Some Preliminary Thoughts About Miracles

First posted on Pastoral Musings.

Many years ago one of the fundamentals of the faith that the historic fundamentalists contended for was that Christ truly performed miracles. Sometime in the future I shall deal with this issue more in depth, the Lord willing. At this point I would simply like to point out a few things that should be considered about miracles in general.

1. Jesus Himself spoke of the miracles that He did as being real. (Jn 10:37,38;14:11-13) To deny miracles is to deny the words of Jesus. One must deny the truthfulness of Jesus’ statement. Of course, one could always enter into the higher critical mode and declare that those were words attributed to Jesus and not something He truly spoke. When we do that, we open up even another can of worms. The problem simply grows larger the harder one works to deny the miraculous.

2. To deny the miraculous is to deny much of the history of the book of Acts as well as the Gospels and even the teaching of some of the Pauline epistles. To top it off, one would also have to deny much of the content of the book of Revelation and of the Old Testament, too.

3. Of course, one would also have much to deny about the nature of God if they reject the supernatural. What kind of god is it that cannot/does not perform miracles? What kind of god is not supernatural?

4. Finally, one would have to be God to truly be able to state conclusively that miracles do not happen. They would have to be both omnipresent and omniscient to ever be able to truly make that statement. All of our experience deals with our short life. God is timeless and is not limited by time and space constraints. He knows all things, too. He alone is omniscient and omnipresent. We will never have enough knowledge to declare conclusively that miracles do not happen, or that they have never happened.

This leaves us with the necessity (if we are to be intellectually honest) of at least allowing for the possibility of miracles.

Just musing…

NC Church Burns Bibles On Halloween

A few weeks ago we posted about a North Carolina church that planned to burn Bibles and other Christian materials on Halloween.

I had hoped that the media coverage would have made them slink back into their cave like a member of the Taliban, but it seems to truly have taken place.

The Wall Street Journal has an article about this event and has titled it Burnt Offerings.

What irony!

You see, it was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg. This act is marked as the official beginning of the Protestant Reformation. One of the hallmarks of the Reformation is the fact that the Scriptures were translated into the vulgar, or common, language. No longer was it locked up in Latin and inaccessible to the common man.

While we respect and love the King James Version we must say that the burning of Bibles is more in tune with Halloween than it is with Reformation Day and Reformation faith. There is more satanic movement behind the burning of Bibles than there is true, Biblical faith and principle.

As a Burnt Offering the burning of Bibles is more in line with the wicked act of king Jehoiakim instead of the spirit of righteous Jeremiah.

Let it thus be stated, then, that the Burnt Offering of Amazing Grace Baptist Church is unacceptable to God, and is probably akin to the strange/foreign fire of Nadab and Abihu.

Mohler on Separation from Heretics

No doubt the Bible speaks of both unity and separation. Often the case is oversimplified: fundamentalists emphasize separation too much while evangelicals emphasize unity too much. I think there are many exceptions to this, and whether one wants to be called a fundamentalist or evangelical is, honestly, irrelevant to me. I think any Christian and church should strive for a biblical balance between these two concepts. Does Dr. Mohler find that balance in his response here? Why or why not?

Church Still Works by Paul Chappell And Clayton Reed

Interesting interview here on Ed Stetzer’s blog.

Paul Chappell has teamed with Clayton Reed to write a book called Church Still Works.

If you’ve read it, give us your impression.

Fundamentalism Being Redefined?

I recently received a letter from my Bible College Chancellor that was sent to all the graduates of Golden State Baptist College and in the letter, concern was expressed about the redefinition of fundamentalism. The part of the letter that really got my attention was:

“Before our very eyes, fundamentalism is being redefined; and so many are buying into it hook, line and sinker. It shocks and horrifies me. So much of what we see in the name of fundamentalism and old-time religion today would have been fought by Lester Roloff, John Rice, Jack Hyles, Oliver B Greene, Harold Sightler, Lee Roberson, Tom Malone, Curtis Hudson and others like them. I am alarmed at the rapid decline of our churches and at the acceptance of the modern, user-friendly approach (which by the way, is bringing in the crowds, but will never preserve a nation).”

Several questions come to mind when I read this letter.
First – What does he mean by fundamentalism being redefined? If it’s what folks like us are trying to do on this blog, then I rejoice that an impact on those in hysteric fundamentalism is being made that causes them fear. But we don’t have big churches and Bible colleges, so I kinda doubt it. He mentioned the “user-friendly” church; is that what Fundamentalism is being redefined into? Can anyone point to where that is happening? Where is Rick Warrenism redefining fundamentalism? I guess you could look at TTU and Highland Park Baptist Church, but it’s already pretty obvious that they have totally defected from Fundamentalism.

Second – Is he making reference to the “young fundamentalist” movement that is emerging mostly among those who are in the GARBC, FBFI, BJU Maranatha and Northland circles? They are in such a minority in comparison to them and they are almost completely ignored.

Third – What does he mean by rapid decline of our churches? According to Paul Chappell’s latest book ‘Church Still Works’, Independent Baptist Churches are growing. Perhaps he’s referring to the West Coast Baptist College style of fundamentalism? They’re a little more tech savvy and a little less extreme than the “Hyles” stream which could very well constitute as being “user friendly”, especially when you use screens to project the lyrics of your hymns. *gasp*

What do you think this concern is really about?

A Fundamentalist Future?

Dr. Jeff Straub of Central Seminary in Minneapolis has a 4 part series now finished over at Sharper Iron on the future of fundamentalism.  He has some good things to say and his series is worth reading.  (Go read his series: part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4)

Now, I’m a sucker for charts (is that bred into me from being raised a Baptist dispensational fundamentalist?).  And the series includes a really good one.  It is a taxonomy of Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism.  Per the chart most of us blogging here would be considered “New Image Fundamentalists”.  A few of us may be more at home currently, in the “Evangelical Right” or “Historic Fundamentalist” categories, I’m not sure.  I thought his description of “Hyper Fundamentalists” is pretty spot on.

What are your thoughts on this series and the chart in particular?  Should fundamentalism worry about its future?  Should we?

How The Doctrines of Grace Will Change Your Life

Romans 8:28-31
Introduction: This doctrine is one that is usually ignored by many preachers because of the objections that it raises in our carnal minds against the sovereignty of God in everything. However, when you submit your mind to scripture and let this truth sink deep into your being, you will find that there is a whole level of gratefulness, security, and wonder in salvation that you never knew before.

1. The Promise of His Purpose
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

A. Optimism in All Things
This text begins with confidence and ends with it – we know! This is certainty about God’s sovereignty over all things work together for the good. God seems to allow a lot of bad things happen that seem to have no purpose or no good outcome as a result. It could lead to despair and worry if you did not have the hope that you were in God’s loving gracious favor. Even if you believe you have been given grace to be saved, you still may doubt that all the things that happen in your life are for a good purpose. However, Paul tells us we can know for sure that all things, not most, some or a few things, but all of them work together for good.

B. The Objects of Goodness
This promise of all things working out for good is not for everyone. It is specifically made to one group of people: those who love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. The two descriptions are not two types of people; this was two ways of describing the same people. Those who love God are those who are “the called” according to His purpose.

I want you to see those two words “the called” and mark them in your Bible. There is a special kind of calling that happens to those who are believers. When you trusted Christ, you were called, beckoned, summoned by God to come to Him and you believed and came.

1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Now, you might be thinking: “isn’t every one called to salvation? Doesn’t God call out to whosoever? Yes, he does and this is what is known as the general call. It is spoken of by Christ in Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

The general call is necessary so that the chosen will respond to that call through what is known as “effectual calling”. This is the kind of calling being spoken of in these passages mentioned. It is the kind of sovereign calling of God that summons us out of darkness into light. When you believed, it was because you were being called to Christ and He made you willing to repent and come to Him.
It is no wonder that those who are ‘the called’ are those who love God! 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
This calling us unto salvation is according to His own purpose. The ultimate purpose of God is His own glory. We who are saved, were called to salvation with that purpose in mind.

2. The Predestination of His Purpose
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

How did this calling take place? Why did God choose to call me and not someone else? On what basis did God make his choice to call us? The next two verses spell that out for us clearly. Paul begins at the very first step which takes you all the way back into eternity. Verse 29 tells us that they whom He called were those whom he did predestinate. Their calling was predestined. What is predestination? We will explore all of these terms. Keep going back down the chain and you will see that predestination was determined on the basis of foreknowledge. That is where it all began and it is where we will begin.

A. Foreknowledge – pro-gnosko: Pro is the antecedent that means ‘before’ in order and time. Gnosko is the Greek word for knowledge. God’s knowledge of those whom he would predestinate was knowledge beforehand. This is the most critical point to understand because there are two schools of thought on what “to foreknow” actually means.
a. The Arminian View – to know one’s decision to believe before hand and upon that basis, predestine to call and save that person. This is informational knowledge.
b. The Calvinist View – to know the person beforehand and upon that basis, predestinate, call and save that person. This is relational knowledge.

So which one is it? Why does it matter? It matters a great deal because it will affect the way you view everything! Let’s look at the implications of the first:

The Arminian View: If God foreknows your decision then His choosing of you is dependent upon you ultimately. This also compromises God’s independence and makes him dependent upon you for His choosing and not ultimately according to His purposes. This view also compromises God’s power since events in the future are foreseen independently from God’s decrees and it makes God have to construct His will around the events that He sees coming.
The other implication of this view is that it goes against what the Bible clearly teaches about man’s nature – dead, hostile, enmity, corrupt – because it keeps man’s will totally neutral and unaffected from original sin. It gives man’s free will liberty and power to choose against his own nature which the Bible clearly says he cannot. Because of this view of free-will; then evangelism tends to become a quest to manipulate men’s wills to simply make a decision instead of seeking for his regeneration. This view sees his decision as the precondition for regeneration.

The Calvinist View: Foreknowledge according to the Calvinist view is not knowledge of information, but knowledge of relationship and knowledge of predetermination. This idea of foreknowledge fits the biblical use of the word in the few passages where the word is used:

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
This verse teaches that God predetermined Jesus’ death on the cross, He didn’t foresee it.

Romans 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.
In speaking of the Jewish people, God has known His people beforehand, this is a knowledge of relationship that was predetermined in the eternal counsels of God.

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
So, those who are elect or chosen are chosen on the basis of God’s foreknowledge: predetermined relationship that He had with them before they were even created.

For further information on this idea, study the use of the word “ginosko” in the New Testament and you will see that it is almost always used in an intimate knowledge of someone. Matthew 1:25 And (Joseph) knew her (Mary) not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
This doesn’t mean that Joseph didn’t know who Mary was; it means that they didn’t come together intimately as husband and wife.
We see this used in knowing and not knowing in: Galatians 4:8-9 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

To summarize this then, foreknowledge is God’s predetermined intimate knowledge and relationship with His people before He ever created them. In God’s mind and heart, there have always been a people of God whom He has loved, and He has known them from eternity past. It is on this basis that they are chosen ‘elect’ and predestined to be conformed into the image of Christ and so on.
This view keeps God’s independence uncompromised – he chooses according to His own good will and pleasure and is bound to nobody’s decision but His own.
This view keeps God’s sovereignty uncompromised – he does not have to accommodate His will to the wills of His creatures who make decisions independently of His ultimate control.
This view makes salvation a truly free gift of grace since there was no preconditions to whom God would give it. This makes man completely and utterly dependent upon God for every aspect of His salvation, even his faith to accept God’s gift. This view does not compromise man’s free will either as some would contend because man is not forced to believe against his desires, God changes his desires so that man then freely chooses. (And God has the right and the ability to change those desires without man’s permission – if He needed permission, man’s opposite desire would always say no.)

B. Election
In our text, the word election is not stated. He goes from foreknowledge to predestination without mentioning election. It would be like mentioning a baseball player running from first base to home plate without mentioning second or third base since it’s already common knowledge that you’d have to pass those bases in order to get to home base. But we can fill in the blank by using 1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.
People are chosen by God for salvation on the sole basis of God’s pre-knowledge of them. There is no other reason given. This is why it is called “unconditional election” because the only condition for our election is God’s free will and gracious mysterious sovereign purposes that are past finding out.

This is seen clearly in the following text:
Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Predestination is based on election which is based on foreknowledge. We have been chosen for predestination and predestination is God’s plan for the individual which includes justification, sanctification and glorification.

Ephesians 1:9-12 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 ¶ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

When you start asking yourself: “why me? Why not him/her?” the only answer you can have biblically is that it was according to His good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself who works all things after the counsel of his own will. It is not for you to know, it is for you to accept and bow down in humble gratefulness that God loved you in this special “redeeming love” before the foundation of the world.
Some try to say that election isn’t being chosen for salvation, but for “blessings”. That is half true, because the “blessings” that are being spoken of include salvation! This text could not make it more clear:

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself – “this isn’t fair! Everyone should have the right to choose for himself first! It’s not fair that God makes that decision first. Doesn’t that make my decision to trust Christ not a decision at all?” When your corrupt, autonomous, independent sinful mind starts to think these thoughts which will naturally happen to all of us, God has an answer to your objections:

Romans 9:9-15 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
The charge of God being unfair is like the pot calling the tea kettle black. All human beings deserve nothing but hell! That would be fair. So, who are you to questions God’s mercy if He chooses to show it to only a few to whom He has decided to show it? That’s the point of this passage. God has the freedom and right to show compassion on whomsoever He chooses and is not under obligation to show it to anyone else.

Romans 9:19-23 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
So the next objection was anticipated: then if God has already chosen, doesn’t that make my choice null and void? How could my choice really be mine? And if God has chosen not to save others, then how can He find fault in their unbelief since it was predetermined?
To this question the Apostle Paul gives a reply which is even more offensive and inflaming! Essentially his answer to the question is not to explain it so it will be reasonable to you; his answer is “Shut your mouth! Who do you think you are to question God’s purposes?”

Then in verse 22 he gives a hypothetical situation and asks “what would you think of God if this were the case?”: 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Would this be unfair, unjust and cruel if God had predetermined to make his glory known by showing grace to those whom he has before prepared for glory by contrasting his grace against the backdrop of His wrath against those whose rebellion he has put up with for the sole purpose of making his power known in their destruction? Does God reserve the right to do this for His own purposes? The rhetorical answer to this question is “of course, now shut up and bow down to His sovereign majesty!”

C. Predestination
So, now that we’ve dealt with foreknowledge and election, what were we elected for? We were elected for predestination: Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
Ephesians 1:11-14 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Predestination is the word in Greek – pro (before) orizo (horizon, boundary). These are the horizons or boundaries that God has set in place beforehand for certain individuals whom He has chosen according to His foreknowledge of them. What are the boundaries that are set for us? To be adopted as children by Jesus Christ; to obtain an inheritance; to be a praise of His glory; to trust in Christ; to be sealed with the Holy Spirit and finally in our text – to be conformed to the image of His Son so that Christ can be first in rank among many brethren!

D. Effectual Calling
Let’s go back to our text in Romans. What is the next step in God’s grace?

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:
Remember we began with this idea of calling. This is a special, individual call that beckons or summons someone to faith. This is called effectual calling, because this call doesn’t fail to bring a person to faith in Christ. This is the calling that raises the spiritually dead to spiritual life. This is regeneration – being born again! John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Those who receive Christ and believe on His name are children of God and they are those whom have been born of God, not of their own will or their own pedigree. God supernaturally gives birth to them.

E. Justification
and whom he called, them he also justified:.
When a person has been called to faith in Christ, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to them as their own righteousness and in God’s justice, He can justify them and declare them as righteous as if they had never sinned. This is called forensic justification – the legal declaration of one’s righteousness based on the merits of another – the perfect substitute, Jesus Christ. This is the link in the chain where most of us start in our understanding. We were saved at this point, but had no idea of all that God did to make it happen for us from the foundation of the world.

F. Glorification
and whom he justified, them he also glorified
This is an amazing phrase! Those whom he justified (aorist active indicative) he also glorified (aorist active indicative). Glorification isn’t something that happens until we get to heaven and shed this mortality. However, in God’s economy it is a work that has already begun and is finished from His view. If you’re justified you are already glorified in God’s eyes. You’re just as saved as if you were already in heaven. This is how Paul could say: Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Your glorification has already occurred in God’s perception of reality!

3. The Confidence of His Purpose
31 What shall we then say to these things?
So, what should our response be to these things? That’s not fair? How dishonoring to God such a response is when God’s people fail to understand and appreciate their election. Rather your correct response to this doctrine should be and must be this: If God be for us, who can be against us?

Confidence in God! This doctrine should cause you to trust Him more and make you bolder than ever in your Christian walk. This doctrine should bring you to your knees in humble gratitude for your election. It should also cause you to bless the Lord in a new freshness of worship that you were never able to give to Him before.

This doctrine will change the way you look at everything. You will see everything from a Theo-centric point of view if you really get it. God becomes the blazing center of everything. You will be able to sing with the angels “Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of His Glory!” because you will see that this is the greatest good and chief end of all creation – to give God glory in one way or another as He has predetermined it should. You will no longer see yourself as the chief object of salvation. Instead, you will see yourself as a means to a greater end – the exaltation of Jesus Christ by your participation in a greater plan than you ever imagined you were a part of. You will no longer see the purpose of the world as God trying to fix the mess that Adam made, but God pursing His own glorification by use of everything including evil.

This doctrine will change the way you look at your sanctification – you will no longer be striving to appease God or earn His good favor by your obedience and compliance with His Word. Instead, you will see sanctification as a pursuit to know and enjoy God as you have been known and loved all along.

This doctrine will change the way you look at your mission of evangelism – you will no longer be trying to rescue people from hell by doing anything that will cause their will to concede to the gospel message. You will be seeking for men’s new birth by means of the gospel so men can know and enjoy God in this life and the next, as they have always been known and loved by God as His elect. Being rescued from hell is just an added benefit. The real benefit is that they will come to know God!

Thank God for the recovery of this doctrine by the reformers. I hope that men will have the guts to stand up and proclaim these truths this Reformation Day!

Of Charity And Christian Liberty Part Four

The Will of God And Questionable Issues

(How to disagree in a Christian manner)

General Guidelines for Christian Disagreements

As we look at the issues which often divide us we must ask ourselves what the true Christian response to those who disagree with us would be. Too often we respond in the flesh. This causes problems to multiply. In fact, one reason why divisions are so great is the fact that people tend to allow disagreements to become personal affronts. This is definitely not the Spirit of Christianity. We are brethren, and members one of another. This being the case, we must find the true, Christian way to respond one to another. That is the aim of this paper. There are two different approaches that will be taken: the first deals with general guidelines for Christian disagreements; the second will deal with specific commands given in relation to disagreements about questionable issues and Christian liberty.

The first general guideline for dealing with disagreements is to be found in the examples of the Old Testament. We are told that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Rom 15:4 ) This being the case, we should find much help in a couple of Old Testament examples. Consider the example of Abraham and Lot as seen in Genesis chapter thirteen and verse eight. There was strife between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot. Instead of allowing this to be a problem, “Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.” (Gen 13:8 KJV) How great a blessing it would be if we as God’s people would keep in mind the fact that we are brethren. The unity that exists among the children of God should be greater than a unity that is based upon conforming to someone’s standards and preferences. Christian unity is a unity of the Spirit. (See Eph.4:1-6) It is a shallow sort of thinking that bases unity upon personal preferences. We must go deeper and base our unity upon the fact that we have the same Savior, are baptized for the same reason, and are indwelt by the same Spirit. True unity is spiritual.

The next thing we should notice about Abraham’s wisdom in dealing with Lot is the fact that Abraham was willing to submit to his brother. Abraham said, “Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.” (Gen 13:9 KJV) How often are we willing to humble ourselves before our brethren instead of insisting upon our own way? There is altogether too often a stubborn insistence that things must be done as we wish for them to be done. That is not the Spirit of Christ. There are times we must suffer wrong at the hands of our brethren for the sake of the gospel. “Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.” (1 Cor 6:,7,8 KJV) Even more wonderful is the fact that, after all the things Abraham sacrificed for the sake of unity, he did not hold a grudge toward Lot, but went to his aid when Lot was in distress. How great a thing love is!

We also see another Old Testament example concerning disagreements in the Psalms. “False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not. They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.” (Psa 35:11-14 KJV) Though he was mistreated the Psalmist still prayed for those who did him grievous wrongs. It is impossible to despise someone for whom you sincerely are praying. It would indeed help us much if we would only take heed to God’s word and pray for all men – even those who disagree with us.

Specific Commands Concerning Disagreements About Questionable Issues

1. Receive your brethren. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom 14:1 KJV) This simple sentence is a command to us that we should receive our brethren who differ with us in areas of questionable issues and Christian liberty. Neither should we receive him for the purpose of attempting to convert him to our viewpoint on these issues. It is not about disputing with this person about his judgements concerning these issues. “ For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” (Rom 14:2,3 KJV) Notice that we are commanded to receive our brethren because Christ has received us. There should be no doubt in our minds about our condition when Christ received us. We were all sinners in need of forgiveness. Christ did not receive us because we agreed with Him, but in spite of the fact that we did not please Him. That is the glory of grace. (See Eph.1:3-7) If Christ received us in such a manner, we should also graciously receive our brethren who differ with us on issues that are not fundamental issues of doctrine. While some would view this as compromising, the truth is that, to not do so is to compromise the grace of God and make God’s grace appear to be something that is conditional instead of being unmerited favor. The hard-nosed, unbending approach toward our brethren who differ with us on issues of Christian liberty is the compromising approach. It perverts grace and makes grace appear to be something that has to be earned. Salvation, fellowship, and church membership are not earned, but are gifts of God’s grace. Our place is to demonstrate that same grace to our brethren.

2. Don’t judge your brother. “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him”. (Rom 14:3 KJV) Again, this is a command from God, not an option. We must receive our brethren and not set them aside. I realize that human nature has a hard time doing this. We do not like the fact that people don’t always agree with us. We would rather people do things the way we have always done them. The problem is strictly a fleshly problem, though we would rather think it to be otherwise. If our disagreements are about the questionable issues and issues of Christian liberty of which we have studied, we must receive our brethren. It is not our place to judge one as not qualified to serve Christ if he disagrees with us in these areas. It is not our place to set aside as nothing one who disagrees with us. If Christ has received our brethren, even though they do not agree with us on these sorts of issues, they have still been received of Christ and are not to be condemned by us. Remember, “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Rom 14:4 KJV) Judgement is not our prerogative. It is the Divine prerogative. We must never condemn our brethren, because, when we do so, we usurp the authority of the Almighty. How great is our sin when we judge our brethren!

3. Don’t cause your brother to compromise his personal convictions. “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Rom 14:13 KJV) The brother who is weak has many fears about issues of Christian liberty. He often sets up fences to keep him from compromising his convictions. He does not have the faith that he will be right with God if he exercises his liberty. If, in this state, he does exercise liberty he will be compromising his convictions and sinning. He has not been faithful to his convictions, nor has he trusted in God. (See Rom.14:20-23) If we insist on things going our way, or if we judge our brethren, they may feel pressured into compromising their convictions. In so doing we have tempted our brother. We have grieved our brother with our meat (see Rom.14:15) and have not exercised true, Christian love. While our brother may get upset by hearing of our doing that with which he disagrees, that is not grieving him with our meat (liberty). To grieve our brother with our liberty is to tempt him to compromise his convictions and do what he feels in his heart is wrong. In areas of Christian liberty, if one feels something is wrong, to him it is wrong. (See Rom.14:14) We must NEVER tempt our brethren to go contrary to their convictions, no matter how foolish and trivial they may seem. To do so is to cause him to sin because he will not be walking by faith.

Paul told the Corinthians that they needed to be very careful in the exercise of their liberty. It could become a stumblingblock to the weaker brethren. “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” (1 Cor 8:9-13 KJV) Notice that the issue is not an issue of offending our brother by hurting his feelings or doing that which he dislikes. The issue is making him to offend by sinning against his conscience. We will probably never be able to go through our lives and do everything to please everyone. We can, however, work very hard at not being a hindrance and causing our brethren to compromise their convictions. Let us remember that our brethren have a right to their thoughts concerning these issues of Christian liberty. We are commanded to “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” (Rom.14:15 KJV) We are to form our own convictions about questionable issues. We should search the scriptures to determine for ourselves what should be the best course for us when it comes to questionable issues and Christian liberty. When we have done so, we should also honor the conclusions at which our brethren who disagree with us have arrived. By so doing we will find ourselves being ministers of peace and unity in the body of Christ.

4. Love your brethren. “But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.” (Rom 14:15 KJV) May God help us to remember that love is the fulfilling of the law. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Rom 13:8-10 KJV) If we love our brethren it is definite that we will do everything in our power to not hinder him, and to help him. Here is the crux of the whole matter, is it not? We do not have the Christian love among us that we need to have. Again, when one makes such a statement as this, we often hear “Compromise! Compromise!” Yet, to be ugly, offensive, obnoxious, hateful, and a stumblingblock in the name of love is where compromise lies. It is felt by those who cry “Compromise!” that it is loving to boldly affirm one’s convictions in any setting whether it edifies or not. It is stated that it is loving to “tell the truth” about these matters. Yet, God’s word is truth (Jn.17:17), and we have seen that God’s word gives us much leeway in the area of Christian liberty. If love covers the multitude of sins (1Pet.4:8), it is loving to overlook the disagreements we may have concerning these particular issues. It is not loving to rub one’s convictions in the face of those who disagree with us. Love seeks unity. Love seeks to edify. We are commanded to love. The approach of those who cry “Compromise! Compromise!” when statements such as these are made will only destroy us. Yet, we are commanded “For meat destroy not the work of God.” (Rom.14:20 KJV) We must all see that the issues of Christian liberty are not issues that should divide us. Whether we are among the strong or weak is no matter when it comes to the fact that we are all commanded of God to love our brother. If we persist in fussing, fighting, and feuding over these things we will destroy ourselves. “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Gal 5:14,15 KJV) Let us never forget that love is the key!

What to Do When Convictions Become Doctrines

One of the greatest problems concerning questionable issues and Christian liberty is when one person (or group of people) makes their convictions a standard of doctrine. When this happens all others are expected to conform. While we should all attempt to accommodate one another in the spirit of love and grace, when personal convictions become doctrines we must resist. Jesus cried out against this in His day saying, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mat 15:7-10 KJV) The way of Christ is to stand against hypocrisy and forced cooperation. Service to God must be from the heart. It is so with our convictions about Christian liberty as well. When one attempts to force their convictions upon another, while it is wrong to be violent or ugly, it is righteous to resist and not comply. Never should we allow others to tell us that our exercise of liberty or understanding of questionable issues causes us to be out of fellowship with God or His church. We must resist this intrusion upon our liberty. The commandments of men are not to become doctrine.

This problem is greatly aggravated when someone states that salvation is dependent upon agreeing with their interpretation of questionable issues and their manner of exercising (or not exercising) Christian liberty. The book of Galatians is a letter of protest about just such behavior as this. The problem in the Galatian churches was the fact that there were those who stated that uncircumcised people were lost. Today the problem is similar: often people are condemned as “not being led by the Spirit”, “not having the Spirit”, or simply cast aside as “unqualified.” Why? Simply because they do not bow to the wishes, whims, and convictions of others. These convictions about Christian liberty and questionable issues should not be allowed to be divisive in such a manner. We have already seen that the command is for us to receive, not judge, our brethren. Now, we must look to the other side of the issue: that is, we must not allow others to judge us as unaccepted of God. We must resist this because it is false doctrine. I know this sounds harsh, but consider the following statements Paul made about those who sought to impose their standards on the Galatians:

1. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:6-9 KJV) To state that someone is lost because they do not agree with us about issues of Christian liberty is to add to the gospel. This is a perversion of the gospel, and is actually another gospel which is not a gospel. It is not truly good news. How sad it is that many, while attempting to please God, are bordering on heresy simply because they want to impose their convictions upon others. We must realize that there are issues of much greater importance than the issues which we have allowed to divide us as God’s people. The doctrine of pure, free grace must be upheld at all costs. We must resist this idea that someone is lost because they do not agree with us on these issues which are not fundamental issues. To insist otherwise is heresy!

2. “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” (Gal 2:1-5 KJV) Paul called those who desired to infringe upon their liberty “false brethren.” In other words, Paul’s doubts were not about those who were not circumcised, but about those who insisted that those who were not circumcised were lost. Today, we must fear for those who insist that someone is lost because they do not conform to the convictions of others. Why must issues of Christian liberty be so divisive? There is a great problem in the heart and mind of someone who desires to condemn their brethren who do not agree with them about matters that do not pertain to how a person is saved, or the nature of the person who is saved. Should the disagreement be about doctrine or morals we would understand. It is practically impossible to understand how someone could so pervert the scriptures to claim Biblical justification for stating that a person is lost simply because they do not dress as we feel they should, or because they eat in a fellowship hall. We should fear greatly for those who are so judgmental: they have not rightly understood the grace of God.

3. “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.) For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.” (Gal 2:11-13 KJV) Paul stated that Peter was to be blamed for separating from his brethren on such trivial grounds as he did. Fear does odd things to us. We often act in ungodly ways because of fear. I am saddened by the fact that good brethren are often to be blamed because they have let fear drive them to do and say things that they know better than to do and say. Pressure from others around us is hard to bear. Even harder to bear than that should be the fact that we could be a great hindrance if we do not stand for Christian liberty and the grace of God. Paul also stated that it was hypocrisy for Peter to withdraw from those with whom he had fellowshipped in the past. How often are we one thing in the presence of some men, and something else when we are with others who have differing opinions. It is a known fact that things such as this happen. A man is treated well or not treated well depending on who is present. This is hypocrisy! These things ought not so to be! The Spirit of Christ within us should convict us that we are not being consistent and that this tendency should be resisted. Our brethren are our brethren regardless of who is present, and regardless of how the agree or disagree with us regarding these issues which are not fundamental to Christianity.

4. “As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal 6:12-14 KJV) Paul stated that the real problem lay in the fact that the judgmental people were proud people. They wanted to make a good show in the flesh. They wanted people to see how “spiritual” they were. How often is this the case! Pride is hated of God. We must hate pride as well. Doctrine tells us that our boasting should only be in Christ who died for us. We have nothing else about which to boast. We have earned nothing. We have no reason to expect pats on our backs. We are sinners saved by grace. Let us accept graciously those who disagree with us, and uphold the wonderful grace of God who loves us and gave His Son for us. To do otherwise is sin.

Conclusion

In closing, I must state that, while some of the statements made in this article sound harsh, this writer harbors no ill will to those who disagree with him. There is a great need for us to be zealous and jealous for the doctrine of the grace of God, however. Grace is the gift of God (Eph.2:8,9) and is not of works (Rom.11:5,6). We are saved by grace (Eph.2:5) and kept by grace (Rom.5:1,2;1Pet.1:3-5) and stand in grace. It is sinful and false for us to state that, for someone to be saved; they must do according to the dictates of our private conscience and convictions about questionable issues and Christian liberty. This is contrary to grace. This is adding to grace, and adding to God’s word. It must indeed be resisted by all who believe and love the truth. I love my brethren. I love those who disagree with me. I am as human as others, and often allow myself to get very irritated and angered by my brethren. For this I often have to repent. This writer asks his brethren to pray for him that he would learn to put into practice the principles contained in this article. May God bless each reader.

Book Review: Understanding English Bible Translation

Understanding English Bible Translation: The Case for an Essentially Literal Approach
By
Leland Ryken
ISBN-10: 1433502798
ISBN-13: 9781433502798

The one who avoids this book due to a fear of it being overly scholarly and hard to understand will certainly make a mistake.  While the book is indeed well researched and intelligently written, it is also easy to read and to understand.
Ryken deals with the differences between dynamic equivalent translations of the Bible (those that translate in a more thought by thought manner) and formal equivalent translations (those that attempt to  translate word for word).
Ryken claims that an essentially literal translation, or a formal equivalent translation is more to be desired than a dynamic equivalent.
Why?  He gives a number of reasons.  Two of these reasons stand out to me above all others.  One is that the dynamic equivalent translations are not consistent.  They vary from one translation to the other so that one is not sure which translation is correct.  This leads to a destabilized text.  It leads people to wonder which is correct.  Another reason is that dynamic equivalent translations often present  commentary instead of translation.  Thus the reader gets the understanding of the translator, but doesn’t always get the understanding of the underlying text.
An essentially literal translation, however, seeks to translate word for word the original language into the receptor language.  For the subject at hand, that language is English, because that is the language with which Ryken deals.  (As an aside, I read one person who took issue with Ryken because things don’t always work as well when translating into languages other than English.  Ryken specifically states, however, that he is only dealing with English and understands that other languages present significant challenges in this respect.)  With an essentially literal translation, there may be variance in the words used to translate, yet they will still yield basically the same understanding when compared one to the other.  An essentially literal translation will also present essentially the same words and phrases as the original texts so that the reader will be reading basically the same thing that the Biblical writers presented to their original readers.
As one who grew up under the King James Version and still uses it today, I was impressed that this author respects the KJV instead of breezily dismissing it.  In fact, he claims (and I think, rightly so) that all essentially literal translations follow the same philosophy as the translators of the KJV.
In a day when there is much confusion over Bible translations and translating philosophies this book is a breath of fresh air.  I believe it also brings some needed clarity to the debate.  I could only wish that everyone saw the need for an essentially literal translation.

(This book provided for review by Crossway Publishers.)

Of Charity And Christian Liberty Part Three

The Will of God And Questionable Issues Pt.3

The Essential Issue (The Glory of God)

As we look back on our study concerning questionable issues, it is obvious that there are things which deeply divide God’s people. Many of these things are things which are issues of Christian liberty. Often these things are very distracting and cause much confusion. Many times people who are good people with good intentions sin and separate from their faithful brethren over these sorts of issues. It is the contention of this writer that we must remember that, while we have issues which are important to us, there is one issue that is essential to the Christian life. That issue is the glory of God.

The scriptures tell us that God made man for His glory. “I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isa. 43:7) “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 11:36) Many other passages of scripture could be given to illustrate this point. It is the point of this article to simply remind us what is most important thing on which we should focus our ministries and our energies in this life. That most important thing is the glory of God. God must be manifest in our lives. We are told to let our lights shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify God (see Mt.5:13-16). We are also instructed that we should live our lives in such a manner that, when men inspect our lives and behold our good works, they would give God glory in the day He visits them (see 1Pet. 2:11,12) God intends for us to give Him glory in our lives.