There is a long fought and continuing enmity between the opposing views of salvation - works or grace. However there need not be, because the bible is crystal clear on the spiritual mechanics of the subject. There is no doubt, no enigma, no riddle, no mystery to the manner by which men are saved. It is by the grace of God that we are granted our salvation . . . and grace alone.
There is no accounting system for our good works. Forgive the pun, but it doesn’t ‘work’ that way. There is no one in heaven with a calculator, keeping a running tab of all our works, good or bad. Even our good works are seen as something detestable unless done in the light of our faith in God. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." - Isaiah 64: 6
The Covenant of Works was the first covenant between God and man. Adam failed to live up to his end of the covenant. But God’s love for us would not leave us without remedy. He formed a new covenant with us, still based on ‘good works’, but those of Jesus Christ, not our own. Christ lived the perfect life. Something we could never manage to do. No amount of our own human good works can ever replace the atonement Jesus Christ’s sacrifice provided for us.
This gift of salvation thru Christ comes to us by way of God’s grace. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
" - Ephesians 2:8-9 It is for this reason that our current covenant with God is called a Covenant of Grace.
Christ provided the perfect life; our duty is to believe in Him. If we do, and only if we do, we will receive our inheritance of salvation, bought and paid for by the blood of our Lord and Savior. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." - Romans 10:9 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13
If our good works were all that was required to provide us with eternal security there would have been no need for the death of Christ. His death would have been a merit-less waste. But there is yet more to this saving faith that many persist in denying. We must, upon accepting Christ as our savior also accept Him as our Lord. In doing so we must then through our good works evidence the fact that Christ indeed lives within us. And if Christ lives within us we cannot fail to heed His command - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. - Matthew 4:17 You see how crucial Jesus saw repentance? To the end of His earthly ministry He preached the idea that without true repentance there would be no salvation!
This erroneous concept that we can do as we like as long as we don’t hurt one another is about universalism, tolerance, and inclusion. It is the "wide gate" Christ warned us about. The place where everyone is gathering because there is so much room - "Come’on in, no repentance necessary; everyone is welcome." This is truly the road to perdition. "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." - Luke 13:3
No, your works are mere evidence of the grace of God and your faith in Christ; but if you have no faith in the Christ of holy scripture, your works are worthless. May God always bless and keep you.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Strong Delusion: 2 Thessalonians 2: 11-12
And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. - 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
"God told me to . . . ." More wrongs have taken place, riding on the leathery wings of that specious declaration than most of us could ever imagine. The very phrase itself is seldom used outside the realms of Charismatic Christian sects, psychotics, and more than a few ‘jihadists.’
Genuine faith and belief in God have all too often been the target of the malicious smears and negative press of the mainstream media. Not in a small part because of the fantastic assertions of some seriously delusional people who claim that God has audibly spoken to them.
Clearly we could all agree that the words, "God spoke to me," or "God told me to . . .", could easily occupy that same area of colloquial speech such as comments like, "The shower is calling my name." That is not what I am talking about. I am referring to the erroneous and far too delusional contention that God is actually communicating in a verbal manner and "I am the only one who can hear Him!"
So, for the record, let’s be clear here - God does not now nor has He verbally communicated with any human being since the end of the Apostolic Age, and anyone who says differently is either a lunatic or a liar! Such claims always fail to find scriptural support. In other words - there is nothing in the bible that supports such nonsense. However, there is support for the truth that God no longer speaks to us through the prophets. In Hebrews 1: 1-2 - "God,
who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He as appointed heir of all things, through whom he has made the worlds . . . ." And even those loons who would have us believe that God, Himself speaks to them are violating the very words of Christ Jesus! Revelation 22:18 - I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy on this book; if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book . . . . Still want to tell us how God "spoke" to you last night? Why then do these ostensibly spiritual individuals claim they have received ‘special revelation?’ There are several possible answers: for many, the problem is that they have convinced themselves (or have been convinced by others) that genuine saving faith must be ‘experienced’ if it is to be real. They believe that they need to experience something beyond the revelation provided for us in holy scripture; something revealed only to them. This is part and parcel of the ‘strong delusion’ Paul referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. Left to their own devices they delude themselves into believing that God literally ‘speaks to them,’ in an audible voice. Now you can understand how they could twist the most sinful behavior or activity into a defendable position. After all - God told them to do it!
These spiritual miscreants merely use this outrageous claim to validate their own vile inclinations or desires. Remember: they take pleasure in unrighteousness and God is more than willing to allow them to ‘believe the lie.’
So how are we to seek God’s true will for us if He no longer audibly ‘speaks to us?’
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God
, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 We need nothing more that what holy scripture reveals to us. The "inspiration of God" also translates to "breathed by God." That would be the work of the Holy Spirit. According to the Westminster Larger Catechism, "The Holy Spirit . . . does not reveal any truth in addition to what is revealed in the Bible, but only enables the sinner to see and believe the truth already revealed in the Bible."
Despite the charges by unbelievers that faith is a fantastic and futile belief system, God has always made it clear to us that He wants no one to walk in the darkness. In fact, our Christian faith is always described in terms of ‘light’ shining through the darkness. But we cannot hope to bask in the light of God’s holy word if we are preoccupied with rolling about the floor, babbling unintelligible phrases, and suffering from strong delusions. May God always be with you.
"God told me to . . . ." More wrongs have taken place, riding on the leathery wings of that specious declaration than most of us could ever imagine. The very phrase itself is seldom used outside the realms of Charismatic Christian sects, psychotics, and more than a few ‘jihadists.’
Genuine faith and belief in God have all too often been the target of the malicious smears and negative press of the mainstream media. Not in a small part because of the fantastic assertions of some seriously delusional people who claim that God has audibly spoken to them.
Clearly we could all agree that the words, "God spoke to me," or "God told me to . . .", could easily occupy that same area of colloquial speech such as comments like, "The shower is calling my name." That is not what I am talking about. I am referring to the erroneous and far too delusional contention that God is actually communicating in a verbal manner and "I am the only one who can hear Him!"
So, for the record, let’s be clear here - God does not now nor has He verbally communicated with any human being since the end of the Apostolic Age, and anyone who says differently is either a lunatic or a liar! Such claims always fail to find scriptural support. In other words - there is nothing in the bible that supports such nonsense. However, there is support for the truth that God no longer speaks to us through the prophets. In Hebrews 1: 1-2 - "God,
who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He as appointed heir of all things, through whom he has made the worlds . . . ." And even those loons who would have us believe that God, Himself speaks to them are violating the very words of Christ Jesus! Revelation 22:18 - I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy on this book; if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book . . . . Still want to tell us how God "spoke" to you last night? Why then do these ostensibly spiritual individuals claim they have received ‘special revelation?’ There are several possible answers: for many, the problem is that they have convinced themselves (or have been convinced by others) that genuine saving faith must be ‘experienced’ if it is to be real. They believe that they need to experience something beyond the revelation provided for us in holy scripture; something revealed only to them. This is part and parcel of the ‘strong delusion’ Paul referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. Left to their own devices they delude themselves into believing that God literally ‘speaks to them,’ in an audible voice. Now you can understand how they could twist the most sinful behavior or activity into a defendable position. After all - God told them to do it!
These spiritual miscreants merely use this outrageous claim to validate their own vile inclinations or desires. Remember: they take pleasure in unrighteousness and God is more than willing to allow them to ‘believe the lie.’
So how are we to seek God’s true will for us if He no longer audibly ‘speaks to us?’
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God
, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 We need nothing more that what holy scripture reveals to us. The "inspiration of God" also translates to "breathed by God." That would be the work of the Holy Spirit. According to the Westminster Larger Catechism, "The Holy Spirit . . . does not reveal any truth in addition to what is revealed in the Bible, but only enables the sinner to see and believe the truth already revealed in the Bible."
Despite the charges by unbelievers that faith is a fantastic and futile belief system, God has always made it clear to us that He wants no one to walk in the darkness. In fact, our Christian faith is always described in terms of ‘light’ shining through the darkness. But we cannot hope to bask in the light of God’s holy word if we are preoccupied with rolling about the floor, babbling unintelligible phrases, and suffering from strong delusions. May God always be with you.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Humble Heart - 1 Peter 5: 5-6
1 Peter 5: 5-6: Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility towards one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.
We often encounter it daily. The brash and often outlandish self-inflating ego who, at best we simply learn to ignore and at worst, forces us to walk away. I never could understand why it was so important for some people to "toot their own horn." Were they ignored as children? Is it a part of an immaturity that they simply can’t grow out of? Was it fostered into them by doting parents?
None of us enjoy being around a braggart. This self-inflating type of posturing is boring and will try the patience of even the most Godly man or woman. And excusing one’s self-boasting with a quip such as, "You know I’m only kidding," works once, but when the kidding becomes incessant then it is a safe bet that you are experiencing the exhibition of this individual’s sinful pride.
Pride was the first sin and that’s why it is so diabolical. It was Satan’s sin and all other sins have their root in it. Consistent self-inflation can accurately be described as a sinful lifestyle. The surest and truest sense of self-esteem doesn’t come from patting one’s self on the back or boasting about one’s accomplishments; it comes from the possession of a contrite and humble heart. A truly humble heart needs no "ego re-enforcement or reassurance;" all its needs are provided for by the grace of God. And sufficient grace is given to those who will humble themselves before their fellow man and God.
James 4: 6- But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
God sees strength in our weaknesses, not our feigned strengths -
1 Corinthians 1: 27 - "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. . . ."
If we will but humble our selves and refuse to let pride raise its ugly head in our lives God’s promise of grace and glorification can be assured to all who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Self-flattery rings hollow and only the perpetrator hears soothing music; the rest of us just hear the noise.
James 4: 10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
We often encounter it daily. The brash and often outlandish self-inflating ego who, at best we simply learn to ignore and at worst, forces us to walk away. I never could understand why it was so important for some people to "toot their own horn." Were they ignored as children? Is it a part of an immaturity that they simply can’t grow out of? Was it fostered into them by doting parents?
None of us enjoy being around a braggart. This self-inflating type of posturing is boring and will try the patience of even the most Godly man or woman. And excusing one’s self-boasting with a quip such as, "You know I’m only kidding," works once, but when the kidding becomes incessant then it is a safe bet that you are experiencing the exhibition of this individual’s sinful pride.
Pride was the first sin and that’s why it is so diabolical. It was Satan’s sin and all other sins have their root in it. Consistent self-inflation can accurately be described as a sinful lifestyle. The surest and truest sense of self-esteem doesn’t come from patting one’s self on the back or boasting about one’s accomplishments; it comes from the possession of a contrite and humble heart. A truly humble heart needs no "ego re-enforcement or reassurance;" all its needs are provided for by the grace of God. And sufficient grace is given to those who will humble themselves before their fellow man and God.
James 4: 6- But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
God sees strength in our weaknesses, not our feigned strengths -
1 Corinthians 1: 27 - "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. . . ."
If we will but humble our selves and refuse to let pride raise its ugly head in our lives God’s promise of grace and glorification can be assured to all who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Self-flattery rings hollow and only the perpetrator hears soothing music; the rest of us just hear the noise.
James 4: 10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
With Righteous Judgment - John 7:24
As for passages from scripture most often misused and misinterpreted, Matthew 7:1 ranks among the highest. "Judge not, that you be not judged." Misused by unbelievers and Christians alike, the passage is usually seen in a vacuum, by itself, and completely out of context. The abusers of this verse choose to see it as a solitary accusation against anyone who would try to practice a bit of discernment or Godly discrimination.
The accusers fail to even see it in light of the very next verse, Matt 7:2 - "For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." They seldom regard this secondary caveat either out of ignorance of holy scripture or because it suggests or implies that there may very well be instances and situations that require us to discern (judge) the actions or behavior of others.
Scripture is ripe with cautions about judging others; and well it should be, especially considering the ease with which many of us slip into harsh self-righteous legalism. However, there is one passage in scripture that those who love to fall back on Matt 7:1 will not, under any circumstances ever quote. John 7:24 - "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with
righteous judgment." God wants; no, God expects us to use critical discernment when it comes to spiritual issues. We are not to walk blindly in order to avoid the pitfall of possibly pre-judging someone or their actions. He merely wants us to avoid judging simply by the appearance of someone or their actions.
The Greek word for ‘righteous’ comes from the word ‘dikē’ or ‘self-evident.’ A person’s words and actions are all that’s often needed to convict them. Sometimes it requires no judgment on our part at all to discern that a person is culpable. Their actions speak volumes and thus their motivations are self-evident. Look at it another way - were someone to tell you they would meet you at 3 o’clock would it be unrighteous on your part to assume they will do as they said? You would merely be relying on that individual’s verbalized intent. There is no legalism involved here nor is there any unrighteous judgment involved. And if you’re a person true to your word and prompt, it is a measure you would not fear to be judged by.
You see, we only have a person’s word (verbalized intent) or actions to grasp their position. We can’t read their minds and we can’t know their hearts; only God can do that. So we are left with trusting their words and observing their actions to determine their intent. That is not a judgment we are forbidden to make. In fact, it is specifically this type of judgment that God expects us to make.
This is not to say for even the breathe of a moment that we can never take something at face-value. In a war-time situation the appearance of the enemy in the enemy’s uniform, with his rifle aimed at you is probably going to be one of those moments that a judgment by appearance may be exactly what is called for. If your intention is to live, of course. There will certainly be times in our lives that ‘it is what it is,’ and we are not to forfeit our duty to exercise some Godly discrimination..
Righteous judgment is what God expects of us and when exercised with Godly intentions it is correct to make the call. And be sure that you are never again held hostage by an errant passage from scripture being utilized by someone who hasn’t got the foggiest idea what it really means. May God bless you and keep you.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Where Lies Your Treasure? Matt 6:21
"For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also." - Matt 6:21
There is a man who can recite every statistic for his favorite sports teams. He can recall anything you might ever want to know about the players, the games, the history, right down to where each of the players attended college. He is, in fact, so engrossed in his past-time that he has even festooned the walls of a spare room in his home with every manner of photograph and team memento and token until he has turned the room into a veritable shrine to his obsession. Yet he cannot recite the Ten Commandments.
At face value the man has committed no crime, except for the notion that he calls himself, "a Christian." And therein lies the problem. You see, aside from the monies spent to enshrine his obsession, his time - more precious than money - is frivolously wasted away on the endeavor. Time better spent doing what? Time better spent glorifying God.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that man’s end or chief purpose in life is to glorify God, not man nor any of countless other idols. The simple taking of pleasure in an ostensibly harmless mundane hobby is not sinful as long as it doesn’t become the "heart," or center or focus of our lives. That place must be reserved for God and no other.
The damage or sin comes from one’s total preoccupation and devotion to the earthly obsession. Such enthusiasm must be reserved for and directed toward God, and God alone. This kind of passion for earthly things is patently idolatrous and easily recognizable. You see, in his conversations and communications no matter where they start or go to they always inevitably return to his obsession. We have all heard the phrase, "Oh, so-and-so is worshiping at the altar of ___________." I intentionally left the last word blank because there are so many idols we could worship - money, sex, celebrity, cars, and the list goes on. Such behavior, even by carnal human standards displays a monomania that strains the closest bonds between family and friends who might not share the enthusiasm.
In the end, the shrine he has built and all it trappings, both physical and spiritual, fall away into dust. Only God and the things of God are eternal. Only God deserves our glorification.
Can you imagine, even for a moment, the excuse this man would give you if confronted with his singleness of mind and purpose as opposed to his relationship with God? It would be unfair of us to expect a plausible explanation.
"Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart (the center of your being), with all your soul (your very breath), and with all your mind (your understanding). This is the first and greatest commandment.’" - Matt 22:37 - 38
Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? Do you try to glorify God in all you do? Do you at least lean toward Him in your daily activity?
Our God is a jealous God and will not take second place to anything in our lives. He must be our primary and daily focus.
"Thou shalt have none other gods before Me." - Deuteronomy 5:7
God bless you and keep you.
There is a man who can recite every statistic for his favorite sports teams. He can recall anything you might ever want to know about the players, the games, the history, right down to where each of the players attended college. He is, in fact, so engrossed in his past-time that he has even festooned the walls of a spare room in his home with every manner of photograph and team memento and token until he has turned the room into a veritable shrine to his obsession. Yet he cannot recite the Ten Commandments.
At face value the man has committed no crime, except for the notion that he calls himself, "a Christian." And therein lies the problem. You see, aside from the monies spent to enshrine his obsession, his time - more precious than money - is frivolously wasted away on the endeavor. Time better spent doing what? Time better spent glorifying God.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that man’s end or chief purpose in life is to glorify God, not man nor any of countless other idols. The simple taking of pleasure in an ostensibly harmless mundane hobby is not sinful as long as it doesn’t become the "heart," or center or focus of our lives. That place must be reserved for God and no other.
The damage or sin comes from one’s total preoccupation and devotion to the earthly obsession. Such enthusiasm must be reserved for and directed toward God, and God alone. This kind of passion for earthly things is patently idolatrous and easily recognizable. You see, in his conversations and communications no matter where they start or go to they always inevitably return to his obsession. We have all heard the phrase, "Oh, so-and-so is worshiping at the altar of ___________." I intentionally left the last word blank because there are so many idols we could worship - money, sex, celebrity, cars, and the list goes on. Such behavior, even by carnal human standards displays a monomania that strains the closest bonds between family and friends who might not share the enthusiasm.
In the end, the shrine he has built and all it trappings, both physical and spiritual, fall away into dust. Only God and the things of God are eternal. Only God deserves our glorification.
Can you imagine, even for a moment, the excuse this man would give you if confronted with his singleness of mind and purpose as opposed to his relationship with God? It would be unfair of us to expect a plausible explanation.
"Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart (the center of your being), with all your soul (your very breath), and with all your mind (your understanding). This is the first and greatest commandment.’" - Matt 22:37 - 38
Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? Do you try to glorify God in all you do? Do you at least lean toward Him in your daily activity?
Our God is a jealous God and will not take second place to anything in our lives. He must be our primary and daily focus.
"Thou shalt have none other gods before Me." - Deuteronomy 5:7
God bless you and keep you.
Friday, April 26, 2013
A Mistake of Law
A mistake of law: an incorrect opinion resulting from an erroneous evaluation of the law and is no legal defense.
I offer the above definition to introduce one of the most common misconceptions making "the circuit" these days among nominal Christians. Comments such as, "I just think that if you’re a good person you will go to heaven." Or, "Live your life the (morally) best that you can and you will go to heaven," are the manifestations of this mistake of the law. I think a little background will help clarify this doctrinal error.
In general, the above comments refer to Christ’s compression of the Ten Commandments or, the Law - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Webster’s defines "law" as - a rule of conduct or action established by custom or laid down and enforced by a governing authority. For our purposes this authority is God.
According to our misguided friends, God has placed a number of laws before us that require our observance and obedience. It is their erroneous assertion that following and obeying these "God-given laws" is all that is required to get them into heaven. Many of my Catholic friends are under this fallacious notion. But a closer understanding of this common misunderstanding reveals quite a different outcome.
When we follow, obey, or abide by "the law" we are merely doing what is expected of us. The Law is not some lofty goal with the crown of heaven awaiting those who best comply with it. The Law doesn’t make us good and it doesn’t make us holy; it is the bare minimum standard of behavior for human decency and compassion. In other words - obeying the law is what we’re supposed to do!
I’ve heard parents talk of giving their graduating high-schooler a new car or a grand sum of cash for graduating from high-school; something he or she was expected to do in the first place. It was something they were supposed to do. Now consider the consequence of such an unwarranted and unearned present. First, it gives the young person the idea that by simply meeting their obligations great rewards will follow. Again, simply because they did what they were supposed to do they mistakenly believe they have earned something special. We can now see the error in the logic.
But enough digression. Let us now move to the center of the issue: salvation. Salvation is not a present. A present is something that is earned - i.e., a presentation received for meritorious service, etc. A present can also be given to someone based on a tradition or custom such as a birthday or a wedding anniversary. No, salvation is not a present; it is a gift. A gift is an unearned reward. You do nothing to receive a gift. It is bestowed upon you because the giver cares enough about you to give it to you freely. A gift comes to you through the grace of the giver. For our purposes this giver is God. And God freely decides who has been elected to salvation. In other words: your salvation is beyond any power you imagine you have.
"But!" You object, "I treat everyone with generosity and kindness." You’re supposed to! Remember; your behavior, no matter how good is no lofty example of "saving behavior". There is no such thing. As I stated earlier; it is the base-line minimum standard of human decency. If you’re not practicing these bare minimums you’re practicing greed, pride, hatred, apathy, avarice and a number of other "less than desirable character traits." But let us assume for a moment that you do attempt to obey the Law. Can you honestly say that you keep every aspect of the Law? I would refer you to James 2:10 - "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
The Puritan writer, Ralph Venning perhaps makes the point even clearer -
"If any one of these (laws) is transgressed, it is against the will of God which runs through them like a silken string through many pearls, for if that is cut or broken in only one place, the whole is broken." In other words, if you break the law in one place; you’ve broken it . . . period.
Have I convinced you yet that the Law cannot "save you?" Calvinist theologian, John Murray had this to say about the effect of the Law. "Law can do nothing to justify the person who in any particular has violated its sanctity and come under its curse. Law, as law, has no expiatory provision; it exercises no forgiving grace . . . It can do nothing to relieve the bondage of sin; it accentuates and confirms the bondage."
Your next question might be - "If obeying the Law cannot save me then what is it’s purpose?" Paul gives the clearest answer to the enigma in Romans 3:20 - "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight since through the law comes knowledge of sin."
That’s it. The Law merely shows us what sin is. And as our opening definition clearly states - mistaking its purpose is no legal defense. In other words, on judgment day we will not be able to use the excuse that we misunderstood the law. And of your good works? Like "filthy rags," - Isaiah 64:6.
I am now hoping that you have come to ‘the question,’ - "If obeying the Law doesn’t assure my eternal salvation, then what does?" Remember that "gift" I mentioned earlier?
God, in His mercy and infinite love for us even as we are sinners (law breakers) has offered us assurance of our salvation in His son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All we must do is believe in Him. Christ is the gift that God gave us for our eternal salvation.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) And what of the Law? As I stated earlier - the Law is still the bottom line basic standard of human decency and should be followed as best we can. After we have been justified by the atoning death of Christ, following the Law as best we can is evidence that we have truly received "saving faith." But merely doing our human best to obey the Law (good works) and being "good people" cannot save us. That notion is a mistake of Law. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that can save us. God bless you all and keep you. Amen.
I offer the above definition to introduce one of the most common misconceptions making "the circuit" these days among nominal Christians. Comments such as, "I just think that if you’re a good person you will go to heaven." Or, "Live your life the (morally) best that you can and you will go to heaven," are the manifestations of this mistake of the law. I think a little background will help clarify this doctrinal error.
In general, the above comments refer to Christ’s compression of the Ten Commandments or, the Law - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Webster’s defines "law" as - a rule of conduct or action established by custom or laid down and enforced by a governing authority. For our purposes this authority is God.
According to our misguided friends, God has placed a number of laws before us that require our observance and obedience. It is their erroneous assertion that following and obeying these "God-given laws" is all that is required to get them into heaven. Many of my Catholic friends are under this fallacious notion. But a closer understanding of this common misunderstanding reveals quite a different outcome.
When we follow, obey, or abide by "the law" we are merely doing what is expected of us. The Law is not some lofty goal with the crown of heaven awaiting those who best comply with it. The Law doesn’t make us good and it doesn’t make us holy; it is the bare minimum standard of behavior for human decency and compassion. In other words - obeying the law is what we’re supposed to do!
I’ve heard parents talk of giving their graduating high-schooler a new car or a grand sum of cash for graduating from high-school; something he or she was expected to do in the first place. It was something they were supposed to do. Now consider the consequence of such an unwarranted and unearned present. First, it gives the young person the idea that by simply meeting their obligations great rewards will follow. Again, simply because they did what they were supposed to do they mistakenly believe they have earned something special. We can now see the error in the logic.
But enough digression. Let us now move to the center of the issue: salvation. Salvation is not a present. A present is something that is earned - i.e., a presentation received for meritorious service, etc. A present can also be given to someone based on a tradition or custom such as a birthday or a wedding anniversary. No, salvation is not a present; it is a gift. A gift is an unearned reward. You do nothing to receive a gift. It is bestowed upon you because the giver cares enough about you to give it to you freely. A gift comes to you through the grace of the giver. For our purposes this giver is God. And God freely decides who has been elected to salvation. In other words: your salvation is beyond any power you imagine you have.
"But!" You object, "I treat everyone with generosity and kindness." You’re supposed to! Remember; your behavior, no matter how good is no lofty example of "saving behavior". There is no such thing. As I stated earlier; it is the base-line minimum standard of human decency. If you’re not practicing these bare minimums you’re practicing greed, pride, hatred, apathy, avarice and a number of other "less than desirable character traits." But let us assume for a moment that you do attempt to obey the Law. Can you honestly say that you keep every aspect of the Law? I would refer you to James 2:10 - "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
The Puritan writer, Ralph Venning perhaps makes the point even clearer -
"If any one of these (laws) is transgressed, it is against the will of God which runs through them like a silken string through many pearls, for if that is cut or broken in only one place, the whole is broken." In other words, if you break the law in one place; you’ve broken it . . . period.
Have I convinced you yet that the Law cannot "save you?" Calvinist theologian, John Murray had this to say about the effect of the Law. "Law can do nothing to justify the person who in any particular has violated its sanctity and come under its curse. Law, as law, has no expiatory provision; it exercises no forgiving grace . . . It can do nothing to relieve the bondage of sin; it accentuates and confirms the bondage."
Your next question might be - "If obeying the Law cannot save me then what is it’s purpose?" Paul gives the clearest answer to the enigma in Romans 3:20 - "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight since through the law comes knowledge of sin."
That’s it. The Law merely shows us what sin is. And as our opening definition clearly states - mistaking its purpose is no legal defense. In other words, on judgment day we will not be able to use the excuse that we misunderstood the law. And of your good works? Like "filthy rags," - Isaiah 64:6.
I am now hoping that you have come to ‘the question,’ - "If obeying the Law doesn’t assure my eternal salvation, then what does?" Remember that "gift" I mentioned earlier?
God, in His mercy and infinite love for us even as we are sinners (law breakers) has offered us assurance of our salvation in His son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All we must do is believe in Him. Christ is the gift that God gave us for our eternal salvation.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) And what of the Law? As I stated earlier - the Law is still the bottom line basic standard of human decency and should be followed as best we can. After we have been justified by the atoning death of Christ, following the Law as best we can is evidence that we have truly received "saving faith." But merely doing our human best to obey the Law (good works) and being "good people" cannot save us. That notion is a mistake of Law. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that can save us. God bless you all and keep you. Amen.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Hope, Inheritance, and Power - Ephesians 1:17-20
Hope, Inheritance, and Power - Ephesians 1:17-20
What are "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints?" 1 Peter 1:3 - 5 tells us, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Our inheritance is the eternal salvation provided for us by the atoning death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Finally, what of "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe?" Most often our human pride resists the overtures of God. Our hearts and heads are hardened by the "prince of the world" - Satan. Our fallen human nature denies the holiness of God and demands that we live according to the flesh. How great is the power that God exerts upon us to change our unbelieving hearts? How strong is the power of God’s effectual call that makes a saint of a sinner? God’s power is so great that we cannot resist it when He calls us to Him. If we can resist the call of God then God has not called us.
In God we have the hope of our faith, the inheritance of our salvation, and the power of God which calls us, saves us, justifies us, sanctifies us, and keeps us eternally.
May the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ be always with you. Amen.
Reading Ephesians, I was drawn to Paul’s powerful prayer for discernment in 1:17 - 20. He begins the verse by asking God to give us the "spirit of wisdom;" the "revelation in the knowledge of Him;" and the "eyes of (our) understanding being enlightened," so that we may know - 1) What is the hope of His calling? (2) What are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (i.e believers)? And (3) What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe? Paul’s prayer is for believers to be blessed with wisdom, revelation, and knowledge and enlightenment. The purpose is for us to be able to clearly see, comprehend, and be assured of God’s promises to us and that our faith is not frivolous.
What is this "hope of His calling?" First, let us define "hope" as used here in scripture. The hope described here is not a mere desire but the actual basis or ground upon which we place our trust and expectations. This hope is actually the very foundation of our faith. And "of His calling?" That Godly calling is not the general calling given to all men in the gospel, but the inward or effectual calling that comes from our heavenly Father via His mercy and grace. As Paul so succinctly put it - "Whom He did predestined, He also called: and whom he called, He also justified." (Romans 8:30) What are "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints?" 1 Peter 1:3 - 5 tells us, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Our inheritance is the eternal salvation provided for us by the atoning death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Finally, what of "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe?" Most often our human pride resists the overtures of God. Our hearts and heads are hardened by the "prince of the world" - Satan. Our fallen human nature denies the holiness of God and demands that we live according to the flesh. How great is the power that God exerts upon us to change our unbelieving hearts? How strong is the power of God’s effectual call that makes a saint of a sinner? God’s power is so great that we cannot resist it when He calls us to Him. If we can resist the call of God then God has not called us.
In God we have the hope of our faith, the inheritance of our salvation, and the power of God which calls us, saves us, justifies us, sanctifies us, and keeps us eternally.
May the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ be always with you. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)