ROMANS 3 "21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."
We could spend a long time on the above passage. Read it again!
This is the gospel in Romans 1:16,17 in a more expanded version. Think about this- when this was written around 55 AD can you imagine anything more world changing? Have you ever wondered as you drive down the street and see crosses everywhere, how this could have happened.
Consider... in 2009, in Nashville TN- I see the spread of Christianity everywhere. I bet there are 500 crosses in a 5 mile radius. I go on facebook and see pictures of my friends travel around the world... and what do I see? Crosses- on mountains, trails, church steeples, jewelry- in every land and people group.
In 55 AD, there were no crosses in middle Tennessee. There were trees, wildlife, and Native Americans. Something happened- and the above passage explains it.
'NOW'- This is an amazing word. We see it in verse 21 and 26. Verse 26 literally means 'in the now time". There is a linear story here:
PAST- In the past God was separated and storing up wrath- man was in darkness. God began the healing by introducing a tutor- His holy law- which is by it's very nature designed to kill us- shut up our excuses, and shine light on our shadows of sin and shame. But there were also promises- the prophets talked of a savior. It all pointed to the cross.
PRESENT- because of the cross and resurrection there is NOW a righteousness that comes from God. He is not requiring us to measure up... He has come down.
Today is the day of salvation! Why are you delaying? What are you waiting for? It is the NOW time!
"through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL who believe"- If God required money, only the rich could be free. If he required knowledge, only the intelligence. If he required deeds, only the disciplined. He wants you to simply trust HIM. He paid it all! You don't even trust your faith- your faith is in HIM! Paul will expand on faith in Chapter 4.
"All have sinned"- this is an archery term. If you hit the target- you have "pinned it"- but you missed ("sin" is to miss the mark). All your best efforts have failed. You start over again and again- but you can't keep God's standards- Heck! You can't even keep your standards.
"Fallen short of the glory of God"- there are three ideas of glory ('doxa') in the Bible. I will cover all three in detail in a later blog- but in God there is brightness, a radiance. There is also a weightiness, He is solid. And there is an honor- worthy of reverence.
Our lives should bring illumination, weight, and honor to the name of God.... but we are pitiful in that duty. Instead, without Him, our lives are dark, fragile, and shameful. We missed by a mile.
But we:
'are justified'- LEGALLY CLEARED- You have no record of wrong
"freely'- No payment can be made- all debts are paid
"by his grace'- a gift- G.od's R.iches A.t C.hrist's E.xpense
'through the redemption'- redeemed means a payment was made for you-you were on the chopping block- worth nothing- and God paid a ransom to free you!
Finally, this will blow you away- CHRIST AS THE ATONING SACRIFICE
Verse 25- God presented Him- God initiated this whole deal. The image here is the mercy seat of God being brought out from behind the veil for all the world to see. The reason you see the cross everywhere is because God presents it. It is an invitation to enter this story of great news.
"a sacrifice of atonement" The death of Jesus takes the wrath of God and swallows it whole. This was pictured in the Old Testament sacrifices: the blood on the doorposts during the passover- the lamb slain on the day of atonement- the suffering servant in Isaiah 53- John the Baptist "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!"
"in His forebearance, he had left the sins beforehand unpunished"- God is a God of great patience. Peter wrote about this in II Peter 3 "8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."
All people Old Testament and New Testament now have a sacrifice for sin- the death of the perfect God-Man, the Son, The Savior- Jesus Christ.
God as 'just and justifier'- God Himself has taken this on. He hinted to it in the Old Testament when Abraham slept and God walked through the slain animals- He took on the terms of the broken covenant. We broke it- He paid for it. God solved the problem of our freedom, rebeillion, and His holiness. He solved the dilemma without even a stain on His name or character.
What a salvation! What a savior! What a passage!
Read it again! THIS IS LIFE AND FREEDOM!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
ROMANS 3- Paul’s Point Becomes More Precise
Romans 3 represents the last of the ground preparation for the beautiful gospel proclamation in 3:21-26.
The passage begins with Paul’s technique of asking questions and incorporating the technique of a type of Hebrew midrash. Paul anticipates the questions from seekers and opponents to this ‘salvation by grace through faith’.
The questions are good and valid:
Does this gospel oppose the Old Testament law and break its promises to Israel?
How do good works apply to this gospel of faith?
What was the whole Torah and Israelite history all about?
Who is in and who is out?
It is interesting that Paul only hints at answers in Chapters 1-8. He waits until Chapters 9-11 to develop his personal apologetic of answers. He does this by the way by means of his deep personal involvement of both law and grace- but we will hit that much later.
Chapter 3 is all about the final death nail: ALL ARE UNDER SIN (VS 9). The singular ‘sin’, not sins speaks of sin as a dominating power. We are under a severe bondage. It is not just doing things- our whole thought patterns, will, desire, are chained to a condition. Our sin nature is as natural as our skin. The power and dominion of sin produces sins- but we are all in it, all the time.
Paul then links together some Old Testament passages (the Holy Scriptures of Ch 1) to illustrate. Dr. Know Chamblin mentions that verses 10-12 have Gentile sins in view and verses 15-17 have Jewish sins in view.
I am most impressed by the linear pattern of this corrupted nature. Starting in verse 9 we see a scope and sequence of sin’s mastery over the human race.
All infected in verse 9
Understanding warped in verse 10
Attitude of rebellion and hiding in verse 12
Resistance in 12b
Words of deception and poison in verse 13/14
Actions of violence and destruction in verse 15
Consequences of misery in verse 16
See the human condition? Thoughts- attitude- rebellion- words-deeds- death.
The language suggests sin as having a compounding and intensifying effect.
Verse 19 shuts the tomb- “every mouth is silenced and the whole world is accountable”. The law is not for self righteousness, it is supposed to drive us to God in need of mercy.
The NIV translation of ‘conscious of sin’ in verse 20 does not capture the Greek work ‘epignosis’ very well. The law gives us a precise knowledge of where we have fallen short of God’s Holy Standard- we are undone.
This relates back to Chapter 2:12-16 where Paul uses the idea of conscience as proof that the gentiles are just as knowledgeable of their sinful state as those who know the law.
The Bible uses conscience as proof of God’s divine image on all humans. It means we are not animals- we are image bearers. But our consciences are fallen and sometimes seared beyond help. C.H. Dodd says that the conscience is not a different law on the heart of man, but it is less precise. Charles Hodge confirmed that the ‘ungodly’ have a strong sense of obligation and duty and an inner awareness of what is right. C.S. Lewis called this ‘oughtness’ and used it as proof of the existence of God.
Here’s the point:
Paul has taken 3 1/2 chapters to show us that we are under slavery to sin. We cannot stand up to the severe wrath of God. Do you really want to walk up to the heavenly altar with no covering or plan? God sees you and knows your secrets- do you think your righteousness will appease His unswerving, unrelenting, non-compromising holiness?
If you are overwhelmed right now in disgusting darkness and anguish- congratulations! You are ready for the incredible gospel.
Read Chapter 3;21-26 and cry Hallelujah! Amen! with tears of joy!
I can’t wait to write my next blog…. Life changing light of grace and peace….FREEDOM IS UPON US!
The passage begins with Paul’s technique of asking questions and incorporating the technique of a type of Hebrew midrash. Paul anticipates the questions from seekers and opponents to this ‘salvation by grace through faith’.
The questions are good and valid:
Does this gospel oppose the Old Testament law and break its promises to Israel?
How do good works apply to this gospel of faith?
What was the whole Torah and Israelite history all about?
Who is in and who is out?
It is interesting that Paul only hints at answers in Chapters 1-8. He waits until Chapters 9-11 to develop his personal apologetic of answers. He does this by the way by means of his deep personal involvement of both law and grace- but we will hit that much later.
Chapter 3 is all about the final death nail: ALL ARE UNDER SIN (VS 9). The singular ‘sin’, not sins speaks of sin as a dominating power. We are under a severe bondage. It is not just doing things- our whole thought patterns, will, desire, are chained to a condition. Our sin nature is as natural as our skin. The power and dominion of sin produces sins- but we are all in it, all the time.
Paul then links together some Old Testament passages (the Holy Scriptures of Ch 1) to illustrate. Dr. Know Chamblin mentions that verses 10-12 have Gentile sins in view and verses 15-17 have Jewish sins in view.
I am most impressed by the linear pattern of this corrupted nature. Starting in verse 9 we see a scope and sequence of sin’s mastery over the human race.
All infected in verse 9
Understanding warped in verse 10
Attitude of rebellion and hiding in verse 12
Resistance in 12b
Words of deception and poison in verse 13/14
Actions of violence and destruction in verse 15
Consequences of misery in verse 16
See the human condition? Thoughts- attitude- rebellion- words-deeds- death.
The language suggests sin as having a compounding and intensifying effect.
Verse 19 shuts the tomb- “every mouth is silenced and the whole world is accountable”. The law is not for self righteousness, it is supposed to drive us to God in need of mercy.
The NIV translation of ‘conscious of sin’ in verse 20 does not capture the Greek work ‘epignosis’ very well. The law gives us a precise knowledge of where we have fallen short of God’s Holy Standard- we are undone.
This relates back to Chapter 2:12-16 where Paul uses the idea of conscience as proof that the gentiles are just as knowledgeable of their sinful state as those who know the law.
The Bible uses conscience as proof of God’s divine image on all humans. It means we are not animals- we are image bearers. But our consciences are fallen and sometimes seared beyond help. C.H. Dodd says that the conscience is not a different law on the heart of man, but it is less precise. Charles Hodge confirmed that the ‘ungodly’ have a strong sense of obligation and duty and an inner awareness of what is right. C.S. Lewis called this ‘oughtness’ and used it as proof of the existence of God.
Here’s the point:
Paul has taken 3 1/2 chapters to show us that we are under slavery to sin. We cannot stand up to the severe wrath of God. Do you really want to walk up to the heavenly altar with no covering or plan? God sees you and knows your secrets- do you think your righteousness will appease His unswerving, unrelenting, non-compromising holiness?
If you are overwhelmed right now in disgusting darkness and anguish- congratulations! You are ready for the incredible gospel.
Read Chapter 3;21-26 and cry Hallelujah! Amen! with tears of joy!
I can’t wait to write my next blog…. Life changing light of grace and peace….FREEDOM IS UPON US!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Most Sinister of Sinners – A Look at Romans 2
It might help to read Romans 1 and 2 before reading this blogpost.
Romans Chapter 2 is a more stark expose’ on the human condition than Romans 1. Romans 1 includes all people- but Romans Chapter 2 narrows the scope a little.
Romans 1 shines a light on all humans who hide from God in shadows of sin and shame. Romans 2 puts a laser beam on those who hide from God in the light.
Romans 1 speaks to people who know the truth about themselves and suppress it. Romans 2 shocks people with truth that they ignore about themselves.
Romans 2:1 “You, therefore (oun), have no excuse.” Who is the “you” here?
Romans 2 is an indictment on the worst kind of sinner- the moralist- the sanitized and technically sound religious person- who believe they are so righteous that they can actually condemn others in their sins.
These are the ‘judgers’- and we have to be careful here. There is a standard that we appeal to in order to admonish and encourage each other. But this reference to judging is an attitude of condemnation and accusation.
These people seem to be the ‘most righteous’ in terms of looking good and measuring up to outward standards of moral code and law. But there are significant problems: hypocrisy, no self suspicion, stubbornness, no attitude of repentance, self seeking, the rejection of truth, arrogance, using righteous deeds to achieve social acceptance, bragging, (you know the person).
In Paul’s day, these characteristics were most commonly associated with the spiritual haughtiness of the Jews – in particular the Pharisees. Who can forget the blistering statements from Jesus about the oppressive religious leaders of that day- “vipers”, “Sons of Satan”, “White washed tombs full of dead men’s bones”-
I do think Paul eventually narrows to the Jews in this passage, but I also believe these principles apply to anyone who regards their religion in a way that it credits to them righteousness and an air of arrogance, superiority, and condemnation.
When Paul echoes what the Old Testament says about a ‘true Jew’- not outward law-keeping and circumcision, but inward obedience and the circumcision of the heart- the application would be true of those of us who claim to be in the covenant today.
I have paraphrased Romans 2 using the same argument for someone who claims the “Christian” status.
17 If you are an Evangelical, you are relying on a knowledge of God's word for your special relationship with him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God. 18 Yes, you know what he wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a beacon light for people who are lost in darkness without God. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that in God's law you have complete knowledge and truth. 21 Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you do it? You condemn idolatry, but do you steal from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, "The world blasphemes the name of God because of you." 25 The Evangelical ceremony of baptism is worth something only if you obey God's law. But if you don't obey God's law, you are no better off than an unbaptized sinner. 26 And if the sinners obey God's law, won't God give them all the rights and honors of being his own people? 27 In fact, unbaptized sinners who keep God's law will be much better off than you evangelicals who are baptized and know so much about God's law but don't obey it. 28 For you are not a true believer just because you were born to evangelical parents or because you have gone through the evangelical ceremony of baptism. 29 No, a true believer is one whose heart is right with God. And true baptism is not an outward show but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people.
Our only hope to escape this state of ‘phariseeism’ is the Holy Spirit, a constant attachment to the gospel, and a group of believers around us to encourage accountability and honest evaluation.
Bottom line: None of us bear up under the Holy light of the Father who sees us as we really are. If we are trusting in anything within us to escape the wrath, we are foolish. If we think by condemning others, we can make ourselves cleaner to the Judge- we are deceived.
The most sinister of sinners are those who think they are fully clean apart from the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
The bad news keeps coming, but be patient- a beautiful salvation is about to be proclaimed!
Romans Chapter 2 is a more stark expose’ on the human condition than Romans 1. Romans 1 includes all people- but Romans Chapter 2 narrows the scope a little.
Romans 1 shines a light on all humans who hide from God in shadows of sin and shame. Romans 2 puts a laser beam on those who hide from God in the light.
Romans 1 speaks to people who know the truth about themselves and suppress it. Romans 2 shocks people with truth that they ignore about themselves.
Romans 2:1 “You, therefore (oun), have no excuse.” Who is the “you” here?
Romans 2 is an indictment on the worst kind of sinner- the moralist- the sanitized and technically sound religious person- who believe they are so righteous that they can actually condemn others in their sins.
These are the ‘judgers’- and we have to be careful here. There is a standard that we appeal to in order to admonish and encourage each other. But this reference to judging is an attitude of condemnation and accusation.
These people seem to be the ‘most righteous’ in terms of looking good and measuring up to outward standards of moral code and law. But there are significant problems: hypocrisy, no self suspicion, stubbornness, no attitude of repentance, self seeking, the rejection of truth, arrogance, using righteous deeds to achieve social acceptance, bragging, (you know the person).
In Paul’s day, these characteristics were most commonly associated with the spiritual haughtiness of the Jews – in particular the Pharisees. Who can forget the blistering statements from Jesus about the oppressive religious leaders of that day- “vipers”, “Sons of Satan”, “White washed tombs full of dead men’s bones”-
I do think Paul eventually narrows to the Jews in this passage, but I also believe these principles apply to anyone who regards their religion in a way that it credits to them righteousness and an air of arrogance, superiority, and condemnation.
When Paul echoes what the Old Testament says about a ‘true Jew’- not outward law-keeping and circumcision, but inward obedience and the circumcision of the heart- the application would be true of those of us who claim to be in the covenant today.
I have paraphrased Romans 2 using the same argument for someone who claims the “Christian” status.
17 If you are an Evangelical, you are relying on a knowledge of God's word for your special relationship with him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God. 18 Yes, you know what he wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a beacon light for people who are lost in darkness without God. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that in God's law you have complete knowledge and truth. 21 Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you do it? You condemn idolatry, but do you steal from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, "The world blasphemes the name of God because of you." 25 The Evangelical ceremony of baptism is worth something only if you obey God's law. But if you don't obey God's law, you are no better off than an unbaptized sinner. 26 And if the sinners obey God's law, won't God give them all the rights and honors of being his own people? 27 In fact, unbaptized sinners who keep God's law will be much better off than you evangelicals who are baptized and know so much about God's law but don't obey it. 28 For you are not a true believer just because you were born to evangelical parents or because you have gone through the evangelical ceremony of baptism. 29 No, a true believer is one whose heart is right with God. And true baptism is not an outward show but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people.
Our only hope to escape this state of ‘phariseeism’ is the Holy Spirit, a constant attachment to the gospel, and a group of believers around us to encourage accountability and honest evaluation.
Bottom line: None of us bear up under the Holy light of the Father who sees us as we really are. If we are trusting in anything within us to escape the wrath, we are foolish. If we think by condemning others, we can make ourselves cleaner to the Judge- we are deceived.
The most sinister of sinners are those who think they are fully clean apart from the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
The bad news keeps coming, but be patient- a beautiful salvation is about to be proclaimed!
Monday, May 18, 2009
ONE LAST LOOK- Romans 1:18-32
I have to relate this incredible analogy from Dr. Knox Chamblin on the verb in the phrase "suppress the truth by the means of their unrighteousness" in Romans 1.
We believe simply that means that people are maybe just bored by God or neglectful. Maybe we interpret the idea of just not being inspired by Christianity or more in love with the world.
Dr. Chamblin relates it to someone visiting an art gallery, full of the most beautiful paintings and valuable pieces of art ever assembled. The verb 'to suppress' is not just that person going through the gallery and yawning- it is more akin to them taking a switchblade and spray paint and seeking to destroy the pieces, marring them forever.
We are not just disinterested in the things of God- in our natural, fallen, broken covenantal state- we despise Him.
Martin Luther was honest just before his conversion. He said 'I don't love God.... in fact, I hate Him". We spew and vent and mock and question our Creator to no end. He patiently takes it and offers love.
The wrath of God is His settled and unswerving opposition to all things evil and unrighteous. But His main desire is to let that wrath pour out on the cross and allow us to escape His punishment.
We often use Rev 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock" as a salvation verse. But in context, it really is a repentence verse. We have turned our back in contempt on the Father. He is knocking on the door, just as He was calling out in the garden, "Where are you?" "Please open this door". But we dread it- we do not want to face this shameful meeting.
But what does God do? "I will come in a sup with Him and he with Me."
If we turn to Him now, we find the Father's arms of love. But if we keep hiding and hating, He will have no choice. We have decided our fate.
Review Man's Depravity below- it is time to leave the mud and mire and be cleansed. Is this where we really want to be?
God gave them over: He lets them have their way
Judgment contained in the activity- consequences are there!
Desires- Heart Thoughts- mind Actions- will
WICKEDNESS-EVIL-GREED-DEPRAVITY
Evil is corrupted good:
Insolent- instead of humble and teachable
Sex- good but polluted by deviancy
Arrogant- instead of humble and meek
Envy- good things but not a good god
Boastful- instead of humble and quiet
Murder- killing a Image Bearer of God- destroying life.
Inventors of evil- instead of creators of good
Strife- ruining good relationships
Disobedient to parents- instead of trusting
Deceit- instead of truth
Senseless- instead of good common sense
Malice- hurting instead of helping
Faithless- instead of developing faith
Gossips- whispering evil intents
Heartless- instead of caring
Slander- loud, evil, arrows and darts
Ruthless- instead of giving mercy
God haters- instead of God lovers
Keep going in spite of consequences and encourage the practice in others.
This is why we need to be saved..... the wrath and consequences are MUCH DESERVED!
We believe simply that means that people are maybe just bored by God or neglectful. Maybe we interpret the idea of just not being inspired by Christianity or more in love with the world.
Dr. Chamblin relates it to someone visiting an art gallery, full of the most beautiful paintings and valuable pieces of art ever assembled. The verb 'to suppress' is not just that person going through the gallery and yawning- it is more akin to them taking a switchblade and spray paint and seeking to destroy the pieces, marring them forever.
We are not just disinterested in the things of God- in our natural, fallen, broken covenantal state- we despise Him.
Martin Luther was honest just before his conversion. He said 'I don't love God.... in fact, I hate Him". We spew and vent and mock and question our Creator to no end. He patiently takes it and offers love.
The wrath of God is His settled and unswerving opposition to all things evil and unrighteous. But His main desire is to let that wrath pour out on the cross and allow us to escape His punishment.
We often use Rev 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock" as a salvation verse. But in context, it really is a repentence verse. We have turned our back in contempt on the Father. He is knocking on the door, just as He was calling out in the garden, "Where are you?" "Please open this door". But we dread it- we do not want to face this shameful meeting.
But what does God do? "I will come in a sup with Him and he with Me."
If we turn to Him now, we find the Father's arms of love. But if we keep hiding and hating, He will have no choice. We have decided our fate.
Review Man's Depravity below- it is time to leave the mud and mire and be cleansed. Is this where we really want to be?
God gave them over: He lets them have their way
Judgment contained in the activity- consequences are there!
Desires- Heart Thoughts- mind Actions- will
WICKEDNESS-EVIL-GREED-DEPRAVITY
Evil is corrupted good:
Insolent- instead of humble and teachable
Sex- good but polluted by deviancy
Arrogant- instead of humble and meek
Envy- good things but not a good god
Boastful- instead of humble and quiet
Murder- killing a Image Bearer of God- destroying life.
Inventors of evil- instead of creators of good
Strife- ruining good relationships
Disobedient to parents- instead of trusting
Deceit- instead of truth
Senseless- instead of good common sense
Malice- hurting instead of helping
Faithless- instead of developing faith
Gossips- whispering evil intents
Heartless- instead of caring
Slander- loud, evil, arrows and darts
Ruthless- instead of giving mercy
God haters- instead of God lovers
Keep going in spite of consequences and encourage the practice in others.
This is why we need to be saved..... the wrath and consequences are MUCH DESERVED!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Supression and Shadows of Sin
Romans 1:18-32 is a sad, but truthful commentary on the human condition.
I would like to trace some of this back to Genesis 3. Genesis 3:1 says the serpent was 'crafty' (Hebrew word aroum )- after the sin 3:7 has the Hebrew word 'ā·rome' ' (they knew that they were 'naked') . This 'exposure of shame' was a direct result of man's autonomy, determining things for oneself- being in control- acting like God.
After this exposure, man immediately formed the first works religion- sewing fig leaves to cover up the sin. And the saddest result of all- hiding from God.
When we get back to Romans 1 we see the same pattern. Crafty deception- human autonomy- covering up of sin- man made worship- and hiding from God.
A few points from Romans 1:
vs 18 says that men suppress the truth by the means of their wickedness. The greek verb for supress is 'katekho' and is a very strong term. It means to 'hold the course'- these men will not be easily swayed. Probably impossible without the power of the gospel and the light of the Spirit.
Romans 1 also says that the evidence for God is clearly seen. This point is quickly debated by Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and many other of the hard line atheists. "Why doesn't God give me more evidence?" The problem is not in the evidence- the problem is the foolish and darkened heart of the suppressors and excuse makers.
Remember in Luke 16 the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazurus? "27 And (the rich man said) said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers —so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
I grieve over super smart, highly educated people who have pushed God outside their lives. They of all people prove what the Bible says over and over about the arrogance of man and God's opposition to them. Judgment day will be the harshest for the elite intellectuals and the hypocritical moralists and the suffocating and the suppressive religious.
"God gave them over"- this is an amazing statement. It is repeated three times (vs 24/26/28). When people begin on a course of suppression, ingratitude, and rebellion- God gives them over. In other words, He let's them choose that path.
As a coach, I see this sometimes. A player just does not want to be with us. I try every button and technique, but he responds with every excuse. I plead, they resist. I give reasons, they counter. I use others to help persuade. I know I am right and that they will be full of regret, but eventually I let them go. I know the path will be full of pain and regret.. but it is of no use.
"Darkness and depravity"- once the cycle of sin begins... there is no bottom. These people have futile thinking, dark hearts, and appetites for destruction. They also desire company. Sin seems normal and godliness is despised.
Read the lists of sins:
Sexual perversion, greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, etc.
See the progression of sin:
gossips are 'whisperers'- the slanderous speak it out loud.
these people become God-haters and invent ways of doing evil.
See sin as corruption of good:
envy is a lack of trusting God
disobeying parents is neglecting admonitions of love
heartless is killing love
If you think you aren't included in this chapter- there is a special section for you in Chapter 2. But if you are like me, you have no problem agreeing with the final summary, "I am a wicked man."
This is the bad news- but be of good cheer, THE GOOD NEWS IS ON THE WAY!
I would like to trace some of this back to Genesis 3. Genesis 3:1 says the serpent was 'crafty' (Hebrew word aroum )- after the sin 3:7 has the Hebrew word 'ā·rome' ' (they knew that they were 'naked') . This 'exposure of shame' was a direct result of man's autonomy, determining things for oneself- being in control- acting like God.
After this exposure, man immediately formed the first works religion- sewing fig leaves to cover up the sin. And the saddest result of all- hiding from God.
When we get back to Romans 1 we see the same pattern. Crafty deception- human autonomy- covering up of sin- man made worship- and hiding from God.
A few points from Romans 1:
vs 18 says that men suppress the truth by the means of their wickedness. The greek verb for supress is 'katekho' and is a very strong term. It means to 'hold the course'- these men will not be easily swayed. Probably impossible without the power of the gospel and the light of the Spirit.
Romans 1 also says that the evidence for God is clearly seen. This point is quickly debated by Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and many other of the hard line atheists. "Why doesn't God give me more evidence?" The problem is not in the evidence- the problem is the foolish and darkened heart of the suppressors and excuse makers.
Remember in Luke 16 the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazurus? "27 And (the rich man said) said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers —so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
I grieve over super smart, highly educated people who have pushed God outside their lives. They of all people prove what the Bible says over and over about the arrogance of man and God's opposition to them. Judgment day will be the harshest for the elite intellectuals and the hypocritical moralists and the suffocating and the suppressive religious.
"God gave them over"- this is an amazing statement. It is repeated three times (vs 24/26/28). When people begin on a course of suppression, ingratitude, and rebellion- God gives them over. In other words, He let's them choose that path.
As a coach, I see this sometimes. A player just does not want to be with us. I try every button and technique, but he responds with every excuse. I plead, they resist. I give reasons, they counter. I use others to help persuade. I know I am right and that they will be full of regret, but eventually I let them go. I know the path will be full of pain and regret.. but it is of no use.
"Darkness and depravity"- once the cycle of sin begins... there is no bottom. These people have futile thinking, dark hearts, and appetites for destruction. They also desire company. Sin seems normal and godliness is despised.
Read the lists of sins:
Sexual perversion, greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, etc.
See the progression of sin:
gossips are 'whisperers'- the slanderous speak it out loud.
these people become God-haters and invent ways of doing evil.
See sin as corruption of good:
envy is a lack of trusting God
disobeying parents is neglecting admonitions of love
heartless is killing love
If you think you aren't included in this chapter- there is a special section for you in Chapter 2. But if you are like me, you have no problem agreeing with the final summary, "I am a wicked man."
This is the bad news- but be of good cheer, THE GOOD NEWS IS ON THE WAY!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Two Revelations and The Great Exchange
Romans 1:18-32 is an amazing passage. Words put down 1900 years ago read as current as the New York Times.
The first thing to notice is the 2 'revelations' in this passage:
vs 17- in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed.
vs 18- the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
vs 18 has the greek (gar) "For" at the beginning which seems to link these two revelations. The word for revelation here is the root "Apocalypse" which is the title we give to the last Book of the Bible- Revelation.
In Revelation, there are two kingdoms at war. You either belong to the Lamb and get the wrath of the Dragon. Or you belong to the Dragon and get the wrath of the Lion. Whose wrath do you choose?
When we see the wrath of God revealed, it should make us run to the gospel of the revelation of God's righteousness and great news of redemption.
Martin Luther did. When he read Romans 17, he wrote in 1517: "Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise through open gates"
We are going to see much more later in the passage. But instead of accepting the offer of righteousness through faith in Christ- we exchange the glory of God for his creation. We stop worshiping God or acknowledging God. But we love to consume and use His gifts and things. We exchange God's simple truths for sinister lies.
The wrath of God is not against our unrighteousness- but against our false religion where we serve ourselves and get deeply entangled with idols.
The new atheists in the bold darkness accuse God of being capricious and showing selfish, childish, temper tantrums. In great mocking tones they throw charge after charge at Him.
So is God at fault here? As we ignore Him, castigate His righteousness, and slander His truth?
In the next lesson, we will see the nature and clear evidence of God's wrath.
But let me end with a question: Of the two revelations, righteousness and wrath, which light do you want to live in?
Father, by and because of Jesus Christ, thank you for letting me live in the light of your righteousness.
The first thing to notice is the 2 'revelations' in this passage:
vs 17- in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed.
vs 18- the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
vs 18 has the greek (gar) "For" at the beginning which seems to link these two revelations. The word for revelation here is the root "Apocalypse" which is the title we give to the last Book of the Bible- Revelation.
In Revelation, there are two kingdoms at war. You either belong to the Lamb and get the wrath of the Dragon. Or you belong to the Dragon and get the wrath of the Lion. Whose wrath do you choose?
When we see the wrath of God revealed, it should make us run to the gospel of the revelation of God's righteousness and great news of redemption.
Martin Luther did. When he read Romans 17, he wrote in 1517: "Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise through open gates"
We are going to see much more later in the passage. But instead of accepting the offer of righteousness through faith in Christ- we exchange the glory of God for his creation. We stop worshiping God or acknowledging God. But we love to consume and use His gifts and things. We exchange God's simple truths for sinister lies.
The wrath of God is not against our unrighteousness- but against our false religion where we serve ourselves and get deeply entangled with idols.
The new atheists in the bold darkness accuse God of being capricious and showing selfish, childish, temper tantrums. In great mocking tones they throw charge after charge at Him.
So is God at fault here? As we ignore Him, castigate His righteousness, and slander His truth?
In the next lesson, we will see the nature and clear evidence of God's wrath.
But let me end with a question: Of the two revelations, righteousness and wrath, which light do you want to live in?
Father, by and because of Jesus Christ, thank you for letting me live in the light of your righteousness.
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Main Meaning of Romans and the Message of Paul's Life
Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
In chapter 1 we come to what most commentators call the theme of the great letter.
To be honest, I cannot capture all that these two verses imply- but I did enjoy having many of the following points drilled home.
"Not ashamed" is a strange way of phrasing this to me. But if you think about it, our culture pushes us into the shadows of shame if we cling to the message of the cross of Christ. The attack of the post-modern culture is to marginalize, trivialize, attack, and ridicule the things of God. Paul was bold in his embrace of Christ. Things were not different for Christian's then, if anything it was worse. The 1st century Christian faced being kicked out of their trade guild, imprisonment, starvation, persecution, and execution. Think how many times Paul was beaten, stoned, left for dead, put in prison- so for him to say he is not ashamed... wow.
"the gospel' means literally good news. Great news! And Paul never leaves the gospel. Sometimes we relegate the gospel to a children's lesson. You sing "Jesus loves me" and move on to issues or doctrine. But Paul preaches the gospel, all the time, in every ocassion, to all people. The gospel is his 'go' juice!
Power of God- I was talking to our chemistry and physics teachers yesterday and they were talking about how physics has uncovered how energy can produce an electron. These two godly scientists see no problem in science and Theism. They said that chemistry and physics has no problem with God, it's the biologists that are closed and clouded. But they said that if you calculated all the 'known matter" (not counting dark matter or unknown matter)- the amount of energy it would take to 'create' all we have now is almost unmeasurable and surely incomprehensible. We have no clue how powerful God is- and His power is manifest in LOVE.
"First Jew-then Gentile"- I'm pretty confident that this is pointing to the linear pattern of God revealing this message through history. It is the story of a promise- a covenant- whereby God prepared us for this glorious story through Abraham, Moses, David----- all the way to today. We will discuss the Nation of Israel later.
"From faith to faith (some versions have faith first to last)"- there a three different interpretations of this. I believe it will be unpacked by his argument that it has ALWAYS been by faith and never merited by works.
"revealed" - the first of two important "apocalypse" - I will refer to this next time.
"The righteous will live by faith"- This is a reference back to Habakkuk 2:4- and the best application of this is that the Hebrews did not seperate faith from faithfulness. The righteous WILL live by faith- this is what we do! This is how we live. This is our normal path.
Have you been gripped by the gospel? Is it your passion and power? Do you unashamedly cling to it and are you excited to share it- no matter the cost?
Over the next few weeks, may God solidly secure this glorious message to our hearts!
So here is the grand theme. The gospel will be unpacked (Romans 3:21-31) and applied. Questions will be anticipated and answered. This was Paul's passion! We look forward to the wonderful message.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Paul's Plans, Desires, and Unanswered Prayer
We are a little closer to the big 2 passages in Romans 1. Romans 1:16,17 is the general theme of the letter and Romans 1:18-32 is one of the most crucial passages in all of Paul's argument.
But a few more interesting bits of noteworthy applications exist in verses 8-15.
I am always impressed by Paul's optimism and joy. He is the ultimate energizer bunny in terms of positive energy. This positive attitude comes from His faith in Christ and the joy of salvation. It is the celebration of a criminal set free. It also springs from a heart of gratitude.
I've been thinking a lot about it- and I believe a spirit of thanksgiving destroys a negative attitude. We get negative when we look at our circumstances with thankless eyes. If we would just stop and count our blessings, we would sound like Paul- "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world."
I am also impressed by Paul's prayer life. He mentions in many places about his unceasing prayer. I take that to be a running dialogue with the Father- all day long, in the spirit, just times of spoken and unspoken requests. Formal prayers in the synagogue, private seasons of prayer, small group petitions, cries for help... all together showing a dependence on God. Why does He pray? He prays because God can act and prayer moves Him to do so. It is also great communion with Him, showing a humble reliance on Him.
I am intrigued by Paul's desires. He really wants to see the Roman believers. He so wants to visit with them. He wants to strengthen that flock. I think Paul really sees the church in Rome as strategic. As a Roman citizen, under the influence of that dominant culture, I think he feels a sense of opportunity for the gospel there. If all roads lead to Rome, what a great channel for the story of salvation through faith in Jesus- both for Jew and Gentile, Greek and non-Greek. There is no evidence to say that Paul had ever been there to the point of his letter. Notice the spiritual gift he wants to impart is to establish and encourage one another in this new faith.
Finally, I am encouraged by Paul's unanswered prayer. His plan is to go to Rome, but God has said "No". Verse 13- "I have planned and, so far, been prevented..". Has God ever told you "No", or "Not yet"? How do we handle this?
It never seems to deter Paul's optimism or his faith. He is a great 'yes, Lord" believer. He knows that God's timing and plan is MUCH better than his own. God has Paul's whole heart (1:9) and he is not swayed by delay.
Have we been set free by Christ? Then why live in depression or pessimism?
Do we trust Christ? Then why get frustrated by our circumstances?
Do we have a relationship with Christ? Then why are we not praying to Him unceasingly?
Great stuff in Romans 1 and we aren't even to the good part yet!
But a few more interesting bits of noteworthy applications exist in verses 8-15.
I am always impressed by Paul's optimism and joy. He is the ultimate energizer bunny in terms of positive energy. This positive attitude comes from His faith in Christ and the joy of salvation. It is the celebration of a criminal set free. It also springs from a heart of gratitude.
I've been thinking a lot about it- and I believe a spirit of thanksgiving destroys a negative attitude. We get negative when we look at our circumstances with thankless eyes. If we would just stop and count our blessings, we would sound like Paul- "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world."
I am also impressed by Paul's prayer life. He mentions in many places about his unceasing prayer. I take that to be a running dialogue with the Father- all day long, in the spirit, just times of spoken and unspoken requests. Formal prayers in the synagogue, private seasons of prayer, small group petitions, cries for help... all together showing a dependence on God. Why does He pray? He prays because God can act and prayer moves Him to do so. It is also great communion with Him, showing a humble reliance on Him.
I am intrigued by Paul's desires. He really wants to see the Roman believers. He so wants to visit with them. He wants to strengthen that flock. I think Paul really sees the church in Rome as strategic. As a Roman citizen, under the influence of that dominant culture, I think he feels a sense of opportunity for the gospel there. If all roads lead to Rome, what a great channel for the story of salvation through faith in Jesus- both for Jew and Gentile, Greek and non-Greek. There is no evidence to say that Paul had ever been there to the point of his letter. Notice the spiritual gift he wants to impart is to establish and encourage one another in this new faith.
Finally, I am encouraged by Paul's unanswered prayer. His plan is to go to Rome, but God has said "No". Verse 13- "I have planned and, so far, been prevented..". Has God ever told you "No", or "Not yet"? How do we handle this?
It never seems to deter Paul's optimism or his faith. He is a great 'yes, Lord" believer. He knows that God's timing and plan is MUCH better than his own. God has Paul's whole heart (1:9) and he is not swayed by delay.
Have we been set free by Christ? Then why live in depression or pessimism?
Do we trust Christ? Then why get frustrated by our circumstances?
Do we have a relationship with Christ? Then why are we not praying to Him unceasingly?
Great stuff in Romans 1 and we aren't even to the good part yet!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Essential Truths in Romans 1
It is no wonder that thousands of hours of sermons and tens of thousands pages of commentary have been written on Romans Just in the first few verses of Chapter 1 there is incredible truths that one could dig into for weeks or months.
I'm going to skip the wonderful study of Paul as a servant, Paul as an apostle, and Paul as set apart for the gospel.
Be careful and not miss Paul's reference to the 'Holy Scriptures' in verse 2.
But I wanted to focus on verse 3 and 4. Christ is included in two parallel phrases as 'kata sarka' and 'kata pneuma'- 'according to the flesh' and 'according to the spirit'. Jesus's birth supports His human nature and the resurrection supports His divine nature.
According to Dr Chamblin, there are three events of the gospel: the incarnation, the cross, and the resurrection. All three are vital for the gift of righteousness through faith.
The Incarnation: The word becoming flesh- suffering the way we suffer but without sin, He hungers with us, He thirsts with us. He became as us to die for us!
The Cross:What more can be said about that? But I like to think of it personally. I held Christ on the Cross because of my sin and He held Himself there for me!
The Resurection: If you don't think it meant something to Paul, read I Corinthians 15 again. Paul saw the risen Lord and it transformed his life!
Later on, Paul will explore humans according to the flesh and according to the Spirit.
We also have the whole Trinity in place in these opening verses.
Gospel of God- Son of God- the Father in view.
servant of Jesus, the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord- the Son in view.
the Spirit of holiness - the power throufg which the resurrection happened- the Spirit in view.
4 verses and more theology than we could bear!
We have a beautiful God my friends Who has drafted a beautiful story.
May we enter into that story with great energy and enthusiasm!
I'm going to skip the wonderful study of Paul as a servant, Paul as an apostle, and Paul as set apart for the gospel.
Be careful and not miss Paul's reference to the 'Holy Scriptures' in verse 2.
But I wanted to focus on verse 3 and 4. Christ is included in two parallel phrases as 'kata sarka' and 'kata pneuma'- 'according to the flesh' and 'according to the spirit'. Jesus's birth supports His human nature and the resurrection supports His divine nature.
According to Dr Chamblin, there are three events of the gospel: the incarnation, the cross, and the resurrection. All three are vital for the gift of righteousness through faith.
The Incarnation: The word becoming flesh- suffering the way we suffer but without sin, He hungers with us, He thirsts with us. He became as us to die for us!
The Cross:What more can be said about that? But I like to think of it personally. I held Christ on the Cross because of my sin and He held Himself there for me!
The Resurection: If you don't think it meant something to Paul, read I Corinthians 15 again. Paul saw the risen Lord and it transformed his life!
Later on, Paul will explore humans according to the flesh and according to the Spirit.
We also have the whole Trinity in place in these opening verses.
Gospel of God- Son of God- the Father in view.
servant of Jesus, the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord- the Son in view.
the Spirit of holiness - the power throufg which the resurrection happened- the Spirit in view.
4 verses and more theology than we could bear!
We have a beautiful God my friends Who has drafted a beautiful story.
May we enter into that story with great energy and enthusiasm!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Refreshed and Restored in Romans
Ok - here we go.
I have been diving into the Book of Romans for the last 4 weeks. This is in preparation for a class I will be teaching next spring called "Romans and Revelation". We will study Romans the first 9 weeks and Revelation the next 9 weeks.
I just finished a 3 year study of the Book of Revelation and taught it in 28 lessons to the "Armed and Encouraged" Sunday School class at my church.
Next week I will begin recording 25- 25 minute lessons on Revelation for the church. Be in prayer for that.
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of the more interesting points from my study on Paul's Epistle to the Romans. I give great credit to many of my heroes who have taught me in the process. I start with the late James Montgomery Boice and his 4 volume commentary on Romans. It may be the most interesting, informative, and illustrated commentary in history! I also enjoyed commentaries by Ladd, Moo, Calvin (of course), and Charles Hodge.
The highlight was Dr. Knox Chamblin's Romans course found free on I-tunes U from Reformed Theological Seminary.
First comment: WHAT A BOOK! Oh my, each lesson in Romans just feeds meat to the weary soul. No wonder it has transformed so many lives. The Book of Romans caused Augustine to repent of his captive life to sin and sparked Martin Luther to stand firm in the birth of the Reformation.
I still want to investigate the controversial commentary by N.T. Wright and look at a few others: I have FF Bruce and the NIV and IVP commentary series.
I am most amazed at God's plan for the apostle Paul- he was born a Hebrew and a Roman citizen. As a young man under Gamaliel and as he progressed as a Pharisee, God was preparing a man to articulate the gospel like no other.
Rome was on Paul's prayers and in his heart. As Emperors changed throughout the course of his life, God was preparing a cross roads at Rome under Nero.
It seems very likely that Paul penned Romans while staying in Corinth. Later, as a prisoner of Rome he wrote some of the other great epistles that support the theme of justification of all men by faith alone.
I grew to see Paul's humanity captured very creatively by Walter Wangerin in his novel, Paul.
There is a lot of debate about whether the Roman church had more Jews or Gentiles. I don't think it matters, because Paul's ministry was bringing both under the grace of Christ.Paul was a pioneer at taking what Christ did at Calvary to pave the way for gospel expansion and the exploding kingdom of God. He finds several latch points of community and unity. His most dynamic ministry was being a catalyst to bring the conveted Jews and Gentiles into a harmony under the gospel of Christ.
His letter was preparing them for what he prayed would be a fruitful ministry with them. I do agree that he was planning to end up in Spain. But he did long to be with the Romans.
Why not take the center of the world to plant the power of God in the gospel?
I have also used this study to get back into greek. I praise God for the language of the New Testament. Oh My, it is so vivid, exact, and rich. You have to notice the verb tenses in Romans, and you must struggle with how the English translations have chosen some of the translation decisions.
But in the long run- it is a simple Book with complex doctrine. When Paul said he was eager to present the gospel to the learned and unlearned, cultured and uncultured, he was proclaiming the best news of all. Salvation is not just for the smart, the rich, the religious, the achiever. Salvation is revealed and accessible to all men through faith in the work of Jesus Christ!
What a Book! What a story! What a gospel! What a savior!
I hope you enjoy my sharing little tidbits with you!
I have been diving into the Book of Romans for the last 4 weeks. This is in preparation for a class I will be teaching next spring called "Romans and Revelation". We will study Romans the first 9 weeks and Revelation the next 9 weeks.
I just finished a 3 year study of the Book of Revelation and taught it in 28 lessons to the "Armed and Encouraged" Sunday School class at my church.
Next week I will begin recording 25- 25 minute lessons on Revelation for the church. Be in prayer for that.
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of the more interesting points from my study on Paul's Epistle to the Romans. I give great credit to many of my heroes who have taught me in the process. I start with the late James Montgomery Boice and his 4 volume commentary on Romans. It may be the most interesting, informative, and illustrated commentary in history! I also enjoyed commentaries by Ladd, Moo, Calvin (of course), and Charles Hodge.
The highlight was Dr. Knox Chamblin's Romans course found free on I-tunes U from Reformed Theological Seminary.
First comment: WHAT A BOOK! Oh my, each lesson in Romans just feeds meat to the weary soul. No wonder it has transformed so many lives. The Book of Romans caused Augustine to repent of his captive life to sin and sparked Martin Luther to stand firm in the birth of the Reformation.
I still want to investigate the controversial commentary by N.T. Wright and look at a few others: I have FF Bruce and the NIV and IVP commentary series.
I am most amazed at God's plan for the apostle Paul- he was born a Hebrew and a Roman citizen. As a young man under Gamaliel and as he progressed as a Pharisee, God was preparing a man to articulate the gospel like no other.
Rome was on Paul's prayers and in his heart. As Emperors changed throughout the course of his life, God was preparing a cross roads at Rome under Nero.
It seems very likely that Paul penned Romans while staying in Corinth. Later, as a prisoner of Rome he wrote some of the other great epistles that support the theme of justification of all men by faith alone.
I grew to see Paul's humanity captured very creatively by Walter Wangerin in his novel, Paul.
There is a lot of debate about whether the Roman church had more Jews or Gentiles. I don't think it matters, because Paul's ministry was bringing both under the grace of Christ.Paul was a pioneer at taking what Christ did at Calvary to pave the way for gospel expansion and the exploding kingdom of God. He finds several latch points of community and unity. His most dynamic ministry was being a catalyst to bring the conveted Jews and Gentiles into a harmony under the gospel of Christ.
His letter was preparing them for what he prayed would be a fruitful ministry with them. I do agree that he was planning to end up in Spain. But he did long to be with the Romans.
Why not take the center of the world to plant the power of God in the gospel?
I have also used this study to get back into greek. I praise God for the language of the New Testament. Oh My, it is so vivid, exact, and rich. You have to notice the verb tenses in Romans, and you must struggle with how the English translations have chosen some of the translation decisions.
But in the long run- it is a simple Book with complex doctrine. When Paul said he was eager to present the gospel to the learned and unlearned, cultured and uncultured, he was proclaiming the best news of all. Salvation is not just for the smart, the rich, the religious, the achiever. Salvation is revealed and accessible to all men through faith in the work of Jesus Christ!
What a Book! What a story! What a gospel! What a savior!
I hope you enjoy my sharing little tidbits with you!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tired of Babylon? Quotes and Comments from Rev 17/18
Our post-modern carnage has left us:
fractured: from no consensus-
shallow: from endless sound bites and sloganeering (please- no more snappy mission statements)-
disillusioned: from no appeal to truth, and
fatigued: from microwave, fast paced activities, but no form to support the pressure.
fractured: from no consensus-
shallow: from endless sound bites and sloganeering (please- no more snappy mission statements)-
disillusioned: from no appeal to truth, and
fatigued: from microwave, fast paced activities, but no form to support the pressure.
“ Worldliness is what any culture does to make sin seem normal and righteousness seem strange.” G.K. Beall
Our modern cities with their wealth, false religions, and sexual exploitation are modern forms of Babylon. The media and their advertisements can bring into our homes and thoughts the seducing message of worshiping money, sex, power, and pleasure. Advertisements tell us that satisfaction and meaningful living can be found if only we buy the latest product. Vern Poythress
What’s so bad about Babylon?
A Faulty System: “The system whereby men and women, beginning absolutely by themselves, try rationally to build out from themselves, having only Man as their integration point, to find all knowledge, meaning and value” Francis Schaeffer
A System that 'Loves things and Uses People'-
A System Run by Selfish People- “Weeping from far away” Why are they weeping?
A System Run by Wicked People- Mother of the Earth’s Abominations
Crying and Cheering- A Clue to Our Allegiance:
18:20- REJOICE OVER HER, O HEAVEN AND YOU SAINTS AND APOSTLES AND PROPHETS FOR GOD HAS GIVEN JUDGMENT FOR YOU AGAINST HER
Will you weep or cheer at the destruction of Babylon?
What do we applaud now? What do we honor now?
Destroy Babylon now….. It is Going Anyway- A Twist on Jim Elliott’s quote:
“He is no fool to destroy what he cannot keep to pursue what he cannot lose”
“I ordinarily begin speaking about sin to a young, urban, non-Christian like this:Sin isn’t only doing bad things, it is more fundamentally making good things into ultimate things. Sin is building your life and meaning on anything, even a very good thing, more than on God. Whatever we build our life on will drive us and enslave us. Sin is primarily idolatry.” Tim Keller
As we list modern day idols, simple state what are the ‘good things’ that we have made into ‘god things”?
DESTROYING ‘BABYLON’ IN OUR LIVES
Allegiance to the King of Kings
Gospel Message and Spirit Power
Practicing The Disciplines of Grace (Prayer/Scripture/Fasting/Worship/ Sacraments)
Silence and Solitude- Evaluation
Fellowship and Accountability
Patience and Perseverance
Try These Things:
Do an Idol Inventory- Ask God to reveal and then help with the fight
Do a Relationship Inventory- Strengthen the Bonds!
Giving to God’s kingdom in Proportion to Supporting World’s System
Discipline and Restraint in Regards to Appetites
TV/ Movies/ Music/ Entertainment- Ask for Discernment
Christian Liberty- Ask for Discernment “All things lawful- but not all profitable”
Use Gifts to Serve
Loving Confrontation – “Hard on Yourself and Tender Toward Others”
II CORINTHIANS 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
EPHESIANS 6:10-20 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Quarter - filled Cups of Coffee
"I have measured my life in coffee spoons” -Prufrock
“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
What advantage does a man have in all his work which he does under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 1: 2,3
Quarter - filled cups of coffee,
Shadowed stains below the band.
Cooled liquid, thick and soiled,
Etched foam, marked by hand.
Appearance of apparent progress,
Concrete marks of constant time.
Accompanied by piles of paper,
Crumpled calendars, plans sublime.
Of what reward do hours meed?
Riches and honor untold?
What state does watched time translate?
Unused potential to save and hold?
Three - quarter empty cups of coffee,
Symbols unfinished and undone.
Epochs spent on early ambition,
Numerous laps short, the race not won.
Lurking depths of unrequited desire,
Taciturn anger behind the smile,
Endless action churning piles of perception,
Steps no closer to the next mile.
Will the minutes always last?
What price is one to pay?
When activity is ambiguous and prostituted
and success is a shade of gray.
The trap has sprung inescapable.
The suction stronger than my will.
No one there to loose or care,
Fractions of effort to close the sill.
Those dreams seem marathons away.
No tunnel light, no ray, no rule.
Only a vast wasteland of utopian ideas and funny ambition.
I laugh at myself - the fool.
“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
What advantage does a man have in all his work which he does under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 1: 2,3
Quarter - filled cups of coffee,
Shadowed stains below the band.
Cooled liquid, thick and soiled,
Etched foam, marked by hand.
Appearance of apparent progress,
Concrete marks of constant time.
Accompanied by piles of paper,
Crumpled calendars, plans sublime.
Of what reward do hours meed?
Riches and honor untold?
What state does watched time translate?
Unused potential to save and hold?
Three - quarter empty cups of coffee,
Symbols unfinished and undone.
Epochs spent on early ambition,
Numerous laps short, the race not won.
Lurking depths of unrequited desire,
Taciturn anger behind the smile,
Endless action churning piles of perception,
Steps no closer to the next mile.
Will the minutes always last?
What price is one to pay?
When activity is ambiguous and prostituted
and success is a shade of gray.
The trap has sprung inescapable.
The suction stronger than my will.
No one there to loose or care,
Fractions of effort to close the sill.
Those dreams seem marathons away.
No tunnel light, no ray, no rule.
Only a vast wasteland of utopian ideas and funny ambition.
I laugh at myself - the fool.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Douglas Wilson on Evidence
A favorite quip of those who promote atheism is to say, "God has not given me enough evidence".
In a debate with Christopher Hitchens, Douglas Wilson addressed this excuse:
"Actually, I believe I can present evidence for what I know. But evidence comes to us like food, and that is why we say grace over it. And we are supposed to eat it, not push it around on the plate—and if we don't give thanks, it never tastes right. But here is some evidence for you, in no particular order. The engineering that went into ankles. The taste of beer. That Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, just like he said. A woman's neck. Bees fooling around in the flower bed. The ability of acorns to manufacture enormous oaks out of stuff they find in the air and dirt. Forgiveness of sin. Storms out of the North, the kind with lightning. Joyous laughter (diaphragm spasms to the atheistic materialist). The ocean at night with a full moon. Delta blues. The peacock that lives in my yard. Sunrise, in color. Baptizing babies. The pleasure of sneezing. Eye contact. Having your feet removed from the miry clay, and established forever on the rock. You may say none of this tastes right to you. But suppose you were to bow your head and say grace over all of it. Try it that way.
You say that you cannot believe that Christ's death on the Cross was salvation for the world because the idea is absurd. I have shown in various ways that absurdity has not been a disqualifier for any number of your current beliefs. You praise reason to the heights, yet will not give reasons for your strident and inflexible moral judgments, or why you have arbitrarily dubbed certain chemical processes "rational argument." That's absurd right now, and yet there you are, holding it. So for you to refuse to accept Christ because it is absurd is like a man at one end of the pool refusing to move to the other end because he might get wet. Given your premises, you will have to come up with a different reason for rejecting Christ as you do.
But for you to make this move would reveal the two fundamental tenets of true atheism. One: You say There is no God. Two: You hate Him.
No Ordinary Joe
note: Joe Craddock is the best player I have ever coached. A former MVP in the 5A state championship game- a great Qb at MTSU- and now a professional in Italy of all places. Joe is on the same team that is portrayed in John Grisham's novel, Playing for Pizza. This is his latest journal which proves not only that life is stranger than fiction but life is better than fiction!
4/15/2009 Unbelievable- Journal by Joe Craddock
Friday night I got home from practice at 11:30 p.m. Everyone was
going out to eat but me and Nolan decided to stay in. I decided to stay
in because I wanted to ice my knee before I went to bed because we were
playing the number one team in Italy the next day. Messing around on the
internet, I saw where Murfreesboro had been hit by a tornado. My heart
dropped and I panicked! I immediately picked up the phone and called my
girlfriend Alex. Nervously dialing her number over and over again, I
could not get through to reach Alex. I had never felt so hopeless in my
life. After about the fifth time of the phone going straight to voice
mail, I decided to call her mom to see if she had heard from Alex and to
see if everyone was ok. She told me that everyone in their family was ok
and that Alex's sister and brother in law (Stephanie and Larry) house
was 200 yards away from where the tornado hit and that Alex had gone
over there to check on them. After I talked to them and found out that
the tornado had hit that side of town, I felt a lot better considering
all my friends and ex teammates lived on or near campus. I called a few
more friends to get the scoop on everything and found out that everyone
was ok just some damage here and there. I realize not everyone is not as
lucky as me and that some people lost family and friends. My thoughts
and prayers are with all of those people.
After the earthquake last week in Italy and the tornado in
Murfreesboro, I felt really blessed to be alive and even more blessed to
have the chance to play football. After a 3 hour beautiful drive up
through the mountains of Bolzano, it was time for us to play the
undefeated Bolzano Giants. I was ready and decided to play this game for
Murfreesboro. I had also changed my number to lucky 7. Seven was my
number all my life until college. I always felt great in 7 and I felt
great Saturday night. The Giants Americans were Italian football legend
Reggie Green at runningback who has played in Bolzano for 10 years, a
competitive quarterback, and a giant a defensive end. The Giants also
feature the best defensive and offensive lines in the league. I knew
going into the game that I would not have much time to throw the ball.
But we had to throw it! That is our strength. And throw it we did. I
think we only ran the ball on 3 plays. One was for a touchdown and the
other two for minimal gains.
The scoring got started early when we took the opening drive 65
yards and a third down touchdown to Craig. The Giants answered quick
with a scoring drive of their own. Reggie broke 2 tackles at the line of
scrimmage and galloped into the end zone for a 25 yard touchdown run.
After 2 more touchdown passes to Craig we were up 21-14 at half time.
Early in the second half Reggie broke away from our defense and was
going to score easy! Thankfully for us Reggie pulled up and with a
hamstring injury and we were able to tackle him before he reached the
end zone. Our defense stood strong and came up with a huge goal line
stand. We didn't score in the third but they scored late in the third to
tie the game at 21. Our offense answered with a huge scoring drive.
Since we had thrown the ball the whole game we decided to run a draw
from the ten yard line and it worked perfectly when our "coach turned
player" Andrew Papoccia ran it in untouched. But Bolzano answered quick
and scored leaving 3:33 on the clock. That was plenty of time for our
offense to go 75 yards and that's what we did. Throwing the ball
consistently down the field, we were moving the ball very well until we
were penalized with a holding penalty on third down and we ended up
having a 4th and 13 at the Bolzano 40 yard line. We ran a play that had
worked all game. Just a simple curl-flat to Craig in which I told him in
the huddle to make sure he got past the sticks. It turns out they were
so scared that they were pretty much triple covering Craig but playing
way off. I saw this but they still left the curl window open so I fired
one into the hole. Craig caught it easily for a first down, but as soon
as Craig caught the ball, I just so happened to look in the flats to
Marco Tunnera who was wide open up the sideline. Marco came back to the
huddle with bug eyes, telling me how open he was. I immediately told
Marco to chill out and not bring any attention to himself. I said,
"Marco! I know. I know. I saw you just chill and maybe they didn't see
you!" I was hoping they didn't. Sure enough they didn't. I knew that
they would triple team Craig again so I told Marco to run a wheel up the
sideline. On the snap, I caught the ball and immediately stared at
Craig. All three defenders took the bait leaving Marco wide open again.
He caught the ball and easily scored with a 1:20 on the clock. After
great coverage by our kickoff team, they also had to go around 75 yards,
down 35-28. They did and fast. They scored within a minute and I
immediately started telling our offense to start preparing for overtime.
But I was also hoping that they would either miss or we would block the
extra point because in Italian football the craziest things happen on
the extra point. At home and 5-0, Bolzano decides to go for two. I was
thinking, "Oh no!" Our defense hadn't stopped them since the 2nd
quarter. They get a delay of game and I was thinking that they would for
sure kick the point then. Nope. The quarterback ran around for what seem
like forever until he finally threw the ball in the end zone. The pass
was broken up nicely by our corner. Not even close to pass interference.
But sure enough here came the flag. Pass interference on the Panthers! I
was so mad to say the least! They ran in the 2 point conversion without
one defender touching the quarterback. All their players ran on the
field to celebrate and they all started giving us the number one sign
with their middle fingers! This really fired me up!
After the penalties were assessed they kicked off from the 15
yard line. Craig returned it nicely to the 50 yard line and we were left
with 15 seconds. On the first play, I dropped back trying to hit Andrew
over the middle and got blind- sided but luckily the ball fell
incomplete with 10 seconds left. Next play we were going to try and
throw a deep, deep out route to Craig but he ended up being on the wide
side of the field and I thought better of it remembering what Coach
Mangus had taught me in college. I threw the ball to Emma Gavessi right
on the side line, who then turned inside and gained another 10-15 yards
and was tackled around the 15 yard line. I sprinted to the referee as
soon as he caught the ball calling time out, but the ref pointed at Emma
still running around on the field. As soon as he was tackled there were
three seconds left. I was somewhat relieved when 3 seconds were still on
the clock. Then I saw Emma still on the ground hurt grabbing his right
leg. The problem with this is that Emma is also our field goal kicker
and down by one, we needed him to kick this 30 yarder to win the game.
Emma got up and tried to walk it off. We called another time out to give
him a little more time to gather his thoughts. When the time out was
over, I (the holder) took a knee on the 22 yard line on the left hash.
Emma did not make one kick from the left hash in pre-game warm ups. I
was hoping he had one in him right now! The snap was great and I placed
the ball down. Emma absolutely drilled it! Panthers win 38-36!
The game was crazy never the less, but to see how happy our guys
were again after beating a top Italian team was a great feeling for me
and the other Americans. The presidents girlfriend hugged and kissed me
after the game, telling me thank you so much (just how she had done
after the Bergamo win). The president told me that I was his boy! It was
just a great feeling to see how happy the whole Panthers organization
was after the game.
Come to find out at Tuesday's practice Emma kicked the game
winning field goal with a torn right meniscus (his kicking knee). Marco
Tunnera caught the last touchdown with a shattered right pointer finger
and had surgery on Monday. Craig's hamstring is bothering him pretty bad
and probably won't be playing this week. All in all, we are going to be
hurting this weekend going into our first European league game (EFAF
cup) on Saturday night. As for me, my knee held up pretty good
considering I ran the ball only once. It is still hurting a little this
week but the pain has definitely decreased!
American's Stats:
Craig McIntyre- 17 recs for 168, 3 td's
Andrew Papoccia- 10 solo, 1 ast, 3 TFL, 2 sacks..... 1 rush TD
Joe Craddock- 33-52 for 423, 4 td's .. 1 rush for 18
4/15/2009 Unbelievable- Journal by Joe Craddock
Friday night I got home from practice at 11:30 p.m. Everyone was
going out to eat but me and Nolan decided to stay in. I decided to stay
in because I wanted to ice my knee before I went to bed because we were
playing the number one team in Italy the next day. Messing around on the
internet, I saw where Murfreesboro had been hit by a tornado. My heart
dropped and I panicked! I immediately picked up the phone and called my
girlfriend Alex. Nervously dialing her number over and over again, I
could not get through to reach Alex. I had never felt so hopeless in my
life. After about the fifth time of the phone going straight to voice
mail, I decided to call her mom to see if she had heard from Alex and to
see if everyone was ok. She told me that everyone in their family was ok
and that Alex's sister and brother in law (Stephanie and Larry) house
was 200 yards away from where the tornado hit and that Alex had gone
over there to check on them. After I talked to them and found out that
the tornado had hit that side of town, I felt a lot better considering
all my friends and ex teammates lived on or near campus. I called a few
more friends to get the scoop on everything and found out that everyone
was ok just some damage here and there. I realize not everyone is not as
lucky as me and that some people lost family and friends. My thoughts
and prayers are with all of those people.
After the earthquake last week in Italy and the tornado in
Murfreesboro, I felt really blessed to be alive and even more blessed to
have the chance to play football. After a 3 hour beautiful drive up
through the mountains of Bolzano, it was time for us to play the
undefeated Bolzano Giants. I was ready and decided to play this game for
Murfreesboro. I had also changed my number to lucky 7. Seven was my
number all my life until college. I always felt great in 7 and I felt
great Saturday night. The Giants Americans were Italian football legend
Reggie Green at runningback who has played in Bolzano for 10 years, a
competitive quarterback, and a giant a defensive end. The Giants also
feature the best defensive and offensive lines in the league. I knew
going into the game that I would not have much time to throw the ball.
But we had to throw it! That is our strength. And throw it we did. I
think we only ran the ball on 3 plays. One was for a touchdown and the
other two for minimal gains.
The scoring got started early when we took the opening drive 65
yards and a third down touchdown to Craig. The Giants answered quick
with a scoring drive of their own. Reggie broke 2 tackles at the line of
scrimmage and galloped into the end zone for a 25 yard touchdown run.
After 2 more touchdown passes to Craig we were up 21-14 at half time.
Early in the second half Reggie broke away from our defense and was
going to score easy! Thankfully for us Reggie pulled up and with a
hamstring injury and we were able to tackle him before he reached the
end zone. Our defense stood strong and came up with a huge goal line
stand. We didn't score in the third but they scored late in the third to
tie the game at 21. Our offense answered with a huge scoring drive.
Since we had thrown the ball the whole game we decided to run a draw
from the ten yard line and it worked perfectly when our "coach turned
player" Andrew Papoccia ran it in untouched. But Bolzano answered quick
and scored leaving 3:33 on the clock. That was plenty of time for our
offense to go 75 yards and that's what we did. Throwing the ball
consistently down the field, we were moving the ball very well until we
were penalized with a holding penalty on third down and we ended up
having a 4th and 13 at the Bolzano 40 yard line. We ran a play that had
worked all game. Just a simple curl-flat to Craig in which I told him in
the huddle to make sure he got past the sticks. It turns out they were
so scared that they were pretty much triple covering Craig but playing
way off. I saw this but they still left the curl window open so I fired
one into the hole. Craig caught it easily for a first down, but as soon
as Craig caught the ball, I just so happened to look in the flats to
Marco Tunnera who was wide open up the sideline. Marco came back to the
huddle with bug eyes, telling me how open he was. I immediately told
Marco to chill out and not bring any attention to himself. I said,
"Marco! I know. I know. I saw you just chill and maybe they didn't see
you!" I was hoping they didn't. Sure enough they didn't. I knew that
they would triple team Craig again so I told Marco to run a wheel up the
sideline. On the snap, I caught the ball and immediately stared at
Craig. All three defenders took the bait leaving Marco wide open again.
He caught the ball and easily scored with a 1:20 on the clock. After
great coverage by our kickoff team, they also had to go around 75 yards,
down 35-28. They did and fast. They scored within a minute and I
immediately started telling our offense to start preparing for overtime.
But I was also hoping that they would either miss or we would block the
extra point because in Italian football the craziest things happen on
the extra point. At home and 5-0, Bolzano decides to go for two. I was
thinking, "Oh no!" Our defense hadn't stopped them since the 2nd
quarter. They get a delay of game and I was thinking that they would for
sure kick the point then. Nope. The quarterback ran around for what seem
like forever until he finally threw the ball in the end zone. The pass
was broken up nicely by our corner. Not even close to pass interference.
But sure enough here came the flag. Pass interference on the Panthers! I
was so mad to say the least! They ran in the 2 point conversion without
one defender touching the quarterback. All their players ran on the
field to celebrate and they all started giving us the number one sign
with their middle fingers! This really fired me up!
After the penalties were assessed they kicked off from the 15
yard line. Craig returned it nicely to the 50 yard line and we were left
with 15 seconds. On the first play, I dropped back trying to hit Andrew
over the middle and got blind- sided but luckily the ball fell
incomplete with 10 seconds left. Next play we were going to try and
throw a deep, deep out route to Craig but he ended up being on the wide
side of the field and I thought better of it remembering what Coach
Mangus had taught me in college. I threw the ball to Emma Gavessi right
on the side line, who then turned inside and gained another 10-15 yards
and was tackled around the 15 yard line. I sprinted to the referee as
soon as he caught the ball calling time out, but the ref pointed at Emma
still running around on the field. As soon as he was tackled there were
three seconds left. I was somewhat relieved when 3 seconds were still on
the clock. Then I saw Emma still on the ground hurt grabbing his right
leg. The problem with this is that Emma is also our field goal kicker
and down by one, we needed him to kick this 30 yarder to win the game.
Emma got up and tried to walk it off. We called another time out to give
him a little more time to gather his thoughts. When the time out was
over, I (the holder) took a knee on the 22 yard line on the left hash.
Emma did not make one kick from the left hash in pre-game warm ups. I
was hoping he had one in him right now! The snap was great and I placed
the ball down. Emma absolutely drilled it! Panthers win 38-36!
The game was crazy never the less, but to see how happy our guys
were again after beating a top Italian team was a great feeling for me
and the other Americans. The presidents girlfriend hugged and kissed me
after the game, telling me thank you so much (just how she had done
after the Bergamo win). The president told me that I was his boy! It was
just a great feeling to see how happy the whole Panthers organization
was after the game.
Come to find out at Tuesday's practice Emma kicked the game
winning field goal with a torn right meniscus (his kicking knee). Marco
Tunnera caught the last touchdown with a shattered right pointer finger
and had surgery on Monday. Craig's hamstring is bothering him pretty bad
and probably won't be playing this week. All in all, we are going to be
hurting this weekend going into our first European league game (EFAF
cup) on Saturday night. As for me, my knee held up pretty good
considering I ran the ball only once. It is still hurting a little this
week but the pain has definitely decreased!
American's Stats:
Craig McIntyre- 17 recs for 168, 3 td's
Andrew Papoccia- 10 solo, 1 ast, 3 TFL, 2 sacks..... 1 rush TD
Joe Craddock- 33-52 for 423, 4 td's .. 1 rush for 18
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Time to Talk 'TULIP'
In seminary I learned that the distinctive of Calvinism was shown in the acronym TULIP.
total depravity
unconditional election
limited atonement
irresistible grace
perseverance of the saints
These 5 doctrines have been used to set Calvinism apart from its critics and alternative theologies. In my experience and study, I have encountered some personal push back against all but total depravity. Then I read the Scriptures and agree with the Synod of Dort, that these can be mysterious and counter-intuitive; they are, nevertheless, Biblical.
The most amazing part of TULIP is that John Calvin never used it, did not invent it, or even spend a lot of time arguing it.
Calvin died in 1564- nearly 50 years later, in 1610, 42 followers of Jacobus Arminius drafted articles of dispute against 5 aspects of the reformation taught by Calvin and his followers. This dispute became known as the Remonstrance and was the party responsible for the 5 points. A church synod was held in the Dutch city of Deordect in 1618/1619 which resulted in the Cannons of Dort. The synod upheld all 5 points of Calvinism and rejected the dispute of the Arminians.
Knowing how Calvin treated those who disagreed with him, it would be very suprising if there would have been hardship or recourse (Luther might have been a different story).
If you want to know, here is my take on the 5 points of Calvinism and yes, I m a 5 pointer to the core.
1- Moral Inability- we do not have the moral ability to choose God's free offer of the gospel. As a dead man, I cannot repent even if I wanted to. I do not have the desire or strength to merit anything toward my righteousness. Even my good deeds are filthy rags to God. This bad news makes the good news good. In a world where men believe they are 'good' there really is no need of a Savior. We have no clue how rotten we are.
2- God's choice based on nothing from me. From the very foundation of the world, God, in His plan... chose me to be one of His adopted sons. If I ever start to feel any pride in my 'christian faith' I feel the Spirit say, "Excuse me? What did you do to deserve this?" Why me? I have no idea- but I temble in gratitude to Him!
3- Personal Salvation- Jesus died for me. This is personal. My name is written in the book. I'm not swept up in some general net of goodness- I was singled out, hand picked, and bought with an unimaginable price. He thinks of me! When the devil knocks me down and tells me what a loser I am, and how unworthy I am... "My father says, I love you son- I chose you specifically. Let's take a walk." How can you not burst with love in response to that?
4- Irresistable calling and grace. God chased me down, broke me down and I was subdued by Him. I fought Him, but He melted me. I still fight him- but He will not let me go. John 17- Jesus will not lose even 1 that God has put in His hand.
5- Perseverence. I was adopted to be set aside for Him. My sanctification is assumed in Romans 8. I will be glorified. All of this flows out of my adoption. Legally, I am justified and adopted... as a son, I will be 'Fathered' to my destination. It may be a hard road at times when I am punished, but it is always for my good.
The remonstrance still exists- I have good friends who hold to 'man is good, just kind of sick'- 'we choose God', or "God sees our good""we can reject God' and 'we can lose our salvation".. I just can't see those posisitons in light of the Bible.
An believe me, I can get 'Hyper' and passive- and then my Father gets me.
So get out the Bible. Read Ephesians 1, Romans 7 and 8, and John 17 for starters.
If you still feel there are issues- study the Synod of Dort. But be careful, you may become one of those weird 5 point Calvinists.
Calvin would just laugh. 'Why don't you just start glorifying God and die to self'.
total depravity
unconditional election
limited atonement
irresistible grace
perseverance of the saints
These 5 doctrines have been used to set Calvinism apart from its critics and alternative theologies. In my experience and study, I have encountered some personal push back against all but total depravity. Then I read the Scriptures and agree with the Synod of Dort, that these can be mysterious and counter-intuitive; they are, nevertheless, Biblical.
The most amazing part of TULIP is that John Calvin never used it, did not invent it, or even spend a lot of time arguing it.
Calvin died in 1564- nearly 50 years later, in 1610, 42 followers of Jacobus Arminius drafted articles of dispute against 5 aspects of the reformation taught by Calvin and his followers. This dispute became known as the Remonstrance and was the party responsible for the 5 points. A church synod was held in the Dutch city of Deordect in 1618/1619 which resulted in the Cannons of Dort. The synod upheld all 5 points of Calvinism and rejected the dispute of the Arminians.
Knowing how Calvin treated those who disagreed with him, it would be very suprising if there would have been hardship or recourse (Luther might have been a different story).
If you want to know, here is my take on the 5 points of Calvinism and yes, I m a 5 pointer to the core.
1- Moral Inability- we do not have the moral ability to choose God's free offer of the gospel. As a dead man, I cannot repent even if I wanted to. I do not have the desire or strength to merit anything toward my righteousness. Even my good deeds are filthy rags to God. This bad news makes the good news good. In a world where men believe they are 'good' there really is no need of a Savior. We have no clue how rotten we are.
2- God's choice based on nothing from me. From the very foundation of the world, God, in His plan... chose me to be one of His adopted sons. If I ever start to feel any pride in my 'christian faith' I feel the Spirit say, "Excuse me? What did you do to deserve this?" Why me? I have no idea- but I temble in gratitude to Him!
3- Personal Salvation- Jesus died for me. This is personal. My name is written in the book. I'm not swept up in some general net of goodness- I was singled out, hand picked, and bought with an unimaginable price. He thinks of me! When the devil knocks me down and tells me what a loser I am, and how unworthy I am... "My father says, I love you son- I chose you specifically. Let's take a walk." How can you not burst with love in response to that?
4- Irresistable calling and grace. God chased me down, broke me down and I was subdued by Him. I fought Him, but He melted me. I still fight him- but He will not let me go. John 17- Jesus will not lose even 1 that God has put in His hand.
5- Perseverence. I was adopted to be set aside for Him. My sanctification is assumed in Romans 8. I will be glorified. All of this flows out of my adoption. Legally, I am justified and adopted... as a son, I will be 'Fathered' to my destination. It may be a hard road at times when I am punished, but it is always for my good.
The remonstrance still exists- I have good friends who hold to 'man is good, just kind of sick'- 'we choose God', or "God sees our good""we can reject God' and 'we can lose our salvation".. I just can't see those posisitons in light of the Bible.
An believe me, I can get 'Hyper' and passive- and then my Father gets me.
So get out the Bible. Read Ephesians 1, Romans 7 and 8, and John 17 for starters.
If you still feel there are issues- study the Synod of Dort. But be careful, you may become one of those weird 5 point Calvinists.
Calvin would just laugh. 'Why don't you just start glorifying God and die to self'.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
The Humility of Calvin's Calvinism
The first chapter of the book, John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology is one written by the editor Burk Parsons on the humility of Calvin's Calvinism.
I wanted to make some comments about it because it sets the tone of the entire book. Rev. Parsons is the minister of congregational life at Saint Andrews Chapel in Sanford, FL and is editor of Tabletalk Devotionals.
" It has not been my habit to refer to myself as a Calvinist; if memory serves, I have never done so, primarily because I don't think John Calvin would want me to."
That made me think of the quote in the foreward by Ian H. Murray, "We may be sure that the man who wanted no stone to mark his grave would want no festivities to mark the anniversary of his birth."
Getting back to Rev. Parsons he writes that he normally just says, "I am a Christian". But if he were pressed about Calvinism I would respond by saying , "Yes, I am a Calvinist because I am a Christian, and I am a Christian because I believe in the gospel."
Rev Parson's chapter has more great quotes:
19th century Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon- "I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what nowadays is called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else."
I like this one from Christopher Catherwood: "We must be 'Bible Calvinists' not 'system Calvinists'. ... though Calvin did not make that mistake himself, it is arguable that many of his followers have done so over the ensuing centuries- and I include myself, as a Calvinist, in that caution."
"Calvin said we are to be 'daily taught in the school of Jesus Christ'."
Calvin's biographer Jean Cladier said, "Calvin was a man whom 'God mastered'."
In spite of a thorough understanding of man's depravity, Burk notes: "We find no trace of despair or cynicism in Calvin; rather, we find a hope that does not disappoint because it is founded and focused on the majesty of God and His word."
Stephen J Lawson is quoted, " As a preacher, Calvin's primary aim was to communicate to the common person in the pew. He was not seeking to impress his congregation with his own brilliance, but to impact them with the awe-inspiring majesty of God."
Burk closes with an incredible tribute:
" Among all the faithful voices of the past, there seems to be one who arises above them all. It is a voice of a man who desperately wanted us to hear not his own voice but the voice of God in His word... Calvin was a man who died to himself and sought to take up his cross daily...He strove to live for God's kingdom... He was a man who did not try to develop a system of theology that complemented the Word of God; rahter, he strove to derive his theology from the Word of God....Calvin's Calvinism is Christ-centered, Spirit empowered, God glorifying, gospel driven."
He quotes B.B. Warfield : "Here we have the secret to Calvin's greatness and the source of his strength unveiled to us. No man ever had a profounder sense of God than he; no man ever more unreservedly surrendered himself to the Divine direction."
So how did I become pulled into Calvinism originally? I have always felt a deep 'yes' to doctrines that humble man and exalt God. When I first read of Calvin, I had a big YES.
This year was the first time as a Bible teacher that I was asked that question. One of my students is a bright well-trained Baptist (which was my background by the way). He raised his hand one day about 1/3 through class and asked, "Coach, are you a Calvinist?".
I said, "I don't like answering that question because a slogan may not define what I mean by that label or what you mean by that label. But I will tell you that what I mean by Calvinism is the agreement I have about his understanding of the Bible."
He responded,"I don't agree with it at all. But I have been reading about it."
I said, "Good for you , keep reading, and look at it Biblically."
He wasn't fighting me. We were in a good place.
"By the way, _______, don't just chalk it up to a Presbyterian thing. You know the fastest growing element of Calvinists are Reformed Baptists including the head of the Southern Baptist Seminary, Dr. Al Mohler."
He looked at me in shock and it was back to the lesson.
I wanted to make some comments about it because it sets the tone of the entire book. Rev. Parsons is the minister of congregational life at Saint Andrews Chapel in Sanford, FL and is editor of Tabletalk Devotionals.
" It has not been my habit to refer to myself as a Calvinist; if memory serves, I have never done so, primarily because I don't think John Calvin would want me to."
That made me think of the quote in the foreward by Ian H. Murray, "We may be sure that the man who wanted no stone to mark his grave would want no festivities to mark the anniversary of his birth."
Getting back to Rev. Parsons he writes that he normally just says, "I am a Christian". But if he were pressed about Calvinism I would respond by saying , "Yes, I am a Calvinist because I am a Christian, and I am a Christian because I believe in the gospel."
Rev Parson's chapter has more great quotes:
19th century Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon- "I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what nowadays is called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else."
I like this one from Christopher Catherwood: "We must be 'Bible Calvinists' not 'system Calvinists'. ... though Calvin did not make that mistake himself, it is arguable that many of his followers have done so over the ensuing centuries- and I include myself, as a Calvinist, in that caution."
"Calvin said we are to be 'daily taught in the school of Jesus Christ'."
Calvin's biographer Jean Cladier said, "Calvin was a man whom 'God mastered'."
In spite of a thorough understanding of man's depravity, Burk notes: "We find no trace of despair or cynicism in Calvin; rather, we find a hope that does not disappoint because it is founded and focused on the majesty of God and His word."
Stephen J Lawson is quoted, " As a preacher, Calvin's primary aim was to communicate to the common person in the pew. He was not seeking to impress his congregation with his own brilliance, but to impact them with the awe-inspiring majesty of God."
Burk closes with an incredible tribute:
" Among all the faithful voices of the past, there seems to be one who arises above them all. It is a voice of a man who desperately wanted us to hear not his own voice but the voice of God in His word... Calvin was a man who died to himself and sought to take up his cross daily...He strove to live for God's kingdom... He was a man who did not try to develop a system of theology that complemented the Word of God; rahter, he strove to derive his theology from the Word of God....Calvin's Calvinism is Christ-centered, Spirit empowered, God glorifying, gospel driven."
He quotes B.B. Warfield : "Here we have the secret to Calvin's greatness and the source of his strength unveiled to us. No man ever had a profounder sense of God than he; no man ever more unreservedly surrendered himself to the Divine direction."
So how did I become pulled into Calvinism originally? I have always felt a deep 'yes' to doctrines that humble man and exalt God. When I first read of Calvin, I had a big YES.
This year was the first time as a Bible teacher that I was asked that question. One of my students is a bright well-trained Baptist (which was my background by the way). He raised his hand one day about 1/3 through class and asked, "Coach, are you a Calvinist?".
I said, "I don't like answering that question because a slogan may not define what I mean by that label or what you mean by that label. But I will tell you that what I mean by Calvinism is the agreement I have about his understanding of the Bible."
He responded,"I don't agree with it at all. But I have been reading about it."
I said, "Good for you , keep reading, and look at it Biblically."
He wasn't fighting me. We were in a good place.
"By the way, _______, don't just chalk it up to a Presbyterian thing. You know the fastest growing element of Calvinists are Reformed Baptists including the head of the Southern Baptist Seminary, Dr. Al Mohler."
He looked at me in shock and it was back to the lesson.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Calvin’s Greatest Challenge
Want to be challenged by Calvin?
Our first thought is to jump to the mysteries of predestination, the criticism of limited atonement, or tweaking the perseverance of the saints. (All of these will be looked at later)
But Calvin’s greatest admonishment has nothing to do with the TULIP acronym.
Calvin’s greatest challenge to me is grasping the concept of ‘dying to myself’.
Look at what he says in his Golden Booklet of the Christian Life:
We are not our own:
neither our reason nor our will should guide our thoughts and actions.
We are not our own:
therefore we should not seek what is expedient for the flesh.
We are not our own:
therefore, let us forget ourselves and our own interests as far as possible.
BUT WE ARE GOD’S OWN:
to Him, therefore, let us live or die.
BUT WE ARE GOD’S OWN:
therefore, let His wisdom and will dominate our actions
BUT WE ARE GOD’S OWN:
therefore let every part of our existence be directed toward Him as our only legitimate goal.
Here are some more shots:
“The object of regeneration is to manifest in the life of the believer a harmony between God’s righteousness and their obedience and thus confirm the adoption they have received as sons.” (Here, I give a shout out to Mike Graham- our obedience flows out of adoption- no pole vaulting from justification to sanctification… right?)
How about this one?
“ No one has rightly denied himself unless he has wholly resigned himself to the Lord and is willing to leave every detail to His good pleasure. IF WE PUT OURSELVES IN SUCH A MIND, THEN WHATEVER MAY HAPPEN TO US, WE SHALL NEVER FEEL MISERABLE OR ACCUSE GOD FALSELY BECAUSE OF OUR LOT”
A few more punches (hurts so good):
“We should not insist on absolute perfection of the gospel in our fellow Christians, however MUCH WE MAY STRIVE FOR IT IN OURSELVES”
This point is made so well by Jerry Bridges in the book on Calvin:
He points out that not only should we think of others before ourselves…. We should seek their advantage - Tough on ourselves and tender to others.
This is Holy Spirit empowered cross bearing.. impossible. It flows out of a confidence we have in a justification from Christ alone. We act not to merit our salvation, we act out of the fact of our salvation.
And of course, I love the Scriptural balance that Calvin always shows. He keeps us from going to unnecessary extremes.
In his writing about the ‘right use of the present life’ Calvin is quick to encourage us to live and enjoy the pleasures of life… in moderation. This is no ‘code of conduct’ it is a ‘conformity to Christ’.
In the end, he encourages me – “let us not despair because of the smallness of our accomplishment.”
Our first thought is to jump to the mysteries of predestination, the criticism of limited atonement, or tweaking the perseverance of the saints. (All of these will be looked at later)
But Calvin’s greatest admonishment has nothing to do with the TULIP acronym.
Calvin’s greatest challenge to me is grasping the concept of ‘dying to myself’.
Look at what he says in his Golden Booklet of the Christian Life:
We are not our own:
neither our reason nor our will should guide our thoughts and actions.
We are not our own:
therefore we should not seek what is expedient for the flesh.
We are not our own:
therefore, let us forget ourselves and our own interests as far as possible.
BUT WE ARE GOD’S OWN:
to Him, therefore, let us live or die.
BUT WE ARE GOD’S OWN:
therefore, let His wisdom and will dominate our actions
BUT WE ARE GOD’S OWN:
therefore let every part of our existence be directed toward Him as our only legitimate goal.
Here are some more shots:
“The object of regeneration is to manifest in the life of the believer a harmony between God’s righteousness and their obedience and thus confirm the adoption they have received as sons.” (Here, I give a shout out to Mike Graham- our obedience flows out of adoption- no pole vaulting from justification to sanctification… right?)
How about this one?
“ No one has rightly denied himself unless he has wholly resigned himself to the Lord and is willing to leave every detail to His good pleasure. IF WE PUT OURSELVES IN SUCH A MIND, THEN WHATEVER MAY HAPPEN TO US, WE SHALL NEVER FEEL MISERABLE OR ACCUSE GOD FALSELY BECAUSE OF OUR LOT”
A few more punches (hurts so good):
“We should not insist on absolute perfection of the gospel in our fellow Christians, however MUCH WE MAY STRIVE FOR IT IN OURSELVES”
This point is made so well by Jerry Bridges in the book on Calvin:
He points out that not only should we think of others before ourselves…. We should seek their advantage - Tough on ourselves and tender to others.
This is Holy Spirit empowered cross bearing.. impossible. It flows out of a confidence we have in a justification from Christ alone. We act not to merit our salvation, we act out of the fact of our salvation.
And of course, I love the Scriptural balance that Calvin always shows. He keeps us from going to unnecessary extremes.
In his writing about the ‘right use of the present life’ Calvin is quick to encourage us to live and enjoy the pleasures of life… in moderation. This is no ‘code of conduct’ it is a ‘conformity to Christ’.
In the end, he encourages me – “let us not despair because of the smallness of our accomplishment.”
Calvin's Conversion- Got Christ?
There have been a number of writers express opinions about what Calvin meant by his 'sudden conversion'.
"( Paraphrase- Since I was too stubbornly devoted to the superstitions of my religion to be easily removed from the profound abyss of mire) God, by a sudden conversion subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame, which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life."
"Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, and although I did not altogether leave off other studies, I yet pursued them with less ardor."
I love Sinclair Ferguson's quote about this:
"His language here is strikingly different from that of contemporary evangelicalism. It is hard to imagine him speaking about 'letting Jesus into my heart' or 'praying to receive Jesus': indeed, for Calvin, the movement of conversion is not 'getting Christ in' but 'getting into Christ"."
Ferguson pointed out two distinctives about this conversion:
Before conversion- he was hardened and unteachable- had a distaste for things of God
Post conversion- inflamed with desire- his mind now softened to a teachable frame- his rebellion was overcome by grace- and he had a desire to progress in 'true godliness'.
Obviously, there can be a lot of landmines here and we would do well to walk through the Scriptures on Soteriology- but this view of conversion is very important in an environment like the one I teach.
The positives of a Christian school do outweigh the negatives. But I have always believed a unintended consequence of a Christian school is a spiritual hardening that comes from those who continually reject the terms of the covenant. They are covenant breakers.
If I ever have a permanent classroom, I think I will post a sign: Jesus says in Matthew 13:12- To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. (NLT)
So I have my hard heads- they sit in mockery and judgment. I love them. I cry out to God to break their callousness and call them home. I want to improve as a teacher so that only the gospel will be the offense.
But I am not discouraged.
Who knows? My most uninterested, rebellious student could be the next John Calvin.
He just needs to get into Jesus.
"( Paraphrase- Since I was too stubbornly devoted to the superstitions of my religion to be easily removed from the profound abyss of mire) God, by a sudden conversion subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame, which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life."
"Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, and although I did not altogether leave off other studies, I yet pursued them with less ardor."
I love Sinclair Ferguson's quote about this:
"His language here is strikingly different from that of contemporary evangelicalism. It is hard to imagine him speaking about 'letting Jesus into my heart' or 'praying to receive Jesus': indeed, for Calvin, the movement of conversion is not 'getting Christ in' but 'getting into Christ"."
Ferguson pointed out two distinctives about this conversion:
Before conversion- he was hardened and unteachable- had a distaste for things of God
Post conversion- inflamed with desire- his mind now softened to a teachable frame- his rebellion was overcome by grace- and he had a desire to progress in 'true godliness'.
Obviously, there can be a lot of landmines here and we would do well to walk through the Scriptures on Soteriology- but this view of conversion is very important in an environment like the one I teach.
The positives of a Christian school do outweigh the negatives. But I have always believed a unintended consequence of a Christian school is a spiritual hardening that comes from those who continually reject the terms of the covenant. They are covenant breakers.
If I ever have a permanent classroom, I think I will post a sign: Jesus says in Matthew 13:12- To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. (NLT)
So I have my hard heads- they sit in mockery and judgment. I love them. I cry out to God to break their callousness and call them home. I want to improve as a teacher so that only the gospel will be the offense.
But I am not discouraged.
Who knows? My most uninterested, rebellious student could be the next John Calvin.
He just needs to get into Jesus.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Calvin’s College and Our Criticism
Perhaps John Calvin’s earliest memory was the tragic death of his mother when he only 4 years old.
We know that at age 11 he was sent to Paris to study at the College de la Marche which prepared him for the University of Paris. He was trained under the greatest Latin teacher of the day, Mathurin Cordier.
At that point he transferred to monastery school, “A strict establishment designed to prepare young men for the priesthood”.
Derek W.H. Thomas writes about the experience there:
“The school was situated on a street known for thieves and cutthroats, with open stinking sewers; the food was sparse and course; and the discipline severe.”
Prayers began at 4 o’clock in the morning, followed by lectures until 6. Following breakfast, the students attended the grand class from 8-10 followed by discussion.
Lunch, Bible study, then prayer.
After mid-day the students were tested on the morning work.
Break from 1-2.
They returned to classes from 3-5.
After dinner, there were more readings until bedtime at 8.
They were given 2 days a week for recreation.
John Calvin then moved to the University of Bourges to study law for 18 months. There he studied Greek and taught rhetoric.
Soon after this, Calvin’s father passed away. He was now 21 years old.
I will comment on his ministry in later posts- but John Calvin’s education prepared him to write a collection of hymns, sermons, books, and letters that fill 59 volumes of the 101 of the Reformation period. He published about 500,000 words!
Every now and then, after I say something about Calvin, one of my students will begin to ‘critique’ him. Every now and then, a bright, bold 17 year old will blast some point of Calvinism as ‘stupid’.
I just look at them, elated in their joy of dogma and debate, and think – “Bless his poor pitiful heart. God, please help him.”
Oh the joy of education- and I laugh.... I was just that way or worse.
Lord, please bless my poor pitiful heart!
We know that at age 11 he was sent to Paris to study at the College de la Marche which prepared him for the University of Paris. He was trained under the greatest Latin teacher of the day, Mathurin Cordier.
At that point he transferred to monastery school, “A strict establishment designed to prepare young men for the priesthood”.
Derek W.H. Thomas writes about the experience there:
“The school was situated on a street known for thieves and cutthroats, with open stinking sewers; the food was sparse and course; and the discipline severe.”
Prayers began at 4 o’clock in the morning, followed by lectures until 6. Following breakfast, the students attended the grand class from 8-10 followed by discussion.
Lunch, Bible study, then prayer.
After mid-day the students were tested on the morning work.
Break from 1-2.
They returned to classes from 3-5.
After dinner, there were more readings until bedtime at 8.
They were given 2 days a week for recreation.
John Calvin then moved to the University of Bourges to study law for 18 months. There he studied Greek and taught rhetoric.
Soon after this, Calvin’s father passed away. He was now 21 years old.
I will comment on his ministry in later posts- but John Calvin’s education prepared him to write a collection of hymns, sermons, books, and letters that fill 59 volumes of the 101 of the Reformation period. He published about 500,000 words!
Every now and then, after I say something about Calvin, one of my students will begin to ‘critique’ him. Every now and then, a bright, bold 17 year old will blast some point of Calvinism as ‘stupid’.
I just look at them, elated in their joy of dogma and debate, and think – “Bless his poor pitiful heart. God, please help him.”
Oh the joy of education- and I laugh.... I was just that way or worse.
Lord, please bless my poor pitiful heart!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Election, Excellence, Predestination, Motivation, and Mission
More thoughts from the book- uploaded from my blog www.jayopsis.blogspot.com
I have been reading a book about Calvin and got hit between the eyes this morning.
"If election has as its goal holiness of life, it ought to arouse and goad us eagerly to set our mind upon it than to serve as a pretext of doing nothing. What a great difference there is between these two things: to cease well-doing because election is sufficient for salvation, and to devote ourselves to the pursuit of good as the appointed goal of election." John Calvin
I think we fail if we teach election only unto salvation (stopping at new birth and conversion/justification).
Ephesians 1 is very clear: "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, _that_ we should be holy and blameless before him."
God chose me for an end... my glorification. My passionate desire to honor Him with my life and take on his mission is fuel to the flame. The 'frozen chosen'? What a sin! It is like a stillborn baby, what a tragedy.
Let's spur one another on to take on the devil again today. And at the end of the day as I lay shot up with holes from one helluva fight. Help me repent, drink in grace, and swing for the fence again tomorrow.
I want to be more holy for His namesake.
I have been reading a book about Calvin and got hit between the eyes this morning.
"If election has as its goal holiness of life, it ought to arouse and goad us eagerly to set our mind upon it than to serve as a pretext of doing nothing. What a great difference there is between these two things: to cease well-doing because election is sufficient for salvation, and to devote ourselves to the pursuit of good as the appointed goal of election." John Calvin
I think we fail if we teach election only unto salvation (stopping at new birth and conversion/justification).
Ephesians 1 is very clear: "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, _that_ we should be holy and blameless before him."
God chose me for an end... my glorification. My passionate desire to honor Him with my life and take on his mission is fuel to the flame. The 'frozen chosen'? What a sin! It is like a stillborn baby, what a tragedy.
Let's spur one another on to take on the devil again today. And at the end of the day as I lay shot up with holes from one helluva fight. Help me repent, drink in grace, and swing for the fence again tomorrow.
I want to be more holy for His namesake.
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