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.

How the Information Age is Changing Fundamentalism

(originally posted at Return to Biblicism June 9, 2008; slightly edited for this blog)

In 1993, Gail Riplinger contributed her infamous book, New Age Versions to the world of fundamentalism. The work claimed to contain “exhaustive documentation” that proved that the occult was really behind all those new translations of the Bible. Despite the “acrostic algebra” and conspiracy theories (including one about the Titanic sinking because of it being a part of the Whitestar line), Riplinger’s book was well received in non-Ruckmanite circles, because it offered a fresh look at the issues. After all, it contained hundreds of footnotes and this mysterious G.A. Riplinger was apparently well educated. However, in time, the Information Age got a hold of the situation. Fundamentalists learned that her book was not trustworthy. This became documented even by other KJVO fundamentalists. Now Riplinger has been pushed into her rightful place – the radical wing of the fundamentalist KJVO movement, right beside Ruckman himself, Texe Marrs, Jack Chick, and Samp Gipp. Fundamentalism benefited from the Information Age because the works of these vitriolic conspiracy theorists could not pass the scrutiny of evidence. Thankfully, they cannot enter a church, bring a PowerPoint presentation, and make mind-boggling assertions without some members of that church going home and checking things for themselves. We’re going beyond Berea here. Not only is it imperative for us today to search the scriptures daily, it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the Information Age. When special speaker so-and-so comes to town to prove his point of view, he is coming with a ton of extra-biblical sources. You and I would love to trust him, but the sad truth is fundamentalists have lost credibility here, as will be shown. So it is now our obligation to check those sources, and in doing so, change the face of fundamentalism.

NC Church to Burn Bibles on Halloween

Based upon a twisted view of Scripture, a NC church intends to burn Bibles and other literature on Halloween.  (See story here and here.)

It seems that Amazing Grace Baptist Church (Where is the grace in the sort of activity that they are carrying on?) is a King James Only church and considers all other English translations of God’s Word to be satanic.  They also consider Southern Gospel Music, Contemporary Christian Music, and the books of Billy Graham to be satanic, it seems.

The list of authors whose books will be burned is as follows:

“Westcott & Hort , Bruce Metzger, , Rick Warren , Bill Hybels , John McArthur, James Dobson, Charles Swindoll , John Piper, Chuck Colson, Tony Evans, Oral Roberts, Jimmy Swagart, Mark Driskol, Franklin Graham , Bill Bright, Tim Lahaye, Paula White, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn , Joyce Myers, Brian McLaren, Robert Schuller, Mother Teresa , The Pope , Rob Bell, Erwin McManus, Donald Miller, Shane Claiborne, Brennan Manning, William Young, etc.”

Let it be known that this is not right.  It is not gracious.  It is not charitable.  It does not show the Spirit of Christ.  It is not Biblical.  It is not the behavior of a Biblical Fundamentalist.  Historically, Biblical Fundamentalists have respected God’s Word wherever it was found.  This burning of Bibles is simply a new form of modernism that sets up man as the authority over God’s Word so that he can judge right and wrong by his own standards.  It seems that Scripture is not sufficient for this sort of “fundamentalist”.  He must go beyond Scripture, but in so doing, he condemns Scripture, thus making himself the final judge and arbiter of what is right.

It is my prayer that Bible believers all over our nation will lift up their voices and cry out against the graceless wickedness of Pastor Marc Grizzard and Amazing Grace Baptist Church.

Of Charity And Christian Liberty Part Two

The Will of God And Questionable Issues

Part Two

We previously discussed the will of God and questionable issues and sought to clarify what these issues were. It will now be our attempt to examine some of the responses we can expect our weaker brethren to have when faced with these sorts of issues. There are two basic responses that the weaker brethren will have when faced with issues that are what we call “questionable issues.”

The Rejection And Exclusion of The Brethren

The first of these two types of responses is the response of rejecting and excluding the brethren who exercise their liberty concerning questionable issues. Paul’s statements to the Roman church leads us to understand that the people were rejecting, despising and excluding their brethren because of these issues. “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) “But why dost thou judge thy brother? for why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Rom.14:10) While we cannot go so far as to affirm that the differing

factions actually formally withdrew fellowship from one another, we can at least see that they judged, or condemned one another. They did not only condemn and action, but they condemned the ones who acted. The reactions went beyond issues and entered into personalities. They despised, rejected, and condemned their brethren who disagreed with them. One thing we must note is that people on both sides of the issues did this.

The form that this rejection takes can be overt or subtle. It can appear as a simple “cold shoulder”, or it can be open criticism and rebuke. This rejection can be seen in who is called upon to lead a song or to lead in prayer. It can be seen in who is accepted or rejected as qualified to preach the gospel. This rejection can be seen in who is deemed spiritual and who is deemed carnal. Sometimes it is seen in an extremely judgmental attitude that declares one saved or lost on the basis of whether they do or do not take part in these “questionable issues” which are actually issues of Christian liberty.

The conduct of Peter and others at Antioch is also something that is seen as a response of weaker brethren. “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. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (Gal.2:11-14) There are times that the weaker brethren will remove themselves from the company of those with whom they disagree. While we appreciate anyone who has the strength to be firm in their convictions, we must contend that the manifestation of the grace of God is much more important than maintaining customs and opposing things that are issues of Christian liberty. Paul stated that he lived his life trusting Christ to make him right with God. He refused be caught up in the performance trap. Neither did he allow others to pressure him into acting in a way that would appear to be condemning people who had trusted Christ. Sadly, today we see many who refuse to fellowship and associate with good, godly brothers and sisters in Christ, and that because of issues that are questionable issues and not issues of doctrine or morals.

Another way that people are rejected and excluded is by becoming the subject of negative conversations. Paul asked a question about the eating of meats and said, “For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?” (1Cor.10:30) It is so very troubling to see people who declare themselves to be “strong in the Lord” mock, ridicule, and slander their Christian brethren over issues of Christian liberty. In reality, this response is the response of a weaker brother. We must not become embittered toward anyone who acts in this manner, but we should pray for them.

Compromising One’s Conscience

The other response that we see to these questionable issues is when one compromises his/her conscience. If a person forms convictions about issues of Christian liberty, he should live by his convictions. Though he should not impose those convictions upon others, he should live up to his own convictions. Paul stated that “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” (Rom.14:14) A person who forms a conviction about a matter should not violate his/her conscience. Unfortunately, the weaker brethren may violate their conscience and do that which they feel is wrong. If they do, for them it is wrong because they have, in their hearts, gone against God. One cannot violate sincerely held convictions and not sin against God. We do not speak of every sincere conviction such as moral and doctrinal convictions as being of this nature, but we speak of convictions about issues of Christian liberty. We know that God has taught us right from wrong in matters of morals and doctrines. He has, however, left it to us to decide for ourselves about issues of Christian liberty, or “questionable issues.” While the Bible is silent , and has left it open to our discretion, as to whether one should or should not eat in a fellowship hall, a person who believes it is wrong to do so, and then eats in one has violated his conscience and has sinned in so doing. Stand by your convictions, but stand graciously. “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Rom.14:22,23) If a person believes that to take part in a certain questionable issue would cause him to harm his fellowship with God he must not compromise his conviction. If one cannot take part in something with the faith that God will still love and accept him, to take part would be sin because it is not an act of faith in God. “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.” (1Cor. 8:10-12) When one violates his conscience, he has sinned. Sometimes people “go along to get along.” When they do so, they have sinned. One is obligated to form one’s own opinions and convictions about issues of Christian liberty. Then, one is obligated to live according to those convictions.

Conclusion

While we shall study later about how we should conduct ourselves one to another when we have differences about these “questionable issues,” let us remember to heed the admonition of Paul the Apostle: “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.10:3) Let us neither judge, exclude, nor reject those who differ with us concerning issues of Christian liberty. We should rather accept one another, because God has accepted us. That is the way to live graciously. That is the way to hold our convictions and not compromise with what we feel to be wrong. Do not take part in that to which one is opposed, but love the ones who do take part. God is gracious and we must be gracious also.

See part one here.

Of Charity and Christian Liberty

This article was written approximately six years ago.  The number of things that could have been mentioned as issues of question, or Christian liberty is large.   We could mention musical styles, dress (to some extent), ball games, and more.

Let us never forget that the charity taught by our Savior is indeed the rule by which we should live.

Over the years of my life I have found that what matters most is whether we hold to the fundamentals of the faith and love the Lord with all that we have and all that we are.  There will be other differences that may affect us to some extent, but they should never cause us to act in an unloving manner.  Separation should be related to doctrinal and moral error/sin.

May charity reign supreme in all of our lives.

The Will of God And Questionable Issues

Types of Questionable Issues

As we look at the general scene of Christendom today, we see that there are many things over which God’s people are divided. There are some things over which we must divide. We are told to divide ourselves from those who hold, teach and practice false doctrine (Rom.16:17). On the other hand, there are things over which we are instructed to not divide. These issues are issues concerning which we have no clear Biblical instruction. Thus, we call these issues questionable issues.

As we consider these questionable issues, we find that there are three basic types of questionable issues. Those types are: Things commanded or prohibited under the law, Things associated with idolatrous worship, and Things that have been established by traditions of man.

Things Commanded or Prohibited Under The Law

The first questionable issues we shall look at are the things that are either commanded or prohibited under the law.

Rom 14:1-3

14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

3 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.

KJV

1 Tim 4:1-3

4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

KJV

Lev 11:1-8

11:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.

3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.

4 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

6 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.

8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

KJV

The above issues are issues concerning which the law had spoken. Today, we are not under the law, but under grace (See Rom.6:14). While the moral law is established by the gospel (See Rom.3:24-31), Jesus has fulfilled the ceremonial law (Col.2:16,17). This means that we are not to be judged concerning the things that were commanded or prohibited under the ceremonial law. (See Col.2:16) Yet, these things have a tendency to divide, at times.

These sorts of divisions are sometimes the result of people who are weak and have weak consciences (See Rom.14:1,2,14;1Cor.8:1-13). These people may sometimes be contentious about the things that trouble their weak conscience. The issues are issues that they feel will hinder them and their standing with God. They also feel that these things aren’t right for anyone to do. For this reason, they abstain from eating certain things. These issues can become the cause of great division if not approached wisely, and Biblically. It is fine for a person to have these convictions for himself, if he pleases. It is when one attempts to impose these convictions upon others that the issue becomes divisive.

At other times, these divisions are the work of those who are not truly the Lord’s servants (1Tim.4:1-5). These issues are used to divide the work of God. Satan loves to see God’s people biting and devouring one another (Gal.5:13-17). When issues such as this are preached and taught as being commands of God, that teaching is heresy. So says the scripture (1Tim.4:1-5). Let us be careful that we not add anything to God’s word. Prov 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

KJV. It is a grave thing to put words into the mouth of God. To say that God has spoken when he has not spoken is heresy. Thus, we walk a fine line when we begin to make rules and regulations concerning conduct and seek to apply these rules to the lives of others. We must be careful as we handle God’s word.

Things Associated With Idolatry

The next thing we notice as being a questionable issue is, that which is associated with idolatry.

1 Cor 8:1-13

8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 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;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

KJV

1 Cor 10:23-33

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

KJV

Of all the things that are questionable, this writer supposes that this is the one he would understand the most as being divisive. It is not a wise thing to confuse people by partaking of things which are associated with idolatry.

The problem in the days of the early church was, that people were often converted from idolatry. Being new converts, their consciences were often weak. Often people would go to the market and buy meat there that had been used in the worship of idols. Although a person could do that and it not be a sin, many of the weaker brethren felt it was wrong. Their consciences were weak and they could not bear the idea of a Christian eating something that had been offered in sacrifice to idols. They felt it was approving of idolatry. Paul stated that, for the child of God who had knowledge, this was no problem, because an idol is nothing (See 1Cor.8:1-6). Paul stated, however, that there were those who were conscious that the meat had been offered in sacrifice to idols, and were thus grieved by it. These things could very well have caused much division in the churches. It would be very much like an art loving Baptist putting a Madonna/Child statue in their front yard. Immediately there would be some who would be offended due to the fact that they felt the person who did that was committing Mariolatry. It is easily seen that this could be a large problem. While we shall wait until later to examine how we should respond to issues such as this, let us at least remember the exhortation to “abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1Thess.5:22)

Human Traditions

Finally, we see that another thing that is questionable and causes division is human tradition.

Matt 15:7-9

7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

KJV

Matt 23:16-23

16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.

21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

KJV

1 Tim 4:1-3

4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

KJV

The Jewish people, and especially the Pharisees, had many traditions. These traditions were often elevated to the level of law and were considered binding. Jesus stated that there were some who “sit in Moses’ seat.” (Mt.23:2) This meant that they sought to make rules, regulations, and laws by which the conduct of the people would be governed. They made rules that, in their minds, were as important as the Ten Commandments. Yet these rules were the traditions of men. An example of these sorts of rules follows. Mark 7:5-13

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

KJV

It is obvious from reading this that the tradition of man had actually been established as being not only as important as the commands of God, but as being more important than the commands of God.

Today, we have some of the same sorts of problems in churches. Some would make rules and regulations about whether or not it is right to attend sporting events such as baseball games, football games, or basketball games. Others make rules that say that churches cannot build buildings in which to have meals and times of fellowship. The list could go on and on. The real issue is that these things are not mentioned in the scriptures. Many people seek to take the tradition that has been around for years and make it into a law. When we do so we make a grave mistake, because we have no right to infringe upon the liberty of our brethren.

One of the greatest dangers of this defense of human traditions that we see is the fact that it tends to divide good people. It tends to cause bitterness, anger, and wrath between brethren. Sometimes life long friendships are severely damaged because of these things. Another danger is that we transgress our own doctrine of the sufficiency and primacy of scripture as our only rule of faith and practice. Why? There are two reasons for this. If scripture is used in defense of the tradition, it is carelessly used and taken out of context. We also see that scripture is seldom used to defend the tradition. This is very sad. We should be people of the Word, instead of people of tradition. Another grave danger is the fact that many of our good young people are leaving churches that are sound in doctrine and going into other denominations where they have a little more freedom. I suppose the greatest of all dangers is the fact that people see such divisions among God’s people and, for one reason or another, decide that Christianity is not for them. How sad that our actions and beliefs often hinder people and cause them to reject Christ. The offense of the cross is great. Let us not add to it by being offensive in word and deed. Let us not elevate human tradition above the word of God.

KJVO’ism, John 1:18, And The Eternal Sonship of Jesus

The Eternal Sonship of Jesus Christ

The eternal sonship of Jesus is a very important doctrine. It is also a doctrine that cannot be fully comprehended by mortal man. On the other hand, mortals must this doctrine as being true. Remembering that God is spirit and is not bound by time, space, and material/bodily constraints, will help us to more readily accept this truth. Being the Son of God means that Jesus is God. The Son has the nature of the Father. This means that the Son is eternal. Though He was begotten and not made, the Son is eternal. While these things are hard to be understood, let us attempt to attain a rudimentary knowledge of them.

God The Father Begat God The Son

As we consider the fact that God the Father begat God the Son we must see that the nature of God demands the understanding that this begetting is neither temporal nor physical. It is an eternal begetting because the Son is God and God is eternal. The Father did not beget the Son in time. Neither is it a physical begetting, but it is spiritual in nature. Numerous New Testament verses testify that God the Father is the Father of Jesus (2Cor 1:3; Eph 1:2,3;3:14; Col 3:19;1Pet 1:3 are a few examples.).

John gives us a wonderful and rich passage concerning the eternal generation of the Son by the Father. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ” (John 1:1-3,14) KJV The Father’s glory shines forth in His only begotten Son who is the image of the Father.

Before Jesus was ever begotten in the womb of the virgin Mary He was the Son of God. The sonship of Jesus is not a physical sonship, but a spiritual one. As Isaiah prophesied of the coming of Jesus, he told us, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ( Isaiah 9:6) KJV This passage tells us that Jesus was the Son before He became a man; He was given as the Son. Not only so, but He is one with His Father, which tells us that the Son of God is God. We again read, “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ( John 3:16,17) KJV The Son was given and sent thus testifying to the fact that Jesus was the Son before He became a man.

There has never been a time when God in all of His glorious perfection did not have a complete comprehension of who He is. Never has there been a time in which God did not have a full understanding of all His nature and His deeds. In the midst of this perception that God has of Himself is to be found the fact that God delights in Himself; He is the happy God (1Tim 1:11). This idea, love, delight, and contemplation of His own perfections is so complete that it stands forth as another person. This person is the second person of the Godhead, the Son of God. This is a begetting in a spiritual sense because the One begotten is truly the eternal offspring of the Father. The Son is eternally begotten, because there has never been a time that God has not had this perfect delight in, and understanding of, who He is. This means that the Son is eternal, having no temporal beginning. It also means that the Son is indeed divine in all facets of His nature. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:1-8) KJV This passage speaks volumes about this wonderful truth. It tells us that the Son is of the same character as the Father, that He is the Son who is begotten of God, is due worship, and is God. God the Father plainly declared that He begat the Son, saying “ For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” ( Hebrews 1:5) KJV God the Father spoke from Heaven on two different occasions acknowledging Jesus as His Son. “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” ( Matthew 3:16,17) KJV “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” ( Matthew 17:5) KJV

The Father’s Witness to The Son

The Father bore witness to the Sonship of Jesus at least three times while He was on earth. The first was at His baptism: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16,17) KJV The second time was when He spoke to Peter, James, and John in the Mount of Transfiguration: “ While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17:5) KJV Finally, the Father testified of the Sonship of Jesus when He raised Christ from the dead. Paul said that He was “ declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Romans 1:4) KJV This is, I believe, a faithful representation of the Sonship of Jesus Christ, our Creator and Redeemer.

Why This Issue on The KJVO Debate Blog?

Someone may ask why we would choose to deal with this doctrine on the KJVO Debate blog. The reason is that there are those who declare that the differences between the King James (Authorized) Version and the post KJV versions in John 1:18 are heretical differences. This aim of this article is to show that calling Jesus the only begotten God is by no means heresy. In fact, we have used the much revered (and worthily loved) KJV to do so.

Here is the verse as seen in the KJV, ESV, and NASB:

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

The Holy Bible : King James Version. 1995 (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version.) (Jn 1:18). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side,he has made him known.

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jn 1:18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

No one has seen God at any time;the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Jn 1:18). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

We grant that there is indeed a difference to be found. The difference is in words, but not in doctrine. The difference could probably be explained to us by scholars on either side of this issue. It is not our intention to deal with the textual issue in this article. It is our intent to show that the doctrine of the eternal sonship of Jesus Christ is in both the KJV and the newer versions.

It is not heretical to declare that Jesus was begotten of the Father. Jn 1:14 tells us that He is the only begotten of the Father. The ancient confessions declare that He was “begotten, not made.” We have seen above that it is orthodox truth to believe that Jesus is the only begotten of the Father. To call Jesus the only begotten Son of God is to declare that Jesus is God from all eternity; to declare that He has no beginning nor ending.

Sadly, in their zeal for the truth of God’s Word, many King James Only-ites are found guilty of heresy by denying the eternal sonship of Jesus Christ. The heresy is not found on the part of those who accept the newer versions, but on the part of many KJVO believers. (The newer versions actually make the deity of Christ clearer in this verse. ) KJVO believers would do well to open up their Bibles and a good theology so as to learn of God the truth of His Word on this point.