Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else: The Truth and Fullness of the Word of God

"With the loss of truth we forfeit profundity; we are deprived of depth." - Seamus Heaney

"Truth lives in the cellar, error on the doorstep." - Austin O' Malley


The major issue that faces those of us who live in what is being called the "Postmodern Age" is the loss of objective truth. To put it another way, truth still exists - but only as it applies to the individual. Absoluteness is thrown out of the window. In short, truth is only relative if it's relevant. My own personal emotions and experience outweigh the importance of the information. The present-day Church has not gone unscathed by the spirit of the age. It's sad to say, but it seem that more often than not everywhere you turn, from Sunday Morning sermons to Christian Television, we are seeing and hearing more and more "gospel" presentations that are starting to sound more and more like tug-on-the-heart strings motivational speeches than strong proclamations of the true gospel as it is in Scripture.


What Ever Happened To Doctrine?

There are many ways that you can go in this discussion to look at particular failures that have brought us to this point, but the first and most devestating of them is an overall low view of Scripture (God's Word) itself. From this point the dominoes just keep falling. Since this is the basis for what we believe as Christians and foundation of our salvation and sanctification (Romans 10:17, John 17:17), it's only a natural progression to behold; a low-grade view of biblical authority leads to low-grade biblical acumen of preachers and teachers, which in turn leads to low-grade preaching, which leads to low-grade evangelism, which leads to low-grade "conversions"...etc. It becomes a vicious cycle of what Charles Spurgeon would call "Christianity on the downgrade". To have a low view of Scripture is to have a low view of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) himself. I was explaining this view to a friend of mine at work today. She too is a fellow Christian. However, when I pointed out the fact that scriptural error and faulty presumptions about God are considered sin, she bristled a bit. "I don't know about that", she said. "It's impossible to know everything or to get it all right...how can that be a sin?". That sounds like a good defense. And in most cases, I would say that it is. However, we must take into account what we are taught in scripture about scripture:


Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. - 1 Timothy 4:15-16 ESV

and again,

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:15-17 ESV


As can be seen from these verses, there is an undeniably high calling for us to understand and comprehend scripture to the best of our abilities. The funny thing about my friend's response to my argument in support of this view is that she (most likely, unwittingly) pushed my argument beyond its rational conclusion; not at any point did I say one should know everything (even though it is plausible to say that everything written in scripture can be understood if given enough time, or else, why would it be there?). I merely stated that it was a sin to mishandle, twist, or omit any passage of scripture, whether knowingly or unknowingly (sins of ignorance are still sins- Luke 23:34, 1 Tim. 1:13). We have to be careful about how cavalier we can be in our attitude toward the scriptures. If the truth claims of the Bible are pushed aside and not taken seriously as we make a mad dash to try to be more "relevant" to the culture, what does that leave us with?


Attention Deficit and A New Kind of "Gospel"

The lack of a true teaching and preaching of the Gospel (as well as a proper understanding of the function of the law in the light of the gospel) leaves a vacuum. It is here where we turn the corner; sucking up every new trend that comes along. Some may be helpful (in an extremely limited capacity), but since these movements usually consist of more author than authority, once they've run their course and worn out their welcome it's on to the next big "thing". Whether it be Purpose-Driven Mania, Body Worship or Clown Sermons (yes, actual clowns doin' clown shtick) we are all too willing to jump on the bandwagon. Churches are paying through the nose to have the latest fad implemented into their worship services. We've gone from "Truth for all time" to "Truth...for a dime". And if someone would take half a second to crack a Bible, it wouldn't take long for us to realize that this type of consumerism is not held in high regard when it comes to authentic worship (John 2:14-16). With no real anchor, the Church searches for her identity, giving in to the culture around it, asking what it would take for them to receive us. This type of Gospel can promise nothing and makes you a slave to the world; bring 'em in with bells and whistles, then bells and whistles it is - for good. The second the luster goes, so do the people. Sacrificing truth for social acceptability is not what it appears to be; it is the ultimate lose-lose situation. The Church loses its "saltiness" and the world loses its "light". Instead of self-denial, we are about self-gratification. Meanwhile, once the flock leaves the zoo and has to make passage through the wilderness that this world presents us with, we are ravaged and eaten alive. We can't defend basic truths of the Christian faith when confronted with the weakest of accusations. When the Satan asks, "Hath God said?", we reply, "well, I don't know, did he?". We rarely ever get our Sword of the Spirit out of the sheath; even when we do, we wound ourselves by mishandling it.

Yet as I say all of this, there is still hope. God's truths are eternal. All we need to do as the Church is to repent of our sins of dereliction and apathy. If we, as the people of God, stand on the veracity of the Scriptures we will find a freedom and relevance that relates to everyone, everywhere. The Truth of God's Word does not return void. It accomplishes its purpose. Flesh and human reason are of no avail in the battle for absolute truth. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness...

Truth of the Bible - John MacArthur



Truth of the Bible - John MacArthur (pt. 2)




For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. - 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12 ESV

And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. - 2 Peter 1:19-21 ESV

There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:16-18 ESV

"Truth is not finally a matter of philosophy but of Theology." - Os Guinness

"God and his truth cannot be changed; the gospel is not negotiable." - John Marshall

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

"Thus Says The LORD...But I Could Be Wrong": Hittin' and Missin' with Pat Robertson

when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. - Deuteronomy 18:22 ESV

Well, I guess there's no reason why we can't kick off this new year with a bang. It's time for Pat Robertson's Annual "Prophecy" Report:

Associated Press
Updated: 10:53 p.m. CT Jan 2, 2007

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - In what has become an annual tradition of prognostications, religious broadcaster Pat Robertson predicted Tuesday that a terrorist attack on the United States would result in “mass killing” late in 2007.

“I’m not necessarily saying it’s going to be nuclear,” he said during his news-and-talk television show “The 700 Club” on the Christian Broadcasting Network. “The Lord didn’t say nuclear. But I do believe it will be something like that.”

Robertson said God told him during a recent prayer retreat that major cities and possibly millions of people will be affected by the attack, which should take place sometime after September.

Robertson said God also told him that the U.S. only feigns friendship with Israel and that U.S. policies are pushing Israel toward “national suicide.”

Robertson suggested in January 2006 that God punished then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with a stroke for ceding Israeli-controlled land to the Palestinians.

The broadcaster predicted in January 2004 that President Bush would easily win re-election. Bush won 51 percent of the vote that fall, beating Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts. He also predicted Bush’s victory for a second term in 2005.

“I have a relatively good track record,” he said. “Sometimes I miss.”

In May, Robertson said God told him that storms and possibly a tsunami were to crash into America’s coastline in 2006. Even though the U.S. was not hit with a tsunami, Robertson on Tuesday cited last spring’s heavy rains and flooding in New England as partly fulfilling the prediction.

He states that he hears these things from God, yet at the same time he states that, "sometimes I miss". Anyone who is a reader of scripture will have a serious problem with this statement. Where in the text can you find an example any true prophet of God who "missed" on a prophecy? You won't find one because it's not there -- because they get there message directly from God. Robertson claims this as well, however, he can still only boast a "relatively good track record". Can you imagine the fear and confusion that would have been caused if Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah or John had said something this outrageous?! What if the book of Revelation ended with, "but you know, sometimes I miss"? Scripture warns about this time and time again, but it never ceases to amaze what a little media stroke and time in the spotlight can do to a guy. The bottom line is this; prophecy is not a 50-50 business. If you preface a statement with, "thus says the LORD", you better be 100% certain you know what you're speaking. To do otherwise is to take the Lord's name in vain; you are speaking where God has not spoken. Thanks to the grace of God, for Robertson's sake, or he would have been the one to be "taken out", according to the Laws God gave Moses (Deut. 18:20). I pray that Robertson moves away from this sort of foolishness, puts his ego aside and tame his tongue. By his example may all believers learn to rely on the Word of God in Jesus Christ through the witness of the Holy Spirit. Just because a person has a certain position or status in the Christian community, that doesn't make them a prophet. Jesus Christ is still, and always will be, the Final Word of God.

"The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers--it is to him you shall listen--" - Deuteronomy 18:15 ESV



And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." - Mark 9:2-4, 7 ESV



Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. - Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV







Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

A Resolve for the Ages: The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

“New Year's Day - Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” - Mark Twain

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.” - G.K. Chesterson

By the grace of God, we've managed to make through another year!

However, I must confess that I'm not one who's big on making resolutions for the new year. I tried it some years back, but I just never saw the purpose in resolving to do something simply because the calendar rolls over. I did it as a fad, I guess you could say. When I take an honest assessment of myself, if I realize there's something that I need to be working on, and I procrastinate long enough for it to become a resolution for the New Year, then I don't think that I'm all of a sudden going to find the strength and discipline to accomplish said goals. It's more than likely a set-up for failure and frustration. I know I'm not alone in this. For most of the population, NYR's end up falling by the way side. We always start strong and we fizzle out. The saddest part of this is that it's not as if the majority of these resolutions are made with any real sense of urgency. If they were, why the wait? I can say for myself, most of the things that I tried to resolve in the past were not of a mass importance in the grand scheme of my life. Most of what I vowed to change amounted to nothing more that mild annoyances; things that I knew I need to change or wanted to change, but if I didn't accomplish them no sweat off my back. I live to fight another day, right? I finally came to the conclusion that I was lying to myself and everyone else. I was falling into the trap of believing that by concentrating on particular areas of my life (weight, finances, relationships, work, etc.) that the universal aspects (spirituality, relationship with God) would suddenly get better as well. Once again I'm sure I'm not alone in this. This may seem like a good notion, but what it really equates to is a microscopic view of a telescopic realm; we blow up the little things while the big things become small and practically invisible. Some friends and I were talking last night about what need to change in our lives. The overwhelming conviction seemed to be that as Christians we needed to develop a sense of urgency-- to become deliberate in our resolve to pursue righteousness through the grace of faith that God has given us. A challenge indeed, but one worth engaging-- a resolution for the ages. No more waiting around; We want resolution! When do we want it? Now!!

Out of One, Many--Seeing the Big Picture

Jonathan Edwards was a great example of what the Christian resolve should look like. He didn't wait for a new year-- he would write down his resolutions when he felt the need to do so. I have decided to use his works as my template; to make his resolutions my own for this year and every other year. Edwards' sole purpose was to live a life that would be to the glory and honor of God. It is out of this mindset that his resolutions came. With God's help may we all seek to be more like Christ through the testimony and witness of Edwards.

These are taken directly from The Resolution of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723):

*(Note: Resolutions 1 through 21 were written by in one sitting in New Haven in 1722.)

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.

**Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.

44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Aug. 17, 1723

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33 ESV

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

"The great end of God's works, which is so variously expressed in scripture, is indeed but ONE, and this one end is most properly and comprehensively called, THE GLORY OF GOD" - Jonathan Edwards

Welcome to 2007...

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Eternity Shut In A Span: A Story That Never Ends

The Gospel of Luke 1:26-33; 2: 1-20


For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV

Old Testament Fullfilled


Jesus In the Psalms of David


Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem". - Luke 24:44-47 ESV

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. - Galatians 4:4-5 ESV

May we never tire of hearing it; the mystery of eternal God becoming man...

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. - John 1:1-18 ESV


The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.' - John 1:29-30 ESV


Our King has Come. Joy to the World...


"No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found."

- Isaac Watts, Joy to the World



And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son." - Revelation 21:6-7 ESV


Merry Christmas - Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

The Danger of Folly: The True Extent and Effects of Sin

"Many a man may see his portrait here! The spendthrift hacks away his estate and falls into destitution and disgrace. The drunkard cuts at his health and strength, his family comfort and household peace, and when he has finished his mad work, he drops into ruin, through his own folly. The man of low, debauched habits, is chopping, with fearful effect, at his own body and soul, and will, ere long, rue the lusts which hurl him into disease, agony, and death. There are other fools beside the man in the woodcut, who are lopping off the branch which holds them up. It is base ingratitude when men are malicious and cruel to those who are their best friends. Wives and parents often have to feel sharp cuts from those whom they lovingly support and are anxious to preserve from ruin. Shame that it should be so!
Self-righteous reader, you are ready to join with us in any censure which we may pass upon the madness of the sins we have just hinted at; but permit us to ask you, whether you yourself are not photographed in our picture? You are resting upon the bough of good works, and yet, every day, your faults, imperfections, and sins are rendering it less and less able to bear your weight. It never was a firm support, and if you know yourself, and are candid enough to confess your shortcomings, you will at once perceive that it has become, in the judgment of conscience, a very frail dependence, quite unworthy of your confidence. Had you never sinned, and, consequently, never made one gash in the bough, we might tolerate your trusting to it; but since you have cut at it again and again, and it is ready even now to snap beneath you, we pray you, leave it for a surer resting-place. All reliance on self in any form or shape is gross folly. Feelings, works, prayers, almsgivings, religious observances, are all too feeble to support a sinful soul. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid—Jesus Christ the righteous." "Whosoever believeth in him is not condemned." " He is able also to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Trust Jesus and he will never fail you."

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon




I ran across this article in the blogosphere. It is an excerpt from C.H. Spurgeon's (1834-92) tract publication, Sword and the Trowel. As I read, I was reminded of how often we tend to forget how severe our sin nature really is. For example, I recently ran across an article where a preacher said that it was "not his intent to focus on right thinking, but right living". A noble sentiment indeed, however it will fall very short of accomplishing anything. How exactly is one suppose to live right if he doesn't think right?! If I believe that 2 is 3 and 3 is 5, would I be able to solve the mystery of 2+2? No, because my thinking is out of joint; therefore my ability to come to the right answer to the equation is impossible. It amazes me how we overlook the fact that scripture points out time and time again that sin does not just effect us morally, it effects us noetically (on matters of the intellect as well). Sin makes us irrational, illogical, and at times, down right stupid. In fact it is at this point where the moral decline begins. May we recover a full understanding of the doctrine of sin. No man, apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, can think clearly enough to bring himself out from under the power of sin. Only Christ can accomplish this for him.


For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. - Romans 1:21-23 ESV

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. - Romans 1:28-32 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Thanks...For Nothing?!

"Love must carry with it a 'Thank you', not just in a superficial or 'official' way, but being thankful and saying in the mind or with the voice, 'Thank you' to God." - Francis A. Schaeffer


Here, in western culture, holidays have a tendency to take on strange twists. These twists seem to always end up perverting or distorting particular holidays, leaving them wanting for real meaning. Let's take our current holiday, Thanksgiving , for example; what is the real meaning of this holiday? If this question is posed to the general public, you will be met with a multitude of answers. Not only will there be lots of answers, but the point of view from which said answers come will be diverse in their concept. Some would tell you it's a religious holiday, while others would say no. Some would say it has to do with the Pilgrims on the Mayflower-- once again, others would say no. Then there is the generic, non-offensive go-to answer: "This is a day about giving thanks or being thankful for what you have". This one we can all agree on. Regardless of religious background, political views, or social status, all can and should be thankful for what they have, right?

However, this generic answer to the question, when pressed upon or looked at a little harder fails to suffice. After all, to whom or what am I giving thanks to? A student at the elementary school where I teach asked me a very pertinent question in regards to Thanksgiving: " I know that I'm supposed to be thankful, but to who?". His ignorance about the holiday tradition (he was from another country) allowed express his ignorance in a beautifully honest fashion. As he tried to join in the festivities, he found himself in a dilemma. We are always telling the children at large when someone does something nice or good for you, say thank you. Now, it appeared to him, that we were telling him to say thank you without anyone being there as an object of gratitude. He asked the question as if the whole thing sounded silly to him; he would be correct. It is silly. I suppose we could tell him to thank goodness, but there is one small problem-- goodness is nothing without a being or object from which it is produced. In other words goodness is not self-existent. It cannot create itself. Even a seven year old who hasn't quite yet bought into the western way of thinking can see that!! Our first problem of the modern day "genericism" of the holiday (as well as many others) leads to our second problem.


Gratitude v. Greed

Because we have taken away the object of gratitude (God), we are left to replace it with something else. So the holiday gets marketed as a day to give thanks for the things that you have. But wait a second; isn't this suppose to be a holiday about giving, rather than receiving? After all, it is Thanks-GIVING. Unfortunately, due to slick marketing campaigns and our ever increasing drive to have more, it has become thanks-with-a-vengeance:

"I'm thankful for all the stuff I have and I'll be damned if anyone is gonna take it from me. After all--I've earned it...is it Christmas yet?"

I think back to the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth. The Pilgrims did not have much at all. If not for the Hand of Providence bringing them to safety and non-hostile natives who taught them how to survive in their new home, they surely would have perished, as many others did. So they first gave thanks to God for providing; allowing them to survive the perils and struggles of the journey and settlement, which in turn caused an out pour of gratitude toward their fellow man. You can't have the latter without the former. Paul gives insight to this fact in his letter to the Romans:

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. - Romans 1:21 ESV

Francis Schaeffer comments,

The beginning of men's rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart. They did not have proper, thankful hearts--seeing themselves as creatures before the Creator and being bowed not only in their knees, but in their stubborn hearts.

This is the sad truth we must confess. Without the true object of gratitude and affection being in place, the ideal becomes twisted as we begin to look for our own gratification. Do we still give? Absolutely; but that doesn't come cheap. We also expect something in return--whether accolades or gifts--we're not just giving something for nothing. Gratitude has it's price. Every year, the Thanksgiving holiday kicks off what has become known as "debt season". More people go in debt in America beginning this time of year due to the fact that this is the week when most people begin their Christmas shopping!! We spend most of our time and energy looking past Thanksgiving to get to the sale rack. I am reminded of this year's fanatical must have item, the Playstation 3 (PS3). People have been standing in line for days on end, while others have lost their lives (literally) to get their hands on this "precious" item. Why? Only to buy it for a ridiculous price (I believe the going cost is about $500), then turn around and sell it for a even more ridiculous price (last I heard, one had been sold on ebay for approx. $15,000)! Do you know how many people you could feed with that kind of money? How many children do you think you could buy clothes for? Futile thinking--Darkened hearts...

True Freedom From Want

Even sadder still is that the sentiment that we see in western culture is also the prevailing trend in much of western theology as well; consumerism is the order of the day. I can't begin to count how many times I've been flipping through the channels, stop on a Christian station and hear a "minister" telling his audience something to the effect that it's "not the Christian's destiny to be poor" or that "Christians are supposed to be rich". Statements like these are appalling. Logically speaking, if that were the case, then how do you explain the story of the Rich Young Ruler? If what these preachers are saying is true, then why did Jesus tell him to sell everything he had and give to the poor--shouldn't he have been allowed to hang on to that stuff? The West makes up a small percentage of the Christian community worldwide. The rest of the Christian population in large worships in what would be considered by most impoverished conditions. Yet, these are the places where the Gospel is truly thriving; coincidence? Hardly. Let's see what Scipture has to say on this issue:

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - Philippians 3:7-9 ESV

Here it is clear to see that Paul is telling the believers in Philippi that there is no possession more important, nothing that we should be more grateful for than the gift of faith in Christ. And again he says,

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:6 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13 ESV


Matthew Henry says of these passages,

"We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him...Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favourable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want."

In short, we have fallen short. We have begun to see things in a backward manner. The question that we must be able to answer is, "Can I thank God even in the leaner, darker times?". We must also remember that God is not obligated to bless anyone (Christian or Non-Christian) with monetary wealth or possessions. Besides, what could possibly be worth more than the price paid for my salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ? This is where my gratitude should ultimately lie. All that being said, I am not saying that it's wrong to be thankful for our material blessings. Indeed, we should be. But we must remember to keep everything in it's proper order and perspective. This is also not an attempt to demonize Thanksgiving. I'm not the "Holiday Nazi" as some would say. I just think that it is important that we redeem this wonderful holiday by being thankful for all things and all situations, both good and bad. It is God who orchestrates those for our ultimate good. All of this is in hopes that giving thanks will not just come once a year, but it will become a vital part of our spirituality and lifestyle before the watching world. May your gratitude for the Savior compel you to share gratitude with others around you, seeking to lead them to the Person to whom all thanks, glory and honor should be given.



I dedicate this post to all my friends and loved ones...thank you.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy... - Philippians 1:3-4 ESV



Derek Webb - Thankful





HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

For the Freedom of the Saints: A Reformation Day Reflection

“Theology, not morality, is the first business on the church's agenda of reform, and the church, not society, is the first target of divine criticism.” - Michael S. Horton


489 years ago today, the world was changed forever. When Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenburg Chapel, I don't imagine that the events that followed were what he had in mind. As I reflect on the events of the Reformation and the legacy that it has left not only on the church but the entire world, I've come to the conclusion that the sacrifices made by these Godly individuals who were raised up have been greatly diminished and underappreciated. Also lost within history is what these men were truly seeking to find and accomplish by their actions.

What They Were Seeking

As we sift through historical accounts, we see much talk about the Five Solas (Fide, Gratia, Christus, Deo Gloria) and Calvinism's TULIP (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints). This causes us many times to become way too obsessed with the theological jargon. It becomes like a finger pointing at the moon; we begin to concentrate too much on the finger and we miss all of the heavenly glory! In short, we find ourselves seeking out the seekers instead of seeking what they sought; falling in love with a system rather than the savior.

What the reformers were trying to discover was the unabashed truth of God's word, not through the authority of the Church, but through the Scriptures themselves. They all too well understood what had been lost during the Medieval era: It is the Bible that defines the church, not the Church that defines the Bible. The Holy Scripture, as revealed through the Old Testament writers, Christ, and the apostles, shapes who we are. Forerunners to the Reformation, such as Tyndale and Wycliffe, realized this as well. This led to the biggest impact that these men had, not just on the Church, but the World.


What They Accomplished

Luther and Calvin picked up where Tyndale and Wycliffe left off. Realizing that the truths of Scripture were not just for the clergy's eyes and ears alone, they set out to liberate the Gospel by delivering it into the hands of every man, woman, and child. All Christians were a part of the sainthood- a kingdom of priests. All men were to serve to the Glory of God alone, regardless of their position or vocation in society. And the only way that one can come to know God is through Justification in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ- not of our own righteousness. The implication of these central themes of Reformation Theology caught fire throughout all parts of Europe and eventually led to the establishment of Western Civilization by way of the Puritans. Needless to say, the accomplishments were not without their failings at certain levels, but we can definitely see as we now stand in the present that these achievements of their time, as well as the years that followed brought about great undertakings in all walks of life by men and women who had been changed by the evangelistic efforts of these biblically based principals. The liberation of the Gospel from the confines of a stingy, power-hungry clergy helped to set the world free by allowing the Gospel of Christ to spread in a most rapid fashion by putting it in the hands and hearts of the common people.


Reformed, and Always Reforming

One of the biggest problems facing the Church in modern times is the lack of interest in its own history. It is important to understand that God did not stop working in his Church at the end of the Book of Revelation. He has continued to work throughout history, up to the current day, and will continue to do so until the end of days. This is why a survey of the history of the past helps us to better understand where we need to be headed. The idea of reform is continual; we are always to be about the business of constantly seeking out the truth of God's word to safeguard us against error and heresy. The Church will continue to have its enemies as long as she is on this earth. Ungodly men and women will continue to attempt (and at times succeed) in creeping into our congregations and with the intent to spread another "Gospel" or a "New Law". This is where we must take a cue from our past. Every individual who confesses themselves as Christian should not take the Bible for granted. Search it to find out what God says in his word. Take advantage of the opportunity to study His Word freely and bury it deep within your hearts. Sola Scriptura- Scripture alone is the authoritative Word of God. We must hold fast to it if we want to seek true reform and conformity into the likeness of Christ. We must never forget that faith comes by hearing the word of God as made manifest through Jesus Christ. And if Christ has freed us, then we are free indeed...

Happy Reformation Day!!! Reformata, Semper Reformanda

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Calvinist, Interrupted: The Debate That Never Was (A Deconstruction of Ergun Caner's Theology)

"A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's Truth was attacked and yet would remain silent." -- John Calvin

My original plans for blogging this month have been altered, due to the recently cancelled and much anticipated debate on Baptists and Calvinism to be held at Liberty University on October 16, as well as the outlandish comments made by one of the would-be participants on the Anti-Calvinist side of the argument, Ergun Caner. To be sure, I was definitely disappointed to hear that the debate had been called off. I’m aware of the fact that there has been a resurgence of interest in Calvinism within the Baptist community as of late, and being originally from a Southern Baptist background (now Presbyterian), I was encouraged to hear that this would be the topic of discussion.

All was at peace in my world. Though a little disappointed, I would live. No biggie; we live to debate another day. I wasn’t upset or anything. Then Caner made this statement in an online interview:

Q: DIDN’T YOU SAY THAT CALVINISTS ARE WORSE THAN MUSLIMS?

A: Yes, absolutely. For a small portion of these people, just daring to question the Bezian movement is heresy. They will blog and e-mail incessantly. I call it a “Calvinist Jihad,” because just like Muslims, they believe they are defending the honor of their view. They can discuss nothing else. I have even had a few call for my head! Dr. Falwell and I have laughed about it, because they are so insistent, and they miss the point completely. There are plenty of schools to which the neo-Calvinists can go, but Liberty will be a lighthouse for missions and evangelism to the “whosoever wills.” Period. The difference is, Muslims know when to quit - for these guys, it is the only topic about which they can talk.

Oh no…Tell me he didn’t just say that. But, he did. I’ve come to find out that Ergun says a lot of things.

Since I am what you would call a “Calvinist”, I will be the first one to tell you in a very plain manner that Dr. Caner has absolutely no idea what he is talking about. His rhetoric and speak is what can easily be defined as ignorance on fire. Lesson 1: Never get your Calvinism from a non-Calvinist (more on that later). He shouts, he screams, he talks in circles; Caner never makes a rational point—he only draws attention to himself and stirs up the emotions. But we all know that emotional responses to things can be very misleading. I want to make it clear from the start; I have no problems with people who do not subscribe to the Calvinistic (Reformed) school of thought on the issues of predestination (election and reprobation). I have friends and family who themselves do not. However, I do encourage those that do not to search the Scriptures to find out whether or not these things are so. This brings to my major point of contention with Caner—not once have I seen him responsibly handle Scripture or draw from the texts of the Sacred Word to make his case. For that matter, he can’t even properly handle texts outside of scripture! He makes an attempt to use a quote from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon on Romans 9 as a proof text for his stance against the idea that God elects some and reprobates others:

Just some food for thought, from the 1859 sermon by Charles Spurgeon entitled JACOB AND ESAU.

“Why does God hate any man? I defy anyone to give any answer but this, because that man deserves it; no reply but that can ever be true. There are some who answer, divine sovereignty; but I challenge them to look that doctrine in the face. Do you believe that God created man and arbitrarily, sovereignly — it is the same thing — created that man, with no other intention, than that of damning him? Made him, and yet, for no other reason than that of destroying him for ever? Well, if you can believe it, I pity you, that is all I can say: you deserve pity, that you should think so meanly of God, whose mercy endureth for ever.”
CITATION: Charles Spurgeon, Sermon: JACOB AND ESAU (January 16, 1859)

I read recently that I “turned Romans 9 upside down.” Well, then I stand in good company … with Spurgeon … against those who embrace reprobation.


He may indeed stand in good company, but he doesn’t rightly belong there. Caner is obviously confused. Here’s the rest of what Spurgeon said in that sermon—in its proper context:

Right before this passage, Spurgeon says,

"Now, I say if the character of Jacob, be as I have described it, and I am sure it is—we have got it in God's word—there was, there could have been nothing in Jacob, that made God love him; and the only reason why God loved him, must have been because of his own grace, because "he will have mercy on whom he will have mercy." And rest assured, the only reason why any of us can hope to be saved is this, the sovereign grace of God. There is no reason why I should be saved, or why you should be saved, but God's own merciful heart, and God's own omnipotent will. Now that is the doctrine; it is taught not only in this passage, but in multitudes of other passages of God's Word. Dear friends, receive it, hold fast by it, and never let it go."

And right after he states,

"You are quite right when you say the reason why God loves a man, is because God does do so; there is no reason in the man. But do not give the same answer as to why God hates a man. If God deals with any man severely, it is because that man deserves all he gets. In hell there will not be a solitary soul that will say to God, O Lord, thou hast treated me worse than I deserve! But every lost spirit will be made to feel that he has got his deserts, that his destruction lies at his own door and not at the door of God; that God had nothing to do with his condemnation, except as the Judge condemns the criminal, but that he himself brought damnation upon his own head, as the result of his own evil works. Justice is that which damns a man; it is mercy, it is free grace, that saves; sovereignty holds the scale of love; it is justice holds the other scale. Who can put that into the hand of sovereignty? That were to libel God and to dishonour him;"

As we can see, Caner conveniently forgot to complete the thought. He does indeed turn Romans 9 upside down, as it has been so aptly stated. The text could not be any more direct; even including Paul’s answer to the expected objection by those who may reject the idea of God’s sovereign choice in the salvation of souls:

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: "About this time next year I will return and Sarah shall have a son." And not only so, but also when Rebecca had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 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 his call-- she was told, "The older will serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use? 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, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory--even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? –Romans 9:6-24 ESV


As can be clearly seen, when held up to the light of Scripture, the mantra of “those who elected were selected” is crushed under the weight of the passage. The appeals to the “whosoever will” statements and an isolated exegesis of John 3:16 don’t help to make the case either. In the beginning of the Gospel of John, we find:

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. –John 1:12-13 ESV

In using scripture as its own interpreter, let us see the consistency in statements made by Christ himself:

Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." –John 3:3-8 ESV


There you have it; so much for our decision in the salvation process. Now here is Caner’s key “whosoever” text—in context:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God." –John 3:16-21 ESV

In other words, reprobation and condemnation is the default state of man as a result of his inherent sinful nature, unless he is granted the grace of regeneration and faith by the Holy Spirit. As John the Baptist testifies a few verses later,

“A person cannot receive one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” –John 3:27 ESV


So from all that we have seen in Scripture, the “whosoever” that Caner wants to appeal to are only those whom have been given the gift of the divine and supernatural light to see the truth. As Jesus affirms:

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil." He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him. –John 6:63-71 ESV

And again:

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." –John 8:42-47 ESV

And just in case you are still not sure:

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers…I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. –John 10:2-5; 14-15 ESV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. –John 15:16 ESV


Caner and others like him, who hold to their staunch anti-Calvinistic/anti-Reformation viewpoints need to take serious heed to the passages presented here. While their intent may be to attack John Calvin and the men who followed, it actually turns out to be a very vicious attack on the Word of God itself. I am astonished by men like Ergun Caner, who hold powerful positions as teachers and educators of the gospel, yet the lack of (or disregard for) knowledge for the sake of making a name for themselves by way of personal attacks and inflammatory statements is ridiculous. I don’t know about his claims of people “calling for his head”, but I’m definitely all for someone calling for his job. Teachers should be held to a higher standard due to their influence over impressionable minds and he has been extremely negligent in his duties of imparting the truth of the Word to his students at Liberty Theological Seminary. Not once has he offered a solid biblical defense for his position on this issue. My guess, is because there isn’t one.

Another of his outrageous claims is that the view of salvation held by the Calvinist camp causes them to be impotent in terms of evangelism. Once again, his lack of knowledge of Church History rears its ugly head. Many of the greatest evangelistic/missionary campaigns throughout history have in fact come out of the Reformed and Calvinistic tradition. There’s one he should be familiar with; I believe William Carey was a Baptist and a Calvinist—that’s just one example. If anything, the doctrine of election shows us how amazing grace really is, for it shows that we bring nothing to the table when it comes to our salvation. It is all God through Christ from start to finish. It serves to humble us and drive us to make it know that we love Christ only because he loved us first. The Great Commission to preach the gospel to all men is not hampered by such belief; it is ignited.

The bottom line is this—election and reprobation are clearly taught in the Bible. But as a doctrine, its bearing on Christian behavior is indirect. God’s decree of election is secret; which persons are elect and reprobate will not be revealed before judgment. Until that time, God’s command is that the call to repent and believe be preached to everyone.


At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." –Matthew 11:25-30 ESV

For many are called, but few are chosen. –Matthew 22:14 ESV




“It is no novelty that I am preaching; no new doctrine. I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines, that are by nickname Calvinism, but which are surely and verily the revealed truth as it is in Christ Jesus.” –Charles Haddon Spurgeon



Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

All Those Questions--One Answer: What Martin Luther Discovered

“There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow.” - Martin Luther



It is reported that early on in his theological endeavors Luther struggled with his faith. He states that it was largely due to the fact that he had not yet discovered the grace and mercy of God through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Until that point, God seemed cruel to him--a God that held people accountable for things that they could not change. After all, even after he joined a monastery, he still struggled with sin. Luther was growing impatient--with God and himself. What is it that he would have to do to escape the wrath of this "ogre" of a God that he served? While studying the New Testament, Luther discovered the truth that would transform his life:

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." - Romans 1:17 ESV

There it was--but faith in what? Better yet; whom?

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

From that point on Luther was a changed man. He was awakened by the Truth of God's word and he could not go back to sleep. There is much to be learned from his experience with the Word of God. The Church of the 21st Century must look back through history at Luther and the men who followed. It is only through Christ and our union with him, that we can accomplish the work before us: Seeking and saving the lost, as well as mortifying our own flesh--pursuing holiness and being crucified to the world.

Evangelists Paris Reidhead and Leonard Ravenhill explain better:




For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 ESV


I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if justification were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. - Galatians 2:20-21 ESV



For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. - Colossians 2:3-4 ESV

So much of our theology of the present day is disconnected from this one central truth of the gospel; we are justified by faith in Christ alone. There is nothing that needs to be added to or taken away from this fact. Attempting to find salvation by any other means is an exercise in futility. Yet, strangely enough, this has become a foreign concept to most evangelicals of the present day. So much of what we see revolves around what we should do. I've said it before and I'll say it again: So much of what we see today in evangelism revolves around "What Would Jesus Do?". In other words, what I must do to be more like Jesus. All the while, we are forgetting the real heart of the matter; "What Did Jesus Do?" We can't heal the blind, the lame, the dumb, or forgive sins. That's what Jesus did. But what we can do is what was told to first converts of the early church by the apostles on the day of Pentecost--

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." - Acts 2:36-39 ESV

To teach or believe anything other than this is heresy. As Luther himself stated, "the doctrine of Justification is the pillar by which the church stands or falls". In our present day, it appears to be crumbling. This month's blogs (however many there will be) will be dedicated to looking back in history to the time of the reformation, to re-discover the rich theology and truths of scripture that are so desperately needed in our day. Contrary to popular belief, the Reformation is not over. May it continue until the Kingdom Comes...

Sola Fide, Solo Christus (Justification by faith alone in Christ alone)-- This is what Luther discovered. He was never the same. With the flame now lit in his heart, he would fire the shot that would set the whole world on fire. May we likewise follow in his footsteps. Christ (and him crucified) is the only thing that we need for salvation and to find peace with God.


Blood of the Lamb


And the LORD answered me:"Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie.If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. - Habakuk 2:2-4 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon