I have been reading the writings of the Universalists and am trying to make sense of them, especially as they relate to the original languages. Without exception their writings abandon the Received Text and rest upon translation exceptions to make their case.
By way of example this quote from the promo for “At the End of the Ages; The Abolition of Hell”; “At the End of the Ages presents evidence that the Bible, in the original languages, reveals that one day ALL mankind will be saved. Through time our Bible translations have become biased through the official teachings of "The Church."
Also, I am thinking about their contentions regarding aionian as it relates to God. I find this statement in their publications; “Some would argue that if aionian and related words do not mean eternal, then God cannot be eternal, for these words also describe Him. To this we say, that just because God is described as the God of the eons, does not mean that He is not the God who also transcends the eons.” To me it seems that there is a difference between God being described as “of the eons” and the scriptural declaration that He is the “everlasting God” (aionios theos). The first assertion speaks to God’s relationship to time while the Biblical declaration speaks to His nature. To me, these are very different things. Does “everlasting” speak to the duration of eternal life or does it not also speak to its nature?
Historically, I reject all positions that require manipulations of the Hebrew and Greek texts. Every cult I have encountered in my life has resorted to this methodology to build the foundation for their dogma. One of the reasons I am comfortable with Dispensationalism is that it is not empowered by textual criticism and it makes sense of the scriptures, as translated.
It has also been my discovery that the Universalists can be, at worst, dishonest in their assertions or, at best, overstate their case. For instance their premise; “If Hell is real how could the Apostle Paul (who was especially commissioned by God to preach the gospel to the nations) say that he had declared the entire counsel of God (Acts 20:27), when indeed he never warned of "Hell" in any of his letters? If Hell is real, wouldn't Paul, of all people, warn of it repeatedly?” While it is true that Paul never speaks of “hell” he emphatically declares the danger of “everlasting destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, {8} In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: {9} Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” This passage, while not using the word hell, is consistent with the concept of eternal punishment and to imply that Paul “never” warns of hell is not quite honest.
One of the greatest obstacles for me is the Universalist belief in a limited punishment that is perilously close to the doctrine of Purgatory. Note the following contention of a Universalist; “The question is not whether or not God will punish sin and rebellion, but rather how He does it, and for what purpose and how long the correction lasts.” The concept of Hell as a “correction” is totally foreign from the scriptures and is in perfect agreement with Roman Catholic dogma. Can man actually pay for his sins?
It is my belief that one of the great discussions of the day concerns the scope of God’s forgiveness. Does a man go to Hell because he is unforgiven or because he rejects the gift of God’s righteousness? Universalism asserts that all will be saved. The Bible states that the provision for salvation is universal but the application is limited and conditioned upon trust (believe, receive, or accept the gift).
Unto All and Upon All that Believe
(Romans 3:21-25) "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; {22} Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: {23} For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: {25} Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
Faith is Counted for Righteousness
(Romans 4:5) "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
The Promise is Given to Them that Believe
(Galatians 3:22) "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe."
Chosen to Salvation through Belief of the Truth
(2 Thessalonians 2:13) "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:"
Who First Trusted in Christ
(Ephesians 1:12-13) "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,"
Not Imputing Trespasses
(2 Corinthians 5:19) "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."
Forgiven All Trespasses
(Colossians 2:13) "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
One does not accept gifts from those one does not trust. It is evident in the scriptures that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Is not trust the essential ingredient in our willingness to receive the gift of God’s righteousness and eternal life? Is a gift still a gift if it is refused? I have known of many gifts offered to people that came with strings attached thus were not gifts. And I have known of gifts refused because, even though no strings were attached, the beneficiary falsely perceived that there were. Whatever the basis of rejection the benefit of a gift refused is no benefit at all. God’s provision for salvation is, indeed, universal in scope but it is obviously limited in application or we would not find noted in scripture those that are “saved” and those that are “lost”.
I freely confess that I am thoroughly prejudiced against Universalist methodology. However, this being said, I would very much like their theology to be true. The concept of unconditioned universal salvation is very appealing but, to date, I am unconvinced by Universalistic dogma and methodology. If I am wrong then, at least, no soul will ever suffer eternal punishment as God is the Savior and Judge of all men. If my understanding is correct, woe is unto them which believe not the Gospel of Grace.
(1 Corinthians 1:18) "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
Friday, September 18, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Unsatisfied
Our flesh is in a continual state of dissatisfaction. It relishes all the religion and self-effort that we can throw at it and then screams for MORE.
"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {21} (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? {23} Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."(Colossians 2:20-23)
Our only remedy is found "in Christ" and the completeness that is intrinsic to the new creature we have been created to be in our Savior.
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: {7} Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. {8} Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {11} In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. {13} And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" (Colossians 2:6-13)
"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {21} (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? {23} Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."(Colossians 2:20-23)
Our only remedy is found "in Christ" and the completeness that is intrinsic to the new creature we have been created to be in our Savior.
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: {7} Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. {8} Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {11} In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. {13} And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" (Colossians 2:6-13)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Affirming Positive Truth
WHAT TRUTH?
(Galatians 3:1) "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?"
Paul asked this question of the Galatians and there is a lesson for us, as well, in considering the answer. Of course, equally significant with the fact that these believers had been bewitched (enchanted with or by someone or something) is the point that they were no longer living on the basis of the truth. The definite article is employed to indicate that there is a specific truth that Paul had in mind rather than a broad spectrum of truthfulness in general.
The Galatian epistle makes it clear about the source of bewitching. There were teachers that were troubling them with a false gospel (Gal. 1:6-7). This gospel was false, not because it was foreign but for the reason it had been corrupted from grace by legalism. It sounded good to some but with Paul it was off the mark. It was like Paul’s gospel of Grace but it added works. Paul then “certifies” his gospel by affirming its origin and authority, asserting the uniqueness of his message which is distinct in its content of grace apart from works.
NOT CONTRIDICTING BUT DIFFERENT
Paul was required to return to Jerusalem to settle things with Israel’s Kingdom apostles because of the distinctive nature of his gospel (Gal 2:1-2). This meeting, particularly with James, Peter, and John resulted in some conclusions and an agreement.
The record says it this way; (Galatians 2:7-9) "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; {8} (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) {9} And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."
Notice the differences. Different apostleships; one Hebrew and one Gentile. Different gospels – the Gospel of the Kingdom (circumcision) and the Gospel of the Grace of God (uncircumcision). Different mission fields – Peter and the eleven to Israel’s little flock and Paul to all other heathen.
The Galatian problem was about more than legalism. It involved the confusion of Law and grace but the root problem is dispensational in nature. God has employed different agencies in His purposes on earth and at different times. In times past He worked in, and through, the nation Israel and to be estranged from that nation was alienation from God Himself (Ephesians 2:11-12). The present age is called the Dispensation of the Grace of God (Ephesians 3:1-2) and the agency of this age is the Church, the Body of Christ. This is one of the reasons that the Church is called the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
IDENTITY CRISIS – KNOW WHO YOU ARE
Much misunderstanding has resulted from the fact that religion has blurred the lines between Israel and the Church, the Body of Christ. Both involve different instructions, promises and structure. One is a nation the other a spiritual body. One operated on the basis of Mosaic Law and the other according to Grace (incompatible programs - see Romans 6:13-14; 8:1-3). This mingling of Law and Grace has been catastrophic to many because it involves a false sense of identity with believers attempting to occupy Israel’s place and standing instead of the identity as a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
IGNORANT LAW TEACHERS
Those that teach that Israel’s Law is contemporarily applicable do tremendous damage and inflict great discouragement. Note Paul’s declaration to Timothy concerning Law teachers; (1 Timothy 1:3-11) "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, {4} Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. {5} Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: {6} From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; {7} Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. {8} But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; {9} Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, {10} For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; {11} According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust."
The Law is not made for the righteous because its purpose is condemnation. Law keeping, for the lost soul, will not result in the righteousness necessary for salvation, nor will it generate practical righteousness in we who are saved.
Law teachers ignorantly promote the truth of another age. The Mosaic Law was a way of life for Israel but in the age of Grace its precepts produce spiritual death (Romans 7:5-6). The Law was a system of don’ts and its ultimate purpose was to declare us as guilty (Romans 3:19-20). Grace is positive truth that promotes life and is centered in the believers identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20). Law completely frustrates the power of grace (Galatians 2:21) condemning the believer to a life of self-righteousness and resulting in alienation from the life of God.
GRACE VERSUS WORKS
The Bible tells us that we are God’s creation and thus, according to His grace, we are His workmanship unto good works (Ephesians2:8-10). In this world system there are basically two approaches to pleasing God; grace and works. Works say do and is driven by man's self-righteousness. Grace operates on the basis of Christ’s life in the believer, powered by grace, and is rooted in the fountain of joy and thanksgiving. Law is negative; a short account system which can never be satisfied (Colossians 2:20-23). Grace is positive, and living under grace is founded upon the affirmation of positive truth.
POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE
(Titus 3:8) "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
Some have taken this verse from Titus to mean that good works are the product careful maintenance. This is interpreted, by some, as busy-ness in a religious sense and is polar opposite to the intended application.
Titus 3:8 does not say we are to constantly affirm the need to maintain good works. It says that there are “things” which need to be constantly affirmed and that “these things” are “good and profitable.” Many of these positive truths are identified in the passage. Titus 3:4 declares God’s kindness and love toward us. Verse five asserts that it isn’t on the basis of our righteousness (we don’t have any) but centered on God’s mercy and regenerating work. The next verse speaks of the abundance that we receive through our Savior Jesus Christ. Paul then finishes this blessed plethora with the justifying power of grace and our standing as God’s heirs because of our new identity in Christ.
The constant affirmation of these positive truths goes a lot further in motivating the believer to good works than any legalistic performance system ever will. The effectualness of grace trumps law any day. Good works are not the result of a daily, careful, attention to the details doing well. Good works are the fruit of God’s grace in the believer and they flow from a well of joy and thanksgiving.
(1 Corinthians 15:10) "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
(2 Corinthians 9:8) "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
(Galatians 3:1) "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?"
Paul asked this question of the Galatians and there is a lesson for us, as well, in considering the answer. Of course, equally significant with the fact that these believers had been bewitched (enchanted with or by someone or something) is the point that they were no longer living on the basis of the truth. The definite article is employed to indicate that there is a specific truth that Paul had in mind rather than a broad spectrum of truthfulness in general.
The Galatian epistle makes it clear about the source of bewitching. There were teachers that were troubling them with a false gospel (Gal. 1:6-7). This gospel was false, not because it was foreign but for the reason it had been corrupted from grace by legalism. It sounded good to some but with Paul it was off the mark. It was like Paul’s gospel of Grace but it added works. Paul then “certifies” his gospel by affirming its origin and authority, asserting the uniqueness of his message which is distinct in its content of grace apart from works.
NOT CONTRIDICTING BUT DIFFERENT
Paul was required to return to Jerusalem to settle things with Israel’s Kingdom apostles because of the distinctive nature of his gospel (Gal 2:1-2). This meeting, particularly with James, Peter, and John resulted in some conclusions and an agreement.
The record says it this way; (Galatians 2:7-9) "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; {8} (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) {9} And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."
Notice the differences. Different apostleships; one Hebrew and one Gentile. Different gospels – the Gospel of the Kingdom (circumcision) and the Gospel of the Grace of God (uncircumcision). Different mission fields – Peter and the eleven to Israel’s little flock and Paul to all other heathen.
The Galatian problem was about more than legalism. It involved the confusion of Law and grace but the root problem is dispensational in nature. God has employed different agencies in His purposes on earth and at different times. In times past He worked in, and through, the nation Israel and to be estranged from that nation was alienation from God Himself (Ephesians 2:11-12). The present age is called the Dispensation of the Grace of God (Ephesians 3:1-2) and the agency of this age is the Church, the Body of Christ. This is one of the reasons that the Church is called the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
IDENTITY CRISIS – KNOW WHO YOU ARE
Much misunderstanding has resulted from the fact that religion has blurred the lines between Israel and the Church, the Body of Christ. Both involve different instructions, promises and structure. One is a nation the other a spiritual body. One operated on the basis of Mosaic Law and the other according to Grace (incompatible programs - see Romans 6:13-14; 8:1-3). This mingling of Law and Grace has been catastrophic to many because it involves a false sense of identity with believers attempting to occupy Israel’s place and standing instead of the identity as a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
IGNORANT LAW TEACHERS
Those that teach that Israel’s Law is contemporarily applicable do tremendous damage and inflict great discouragement. Note Paul’s declaration to Timothy concerning Law teachers; (1 Timothy 1:3-11) "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, {4} Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. {5} Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: {6} From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; {7} Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. {8} But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; {9} Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, {10} For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; {11} According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust."
The Law is not made for the righteous because its purpose is condemnation. Law keeping, for the lost soul, will not result in the righteousness necessary for salvation, nor will it generate practical righteousness in we who are saved.
Law teachers ignorantly promote the truth of another age. The Mosaic Law was a way of life for Israel but in the age of Grace its precepts produce spiritual death (Romans 7:5-6). The Law was a system of don’ts and its ultimate purpose was to declare us as guilty (Romans 3:19-20). Grace is positive truth that promotes life and is centered in the believers identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20). Law completely frustrates the power of grace (Galatians 2:21) condemning the believer to a life of self-righteousness and resulting in alienation from the life of God.
GRACE VERSUS WORKS
The Bible tells us that we are God’s creation and thus, according to His grace, we are His workmanship unto good works (Ephesians2:8-10). In this world system there are basically two approaches to pleasing God; grace and works. Works say do and is driven by man's self-righteousness. Grace operates on the basis of Christ’s life in the believer, powered by grace, and is rooted in the fountain of joy and thanksgiving. Law is negative; a short account system which can never be satisfied (Colossians 2:20-23). Grace is positive, and living under grace is founded upon the affirmation of positive truth.
POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE
(Titus 3:8) "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
Some have taken this verse from Titus to mean that good works are the product careful maintenance. This is interpreted, by some, as busy-ness in a religious sense and is polar opposite to the intended application.
Titus 3:8 does not say we are to constantly affirm the need to maintain good works. It says that there are “things” which need to be constantly affirmed and that “these things” are “good and profitable.” Many of these positive truths are identified in the passage. Titus 3:4 declares God’s kindness and love toward us. Verse five asserts that it isn’t on the basis of our righteousness (we don’t have any) but centered on God’s mercy and regenerating work. The next verse speaks of the abundance that we receive through our Savior Jesus Christ. Paul then finishes this blessed plethora with the justifying power of grace and our standing as God’s heirs because of our new identity in Christ.
The constant affirmation of these positive truths goes a lot further in motivating the believer to good works than any legalistic performance system ever will. The effectualness of grace trumps law any day. Good works are not the result of a daily, careful, attention to the details doing well. Good works are the fruit of God’s grace in the believer and they flow from a well of joy and thanksgiving.
(1 Corinthians 15:10) "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
(2 Corinthians 9:8) "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A Brief Statement of Faith
The Bible
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works
2 Peter 1:19-21) "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: {20} Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. {21} For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
The Godhead
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
(Colossians 2:8-10) "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"
Sin
Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Salvation
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Cor 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Eph 1:13 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,
Eternal Security
2 Tim 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Eternal Judgment
2 Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
2 Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
The Unique Apostleship of Paul
Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
The Church, The Body of Christ
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Col1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
The Rapture
1 Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works
2 Peter 1:19-21) "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: {20} Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. {21} For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
The Godhead
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
(Colossians 2:8-10) "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"
Sin
Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Salvation
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Cor 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Eph 1:13 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,
Eternal Security
2 Tim 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Eternal Judgment
2 Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
2 Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
The Unique Apostleship of Paul
Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
The Church, The Body of Christ
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Col1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
The Rapture
1 Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, August 17, 2009
"All Things" Work Together for Good
Questioning God
Romans 8:28 ( KJV ) 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Often believers think themselves to be at odds with God because of difficult circumstances in their lives. They experience feelings of abandonment and question God’s purpose for their life as they imagine God’s disapproval and adopt an almost superstitious attitude regarding the events of their life. When things are going smoothly it must be because God approves of us, but if times are tough, obviously, God disapproves of us, He is punishing us, or He is trying to teach us something.
As doubt intensifies it begins to have affect in different areas of the believer’s spiritual life. It can damage relationships as we live our lives differently because we sense God’s apparent disapproval. This can produce anger as we struggle under the assumption that God is the author of our suffering. Our prayer life becomes frustrating because the more we ask, even beg, God to change our circumstances the more it seems He has turned a deaf ear. Many believers become trapped in a vicious circle of self-debasement and self-incrimination derived from false notions about Romans 8:28 thinking that the "all things" are their circumstances when they are, really, God's gifts.
God is For Us
Romans 8:31-32 ( KJV ) 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
What many of us miss in this passage is the true regard, even genuine love, which God has for us. He is not some distant deity, looking down from above, who delights in frustrating us, or is indifferent to our struggles. This regard and love, stems from many sources but, in the context, it is something we share because God, the Father, identifies us with His Son.
This is a marvelous truth that many of us miss. This truth is an element of doctrine in which some of us remain shallow, either because we have not been taught, or have not applied ourselves to learning. Doctrine is often perceived as dry and tedious without much practical value but, in actuality, it is the exact opposite. Few things can be more exciting than discovering fine points of doctrine and finding that there is great practical benefit in our daily lives.
Ephesians 1:3-6 ( KJV ) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According 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: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
When we believe the Gospel of Grace, trusting in Christ and His Cross work for us, there are a number of things that happen to us as believers. One of the things is an operation of God where He identifies us with His Son, our Savior, and from that point on we share Christ's identity. This is true because the believer is placed into Christ by God, the Holy Spirit, (1 Cor. 12:12-13) and then is sealed by the same Spirit in this new identity (Eph 1:12-14; 4:30). Because we are now “accepted in the beloved” we no longer need fear God’s disapproval, nor do we worry that God will become angry with us. Romans 5:1 (KJV) “1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. God deals with us now on the basis of His love, and His grace, but never in anger.
We Are Complete
Colossians 2:9-13 ( KJV ) “9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
Recognizing our new identity in Christ is a liberating event and it produces freedom for the believer as we realize the work that God has done in each of us. To be complete means to “have nothing lacking”. When Romans 8:28 declares "all things work together for good" it isn't a reference to all circumstances but, rather, to all that God has done for us. It is a statement to the effectiveness of God's gifts to us, a fact to which we are often ignorant, or have forgotten in troubling times. God has given us many things that work to our good because of our identity as a new creature "in Christ". All we need to do is to study out the details of our approved status (2 Timothy 2:15).
(1 Corinthians 2:10-12) "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. {11} For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. {12} Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."
Three Facts
1. God doesn't need to fix my circumstances because He fixed me. (Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 2:10-13)
2. God doesn't use circumstances to create character in me, He uses the life of His Son. (Galatians 2:20-21; Romans 8:10-11)
3. My circumstances are not a reflection of God's love and regard for me (Romans 8:37-39)
Romans 8:28 ( KJV ) 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Often believers think themselves to be at odds with God because of difficult circumstances in their lives. They experience feelings of abandonment and question God’s purpose for their life as they imagine God’s disapproval and adopt an almost superstitious attitude regarding the events of their life. When things are going smoothly it must be because God approves of us, but if times are tough, obviously, God disapproves of us, He is punishing us, or He is trying to teach us something.
As doubt intensifies it begins to have affect in different areas of the believer’s spiritual life. It can damage relationships as we live our lives differently because we sense God’s apparent disapproval. This can produce anger as we struggle under the assumption that God is the author of our suffering. Our prayer life becomes frustrating because the more we ask, even beg, God to change our circumstances the more it seems He has turned a deaf ear. Many believers become trapped in a vicious circle of self-debasement and self-incrimination derived from false notions about Romans 8:28 thinking that the "all things" are their circumstances when they are, really, God's gifts.
God is For Us
Romans 8:31-32 ( KJV ) 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
What many of us miss in this passage is the true regard, even genuine love, which God has for us. He is not some distant deity, looking down from above, who delights in frustrating us, or is indifferent to our struggles. This regard and love, stems from many sources but, in the context, it is something we share because God, the Father, identifies us with His Son.
This is a marvelous truth that many of us miss. This truth is an element of doctrine in which some of us remain shallow, either because we have not been taught, or have not applied ourselves to learning. Doctrine is often perceived as dry and tedious without much practical value but, in actuality, it is the exact opposite. Few things can be more exciting than discovering fine points of doctrine and finding that there is great practical benefit in our daily lives.
Ephesians 1:3-6 ( KJV ) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According 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: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
When we believe the Gospel of Grace, trusting in Christ and His Cross work for us, there are a number of things that happen to us as believers. One of the things is an operation of God where He identifies us with His Son, our Savior, and from that point on we share Christ's identity. This is true because the believer is placed into Christ by God, the Holy Spirit, (1 Cor. 12:12-13) and then is sealed by the same Spirit in this new identity (Eph 1:12-14; 4:30). Because we are now “accepted in the beloved” we no longer need fear God’s disapproval, nor do we worry that God will become angry with us. Romans 5:1 (KJV) “1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. God deals with us now on the basis of His love, and His grace, but never in anger.
We Are Complete
Colossians 2:9-13 ( KJV ) “9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
Recognizing our new identity in Christ is a liberating event and it produces freedom for the believer as we realize the work that God has done in each of us. To be complete means to “have nothing lacking”. When Romans 8:28 declares "all things work together for good" it isn't a reference to all circumstances but, rather, to all that God has done for us. It is a statement to the effectiveness of God's gifts to us, a fact to which we are often ignorant, or have forgotten in troubling times. God has given us many things that work to our good because of our identity as a new creature "in Christ". All we need to do is to study out the details of our approved status (2 Timothy 2:15).
(1 Corinthians 2:10-12) "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. {11} For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. {12} Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."
Three Facts
1. God doesn't need to fix my circumstances because He fixed me. (Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 2:10-13)
2. God doesn't use circumstances to create character in me, He uses the life of His Son. (Galatians 2:20-21; Romans 8:10-11)
3. My circumstances are not a reflection of God's love and regard for me (Romans 8:37-39)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Quench Not the Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a vital element in our relationship to God, not only as a member of the Godhead but as the performer of Divine operations that shape this relationship. The Holy Spirit is the one that baptizes us into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13) and seals us there (Ephesians 1:13) and is the earnest of our redemption (Ephesians 1:14). The Spirit is also an intercessor and a helper of our infirmities (Romans 8:26). We also discover that the Spirit enables us to mortify our flesh (Romans 8:13) and is the means of quickening our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11) as it indwells us. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is the witness to our identity as the children of God (Romans 8:16) and whose witness reassures us of our new identity in Christ.
Paul addresses several issues regarding our bond with the Holy Spirit. He exhorts believers to not grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) which is the result of our living in a manner inconsistent with our identity. The Ephesian epistle is unambiguous in the directive to “walk worthy of the vocation” wherewith we are called. In Christ we are said to be “light” and we are expected “walk as the children of light.” The Holy Spirit is grieved when we fail to do so.
Paul also cautions that the Spirit can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). This is an interesting notion in that quenching the Spirit would seem to suggest that God can be extinguished. Of course, this is impossible so we must look beyond the literal to discern the figurative meaning. Obviously, you cannot quench God – BUT you can extinguish the work He would accomplish in, and through, your life.
In looking at this subject we should note that man has a spiritual component that serves as one of the mechanisms by which we perceive and know one another. (Prov 27:19) "As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man." Just as man’s spirit is a point of contact between men it is also a point of contact with God (Prov 20:27) “The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly." However, the spirit of man alone does not equip us to know God as He intended – we must respond by God’s Spirit within us. (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. {13} Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. {14} But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Perhaps one key in understanding how the Spirit might be quenched is found in the intrinsic link of the Holy Spirit with the Word of God. The mechanism of Inspiration is explained in 2 Peter 1:21; “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." The Word of God is also identified as the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) which explains its ability to cut us so penetratingly at the heart. The Bible is the one book that reads us as we read it, discerning all of our thoughts and intentions. (Hebrews 4:12-13) "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. {13} Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
As the Word of God is crucial in generating faith (Romans 10:17) it is primary in the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we reject scriptural truth and refuse to be directed by it we are, in essence, quenching the Spirit. As we heed the instruction and principles of God’s Word we are being led by the Spirit. It isn’t by an indefinable force, or in the Divine manipulation of our circumstances, that we discover the substance of the Spirit’s leading; it is with the voice of God inked on the pages of our Bible. To walk in the Spirit is to make life choices based upon God’s Word. To quench the Spirit is to handle the details of our lives with our own agenda, in our own strength, and by our own wisdom.
The sad result of quenching the Spirit is to alienate ourselves from the life of God. It is to live in futility and it is a contradiction to our identity in Christ.
(Romans 8:5-6) "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Paul addresses several issues regarding our bond with the Holy Spirit. He exhorts believers to not grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) which is the result of our living in a manner inconsistent with our identity. The Ephesian epistle is unambiguous in the directive to “walk worthy of the vocation” wherewith we are called. In Christ we are said to be “light” and we are expected “walk as the children of light.” The Holy Spirit is grieved when we fail to do so.
Paul also cautions that the Spirit can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). This is an interesting notion in that quenching the Spirit would seem to suggest that God can be extinguished. Of course, this is impossible so we must look beyond the literal to discern the figurative meaning. Obviously, you cannot quench God – BUT you can extinguish the work He would accomplish in, and through, your life.
In looking at this subject we should note that man has a spiritual component that serves as one of the mechanisms by which we perceive and know one another. (Prov 27:19) "As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man." Just as man’s spirit is a point of contact between men it is also a point of contact with God (Prov 20:27) “The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly." However, the spirit of man alone does not equip us to know God as He intended – we must respond by God’s Spirit within us. (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. {13} Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. {14} But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Perhaps one key in understanding how the Spirit might be quenched is found in the intrinsic link of the Holy Spirit with the Word of God. The mechanism of Inspiration is explained in 2 Peter 1:21; “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." The Word of God is also identified as the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) which explains its ability to cut us so penetratingly at the heart. The Bible is the one book that reads us as we read it, discerning all of our thoughts and intentions. (Hebrews 4:12-13) "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. {13} Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
As the Word of God is crucial in generating faith (Romans 10:17) it is primary in the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we reject scriptural truth and refuse to be directed by it we are, in essence, quenching the Spirit. As we heed the instruction and principles of God’s Word we are being led by the Spirit. It isn’t by an indefinable force, or in the Divine manipulation of our circumstances, that we discover the substance of the Spirit’s leading; it is with the voice of God inked on the pages of our Bible. To walk in the Spirit is to make life choices based upon God’s Word. To quench the Spirit is to handle the details of our lives with our own agenda, in our own strength, and by our own wisdom.
The sad result of quenching the Spirit is to alienate ourselves from the life of God. It is to live in futility and it is a contradiction to our identity in Christ.
(Romans 8:5-6) "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Saturday, July 11, 2009
We Are One - A Study in Organic Dynamics
The Organic Union
We live in an age when individual rights, self-reliance and independence is greatly valued (at least in word if not always in substance). People everywhere are “doing their own thing.”
This attitude is also pervasive in the Church, the Body of Christ and manifests itself in many forms. One form that many of us might recognize goes something like this; “I have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit and I don’t need anyone else.” As you read this you might even think “I don’t feel this way” and this might be true in some sense, but in another sense many of us practice this autonomous philosophy in a reverse sort of way. In word we may deny this attitude yet subscribing to it by practicing it in reverse.
To explain, we might recognize our dependence and need of other believers but we fail to acknowledge that others are equally dependent on us.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. {13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
There is a truth in the Scriptures that concerns the organic unity of the Body of Christ. In organic, by definition, we mean “being made of parts that exist together in a seemingly natural relationship that makes for organized efficiency.” The text above lends itself to this definition as it employs the illustration of the human body; a marvelously intricate and coordinated organism. One might ask the question concerning the human form; “is it a single organism, or is it a composite?” The answer is “yes”.
To deny the practical implications of this doctrine damages our relationships with other believers and deprives us of the true joy, and privilege, of enhancing joy in others. Our denial also serves to blind us to our true identity “in Christ” and the significance of being “members” of His body. The truth of the matter is that not only do we become members of Christ through the “operation of God” (Colossians 2) we also become members “one of another” (Romans 12).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {26} That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. {28} So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. {29} For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: {30} For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. {31} For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. {32} This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:25-32)
Ephesians five is often cited as one of the greatest texts concerning marriage, and this is, indeed, true. However, to view this as a marriage passage only is to miss the intended duality of the author. Paul writes of the marriage union, and of all the mystery associated with it, but pointedly says “I speak of Christ and the church.” What we discover here is that our union with Christ is like the union of man and wife. Two becoming “one flesh” is a joining that results in a shared identity that speaks to mutual esteem, provision and protection. This is true of marriage or our union in Christ. There is much to be learned of spiritual union with God by examining our physical union in marriage.
The Organic Design
"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; {22} And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. {23} And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." (Genesis 2:21-23)
In the first marriage we see God’s design for this union. When God created Adam He did so with a purpose. (Genesis 2:15) "And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." Adam was to serve as an adornment testifying of God’s creative power and he was to “keep” (protect or preserve) that portion of Eden relegated to him. It is in this context that God said of Adam; (Genesis 2:18) “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." God purposed that Adam should not serve alone in his responsibility and made provision in the form of Eve, his wife. This first family unit was a key element in God’s design to fill the earth and “subdue” (take back) the earth; reclaiming that which had suffered from the rebellion of Lucifer, and they were to do it together.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. {10} For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. {11} Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? {12} And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
It is true that the first family failed miserably in their duty, but this was not because of a flaw in God’s design. Mankind was not created as a solitary being. Ecclesiastes four speaks to the fruitfulness, assistance, comfort, and defense that are the product of the combined efforts of two people, and that the addition of a third party is better still. The principle of community is established on a sound Biblical base.
The same principle is a component in God’s design, and purpose, for the Body of Christ. Please note the following scriptures;
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: {16} From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16)
"But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. {19} And if they were all one member, where were the body? {20} But now are they many members, yet but one body. {21} And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. {22} Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: {23} And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. {24} For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: {25} That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. {26} And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. {27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (1 Corinthians 12:18-27)
It is said that the world’s largest single organism is a stand of Aspen trees. Each tree appears to stand alone and yet each is a member in an intricate symbiotic web of life organically bound at the roots. So, similarly, is the Body of Christ. Each believer is one member of a complex organism with a corporate life that emanates from its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. In our union in Christ we find nourishment, fruitfulness, aide, comfort and safety.
The Organic Effect
There are consequences when we live in light of our shared identity in Christ and in accordance with God’s design for the Body of Christ.
There is balance and unity. Ephesians Four speaks of our being “fitly joined together” and this founded in the seven unities (the ingredients of balance) found early in the chapter. Our union should be manifested as a unity in purpose, attitude and truth (Philippians 1:27; 2:1-2). The apostle Paul was intensely interested in the organic effect as demonstrated when he said; "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)
There is edification. Our text in Ephesians Four also notes that the Body of Christ is “compacted together by that which every joint supplieth” which refers to the mutual support and fruitfulness that results from the participation of each member. Throughout the Pauline Epistles we find exhortations to edification.
• We are to seek to excel at edification – 1 Corinthians 14:12
• We are to pursue the things that edify – Romans 14:19
• We are to recognize that edification is more important than personal agendas – Romans 15:1-2
• We are to comprehend that edification is more vital than our personal liberty – 1 Corinthians 10:23
• We are to follow God’s design for edification – Ephesians 4:11-16
The Application
On the basis of Romans 12:9-10 we should come to the place where we live in the context of “it’s not me that counts, but we.” This means that we never reject others because of our differences, or their shortcomings, but are accepting. Paul writes; "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) This doesn’t imply that we approve of bad behavior but it does signify that we value people in the same way God receives us. How does God receive us? He receives us just as we are and on the basis of the gift of His Son for us.
It is a valuable exercise to become familiar with the “one another” citations in the Pauline Epistles. There are many, and they come in both positive and negative connotations. Paul exhorts believers to be kindly affectioned one toward another, to prefer one another, to love one another, to edify one another, to be like-minded as God in patience and consolation toward one another, to receive one another, to admonish one another, to tarry for one another, to have the same care one for another, to serve one another, to forgive one another, to submit to one another, to teach one another, to comfort one another, to forbear (be patient) for one another, and to restore one another. Unquestioningly, Paul stresses the need for us to be mindful of one another, and how vital this is in our life together in Christ Jesus.
Interestingly, our apostle also creates panoply “do not” admonitions as well. He says do not judge one another anymore, do not be puffed up for one against another (to take up someone else’s offence), do not go to law with one another, do not bite and devour one another (to backbite), do not lie to one another, and do not show partiality one toward another. These admonitions and exhortations are all founded in our shared identity in Christ and in the fact that we are members “one of another”. He makes these warnings that our relationships, and our lives, would not be consumed in petty self-interests and constant turmoil.
The Conclusion
"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? {13} Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. {14} If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. {15} For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. {16} Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. {17} If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:12-17)
The apostle Paul often described himself as a servant to God and men. In this he followed the example of the Savior, who taught that true happiness is only discovered when we esteem the needs of others above our own. The thought of the Creator kneeling on a floor to wash feet is a humbling one, and it boggles the mind that in doing so,He finds happiness. If believers would follow these examples of service one to another they might find the joy that seems to elude so many.
We live in an age when individual rights, self-reliance and independence is greatly valued (at least in word if not always in substance). People everywhere are “doing their own thing.”
This attitude is also pervasive in the Church, the Body of Christ and manifests itself in many forms. One form that many of us might recognize goes something like this; “I have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit and I don’t need anyone else.” As you read this you might even think “I don’t feel this way” and this might be true in some sense, but in another sense many of us practice this autonomous philosophy in a reverse sort of way. In word we may deny this attitude yet subscribing to it by practicing it in reverse.
To explain, we might recognize our dependence and need of other believers but we fail to acknowledge that others are equally dependent on us.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. {13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
There is a truth in the Scriptures that concerns the organic unity of the Body of Christ. In organic, by definition, we mean “being made of parts that exist together in a seemingly natural relationship that makes for organized efficiency.” The text above lends itself to this definition as it employs the illustration of the human body; a marvelously intricate and coordinated organism. One might ask the question concerning the human form; “is it a single organism, or is it a composite?” The answer is “yes”.
To deny the practical implications of this doctrine damages our relationships with other believers and deprives us of the true joy, and privilege, of enhancing joy in others. Our denial also serves to blind us to our true identity “in Christ” and the significance of being “members” of His body. The truth of the matter is that not only do we become members of Christ through the “operation of God” (Colossians 2) we also become members “one of another” (Romans 12).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {26} That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. {28} So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. {29} For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: {30} For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. {31} For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. {32} This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:25-32)
Ephesians five is often cited as one of the greatest texts concerning marriage, and this is, indeed, true. However, to view this as a marriage passage only is to miss the intended duality of the author. Paul writes of the marriage union, and of all the mystery associated with it, but pointedly says “I speak of Christ and the church.” What we discover here is that our union with Christ is like the union of man and wife. Two becoming “one flesh” is a joining that results in a shared identity that speaks to mutual esteem, provision and protection. This is true of marriage or our union in Christ. There is much to be learned of spiritual union with God by examining our physical union in marriage.
The Organic Design
"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; {22} And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. {23} And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." (Genesis 2:21-23)
In the first marriage we see God’s design for this union. When God created Adam He did so with a purpose. (Genesis 2:15) "And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." Adam was to serve as an adornment testifying of God’s creative power and he was to “keep” (protect or preserve) that portion of Eden relegated to him. It is in this context that God said of Adam; (Genesis 2:18) “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." God purposed that Adam should not serve alone in his responsibility and made provision in the form of Eve, his wife. This first family unit was a key element in God’s design to fill the earth and “subdue” (take back) the earth; reclaiming that which had suffered from the rebellion of Lucifer, and they were to do it together.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. {10} For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. {11} Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? {12} And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
It is true that the first family failed miserably in their duty, but this was not because of a flaw in God’s design. Mankind was not created as a solitary being. Ecclesiastes four speaks to the fruitfulness, assistance, comfort, and defense that are the product of the combined efforts of two people, and that the addition of a third party is better still. The principle of community is established on a sound Biblical base.
The same principle is a component in God’s design, and purpose, for the Body of Christ. Please note the following scriptures;
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: {16} From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16)
"But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. {19} And if they were all one member, where were the body? {20} But now are they many members, yet but one body. {21} And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. {22} Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: {23} And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. {24} For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: {25} That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. {26} And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. {27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (1 Corinthians 12:18-27)
It is said that the world’s largest single organism is a stand of Aspen trees. Each tree appears to stand alone and yet each is a member in an intricate symbiotic web of life organically bound at the roots. So, similarly, is the Body of Christ. Each believer is one member of a complex organism with a corporate life that emanates from its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. In our union in Christ we find nourishment, fruitfulness, aide, comfort and safety.
The Organic Effect
There are consequences when we live in light of our shared identity in Christ and in accordance with God’s design for the Body of Christ.
There is balance and unity. Ephesians Four speaks of our being “fitly joined together” and this founded in the seven unities (the ingredients of balance) found early in the chapter. Our union should be manifested as a unity in purpose, attitude and truth (Philippians 1:27; 2:1-2). The apostle Paul was intensely interested in the organic effect as demonstrated when he said; "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)
There is edification. Our text in Ephesians Four also notes that the Body of Christ is “compacted together by that which every joint supplieth” which refers to the mutual support and fruitfulness that results from the participation of each member. Throughout the Pauline Epistles we find exhortations to edification.
• We are to seek to excel at edification – 1 Corinthians 14:12
• We are to pursue the things that edify – Romans 14:19
• We are to recognize that edification is more important than personal agendas – Romans 15:1-2
• We are to comprehend that edification is more vital than our personal liberty – 1 Corinthians 10:23
• We are to follow God’s design for edification – Ephesians 4:11-16
The Application
On the basis of Romans 12:9-10 we should come to the place where we live in the context of “it’s not me that counts, but we.” This means that we never reject others because of our differences, or their shortcomings, but are accepting. Paul writes; "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) This doesn’t imply that we approve of bad behavior but it does signify that we value people in the same way God receives us. How does God receive us? He receives us just as we are and on the basis of the gift of His Son for us.
It is a valuable exercise to become familiar with the “one another” citations in the Pauline Epistles. There are many, and they come in both positive and negative connotations. Paul exhorts believers to be kindly affectioned one toward another, to prefer one another, to love one another, to edify one another, to be like-minded as God in patience and consolation toward one another, to receive one another, to admonish one another, to tarry for one another, to have the same care one for another, to serve one another, to forgive one another, to submit to one another, to teach one another, to comfort one another, to forbear (be patient) for one another, and to restore one another. Unquestioningly, Paul stresses the need for us to be mindful of one another, and how vital this is in our life together in Christ Jesus.
Interestingly, our apostle also creates panoply “do not” admonitions as well. He says do not judge one another anymore, do not be puffed up for one against another (to take up someone else’s offence), do not go to law with one another, do not bite and devour one another (to backbite), do not lie to one another, and do not show partiality one toward another. These admonitions and exhortations are all founded in our shared identity in Christ and in the fact that we are members “one of another”. He makes these warnings that our relationships, and our lives, would not be consumed in petty self-interests and constant turmoil.
The Conclusion
"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? {13} Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. {14} If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. {15} For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. {16} Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. {17} If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:12-17)
The apostle Paul often described himself as a servant to God and men. In this he followed the example of the Savior, who taught that true happiness is only discovered when we esteem the needs of others above our own. The thought of the Creator kneeling on a floor to wash feet is a humbling one, and it boggles the mind that in doing so,He finds happiness. If believers would follow these examples of service one to another they might find the joy that seems to elude so many.
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