These are my thoughts about the Doctrines of Grace (also known as Tulip) for those of my friends who may not know what these doctrines are. Now, some who hold to these doctrines may disagree with the further thoughts I provide. My intentions, however, were only to discuss these doctrines and play out possibilities with them. In the end, the doctrines by themselves stand not because they are not formatted by Theologians but because they are clearly evident in Scripture. So, enjoy a long read and I hope that it informs :)
Doctrines of Grace (Also known as Tulip)
Total Depravity (Doctrine of Inability) (Romans 1-3:23, Genesis 6:1-5)
The doctrine of Total Depravity claims that the entire human race is bound in sin. The ability to sin is the only thing we are capable of doing apart from God. In our current age we like to view people as seekers of God, attempting to “fill that God shaped hole in their heart.” The problem is that the Bible claims that, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12). This is not me saying this, this is what Scripture itself says. This is not something that someone made up one day, it is not a lens that we look through, it is clear in Scripture and it is a teaching that Scripture demands us to accept with humility.*
* Now let me say something about good before I continue. How is it possible to say this when we see people doing “good” around us? The problem is that we do not give credit to the One who enables us to do good to begin with (essentially we become idolaters placing ourselves above God). If all good comes from God (James 1:17), then we must claim that our own good also comes from God. If we take the Apostle Paul into consideration he tells us that we are earthen vessels to show that it is God in us and not by our own selves (II Corinthians 4:7). Some may say that this is a warped view of the human race, however let me remind you that humanity is warped. Besides, as Christians is it not our desire to do all that which is in the will of the Father and bring Him all the glory honor and praise?
Unconditional Election (Romans 3:24, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 9:14-18, Acts 13:38, Ephesians 1:4-5)
As we reflect on total depravity, we must now come to Unconditional election. This is the doctrine which claims that because people are radically depraved God elects those whom He saves not based on any conditions that they meet, but instead by His own Sovereign grace and choice. If God were to base election on let’s say His foreknowledge of those who would better “receive” salvation, then we must then claim that there is some good in these people. This, however, goes against Scripture which states that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It is for this reason that we understand faith as a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8) which reminds us that none are allowed to boast in salvation, because it comes from God (Romans 3).*
**It is my opinion that any who boasts in salvation does not truly understand it. The Biblical view of this is not that we are special in and of ourselves, it is not us, it is by God alone that we are saved and therefore we are excluded from boasting. It reminds us to be humble because unless God intervened in our lives we would not acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior.
Limited Atonement (Also known as Particular Redemption) (Exodus 19:5-6, John 6:65-71, John 10:26, Romans 9, Acts 13:48)
Christ’s atonement of sin is not for everyone, but covers only those chosen. This does not mean that Christ’s atonement cannot fulfill atonement for all, but instead God limits it. Again if we say that this is cruel of God we must go back to total depravity. If all humanity is totally depraved as the Bible teaches, then God could justly let all humanity walk into hell and He would still be as righteous, holy and loving as He is now. For His own glory, however, He has chosen that some would be spared for His own sake and His own glory (it is not for the elect themselves) (Titus: 2:14).
*** When I say not for the chosen/elect, we must understand that if God were to do anything for any other reason than Himself He would be an idolater. Therefore, we must come to the conclusion (not through philosophy or logic but through Scripture) that God does all things for His own glorious Name as Scripture teaches (I Samuel 12:22, Psalm 23:3, Isaiah 48:11, Ezekiel 20:9, Malachi 1:11 and for redemption and the blotting out of sin see I John 2:12).
Irresistible Grace (John 10, Romans 9, Acts 13:38)
When God means to save someone, that person will be saved. That persons will, which is free, will not resist God’s calling. The reason for this is that God regenerates the person’s heart and mind upon hearing the Gospel message. Therefore it becomes irresistible because of the regeneration process which causes us to long for God where we once hated Him.***
**** This does not mean that a Christian cannot be outside of the will of God. We see this happen with Paul, Peter, David, Elijah, Abraham etc. Each of these Biblical figures did things that were outside of God’s will for their lives; however we also understand that God does things in mysterious ways (Genesis 50:15:21). From this Genesis narrative we see that though Joseph’s brothers are outside of the will of God in regards to loving and caring for their brother, God’s providence steps in and His will is ultimately accomplished despite what they had intended. As Christians, we are called to constantly be renewing our minds and seeking out God’s will (Romans 12) so that we may know the steps we are to take. We are unable to simply live in whatever way we desire, because we are called to walk a certain way, and to be holy and separate from the world (I Peter 1:15-16). Though if we should, because of our inability, fall out of God’s will for our lives, we can rest assure in our knowledge of two things, the first is that if we are truly in salvation God will bring us back, and that during this time God will still be glorified despite our inability to fully walk as we should.
So though we may not always do what we should, we recognize that God uses even our inability for His glory (See Genesis-Revelation for more info :) ).
Perseverance of the Saints (Philippians 1:6, John 10:27-29)
Those who are saved will continue in salvation (to live in faith) until the end. In essence, it does mean once saved always saved, with the exception that those who fall away were never truly saved (sorry). In a sense, this is a reminder that God keeps us. I do not believe that this is about our own ability to persevere, but instead it is about God keeping those whom He has chosen. So though we may fall, we may stumble, we may not always hit the mark, we can rest in the knowledge that God will always keep us in His steadfast Love and Mercy.****
***** Christians do sin (see above), everyone knows this. Despite being chosen we still have our own free wills which still allow us to be tempted and to fall by those same temptations. The difference between a Christian and an unbeliever, however, is that a Christian cannot live in sin as a way of life (See especially Hebrews 10:26-31). So while we stumble and we still fall, we understand that God will not allow His chosen to continually live in a perpetual state of sin. An unbeliever has free will, but in their free will they always choose to sin. The Christian is truly the only free person, for (after salvation) they are able to choose to either fall into temptation or to follow God (Romans 6).
^ See Ephesians 2:1-10
(See the second paragraph on Total Depravity to see why a Christian’s accurate response would be to praise and honor God for the good that is done in their lives and not become puffed up by the good that God does in their lives).
A Few Thoughts:
The verse list is not extensive (in fact there are many more verses that help support these doctrines) however because of time and life I was unable to gather them all. I believe that the verses used do strengthen and give great weight to the stated doctrines above. So, research the Scriptures, wrestle with what’s being said, and see where you stand. Do you agree or disagree? As for me, I affirm these doctrines and stand on their side, not for their sake or the sake of the people who originally held to these Truths, but because Scripture beckons us to believe them.
I also recognize my own inabilities and that I may not have accurately cited the verses correctly, or may have taken them out of context. I expect those who read to check to make sure that this is Biblical and that the verses are not taken out of context (I do not believe they are). If you question why one of the verses was used ask me and I will gladly discuss it with you.
This is not something that needs to be dividing, and my goal is to help people (specifically my friends) understand these doctrines and show why they are significant. If you deny that these are accurate, then please don’t hesitate to say what you think the Biblical passages cited are teaching. If, however, the Biblical passages are clear and we recognize the Truth being shown and the doctrines reflect only what the Bible is teaching us, then it is our responsibility to bow down and accept God as Sovereign over our lives and praise and honor Him for every breath we breathe! This is a cause to rejoice!
These doctrines are very important to me. They help me by putting names to things that the Bible does not specifically name but does teach. I can easily see how Romans (especially 1-3:23) deals with Total Depravity. This does not mean that the Doctrine defines the Scripture, but conversely, that the Scripture defines the doctrine. The same goes with the other doctrines presented. The Scriptures state what these doctrines claim and that is all (it is not my belief that they attempt to change Scripture, but point to it and glorify God by saying this is Truth).
Why even discuss this?
Lane, a brother in Christ, answers the question of why we need to debate in his blog. I recommend clicking here and giving it a read because it’s a wonderfully written blog entry (something new for those who may actually read my blogs!) and worth reading.
As for my own reasoning, I believe that as Christians we are called to constantly renew our minds according to the Scripture and we are called to constantly be seeking out God. These doctrines aim to do two things, the first is place God exactly where He belongs as Sovereign over the cosmos, and the second is to place man where man belongs under God. Our American culture hates being subjected to another’s rule. This is why so many Americans blanch at the idea of a Sovereign God who elects. The problem is that we have been drowning in our culture (which aims to self-satisfy) and not in Scripture (which aims to glorify God).
If your response to these doctrines is something like, “Well I don’t like that and therefore I will not believe it” then I will tell you are wrong. If your response is, “Well, the Bible teaches this and this is why I can’t believe this” then we can at least discuss it. The problem, however, is that you must look at the Scriptures provided above and actually come to a conclusion about them that is not based upon your own self satisfying nature. You cannot say, Scripture says this therefore that Scripture is irrelevant either! Shall we then say that the Word of God contradicts in its own theology? Let it never be! It is our responsibility to accept the Word of God and recognize that it does one thing throughout the whole, and that is to place God as head of all.
(For more information on at least Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace see the 10 Minute Paul Washer video below to get a better perspective on it. He gives a clearer understanding of what it truly means to be sinners and outside the glory of God, but ultimately how wonderful it is to then be partakers of that glory because of Christ)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Being Married (First of Many)
Just wanted to write a blog about being married. I'm not going to be as descriptive as my wife was on her blog (see here), however I will say the ceremony was perfect as were the pictures and the reception (though the reception is a big blur).
I must give a shout out to my good friend/mentor Dr. Mosser. It was the first wedding that he has officiated, and as I reflect all I can say is thank you. He said everything that needed to be said, and most importantly made the primary aspect of the wedding about God (or at least attempted to remind everyone that it should be about His glory first and fore-most). Again, thank you Doc for all the hard work in preparing us for marriage and reminding us to walk with God down this road, and rest in the comfort that He is with us always. He also used a passage in Hebrews as the passage and I loved it!
After two weeks of being married all I can say is that it is a blessing. Many would have us believe what the culture says about marriage is true, and that it is not worth it. I know I am a newly wed, but I can already see the joy's of this sacred union. Thanks be to God for giving marriage to us, and thanks be to God for giving me such an incredible wife to walk with in faith.
I will be posting a blog in the near future that I wrote a few months back but didn't get a chance to post. I thought it would be good to give a few thoughts about marriage before I dropped a possible bomb. Consider this post the first of many posts about marriage, as I am sure God will give me new insights to life and Himself as Carissa and I grow together. God is good.
God bless,
Sean
I must give a shout out to my good friend/mentor Dr. Mosser. It was the first wedding that he has officiated, and as I reflect all I can say is thank you. He said everything that needed to be said, and most importantly made the primary aspect of the wedding about God (or at least attempted to remind everyone that it should be about His glory first and fore-most). Again, thank you Doc for all the hard work in preparing us for marriage and reminding us to walk with God down this road, and rest in the comfort that He is with us always. He also used a passage in Hebrews as the passage and I loved it!
After two weeks of being married all I can say is that it is a blessing. Many would have us believe what the culture says about marriage is true, and that it is not worth it. I know I am a newly wed, but I can already see the joy's of this sacred union. Thanks be to God for giving marriage to us, and thanks be to God for giving me such an incredible wife to walk with in faith.
I will be posting a blog in the near future that I wrote a few months back but didn't get a chance to post. I thought it would be good to give a few thoughts about marriage before I dropped a possible bomb. Consider this post the first of many posts about marriage, as I am sure God will give me new insights to life and Himself as Carissa and I grow together. God is good.
God bless,
Sean
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Some thoughts on I Corinthians 8-10
I Corinthians 8-10 deals with an issue that we often deal with today, though it is slightly tweaked. What the Corinthian church was dealing with were those who were stronger (ie. the knowledgable) who were causing those who were weaker (the ones with conscience) to fall into sin by going against their conscience. How did they do this? How were the stronger being a stumbling block (8:7-12) to the weak? Answer: The strong ate the meat offered to idols to which the weaker's conscience could not allow the weak to do, but by seeing the strong do it they go against their conscience and eat the meat thereby falling into sin (8).
It is because of this that the strong thereby sin themselves because they caused their brother to fall into sin. In western culture we do not struggle with this problem of food sacrificed to idols, or do we? While it may not be food, we do struggle with the problem that people often have with idols. Alcohol is one such idol, and an easy one to go to for many people. Lately, anyone who has a conscience is belittled for it by the knowledgeable who are able to drink alcohol. To this I say it is a shame.
I fully acknowledge that a Christian can drink alcohol and not be condemned to hell, in fact I wouldn't really care if every Christian drank alcohol correctly. This is an example of a strong (knowledgeable) Christian. Yes, we can drink alcohol there is nothing wrong with it (so long as you do not get drunk). We say this so very easily, so oblivious to those around us and the pain that alcohol has caused to so many people. So when a weaker believer whose conscience has been placed to keep them from sin, from possible bondage, sees us drink and hears us discuss it, and it causes them to fall into it because of us, we sin ourselves because it is our fault that they have fallen into sin by going against their conscience (see I Corinthians 8:7-13).
What do I see? As a Christian I can easily affirm our ability to drink alcohol and not fall into sin. At the same time, with my own freedom, my own choice, I limit myself to not drink for the sake of those who are around me. Why do I do this? "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor (I Cor. 10:24)." Therefore I allow my conscience to bear witness to the others conscience for the sake of the other. Yes, I could easily go and do that which is good by me and drink an alcoholic drink. However, for the sake of the people around me, I let go of my freedoms for their sake because it is not about my newfound freedom, but God and His glory (I Cor. 9, 10:31-33).
This is why I do not drink. This is why I think that the majority of Christians who are so arrogant in their knowledge should better recognize those around them. At the same time I will not tell anyone that they should not drink, but if you drink to think about the possible consequences. It is clear that when we cause others to stumble that WE sin in the process (I Corinthians 8:7-12). If you have knowledge and recognize your freedom then do as you please, but not at the expense of those who are weaker then you. If eating meat caused someone to stumble Paul claimed he would never eat meat again (I Cor. 8:13). Are we so willing to do the same for the weaker among us for something like alcohol? Just a thought.
God bless,
Sean
It is because of this that the strong thereby sin themselves because they caused their brother to fall into sin. In western culture we do not struggle with this problem of food sacrificed to idols, or do we? While it may not be food, we do struggle with the problem that people often have with idols. Alcohol is one such idol, and an easy one to go to for many people. Lately, anyone who has a conscience is belittled for it by the knowledgeable who are able to drink alcohol. To this I say it is a shame.
I fully acknowledge that a Christian can drink alcohol and not be condemned to hell, in fact I wouldn't really care if every Christian drank alcohol correctly. This is an example of a strong (knowledgeable) Christian. Yes, we can drink alcohol there is nothing wrong with it (so long as you do not get drunk). We say this so very easily, so oblivious to those around us and the pain that alcohol has caused to so many people. So when a weaker believer whose conscience has been placed to keep them from sin, from possible bondage, sees us drink and hears us discuss it, and it causes them to fall into it because of us, we sin ourselves because it is our fault that they have fallen into sin by going against their conscience (see I Corinthians 8:7-13).
What do I see? As a Christian I can easily affirm our ability to drink alcohol and not fall into sin. At the same time, with my own freedom, my own choice, I limit myself to not drink for the sake of those who are around me. Why do I do this? "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor (I Cor. 10:24)." Therefore I allow my conscience to bear witness to the others conscience for the sake of the other. Yes, I could easily go and do that which is good by me and drink an alcoholic drink. However, for the sake of the people around me, I let go of my freedoms for their sake because it is not about my newfound freedom, but God and His glory (I Cor. 9, 10:31-33).
This is why I do not drink. This is why I think that the majority of Christians who are so arrogant in their knowledge should better recognize those around them. At the same time I will not tell anyone that they should not drink, but if you drink to think about the possible consequences. It is clear that when we cause others to stumble that WE sin in the process (I Corinthians 8:7-12). If you have knowledge and recognize your freedom then do as you please, but not at the expense of those who are weaker then you. If eating meat caused someone to stumble Paul claimed he would never eat meat again (I Cor. 8:13). Are we so willing to do the same for the weaker among us for something like alcohol? Just a thought.
God bless,
Sean
Monday, February 8, 2010
Paul Washer explains the Doctrine of Election
I found this video on Youtube of Brother Paul explaining election. It can be hard to hear which is why I've written up a transcript so that people can read along to what is being said. There are certain parts that I was still unable to fully hear but I think I got enough of it to be able to post it. I hope that this helps those who do not know about Election and also help those who may have the wrong understanding of it (as well as the Depravity of man and Irresistible grace which ultimately comes from this).
If anyone has any questions concerning Calvinism please don't be afraid to ask, or if you have a problem with what is being said please don't hesitate to speak up. I personally believe what Brother Paul is saying is the Truth and that it is vital in understanding God's work in regards to salvation, but that is me. So without much further adieu I present Brother Paul Washer and Election.
Let me if you will go to my pastor’s website anchored in truth, he has this series of sermons called election plain and simple it's some of the best you will ever hear. dot Org election plain and simple. Um what it all comes down to is this you only have to answer one question, is man radically depraved? That's the only question you have to ask. Because if he is if he is truly dead in his sin, if he truly hates healing. If all men are equally evil and they are, then the question is how are you standing here right now believing God while some of your friends who are more moral than you still hate Him? What happened? If you say you opened up your heart I'll say no you didn't because the Bible says God opened up .... If you say I repented repentance is an evangelical grace in all the confessions it means it comes from God as a gift. If you say well I believe...Ephesians 2...also as a gift.
I know the Bible says that no man cometh to God unless he is called by God I know that my question is you know is grace, the offer of salvation for all men or did God sit back in eternity and say it's for you you you you and you you you you.
Well see first all the problem is this; let's say there is no election at all. Ok let's just start clean there's no election. Alright, now let’s say that men really are radically depraved and no man can come to God unless God draws him. So God comes down to every man and says, "Anyone who will bow their knee to me, anyone who will accept my Son as their Savior, will be saved." Since every man is radically depraved they all hate God, they all blaspheme Him turn around walk away and go to hell the whole world goes to hell, is that God's fault? Alright, let’s say that really is the reality; let's say that the Bible is true and that men hate God that much. So who's going to get saved? Absolutely no one. And if God saves no one because everyone is evil and rejects Him is God wrong in doing that? No. So that's what you've got without election. You've got the whole world hating God and going to hell. That's it.
The other option is this. Among these evil men for His own glory, and to demonstrate His own kindness before the foundation of the world He chooses a group of men out of there to demonstrate His glory in them. Is that wrong? Did he rip the other men off? What did He do? You've got two choices, God saves a group of people by His own Sovereignty or everybody goes to hell, everybody. Because men are that evil.
See your problem see what you need to realize is this, if God, right now were to throw open the door of hell, and say “Everyone who wants out of hell, the only thing you have to do is bow your knee to me and recognize my Lordship” they'll slam the door and stay in hell. See what you don't realize because of the humanistic Christianity in America you don't realize men are really evil. They really ARE evil. I'll give you an example (smirk).
Any of you seen the Lord of the Rings? Ok now Saruman makes these orcs, they come out of the ground, evil, evil. Alright Aragon all the heroes of the movie slaughter them like they were...you know insects. Slaughter them. And every time an orc gets killed what are you doing? You're going yay! Why? Because those orcs really are evil. They are evil. There's your problem. You don't think men are. Men really are evil, men really deserve hell. They really do.
Alright, so, it says you know we talk about the doctrine of inability that men cannot come to God. Jesus said that. Alright, men cannot come to God. Now, if you say, "If men can't come to God then how can God judge them? That's like judging a blind man because he can't read." If men can't come to God then mans not a culprit he's a victim. But here's what you have to understand men cannot come to God because they will not come to God and they will not come to God because they hate Him and therefore they're responsible. Men are evil, God is good.
So men hate God, they hate His Law, they hate everything about Him. Ok? It says of Joseph’s brothers they could not speak to Him peaceably. Now they spoke Aramaic, why couldn't they speak to him? They could not speak to him peaceably because they hated him. Alright? That's why no man will ever come to God. If God comes down and says, "Alright everybody make their choice." No one’s coming to God, why? They hate Him. And that's why their judged for their moral, their inability because their inability is (immoral?). They really hate God.
So you've got a whole human race, every one of them is fallen, everyone of them hates God, God comes down and says, "Who wants to be saved?" Everybody blasphemes the Name of God and walks into hell and slams the door, that's what you've got. Because men really are evil. And if out of that God says, "But for My Own Glory, I am going to redeem a people and give them to my Son. By my own choice by my own Sovereign election." He's done wrong to no one.
Now, how does He save them? Here's a question, are you spiritually dead prior to conversion? Well then how do you come to Christ? If you're spiritually blind, how do you see Him? But you're a dead man, if some of it has to do with you you're a dead man. If God calls your name you hate Him you're not gonna come you're gonna run farther away from Him. That is why in all, now listen very carefully, in all the Christian confessions, the old Christian confessions, in the Reformation, early Baptist confessions. You have been raised on this, "If you believe in Jesus you will be born again." All the early Baptist confessions say, "You must be born again in order to believe in Jesus." That's the difference.
Because if I tell a dead man, "Look, you're dead, but there's a hospital over here we can put some electrodes on you so get up and follow me over to the hospital." That's nonsensical he's dead. If he can get up he doesn't need to go to the hospital. So when Jesus looked at Lazarus and said Lazarus come forth. There's a problem, Lazarus is dead, he doesn't hear the command. The command must not only be given, the moment the command is given, Lazarus must be resurrected to able to even hear the command to respond.
That's why you've probably heard the Gospel for many many years, and you're sitting there and you didn't care no big deal, maybe you made a confession of faith, nothing. And then one day the Gospel is preached and you're like (whooh) the blinders taken off and not only that you want Him. Because some people say, "Well what God does is He draws us all to a certain point and then gives us a choice." There's a problem, if God only illuminates the mind of the sinner, then the more the sinner sees God, the more he's going to hate Him. So He not only illuminates the mind He changes the heart and with a new heart for the first time you look at Jesus you say, "I love Him, I'm irresistibly drawn to Him I want Him more than anything."
If anyone has any questions concerning Calvinism please don't be afraid to ask, or if you have a problem with what is being said please don't hesitate to speak up. I personally believe what Brother Paul is saying is the Truth and that it is vital in understanding God's work in regards to salvation, but that is me. So without much further adieu I present Brother Paul Washer and Election.
Let me if you will go to my pastor’s website anchored in truth, he has this series of sermons called election plain and simple it's some of the best you will ever hear. dot Org election plain and simple. Um what it all comes down to is this you only have to answer one question, is man radically depraved? That's the only question you have to ask. Because if he is if he is truly dead in his sin, if he truly hates healing. If all men are equally evil and they are, then the question is how are you standing here right now believing God while some of your friends who are more moral than you still hate Him? What happened? If you say you opened up your heart I'll say no you didn't because the Bible says God opened up .... If you say I repented repentance is an evangelical grace in all the confessions it means it comes from God as a gift. If you say well I believe...Ephesians 2...also as a gift.
I know the Bible says that no man cometh to God unless he is called by God I know that my question is you know is grace, the offer of salvation for all men or did God sit back in eternity and say it's for you you you you and you you you you.
Well see first all the problem is this; let's say there is no election at all. Ok let's just start clean there's no election. Alright, now let’s say that men really are radically depraved and no man can come to God unless God draws him. So God comes down to every man and says, "Anyone who will bow their knee to me, anyone who will accept my Son as their Savior, will be saved." Since every man is radically depraved they all hate God, they all blaspheme Him turn around walk away and go to hell the whole world goes to hell, is that God's fault? Alright, let’s say that really is the reality; let's say that the Bible is true and that men hate God that much. So who's going to get saved? Absolutely no one. And if God saves no one because everyone is evil and rejects Him is God wrong in doing that? No. So that's what you've got without election. You've got the whole world hating God and going to hell. That's it.
The other option is this. Among these evil men for His own glory, and to demonstrate His own kindness before the foundation of the world He chooses a group of men out of there to demonstrate His glory in them. Is that wrong? Did he rip the other men off? What did He do? You've got two choices, God saves a group of people by His own Sovereignty or everybody goes to hell, everybody. Because men are that evil.
See your problem see what you need to realize is this, if God, right now were to throw open the door of hell, and say “Everyone who wants out of hell, the only thing you have to do is bow your knee to me and recognize my Lordship” they'll slam the door and stay in hell. See what you don't realize because of the humanistic Christianity in America you don't realize men are really evil. They really ARE evil. I'll give you an example (smirk).
Any of you seen the Lord of the Rings? Ok now Saruman makes these orcs, they come out of the ground, evil, evil. Alright Aragon all the heroes of the movie slaughter them like they were...you know insects. Slaughter them. And every time an orc gets killed what are you doing? You're going yay! Why? Because those orcs really are evil. They are evil. There's your problem. You don't think men are. Men really are evil, men really deserve hell. They really do.
Alright, so, it says you know we talk about the doctrine of inability that men cannot come to God. Jesus said that. Alright, men cannot come to God. Now, if you say, "If men can't come to God then how can God judge them? That's like judging a blind man because he can't read." If men can't come to God then mans not a culprit he's a victim. But here's what you have to understand men cannot come to God because they will not come to God and they will not come to God because they hate Him and therefore they're responsible. Men are evil, God is good.
So men hate God, they hate His Law, they hate everything about Him. Ok? It says of Joseph’s brothers they could not speak to Him peaceably. Now they spoke Aramaic, why couldn't they speak to him? They could not speak to him peaceably because they hated him. Alright? That's why no man will ever come to God. If God comes down and says, "Alright everybody make their choice." No one’s coming to God, why? They hate Him. And that's why their judged for their moral, their inability because their inability is (immoral?). They really hate God.
So you've got a whole human race, every one of them is fallen, everyone of them hates God, God comes down and says, "Who wants to be saved?" Everybody blasphemes the Name of God and walks into hell and slams the door, that's what you've got. Because men really are evil. And if out of that God says, "But for My Own Glory, I am going to redeem a people and give them to my Son. By my own choice by my own Sovereign election." He's done wrong to no one.
Now, how does He save them? Here's a question, are you spiritually dead prior to conversion? Well then how do you come to Christ? If you're spiritually blind, how do you see Him? But you're a dead man, if some of it has to do with you you're a dead man. If God calls your name you hate Him you're not gonna come you're gonna run farther away from Him. That is why in all, now listen very carefully, in all the Christian confessions, the old Christian confessions, in the Reformation, early Baptist confessions. You have been raised on this, "If you believe in Jesus you will be born again." All the early Baptist confessions say, "You must be born again in order to believe in Jesus." That's the difference.
Because if I tell a dead man, "Look, you're dead, but there's a hospital over here we can put some electrodes on you so get up and follow me over to the hospital." That's nonsensical he's dead. If he can get up he doesn't need to go to the hospital. So when Jesus looked at Lazarus and said Lazarus come forth. There's a problem, Lazarus is dead, he doesn't hear the command. The command must not only be given, the moment the command is given, Lazarus must be resurrected to able to even hear the command to respond.
That's why you've probably heard the Gospel for many many years, and you're sitting there and you didn't care no big deal, maybe you made a confession of faith, nothing. And then one day the Gospel is preached and you're like (whooh) the blinders taken off and not only that you want Him. Because some people say, "Well what God does is He draws us all to a certain point and then gives us a choice." There's a problem, if God only illuminates the mind of the sinner, then the more the sinner sees God, the more he's going to hate Him. So He not only illuminates the mind He changes the heart and with a new heart for the first time you look at Jesus you say, "I love Him, I'm irresistibly drawn to Him I want Him more than anything."
Friday, August 14, 2009
Psalms
"The Journey, the Journey, the Journey is long..."
It has been months since I've heard the lyrics to this hymn sung. Indeed, where I was attending seminary this song seemed to be the staple anthem. This particular hymn is about taking the journey together. A very community based hymn, which is logical seeing as I went to a mennonite institution.
Why am I now quoting this hymn? I suppose it is because I am attempting to discuss the Psalms. Why the Psalms? Because the more that I understand the Psalms, then the more I come to understand the Jewish understanding of worship.
There are those who read the Psalms and are petrified by some of the lyrics that meet their eyes. An example of this may be found in Psalm 109 where (as the Psalmist) David says, "May his children wander about and beg, seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit!" (109:9-ESV). How can any culture any where use such language in worshipping God! Do they not know that God is love (I John 4:16)!
However, those who reject such Psalms and refuse to look at them and understand them miss the goal. What is this goal? What is it that the Hebrews understood about worship? It is this, that they worship God fully as He has revealed Himself to the world.
In our modern age we tend to worship God for about two reasons. The first is His love, and the second is community (which we sometimes do not even recognize comes from Him). Why do the Psalms matter? Why are they the epitome of worship? Because they worship God for not only His love, His community, but also for His Righteousness, His Holiness, His Providence. They worship Him for being Creator and Sustainer. Ruler of all (See Psalm 148 for a few of these).
So, you see, this is the major problem with Modern worship, that when we think of praising God, we focus on one attribute of God while others go ignored.
I do not mean that we should never sing about God's Love, and His mercy. In fact, a worship without this at least in Spirit is flawed. Instead I am merely suggesting that just as the Jewish Psalmists of old recognized God's many attributes, that we also praise Him for them as well.
To me, the Psalms are perfect in praise. Not only in praise, but in understanding who God is. It is through worship that His followers were able to give praise to God in ways that they were unable to otherwise. The Psalms are a guide post. They show us that we can worship God for more than His Love, but also for all He is.
This does this mean that we should simply make the Psalms our official songbook and never write the worship that comes upon our hearts? By no means! We need artists to be creative in worship for our modern time and make a new song for the world to sing (Psalm 149). There will never be enough songs for us to sing about our God. However, our modern psalmists need to recognize that there is more of who God is, and all of Him deserves all of our praise. Not only do our psalmists need to recognize this, but also our congregations and our communities.
As a quick thought. Let us remember that if you want to know God, then a logical place to begin is the Psalms (I am talking to those who have been given faith already and who desire to seek His face). The Psalms are God-breathed works. Even Christ gives them high esteem saying, "These are my words I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything that is written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44, ESV)." Here, Christ places the Psalms on a level equal to that of the Law and Prophets written in the Old Testament.
Clearly, the Psalms are something more. We should allow ourselves to see that the worship in the Psalms for God's righteousness does not go against praising God, but instead praises Him all the more. There are more attributes of God than His Love, though in all of His attributes we can hear the echo of Love through and through.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
-Psalm 19:14
"The LORD is my Light and my Salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the Stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?"
-Psalm 27:1
"Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who alone does marvelous deeds.
Praise be to His glorious Name forever;
May the whole Earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen."
-Psalm 72:18-19
For the glory of God forever! Amen.
God Bless,
Sean
It has been months since I've heard the lyrics to this hymn sung. Indeed, where I was attending seminary this song seemed to be the staple anthem. This particular hymn is about taking the journey together. A very community based hymn, which is logical seeing as I went to a mennonite institution.
Why am I now quoting this hymn? I suppose it is because I am attempting to discuss the Psalms. Why the Psalms? Because the more that I understand the Psalms, then the more I come to understand the Jewish understanding of worship.
There are those who read the Psalms and are petrified by some of the lyrics that meet their eyes. An example of this may be found in Psalm 109 where (as the Psalmist) David says, "May his children wander about and beg, seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit!" (109:9-ESV). How can any culture any where use such language in worshipping God! Do they not know that God is love (I John 4:16)!
However, those who reject such Psalms and refuse to look at them and understand them miss the goal. What is this goal? What is it that the Hebrews understood about worship? It is this, that they worship God fully as He has revealed Himself to the world.
In our modern age we tend to worship God for about two reasons. The first is His love, and the second is community (which we sometimes do not even recognize comes from Him). Why do the Psalms matter? Why are they the epitome of worship? Because they worship God for not only His love, His community, but also for His Righteousness, His Holiness, His Providence. They worship Him for being Creator and Sustainer. Ruler of all (See Psalm 148 for a few of these).
So, you see, this is the major problem with Modern worship, that when we think of praising God, we focus on one attribute of God while others go ignored.
I do not mean that we should never sing about God's Love, and His mercy. In fact, a worship without this at least in Spirit is flawed. Instead I am merely suggesting that just as the Jewish Psalmists of old recognized God's many attributes, that we also praise Him for them as well.
To me, the Psalms are perfect in praise. Not only in praise, but in understanding who God is. It is through worship that His followers were able to give praise to God in ways that they were unable to otherwise. The Psalms are a guide post. They show us that we can worship God for more than His Love, but also for all He is.
This does this mean that we should simply make the Psalms our official songbook and never write the worship that comes upon our hearts? By no means! We need artists to be creative in worship for our modern time and make a new song for the world to sing (Psalm 149). There will never be enough songs for us to sing about our God. However, our modern psalmists need to recognize that there is more of who God is, and all of Him deserves all of our praise. Not only do our psalmists need to recognize this, but also our congregations and our communities.
As a quick thought. Let us remember that if you want to know God, then a logical place to begin is the Psalms (I am talking to those who have been given faith already and who desire to seek His face). The Psalms are God-breathed works. Even Christ gives them high esteem saying, "These are my words I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything that is written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44, ESV)." Here, Christ places the Psalms on a level equal to that of the Law and Prophets written in the Old Testament.
Clearly, the Psalms are something more. We should allow ourselves to see that the worship in the Psalms for God's righteousness does not go against praising God, but instead praises Him all the more. There are more attributes of God than His Love, though in all of His attributes we can hear the echo of Love through and through.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
-Psalm 19:14
"The LORD is my Light and my Salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the Stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?"
-Psalm 27:1
"Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who alone does marvelous deeds.
Praise be to His glorious Name forever;
May the whole Earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen."
-Psalm 72:18-19
For the glory of God forever! Amen.
God Bless,
Sean
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Genesis
Not simply to mean the Genesis of the Bible. Instead, it is the Genesis, the beginning, of this blog. It seems appropriate to begin with something Biblical, as this blog will mostly consist of such things. Where this will take me, and any readers that join in, is far from me. Who knows what God has in store for something as simple as a mans thoughts? Yet, God has does miraculous works through donkeys and the like (Numbers 22). From this, we have great hope. Especially those of us who are weak and poor in spirit. Our God is faithful, and is worthy of all our trust and hope.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)