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Q40- Benefits

Posted in Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Doctrine, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , on January 1, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Rescue from the penalty of sin is surely more than enough of a reward to precipitate worship and obedience from God’s children. But He has, is, and will give us far more: peace with God; introduction into grace; hope of glory; joy in tribulation leading to perseverance, proven character, hope, and the love of God; Christ’s righteousness; protection; assurance of eternal life; indwelling of the Holy Spirit; fellowship with Christ and believers; answered prayer. (1) He also sustains His own (Psalm 37:17) and calls us His brethren (Hebrews 2:10-12). (2)

Question 40: What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
Answer: The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, fellowship with Christ, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, the privilege of prayer, and perseverance therein to the end.

Romans 5:1-5; 14:17; Proverbs 4:18: 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 5:13; 1 Corinthians 1:9; John 15:7.

  1. See Scripture passages above.
  2. Though not an exhaustive list, it should be reason for thankfulness, confidence, and praise which are further benefits of His presence in our lives.

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Sorrow and Joy

Posted in Advent, Faith, General, Gospel, Person of Jesus, Poem, Song, tagged , , on December 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

I was listening to the Salisbury Organists recently as I do almost weekly. His video was titled “COVENTRY CAROL ~ England’s most HAUNTING Christmas Song“. I highly recommend it for quality of communication and context. Understanding that context of a sad lullaby concerning the “Massacre of the Innocents”, I see why such a sad song was written and performed, but I wanted another take that communicates more of the Gospel through this haunting tune. So, I wrote my own words. Click on the music to sing the words, if you like (“Coventry Carol Instrumental”):

When Jesus came to earth that day
Mixture of joy and pain
Birthed in a stable where they stay
Rough in a manger lain

Oh, but the joy of shepherds then
Fresh from the angels’ song
Worship the child who came to win
Sinners from all their wrong

Then came the magi with their gifts
Praise for the Infant King
Gifts symbolize and child uplifts
All of His glory sing

Next sorrow came with Herod’s rage
Children killed cruel and cold
Then Rachel’s weeping came of age
Mothers were not consoled

So were the sorrow and the joy
When Jesus crucified
He suffered our sin to destroy
Rose to be glorified

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Made a Righteous Child of God

Posted in Adoption, Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Doctrine, Faith, Forgiveness, General, Grace, Justification, Salvation, tagged , , , , , on December 11, 2025| Leave a Comment »

”Be a good little boy (or girl),” we are apt to say. The problem is, even the best of children cannot be truly good. The purpose of the Law is to both to teach us what we should be and that we cannot be that. Many do not want to be good, but those effectually called (“Effectual Calling”) will persist in a desire to be good owing to the enabling indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This pushes them to Christ (Galatians 3:24) who is able to make them right. Justify is “1To demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid. 2To free (a human) of the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin.” (1) Since no man or woman can prove him/herself just or right before God, the justification must come from without. “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.” (Romans 8:33) What we cannot do, God graciously does.

But how does He justify undeniable sinners? Does He merely overlook the sin and the guilt of the sinner? No, the price was paid in Christ’s death, and a glorious transfer is made. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Without this transfer from Christ to us, God would in fact be unjust. With the transfer, His righteousness is demonstrated “so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26) Trust Jesus Christ who alone can remove the source of your guilt, which is sin, and justify you in the eyes of God.

Justification is so great and gracious, but the goodness of God shines even brighter. What if I pulled someone out of a muddy ditch, cleaned them up, clothed him in clean garments, and then said, “I’ve cleaned you up. Now be on your way and have a good life.” I might even provide him with some food, a little starter money, and a place to live. But where is his sense of belonging, source of counsel, provision of friendship and mentorship? As a part of justifying the sinner, God adopts him into His spiritual family where He is his Eternal Father and other believers are his eternal and temporal, spiritual brothers and sisters. Emotional and spiritual belonging and provision are secured. He is not a cleaned-up orphan but a provisioned, protected, and purpose driven son of his Heavenly Father.

Oh, I give glory to God for justifying this sinner and adopting him into His family. I am blessed beyond understanding even as I seek to understand and pursue the God-given purpose in it all.

Question 37: What is justification?

Answer: Justification is an act of God’s free grace, by which he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Romans 3:24, 5:19; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16

Question 38: What is adoption?

Answer: Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, by which we are received into the company of God’s children and have a right to all the privileges of his sons.

1 John 3:1; John 1:12; Romans 8:16-17

  1. “The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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Effectual Calling

Posted in Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Dependence, Faith, Salvation, tagged , , , , , , , , , on November 23, 2025| 1 Comment »

Today we consider effectual calling and its benefits. We are never amiss to repeat and confirm the truths of God. Salvation is totally and absolutely of God. He alone draws the sinner to Himself in a way that cannot be precluded, prevented, or postponed- that is, an irresistible grace. Call is a command from a sovereign Creator and Ruler. All of this occurs in the face of a sinner who hates and resists the very God who calls Him. But the resistance does not persist, because the calling is effectual.

To change this from a theological explanation to a personal application, I ask the following question. What do you personally think is the greatest felt benefit of His effectual calling? Is it empowering to live righteously and for Him? Is it boldness to proclaim the Gospel, knowing that it will land on those He is calling? Is it peace and joy in the knowledge of His care for you?

For me it is the assurance that nothing will, and nothing can separate me from God. As Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And the thing that I feared most separating me from God was me. I would reject or neglect or displease or fail Him. But I can’t and won’t, because it says, “nor any other created thing.” I am a “created thing”, therefore, I cannot separate myself from Him. Can I reject or neglect or displease or fail Him? Yes, but it will be temporary, because His effectual calling leads to the perseverance of the saints. My faith will last to the end because He gave and sustains it in me. I am not passive in the process, and though I fail frequently, I am held tightly, securely, inextricably. Security, peace, joy, and confidence are the result as He trains me to trust Him. His training ground are trials coupled with the need to question and pray. He prevails; He sustains; He wins; I win; He gets the glory.

Question 35: What is effectual calling?
Answer: Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, to convince us of our sin and misery, to enlighten our minds in the knowledge of Christ, to renew our wills, and thus persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9; John 6:44, 45; 16:8-11; Acts 2:37; 26:18; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 12:3.

Question 36: What benefits do those who are effectually called receive in this life?
Answer: Those who are effectually called receive in this life justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life accompany or flow from them. Romans 8:30-32; Galatians 3:26; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; Ephesians 1:5.

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“Not What These Hands Have Done” (1)

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Doctrine, Faith, Forgiveness, General, Grace, Salvation, Work of Jesus, Work of the Holy Spirit, tagged , , , , , , on November 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

There is nothing in salvation brought about by man, not conviction, not faith, not the purchase of the sinner, not conversion, not assurance. I rejoice with Jonah, who said, “I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9)

The catechism questions before us touch on the work that God, the Holy Spirit, does to bring about the “regeneration and renewing” of the sinner. He opens a person’s heart to respond (Acts 16:14) and be born of the Spirit (John 3:5) by washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6), so that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

As Horatius Bonar well put it,

“Not what these hands have done
can save this guilty soul;
not what this toiling flesh has borne
can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or do
can give me peace with God;
not all my prayers and sighs and tears
can bear my awful load.” (1)

He goes on to praise the Christ for the singular excellence and efficacy of His saving work on our behalf. It is wonderful. From that work the Spirit applies the grace to the sinner.

Isaac Watts voices this collaborative work by saying,

”’Tis through the purchase of His death
Who hung upon the tree,
The Spirit is sent down to breathe
On such dry bones as we.” (2)

All glory goes to God for saving the unworthy sinner.

Question 33: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effective application of it to us, by his Holy Spirit.  John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5-6

Question 34: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. 1 John 5:1; Philippians 1:29; Ephesians 2:8; Acts 16:14; 18:27

  1. “Not What These Hands Have Done” by Horatius Bonar, 1864
  2. “’Tis Not by Works of Righteousness” by Isaac Watts,

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Priest and King

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Gospel, Person of Jesus, theology, Work of Jesus on October 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

In the last entry we considered that the offices of prophet, priest, and king are the means and authority by which our Redeemer Christ accomplished our grand rescue. Jesus is the only one in Scripture who fulfilled all three offices. Some, like David who was both prophet and king, fulfilled two offices, but only Christ fulfilled three.

Now we consider the offices of priest and king (1).

Who can imagine a priest who crawls up onto the altar? That is what Jesus did, becoming the sacrifice as well as the mediator and intercessor before the Father, and a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (2).

As sovereign king, He has power to bring about all that He has purchased for us. “For You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9) Thus, He rules over His church as Head (3), indeed “over all rule and authority” (4), and will at last rule visibly over all the earth and then forever (5).

Question 29: How does Christ perform the office of a priest?
Answer: Christ performs the office of a priest by once offering himself as a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and to reconcile us to God; and by making continual intercession for us before God.

1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 2: 17; 7:25; 9:28; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 8:34.

Question 30: How does Christ perform the office of a king?
Answer: Christ performs the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 2:6; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Corinthians 15:25.

  1. For an introduction and consideration of Christ as prophet, click on “Kinsman-Redeemer“.
  2. Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:17.
  3. Colossians 1:18
  4. Colossians 2:10
  5. Daniel 7:14, Revelation 20:4, Daniel 2:44

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Who Are We?

Posted in Faith, General, God Thoughts, The Church, tagged , , , , , on October 24, 2025| 2 Comments »

Before I gave brief commentary on and reading of the catechism questions before my church, I would greet my brothers and sisters in Christ with “Good morning, _________,” the blank being different monikers for believers. After a few times, I realized that I would need 59 different phrases for them if I was to continue with new greetings every time. My desire was to encourage the believers in how much God cares for them and is able to do so. As I considered it, I doubted that I would come up with that many biblically accurate greetings. I ended up thinking of more than 60. The congregation would call back with “Greetings” or “Good morning” in response to my greeting. Following is the list I made in the my journal and drew from for the catechism. You will notice that some are holiday oriented and that they all allude to a Scriptural passage.

Greetings……..

Church of the Living God, Assembly of the Saints, Beloved of the Lord, Followers of the True God, Believers in the Triune God, Favored of the Father, Justified of Jesus, Sanctified of the Spirit, Glorified of God1, Servants of the Most High, Pillar and Support of the Truth, Household of God, Sheep of His Pasture, Wisemen and Women of God, The Jachin2 of God, Citizens of God’s Kingdom, Saints who are in the Earth3, Godly Ones of the Holy One, Indwelt of the Holy Spirit, Empowered of the Spirit, Abiding Branches of the True Vine, Children of the Heavenly Father, The Elect, The Equipped for the Work of the Service, The True Israel of God, Warriors of Our Sovereign Lord, Purchased of Christ, Righteous Ones of God, Apple of His Eye, Servants of the Almighty, Thankful People of the Abundant Provider, Bond-servants of the Good Master, Followers of the One Wo Walked on Water4, Disciples of the Good Teacher, The Sheep wo hear His Voice, Flock of the Good Shepherd, Those Enlightened by the Light of the World, Pursuers of the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Christians, Harvest of the Son of Man5, Branches of the True Vine, People of His Pleasure6, Bride of Christ, Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, Saints by His Calling, Soldiers of His Kingdom, Beneficiaries of the Mediator of a Better Covenant, Lights of the world of the Light of Men, Fellow Soldiers of the Cross7, Celebrants of His First Advent, Citizens of Heaven, True Circumcision who worship in the Spirit8, Redeemed from the Slave Market of Sin, Redeemed from the Domain of Darkness, Redeemed of the Lord, Called of God in Christ Jesus, Co-heirs of the Resurrected One, Faith-Resting Ones of the Father, The Boaz9 of God, Living Stones of His Temple, Friends of Christ.

Many of these titles I thought of as I did my daily Scripture reading. I know that many of these have overlaps. Most have both a name for the church or saints with a name for God, so that the connection is brought to mind. I feel as though there must be more. Add any you may think of in the comments. It would be helpful if you provide a Scripture reference as I should have with all that listed, not just a few. I hope that it encourages you and points you toward God’s love, watch care, and grace.

  1. Romans 8:30
  2. ”established” I Kings 7:21
  3. Psalm 16:13
  4. Provided by a brother who got excited about me coming up with new greetings each week
  5. Matthew 13
  6. Psalm 149:4
  7. Philippians 2:25
  8. Philippians 3:3
  9. “strength”, I Kings 7:21

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Kinsman-Redeemer

Posted in Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Person of Jesus, Salvation, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 19, 2025| 1 Comment »

The Hebrew word for Redeemer is used once in the book of Ruth to refer to Boaz, who redeemed the widow Ruth. Then also, Isaiah refers to “your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,” using the word Redeemer 13 times. A similar Hebrew term is used used twice in Ruth, kinsman or intimate friend. These are terms that show that someone like us who cares for us, rescues us. The idea is one who buys back another from slavery, debtor’s prison, or the destitution of widowhood. This concept originates in Leviticus 25:25 where God says, “If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.” The book of Ruth gives the example that specifically has the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz, marrying Ruth which is a picture of Christ and His Church. Then Isaiah fills our the description of Messiah as strong, able, willing, loving, diligent, and patient to carry out the rescue of His people. Jeremiah proclaims strongly, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, “The sons of Israel are oppressed, and the sons of Judah as well; and all who took them captive have held them fast, they have refused to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong, the Lord of hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to the inhabitants of Babylon.”” (50:33-34)

Jesus best fulfills the dual role of kinsman-redeemer, having taken on flesh to become one of us and having died in our place to pay our sin debt, rescuing us from the wrath of God and the domain of darkness. By nature God, He had the power and purity to take the sin of everyone who believes. By nature man, He had the standing in the heavenly court to die in our place.

But wat do the offices or duties of prophet, priest, and king have to do with being a redeemer? The offices are the means and authority by which the Redeemer accomplishes this grand rescue. Consider the office of prophet. We think of a prophet as one who can reveal the future. Jesus certainly did that predicting His own future: death, resurrection, the destruction of Jerusalem, and His second coming. But in a wider sense, He reveals God, most notably in redemption through God’s justice and mercy in the plan of salvation.

Next time we will talk about Jesus as Priest and King.

Question 27: What offices does Christ perform as our Redeemer?
Answer: Christ, as our Redeemer, performs the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his condition of humiliation and exaltation. Acts 3:22; Hebrews 5:6; Psalm 2:6.

Question 28: How does Christ perform the office of a prophet?
Answer: Christ performs the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. John 1:18; 14:26; 15:15.

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2-in-1

Posted in Connotations, Doctrine, Faith, General, Gospel, Grace, Person of Jesus, Salvation, theology, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , , , , , , , on October 1, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Consider the mystery of Christ’s nature. Theologians refer to the hypostatic union of His divine and human nature. Hypostatic is a fancy word composed of “hypo”, underneath, and “stasis”, position. It means what is underneath all else, essential, or foundational, and by extension, unchanging.

I remind you that a catechism is an abbreviation of the a confession, just as a confession is an abbreviation and condensation of the essential truths of the Scriptures. In chapter 8.2 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession it says, “that two whole, perfect and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person.” How mysterious and wonderful it is that eternal, divine nature eternally takes on a second human nature, now equally essential to the divine. By this act, Jesus has exalted redeemed mankind far above all other created things, angels included. He cares about us more than we can imagine.

In this description of Christ’s human nature, the writer of the catechism included the following explanation: “Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul.” This explanation was added to refute heresy that claimed Christ only appeared to have a body (1). “A true body” is not ethereal or substance of a spirit; it is flesh and bone. “A reasonable soul” means He had normal reasoning abilities of the mental, emotional capacity of His being.
So, being Spirit conceived and virgin born are not mere niceties for telling the story of Christ’s arrival. They are essential doctrines for our salvation. By reason of Spirit conception, He is divine without having Adam’s sin nature passed down through an earthly father. His divine nature enabled Him to bear the wrath of God on our behalf. By reason of His virgin birth, again the lack of sin nature, but also gave Him the judicial right to pay the penalty for our sins in our place.
Our security rests in the very double nature of our Savior. The grace of our loving Lord is all sufficient because He was and is all sufficient for the task of saving and sustaining all those He bought and brought to Himself. Praise be to the God-man, Jesus the Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Question 26: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

Answer: Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and was born of her, yet without sin.

Hebrew 2:14, 4:14, 7:26; Matthew 26:38; Luke 2:52; John 1:14, 12:27; Luke 1:31,35; Colossians 2:9

  1. This heresy is called Docetism which many Gnostics held to.

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Moving Forward

Posted in Assurance, Civil Debate, Consequences, Cultural commentary, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Gospel, Implications, Sermon, Society, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on September 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

I avoid political comment or commentary on this blog, but Charlie Kirk’s death is not primarily or most essentially a political assassination. His was a death (1) for his faith and the boldness with which he proclaimed the truth of God’s Word and power of Christ to save those who will turn from their wickedness to trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross and in His resurrection. This past Sunday, my pastor preached on how the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 apply to this and other situations of persecution. You can hear the sermon at “The True Meaning of the Blessed Life”. Without fully reviewing or summarizing the sermon, I want to point out three ideas that he communicated about the text, Matthew 5:1-12.

Firstly, he pointed out that the word “blessed” that Jesus spoke to His Jewish hearers would be understood to mean a “spiritual well-being growing out of a close relationship with God resulting in a happiness and settled nature in the recipient.” This is not prosperity gospel; it is peace and joy in knowing God.

Secondly, verses 3-9 about what blessedness looks like will result in verses 10-12, persecution. I add that Paul said, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2) Therefore, Peter explains that since you do not do their sinful deeds, “In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you.” (3) On the other hand, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” (4). Persecution for doing what is right is to be expected.

Lastly, my pastor began listing some of the benefits of persecution even in the face of its horrors and difficulty. He seemed to have perhaps four or five items on his list, but he went on to list many more from which I made the following list:

Persecution brings

  1. Assurance of salvation
  3. Strength for the conflict
  4. Hope in the struggle
  5. Boldness to witness and life
  6. The Gospel being spread
  7. Rejoicing
  8. Prayer
  9. God’s Intervention
  10. Purification of the Church
  11. Clarity of Purpose
  12. God’s Provision
  13. Legacy to those following after
  14. Repentance for slack living
  15. Closeness among believers
  16. Zeal for the things of God

In all of these encouragements I have realized another most obvious result which Peter says most clearly, “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (4) The reason for the 16 things above in the life of individuals and the Church is the presence of God. I do not desire persecution to come, but God will bless us as believers when it does- all glory be to Him. May God give us zeal through the loss of this brother in Christ to raise up many more like him, bold to proclaim truth.

  1. I purposefully did not use the word martyrdom in the text, because it has so many connotations that may cloud the true meaning of what happened. It is a true moniker, but what I desired to explain is what it means2 Timothy 3:12
  2. 1 Peter 4:4
  3. 1 Peter 4:12
  4. 1 Peter 4:14

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Free Grace

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Blessing, Faith, General, Gospel, Grace, Joy, Person of Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on June 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

I rejoice that the transcendent, all powerful, sovereign, Creator of all things condescended to pour out His free grace upon an undeserving, rebellious sinner like me (1). I rejoice that his free grace (2) gifted me with eternal life (3), every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places while here on earth (4), all that I need for life and godliness (5), a growing knowledge of Him (6), and the ongoing sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to completion (7).

Grace was free but not cheap. That sounds like a contradiction, but to clarify, grace was free to the recipients but very costly for “…Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (8) Not only did He leave the throne of God to die on a cross, our Redeemer “became flesh, and dwelt among us.” (9) His condescension included permanently taking on the nature of a man and temporarily taking on flesh, for “much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.” (10) “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (11)

Question 24: Did God leave all mankind to perish in the condition of sin and misery?
Answer: God, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, having chosen a people to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the condition of sin and misery, and to bring them into a condition of salvation, by a Redeemer.
Ephesians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 5:21; 8:29-30; 9:11-12; 11:5-7; Acts 13:48; Jeremiah 31:33.

Question 25: Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
Answer: The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever.
Galatians 3:13; 1 Timothy 2:5; 3:16; John 1:14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9.

  1. Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 11:33; Job 42:2, Numbers 11:23; Psalm 115:3; John 1:14, Psalm 103:7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23, Jeremiah 17:9, Nehemiah 9:26
  2. Ephesians 2:8-9, John 4:10
  3. Romans 6:23
  4. Ephesians 1:3
  5. 2 Peter 1:3
  6. 2 Peter 3:17-18
  7. Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:11
  8. Hebrews 12:2
  9. John 1:14
  10. Romans 5:15
  11. 1 Timothy 2:5

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Federal Headship

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Consequences, Faith, Forgiveness, General, Grace, Judgment, Salvation, theology, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , , , , on April 27, 2025| 1 Comment »

“In Adam all die,” (1), the Scripture says. It is a matter of federal headship, one representing many, and in this case all. It doesn’t seem fair that I should die for someone else’s sin, but I don’t want fair, because then we would all be in a world of hurt (2). I want grace. Therefore, I am thankful for federal headship, because you and I, brothers and sisters in Christ, are counted alive spiritually and will one day be glorified because of the salvific work of one man, our federal head, Christ Jesus. And that goes for anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus (3), “for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (4)

Besides all of this accusation of the unfairness of God in applying Adam’s federal headship, it matters little for judgment ultimately, since each and every one of us has committed very own multiple sins, except the perfect God-man, Jesus, the Anointed One (Christ, Messiah) of God. Each of us is guilty in his own right and accountable before God.

Question 20: Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first sin?
Answer: All mankind, descending from Adam by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first sin.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Romans 5:12, 18-19.

Question 21: Into what condition did the fall bring mankind?
Answer: The fall brought mankind into a condition of sin and misery.
Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:18-19; 7:18; Isaiah 53:6; 64:6; John 3:6-7; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:14.

  1. 1 Corinthians 15:22
  2. Hell
  3. Acts 16:31
  4. Romans 10:13

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Ex Nihilo

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Creating, Faith, General, God Thoughts, God's Word on February 16, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Out of nothing?
We create in the sense of making something not previously thought of or produced by man or else improving on previous creations. But we absolutely do not, nor can we, nor should we ever claim to create something out of nothing. And since we cannot even conceive of how that happens, many skeptics, even, if not especially educated ones, deny that it is possible and deny the creation of all things by God, even though Creation screams it. Logic also attests to its necessity since anything which has a beginning must have been created by something totally outside of itself, with sufficient power and intelligence to pull it off. Our God, as revealed in Scripture, is an infinite, immaterial spirit, all powerful, uncaused First Cause. Our ability to create in the sense of using existing materials to make something new is a testimony to our being made in the image of God (Zechariah 12:1), but we simply don’t speak to the emptiness, bringing about loveliness, order, information, and persistence of the material world.

The debate has too long raged over how many genders there be. God declares that he made them male and female (Genesis 1:27), end of discussion. If we don’t stand on the Word of God, we don’t stand at all, nor long will we stand. And consider the privileges of being created in His image. Dominion over the creatures and all of creation come first and most tangibly to our minds, but knowledge of self, God, and the world, and righteousness before God which was at first given and still available through His Son, are better and bigger.

All glory be to our Creator!

Question 13: What is the work of creation?
Answer: The work of creation is God’s making all things [out] of nothing, by the word of his power and all very good.
Genesis 1:1, 31; Hebrews 11:3; Exodus 20:11; Romans 4:17.

Question 14: How did God create man?
Answer: God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
Genesis 1:27-28; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24.

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3 in 1

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Faith, God Thoughts, theology, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2025| Leave a Comment »

3 in 1 Multipurpose Oil (1) was as much an assumed part of a household when I was growing up as toast for breakfast. Its ability to “clean, lubricate, and protect” (1b) was as multi-purposed as Jell-O and Duct Tape (2). But all of these examples are uses rather than essentials of existence.

Deuteronomy 6:4, called the Shema (“to hear”) in Hebrew, says, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” It does not merely say that there is one God, but it also communicates that God is a unity, one in essence. However, 2 Corinthians 13:14 says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all,” and all are declared to be God in various places. How can there be one God who has three parts?

In reality, He doesn’t have three parts which is heresy (3). Instead, God is three persons, one in essence. Language and logic cannot fully explain or grasp triune God, three in one. It is true, the Bible teaches both the trinity and unity (4) of God in both the Old and New Testaments, and therefore, we believe it and declare it.

Thus, the catechism asks…

Question 9: Are there more Gods than one?

Answer: There is only one living and true God.

Deuteronomy 6:4, Jeremiah 10:10, Psalm 96:4-5.

Question 10: How many persons are there in the Godhead?

Answer: There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.

1 Corinthians 2:11, 8:6; John 1:1, 10:30, 14:9, 20:28; Acts 5:3-4, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:3,8.

  1. a) https://www.fohbc.org/PDF_Files/3-In-One_Oil_CMunsey.pdf and b) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-in-One_Oil
  2. a) https://www.kraftheinz.com/jell-o/recipes and b) https://allusesof.com/electricity/19-uses-of-duct-tape/#:~:text=19%20uses%20of%20duct%20tape%201%201.%20Remove,Squeeze%20Toothpaste%20in%20their%20tube.%20…%20More%20items
  3. Either polytheism or modalism
  4. Though some skeptic will immediately point out that the words trinity and unity appear nowhere in the Scriptures, being labels for concepts clearly taught.

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Use of the Scriptures

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Faith, God Thoughts, Grace, Obedience, tagged , , , , , , , , on December 1, 2024| Leave a Comment »

What does the Bible teach and who is it written for?

These questions are covered in questions 6 and 7 of the Baptist Catechism:

Question 6: May all men make use of the Scriptures?
Answer: All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.
Question 7: What do the Scriptures mainly teach?
Answer: The Scriptures mainly teach what man is to believe about God and what duty God requires of man.

It is at moments like these that I have to remind myself that the catechism is a concise question and answer format. That format has its significant advantages, making the main things the main things, but it does leave some holes that are hard to not comment on. The one detail I feel compelled to add about question 6 is “believe”. All men are commanded and exhorted to read, hear, understand, and believe the Scriptures. Examples include the command to the Philippian jailer to “believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31), “there is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12), “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25), and “unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

The succinct answer to question 7 is spot on. It is very God-centered rather than emphasizing what the sinner will get out of trusting God. The Scripture does list many benefits to trusting and obeying God, but these point also to His goodness and justice. I only feel compelled to clarify that our “duty God requires of man” is as follows: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29) since “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight.” (Romans 3:20)

Take note of the fact that the Bible does not look to any external source of authority or truth. Truly, Scripture alone properly understood by the guidance of the Holy Spirit is our source of truth and practice. We plead with all men to submit to it as such, because it brings life and godliness, peace and joy, purpose and direction.

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Epistemology

Posted in Assurance, Baptist Catechism, Doctrine, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Questioning, theology, Truth, Work of the Holy Spirit, tagged , , , , , , , , , on November 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »

How do we know? How do we know we know?

I would like to propose a definition of “know”: to perceive and be convinced of truth. Since truth is what is in accordance with fact or reality rather than what is thought to be, knowing something that is not true is not knowing but believing something to be true that isn’t. This definition of truth accepts that truth is an absolute, not a perception or belief apart from reality.

So, back to the question: How do we know? How do we know that what we believe and claim to be true is in fact true? Not being omniscient, we must rely on (believe, hold presuppositions) sources of truth. Evidence for the truthfulness of a source is important. There are two types of evidence: internal and external. Question 5 of the Baptist Catechism gives both concerning the Christian’s source of truth.

Question 5: How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God?

Answer: The Bible evidences itself to be God’s Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, and its power to convert sinners and to edify saints. But only the Spirit of God can make us willing to agree and submit to the Bible as the Word of God.

The internal evidences are “heavenliness of its doctrine” and “the unity of its parts”. The former points to its high view of God and accurate view of man. The latter demonstrates its internal consistency even in the light of 40 authors in 66 books over 1500 years.

The external evidences are its “power to convert sinners” and “[power] to edify saints”. Lives are changed. This is the reason that personal testimony is so important and persuasive. The Bible is not just a set of facts and rules. It is a life-giving change agent. Other external evidences such as scientific discoveries, archaeology, logical arguments, historical confirmations, and answers to prayer, are useful, removing barriers to open-minded skeptics, but the Word of God opened to us by the Spirit of God is our only solid, unchangeable, ruling source of truth and knowledge.

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Infallible

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Doctrine, Experience, Faith, General, theology, tagged , , , , , , , on November 22, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Can you think of anything infallible? There are certainly things that are trustworthy and consistent, but only two things are truly infallible, God and His Word.

Question 4: What is the Word of God?
Answer: The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:17- 18; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Psalm 19:7-8.

Contained in a limited 66 books of Old and New Testament as witnessed by internal evidence (1), these were then confirmed by the church fathers and counsels as the whole of the Bible, the Word of God (2).

This communication from God is most narrowly declared to be the “only infallible rule”. Only is quite the exclusive word and declaration. Cannot experience or conscience or reason or observation or evidence also be used? These may only be used as they agree with and confirm what the Word of God says, but all of these other rules are fallible. They do not hold a candle to the brightness in trustworthiness of God’s Word. We must submit to this Bible as our rule, our guide, our instructor and manager, the very words from our King.

To what part of life does the Scripture apply? It should have full reign over “faith and practice”, belief and conduct, which includes perspective, intention, speech, emotion (3) Right practice arises from right belief and right belief arises from right teaching which arises from truth which arises from the Word of God. If you base your faith and practice on any other foundation, you will be led astray and ruined.

God’s Word is declared to be truth by Jesus: “Your Word is truth.” (John 17:17b) The source of God’s Word is the inspiration of God resting upon the biblical authors (2 Timothy 3:16), directed or moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).

In a world awash with truth claims from Empiricism to Historicity to Existentialism to Spiritism, the Bible stands out by boldly claiming to have an exclusive corner on truth. Jesus, as its author and defender, claims Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Him.” (John 14:6) All other truths, for the devout follower of Christ, are considered true to the extent that they line up with the Word of God.

May our practical (actual lived out) theology grow in alignment to our stated (what we argue for) theology.

  1. “Thus says the Lord”, 2 Peter 3:14-16, “The word of the Lord came to me saying”, John 5:37, 12:49, etc
  2. https://www.historyinthebible.com/supplementary_pages/church_fathers.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_of_the_New_Testament_canon
  3. In all of this list, our ability to perfectly align our faith and practice to God’s Word is beyond our capabilities, and no more so that in our short-term emotional responses, but we can do as David did, pour out our woes and come around to declaring God’s goodness, righteousness, and provision.

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Unexpected Delight

Posted in Baptist Catechism, Education, Faith, God Thoughts, God's Word, tagged , , , , , , , , on November 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Having heard catechism questions read in a worship service several times and done well, I thought it might be of benefit for our church to do so. I volunteered to the pastor, receiving an enthusiastic confirmation.

Following is how I introduced the subject to the church:

“Considering that “the Word of God [is] the only infallible rule of faith and practice” (1), why are confessions, creeds, and catechisms useful and prudent (though not necessary)? The truths about God, man, and the way of salvation are scattered throughout the Scripture like nuggets in a quartz vein of a goldmine. Many do not have the skills or inclination to dig so hard, tough that is no excuse to not learn and acquire them. So, a catechism is a systematic, focused, concise set of questions and answers to train the young, the uninformed (2), and the forgetful in the overall message of the Scriptures. We are accused of indoctrination. [Certainly,] the world continually teaches and persuades of its lies, so we must counter with truth carefully and consistently conveyed.”

I did not grow up with confessions and catechisms and only occasionally recited the Apostle’s Creed in church. In fact, when I first came in contact with them, I thought they were unnecessary and even detrimental since they could be a source of division. Furthermore, why not just study Scripture so that you get it right? That is more complicated than it may first appear. There are the matters of Hermeneutics (3) and Exegesis. Throwing around big words and saying it is complicated throws up red flags for many people to avoid the subject and claim agnosticism concerning truth. That is a cop out. The Scripture encourages and enjoins with these words: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth…” (4)(John 16:13), and “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). So, you can know and must avail yourself to know. Having a tool to point you to the major points of truth in Scripture, like a confession or catechism with Scripture references to look up, is very helpful for the “young, uninformed, and forgetful.” They are also useful to parents and teachers of the Word in order to convey the basics and crucials of Scriptures while pursuing the study of the details in Bible Study.

God has no grandchildren, that is, each generation must be convicted, repent, and believe on the Lord Jesus, but that does not absolve the church, the teacher, and the parent from indoctrinating their hearers in the truth. All belief systems indoctrinate (5); we best not fall behind.

  1. This quote is part of the answer to question 4 of the Baptist Catechism of 1693 (Collins), which makes the rest of the sentence somewhat of an irony.
  2. I originally wrote “ignorant” which is not wrong, but I thought better of it since many people would be insulted by the term, though accurate.
  3. Three good articles on biblical hermeneutics: https://www.apologeticsindex.org/5846-biblical-interpretation-rules#hermeneutics; https://www.logos.com/grow/biblical-hermeneutics-guide/?msockid=091b1c02a8ee649603de0914a9f96573; https://seminary.grace.edu/what-is-biblical-hermeneutics/
  4. Since context is king and this Jesus was speaking to His disciples, it is proper to understand that the truth they were to be guided into was the inspiration of the Scriptures. However, immediately after Jesus prays the Father “sanctify them in the truth;…” (John 17:17), He continues with “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word” (v.20). You, believer, are included.
  5. A fact I know all too well from having studied Biology at a secular university

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Metaphorically Speaking

Posted in Blessing, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Metaphor, Psalm, Strength, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on October 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

A brother in Christ was laughing with me about how I make lists. It set me to thinking about how I organize, deal with, and convey information. I do make lists, either numbered or bulleted (1), often indented much like outlines I enjoyed in school, and metaphors. Somehow, those seem worlds apart, lists and metaphors, but they seem to delineate the two most divergent (2) types of human thinking, analytical and creative.

So, when I run across lists or metaphors in the Bible, my mind and emotions sit up and take notice. Reading through the Psalms recently I came to the following verses in Psalm 84:5-7:

“How blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring;
The early rain also covers it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength,
Every one of them appears before God in Zion.”

Heart as highway is certainly metaphorical, but initially I struggled with what it meant, how it represented the heart. Two sources of confusion were 1) What is the antecedent of “it”? and 2) What is the meaning of the metaphor in light of the change from inanimate, singular “it” to personal, plural “they” and “everyone”? Further, confusion arises from how to end verse 5. Many translators believe that “to Zion” is implied because verse 7 ends “in Zion.” Translations without this phrase struggle to make sense out of the words. The context of the psalm is the temple in Zion.

Clarity came to me by zooming out to see what the overall message was before making inroads (3) into the details of the metaphor. How does one gain strength in God? He is a believer, a follower, a disciple, a worshipper. These children of God are blessed because each one makes his heart to contain multiple highways for God, to God, to and for blessing, to and for worship, and to and for righteousness.

When these hearts pass through the valley of weeping (“Baca”), they make them into springs. The early rains (those needed to sprout the crop) make blessings (literally, pools (4)). These highways in the blessed ones’ hearts are wet, initially with tears, but ultimately with life-giving springs and pools. The antecedent of “it” is valley of Baca. The antecedent of “they” is the ones’ whose hearts are highways.

“Strength to strength” reminds me of the phrase in Romans 1:17, “faith to faith”, which I find to be very confusing words. I don’t know exactly how to interpret it, but the passage certainly conveys a transition from the strength of trusting in God through the trials of the valley of weeping to the triumphant appearance before God for worship (5).

And what is the ultimate point to be understood? Those who trust in God have strength and blessing even in the midst of sorrow, and they mark the world with that blessing, being enabled (strengthened) to appear before God for worship. So, “direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him alone” (1 Samuel 7:3 (6)), and He will bless and strengthen you.

  1. https://clearlyscientific.com/best-practice-writing-formatting-bulleted-lists/#:~:text=Sub-bullets%20should%20be%20indented%20further%20in,%20and%20it%E2%80%99s%20worth
  2. I am using the word divergent, not as opposed to convergent thinking, but in the usual way of considering the distance between the two, as in right and left brain.
  3. I hope that you didn’t miss that one.
  4. https://biblehub.com/interlinear/psalms/84.htm
  5. I keep assuming worship because Zion is where the temple was and that was where the children of Israel worshipped. The wider context of the psalm is about worship before God in the temple.
  6. 2 Chronicles 11:16-17, Isaiah 51:1, Hosea 6:3

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Superscription Decryption (1)

Posted in Dependence, Faith, General, Praise, Psalm, tagged , , , , , , , on September 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The superscription of Psalm 56 is one of the lengthier ones, but casual inspection lends little understanding. These subtitles to psalms were part of the original Hebrew (2), and they should be heeded as inspired Scripture which instructs, encourages, exhorts, and corrects (2 Timothy 3:16). The directions to the choir director indicate that the psalm, as are all psalms, are for public worship. This particular one is for the congregation to worshipfully hear from a choir. David indeed made it a statute that music be included with worship and the sacrifices and led by skilled men assigned to the task (3).

The present choir directive under consideration seems to be to a song, given by name, and a setting. The song, “Jonath Elem Rehokim”, is translated, “The dove of the distant terebinths”. The dove is seen as a faithful and forlorn bird, because they partner and mate for life and their call is melancholy (thus Mourning Dove). The terebinth (not to be translated as “oak”, as it is sometimes mistakenly translated (4)) is a small, resinous, Mediterranean tree from which turpentine is extracted. I think that the dove, distant, and terebinth sound sad. The song is not extant, but I feel sure that this was a sad tune for the sad subject of man who “man has trampled” (v.1), “they distort my words” (v.5), and “they attack…lurk…watch my steps…waited to take my life” (v. 6).

The setting adds to the sense of foreboding of the psalm. David wrote it either at the time or in memory of the time when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Though it does not say “seized” in 1 Samuel 21:15-19, this event was probably the one alluded to, David feigning madness before the Achish and the Philistines at Gath. It was a low point for David, exceeded only by his sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah her husband. In Gath, because of fear (v.12), David pretended to be mad, humiliating himself with scribblings and saliva running down his beard. And yet, David praises and trusts in God in this psalm and Psalm 34 (5), for his protection, direction, and future. May we all.

  1. hopefully
  2. https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-the-psalms/#:~:text=10%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know%20about%20the%20Psalms,Psalter%20consists%20of%20five%20%E2%80%9Cbooks.%E2%80%9D%20…%20More%20items item #5
  3. 1 Chronicles 15:19, 16:5,7,37, 25:1-2,6
  4. https://evangelicalfocus.com/zoe/16065/the-terebinth-tree-and-cultural-prostitution
  5. See Psalm 34 superscription; It is thought that Abimelech is a title, Achish a personal name for the same person.

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