
In discussing this issue with individuals, more than one person has been surprised when I pointed out to them that they too limit the redemptive work of Christ at Calvary. The position of the synergist initially postulates that Christ died to save all men without exclusion from all their sins. After all, does not John 3:16 declare, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life?"
When asked why all men are not saved, the Arminian will immediately respond, "Because of unbelief!" Some Arminians will argue that unbelief is the unpardonable sin of Mark 3:28–29. "Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation."
Unfortunately for the Arminian, other questions arise. "Is unbelief not a sin?" "If Christ died to save all men from all their sins, then why are not all men saved?" Again, the answer comes, "Because of unbelief! Not all people are saved, because individuals reject the offer of Christ to be saved! They blaspheme the Holy Spirit by rejecting the gospel."
"But, is not unbelief the greatest of all sins? And if Christ died for all sins of all men then He must have died for the sin of unbelief too. On what basis is anyone condemned?"
It is at this precise moment that some Arminians will see their dilemma. They too are found limiting the extent of the atonement. Their position becomes this: Christ died for all sins of all men except the sin of unbelief. That is the one sin for which Christ did not die.
While the Arminian will sometimes mock the position of a definite redemption and vigorously oppose the teaching with great zeal, the truth of the matter is the Arminian too limits the atoning work of Christ at Calvary.
I understand the concerns of the Arminians when they speak out against the doctrines of grace. They want to protect the character of God and prevent any charge of being unloving, unkind, or unwilling to save anyone and everyone. They do not want to discourage evangelism or soul winning activity. They do not want to put up a barrier to any sinner and discourage any soul from coming to Christ. They do not want to take away gospel hope—and neither do I.
What I do want is more intellectual theological honesty when discussing the issue of the death of Christ and those for whom He died. Fortunately, all Christians can come together to affirm that "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom 10:13). No one who has ever called upon the name of Jesus for salvation has been refused.
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