Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

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.

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

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

Read Full Post »

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

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

Trust God Rather Than Man or Things

Posted in Faith, General, God Thoughts, God's Word, Mercy, tagged , , , , , on March 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Psalm 62 gives praise to God by drawing a strong contrast between 1) God, who is strong, stable, and substantial, and 2) man, who is weak, unstable, and insubstantial. By men David means a) evil men (v.3-4), b) all men (v.9), and c) himself (v.3) who he describes as a “leaning wall” and “tottering fence”. And yet, because he “waits…for God only” (v.1, 5), that is he trusts in God rather than men (v.9) or things (v.10), he “shall not be greatly shaken.” (v.2)

This is indeed the theme of the psalm: Trust God rather than man or things. Matthew Henry wrote, “We are both in the way of duty and comfort when our souls wait upon God…” I wait for His timing, His way, His provision, His defense, His wisdom, His understanding, His justice, and ultimately His salvation. The basis of our trust is twofold: 1) His Word wherein His attributes, works, and promises are recorded, and 2) our experience of Him wherein He proves His Word in our walk before Him. The latter can never inform the former, but our experience does fortify and deepen our trust. The result is as follows: The Word declares that He is good. He has been good to me. Therefore, I may trust fully that He will be good to me. Afterall, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Take note of the structure of the psalm, which is after all a poem to be sung. It begins with a refrain of trust in verses 1 and 2 which is repeated in verses 5 and 6, though with some variation. Starting thus, “My soul waits in silence for God only” (v.1), David communicates the way in which he trusts in God. In battle, David no doubt moved and was at the ready with his weapons and slashed both offensively and defensively. He was a man of action. But here he sits or bows in anticipatory trust. And for what or who does he wait? He waits for God, not salvation. He knows that when God comes and when God acts, He will bring salvation, but David’s focus is on God. Though best and ultimate is eternal, spiritual salvation, I do not believe, based on what David does and says that he does not also mean physical salvation. There are just too many times when he calls on God to rescue him in and from situations. The skeptic and doubter will immediately throw exceptions on this blaze, but God does rescue His own and help them in time of trouble. He does also allow them to take hits for His glory and their greater good. I am thankful that I may ask for rescue as He has helped me many times.

The variation in the refrain is of interest. The first time he says, “From Him is my salvation,” while the second time he says, “For my hope is from Him.” (v.1, 5) This looks like Hebrew parallelism to me, which means he is saying the same thing with difference in emphasis. He does a similar thing with the other variation. He says, “I shall not be greatly shaken”, but then says, “I shall not be shaken.” (v.2, 6) Is his faith strengthening at the thought of God’s protection? A fright may shake us from our composure temporarily, but we will not ultimately be shaken, for God is able to keep us unto salvation (2 Timothy 1:12).

The psalm ends with an admonition. I like best the translation of verse 11 and 12 from the Wycliffe Bible: “God spake once, I heard these two things; that power is of God (that power belongeth to God), and, thou Lord, mercy is to thee; for thou shalt yield to each man by his works. (and, O Lord, that true love is from thee; for thou shalt yield to each person according to his works.)” The center notes for the NASB agree with this rendering and it makes more plain sense, namely that there were two things in the one pronouncement. Those two things are power and mercy belong to, and therefore are implied to have come from, God. The last phrase grates upon our “by grace alone through faith alone” hearing: “For you recompense a man according to his work.” (v.12) Works prove the faith present (see James 2:14-26). It is God who saves, in whom we should trust, the very point of this psalm.

Read Full Post »

How We Glorify Him

Posted in Delights, Faith, General, Glory, God Thoughts, tagged , , on March 1, 2024| Leave a Comment »

A catechism is “a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians.” (1) Catechisms are useful tools for instructing the one poor in Bible knowledge, fortifying unity among like-minded believers, explaining the Gospel and Scripture to the unsaved, and rooting out wolves and heretics from damaging the church. However, they are not Scripture, and therefore, they are not inspired and may be discussed as to faithfulness and accuracy in summarizing Scripture.

In the varied church company that I have kept over the years, the most well known catechism question is the first one of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “1. What is the chief end of man?” Answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” (2)

It is a concise statement, but I think slightly inaccurate. As I have contemplated it over several years as it comes up in sermons and discussions, I feel that I want to make two changes to the answer. Firstly, I think that the purpose of all things created is to glorify their Creator. The second reason given in the answer is an example of how we do that. Therefore, I would change “and to enjoy” to “by enjoying”. This thought is not original with me (3), and I honestly don’t know if I came up with it independently or if I just cooped it from things I had heard or read unawares. That doesn’t really matter. Relationship with God and enjoying it is certainly beneficial for us in every way, but it is also glorifying to Him, especially in an environment of God-hating demons and people.

Secondly, I think that there is more to glorifying God than enjoying Him forever. One iteration of my change would read something like the following: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God by enjoying, worshipping, obeying, and serving Him forever.” Then my list grew and grew. So much for conciseness. I considered my list and concluded that all of the items after enjoying Him were examples of serving Him. Some will argue, and this probably includes the writers of the question and answer, that serving is a subset of enjoying. I would agree that we do enjoy Him when we serve Him, but He will have service for us to do.

Therefore, my final draft of how I think the answer should read for the reason of better faithfulness to Scripture is as follows: “The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying and serving Him forever.”

  1. Oxford Languages online
  2. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/westminster-shorter-catechism
  3. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/our-grand-obligation
  4. 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 4:10, 7:9

Read Full Post »

D21E, The Result

Posted in Blessing, Faith, God's Law, God's Word, Grace, Piety, Psalm 1, Sanctification, Wickedness, tagged , , , , , on January 21, 2024| Leave a Comment »

I will have to practice by repeating Psalm 1 in order to retain it, but I have memorized it in the process of these 21 days. Reading and reflecting for 21 days has deepened my resolve to focus more on God and His Word. In context, the Scripture says, “Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.”” (1) (Galatians 3:18) A desire for God’s law and the totality of His Word is not the way of salvation but a result of it. The righteous are and will be known by these things, but salvation is by grace through faith. This grace separates the saved from the unbelieving lost, resulting in righteousness or wickedness.

I hope that you have benefited even a fraction of the amount that I have from doing this 21-day Psalm 1 Challenge. In some respects, I did it twice, because I read and journaled last month and clarified and deepened it to present to you this month.

  1. Habakkuk 2:4

Read Full Post »

D18M, Two Options

Posted in Faith, Psalm 1, Wickedness, tagged , , , on January 18, 2024| Leave a Comment »

There are no more than two options, two types of people, righteous and wicked. There are no disinterested or OK or “good people” or as yet undecided or ignorant. And even if you fancied yourself in one of these categories, you are no longer. “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

God saves all of those who come to Him, who trust Him to save them from their sin.

Read Full Post »

D10M, Cart or Horse?

Posted in Blessing, Faith, God's Law, God's Word, Gospel, Grace, Piety, Sanctification, tagged , , , , on January 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Psalm 1 lays out an overview of the characteristics of the righteous and the wicked. Do the characteristics listed in verses 1-3 make a man righteous or do those made righteous do these things?

Verse six says, “The Lord knows (approves, has regard to (1)) the way of the righteous.” Does that mean that the sinner is saved by keeping the law or that the one declared righteous lives rightly and is approved?

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16) Are these two passages contradictory, or were Old Testament saints saved by a different means than we are today?

No, these two passages agree but one speaks of cause and the other effect. God saved by the same means in the Old Testament. In Habakkuk 2:4 the Lord says to the prophet, “Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.” God is referring to those who would judge Israel, as He said, “I am raising up the Chaldeans.” (Habakkuk 1:6) But anyone is a “proud one” who seeks to make his own way apart from God, so He states how one lives (is saved, justified, continues)- by faith.

The whole of Scripture agrees: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Works is excluded (Romans 3:27-28). So where do works come in? They are the effect, or result. Those made righteous by “grace… through faith” will demonstrate it by their works (James 2:18-26).

  1. NASB 1995 center notes

Read Full Post »

D4E, “He Does”

Posted in Blessing, Faith, God's Law, God's Word, Piety, Sanctification, tagged , , , , on January 4, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“In whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)

“He does” denotes an active faith over a conceptual one. “Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:20) The “effectual doer” is “blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)

Know the Word, do the Word, and be blessed by and through the Word.

Read Full Post »

Freedom?

Posted in Faith, Freedom, General, Government, Liberty, tagged , , , on October 1, 2023| 2 Comments »

I have a half Russian friend with a Russian name. I jokingly refer to my friend with the moniker “Comrade _______.” The other day as the thought of meeting this friend came to mind, I suddenly thought of changing the moniker to “Citizen”, thinking of Les Misérables. Then I wondered why I thought that as a replacement. This discussion in my mind precipitated a whole line of thought.

You see, freedom from a Humanist perspective, whether “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” or “Peace, Land, and Bread”, in the end always ends in slavery or oppression to one degree or another. In the post-modern mind, the slogan might well be “Tolerance, License, Happiness.” Just as the one led to the Reign of Terror, another to tortures and gulags, the latter is leading to division, accusation, marginalization, and destabilization. So, what is the solution?

Freedom from a Christian perspective is freedom from the penalty of sin, the power of death, and one day the presence of sin and death to the enabling to what is right and good. Our motto might well be, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7 et al) Freedom is not the throwing off of all restraints but the joyous submission to God’s life-giving, easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30). Should we seek the physical and mental betterment of men and women on this Earth now? Yes, definitely we should, but it is not our priority goal and will not be our universal and continuous experience. Peace with God is our highest goal and peace with our fellowman is our second.

May you know God’s freedom in your life through faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God alone according to the Scripture alone to the glory of God alone.

Read Full Post »

Dual Inheritance

Posted in Assurance, Blessing, Faith, General, Glory, God's Word, Gospel, Salvation, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , , on June 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

While discussing verses in Ephesians chapter one in Bible study I began to think on God’s goodness toward us. Many of the thoughts that I am going to share are insights that my brothers in Christ shared during our study.

In Ephesians 1:11-14 inheritance appears twice: “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promised, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” The word inheritance appears again in v.18: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Commentators (1) have a disagreement as to who is receiving an inheritance in these verses, God or saints. John Piper (2) thinks that the answer is both. The leader of our group ferreted out these details in his own study of the use of inheritance. We discussed it and saw more examples of this dual inheritance.

In grappling with what this means for us, I concluded that our inheritance is that we are God’s inheritance. As I continued meditating on it, I further realized that God’s inheritance in us is quite different than most inheritances. When you receive an inheritance, you may get a very desirable one or one that is not so much. You do not decide what the inheritance will be. But in God’s case, He chose His inheritance. Therefore, He must and does cherish it. He further lavishes all riches upon it. Examples of this include Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Also, consider 2 Peter 1:3: “… seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” Or think of this: “It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:14)

I, indeed, we, brothers and sisters in Christ, are cherished, cared for, and secured by God in Christ for a glorious future, living in His presence. He is our inheritance; we are His.

We are getting the better end of the deal it seems. The leader I spoke of earlier said that he feels humbled by why God would want us. His glory and our good are furthered.

I know that my blog is read by people on several continents, though not followed by many. Some of those people cannot at present be encouraged by the contents of this entry. They are not cherished by God and have no great inheritance for eternity (3). Dear friend, that can change. You may know this great and kind God by turning away from your sin and trusting Jesus as you Savior and Lord. Except for His one and only Son, Jesus, all God’s other sons and daughters are adopted. Seek Him. Ask Him to save you. Trust Him. Listed below are some verses in the Bible that may help you to begin that journey. (4)

  1. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ephesians/1-11.htm
  2. I highly recommend this 14-minute podcast, as it is very encouraging. https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/are-we-gods-inheritance-or-is-he-ours
  3. Actually an eternity of pain and despair
  4. John 1:12; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10,13; Acts 4:12; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:1-10

Read Full Post »

Real Life

Posted in Assurance, Faith, Freedom, God Thoughts, Justification, Piety, Resurrection, tagged , , , on April 9, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Christ is risen, He is risen indeed. May you have a blessed Resurrection Day and recall the benefits of Christ’s resurrection more in the coming year.

When we think of real life, it is usually to opine about the difficulties and discouragements of the daily mundane, stressful accidents, and unpleasant interactions of our lives so different from out desired and naive perceptions at an earlier time. We must live with and grow through these experiences, but that is not the type of real life to which I refer.

In the sermon this morning, the elder preached from Romans 4:23-25, of which verse 25 says, “He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” He pointed out from this and other Scriptures that the resurrection is a necessary part of the Gospel, the good news about salvation. “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.” (I Corinthians 15:14) Our justification was completed in Christ’s resurrection. I am not going to repreach his sermon, but if you are interested, it will be posted at https://www.christbiblechurchkingsport.com/media/ .

Rather, in the light of this sermon, the pastor closed the service urging us to go and live, quoting Romans 6:11: “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

The wheels of my mind and my spirit began to whirl with thoughts concerning what this means. We as Christians define many words biblically which is different than the world. For example, The world ever increasingly defines freedom as license to do what the individual wants to do. Some will realize the folly of this unbridled license and add ‘if it doesn’t hurt anyone’. Christian freedom is wholly different. Biblical freedom is the enabling of God in the believer to do what is right, which will be both glorifying to God and right for others as well as beneficial to the believer.

In a similar fashion, life is usually considered to be the ability to exist, survive, or even thrive in a way agreeable to the individual. But life in the biblical sense is a progression toward more of God and less of me (John 3:30). There are only two perspectives in the world: Unbelief and belief in the truth. Those who reject the Triune God and the salvation He provides are in daily existence trending ever more deeply into death (Romans 6:23a). Believers trend daily toward life as they believe and act on biblical truth. When the pastor said go and live, I understood him to mean that we should believe in the resurrection as our justification and live victoriously in it. That will mean both rejecting what is not right, piety, and striving for what is good and glorifying to God. “Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)… circumspectly, victoriously, publicly. He is risen! Live for Him and by Him.

Read Full Post »

On the Increase

Posted in Blessing, Faith, God Thoughts, Grace, Hymns, tagged , , on March 19, 2023| Leave a Comment »

The hymn that I have been enjoying recently, “Complete in Thee” (see last entry), keeps me considering how God has done “far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Many thoughts and many of my best thoughts arise soon after I awake. The tune to “Complete in Thee” is catchy, so I composed another verse this morning before I even opened my eyes. I think that I would make it the last verse of “my version” of the song. Then awhile later I was reading my Bible when I came across Jacob responding to God’s call to return to Bethel (“House of God”): “…let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (Genesis 35:3) God then blesses Him and “makes official” the angel (possibly pre-incarnate Christ) renaming Jacob Israel (Genesis 32:28). Two phrases grabbed me: “my distress” and “has been with me”. From that another verse to the song began forming. Perhaps I am not a very good hymn writer, but I cherish opportunities to give praise to God for all of His benefits (Psalm 103:2) delivered through His “manifold grace”. (I Peter 4:10)

My joy and peace ever increase
My praise of Him will never cease
All pure in heart His face I’ll see
Before His throne, complete in Thee

He answered me in my distress
And through the years and now does bless
Grace manifold He gives to me
My cup o’erflows, complete in Thee

Read Full Post »

P is for Perseverance

Posted in Assurance, Faith, General, Gospel, Implications, Salvation, Sanctification, tagged , , , , , on January 11, 2023| Leave a Comment »

One of the most practical results of good theology is a strong sense of hope and assurance. With these one may have peace, joy, and concern for others. I have not always had these, not because my stated theology was bad, but because my practical theology was. Let me explain. I can affirm what the Bible says, but if for whatever deep or hidden reasons I do not believe it so as to affect my feelings and actions, my stated theology is not my practical (aka: real) theology. The place where theology frequently shows itself awry is in the area of hope for eternity and assurance of salvation. Without confidence in where you will be in the afterlife, you have not confidence for living.

Does God exist? What is He like? What is the fundamental nature of man? Does man need to be rescued from sin? Is there an afterlife? Is there a heaven and a hell? Is there only one way to salvation? What is the way to salvation? These are fundamental questions of life. The Bible clearly speaks about all of these and more. It says that the above yes/no questions are all answered, “Yes!” Two of three of the other above questions may most simply be answered, “Jesus” (John 1:18, 14:6), and the third one, “in God’s image but broken.” (Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 3:23)

With that basic foundation, can a person be confident that they are saved and will remain so into eternity? Clearly, I John 5:13 says you may know. The remainder of this article is to explain from Scripture how I know that I will remain in this condition of “saved”, headed to heaven, and why I have confidence. I have been considering this blog entry for several months now, but I could not bring myself to complete it because the task seems so daunting. I have now written because I realized that I don’t have to nor can I write an exhaustive or even complete treatise on the subject. That is OK. I want to encourage others and myself, not write a book on theology.

Romans 8:28-39 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 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.”

But what if I quit loving God? If you belong to Him, you will not do that. How do I know? Read the passage. Second on the list of those whom “God causes all things to work together for good” are those “who are called according to His purpose.” In reference to Israel, Paul says, “The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29), but the idea may be applied to all who fall under His purpose. Notice the progression following, listed in past tense. “He foreknew.” As it says in Romans 9:11-13, “for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” It was not by anything that Esau or Jacob did but by God’s choice, which is a part of foreknowledge in that it involves predestinating, the next on the list. The next part of the sequence was calling. He then justified and finally glorified. In our time limited existence, glorified has not yet happened, but in God’s time scale it is a done deal. So how do you undo by your unbelief what God has already done and declared completed? You don’t! Those who turn back could not have ever been saved and were self-deceived, because “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Then God has Paul solidify the assurance by declaring that nothing can separate us from the love of God. The logical progression of the argument ensures that you know that no one or nothing physical or spiritual can rob God of you and therefore you of God. I find it most satisfying and interesting that He ends the list of things that cannot separate us from Him with “nor any other created thing.” (v.39) Are you, dear reader, a “created thing”? Can you separate yourself from God? I think not. Those whom God has chosen are confirmed. Those who separate themselves from the things of God were never His to start with. I am so thankful that I am His and that I am held firmly in the grasp of His mercy and grace.

A word of caution to those who feel self-satisfied with their assurance but show little or no evidence of a change in living. You are deceived. If I tell you that I have a red Lexus in the parking lot and you go out and do not find a red car nor a Lexus, then I have deceived you. Red and Lexus do not make them my car, but are mere evidences that the car is mine. So, if I say that I am a Christian, though I am not nor could I be saved by good works, then I must exhibit good works as evidence that God has gotten a hold of me and saved me. Am I being changed into a trajectory toward God and His ways, even with fits and starts and setbacks? Then I may have assurance that God has worked His work in my heart and I will persist in believing and persevere in salvation, already seen as glorified by God. Am I lacking in these evidences? Then I had better be crying out for God’s mercy and grace in my life so that I may see this sanctifying change, even if ever so slowly.

Read Full Post »

Beyond Christmas

Posted in Birthday, Faith, General, God Thoughts, Person of Jesus, Poem, Remembering, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , , on December 24, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Perhaps it is a funny name for a poem before Christmas, but I do not mean chronologically beyond Christmas but rather conceptually beyond Christmas. The baby in the manger is a good historical reality and symbol for the humility of the divine Son of God, but it is only the beginning and by no means to the focus of His coming. As a lady reflected to me the other day, “We should always connect Christmas to Easter.”* For that matter I would add, we should connect First Advent to Second (judgment and heaven), and to Passover (the Cross), and to Resurrection. It is important and essential that we know and believe Jesus is fully God and fully man, as the Christmas story conveys, and why that is important in God’s salvation plan.

It has been quite some time since I have written a poem for Christmas. If you want to read my last ones, click on “Advent Colors” and “Tabernacled Among Us“, and then click on “The Fullness of the Empty” for a short commentary that explains much of what is intended to be conveyed in the following poem.

Just a little note to say
That we remember the day
Christ came to Earth as a man
To fulfill God’s saving plan

In the manger there He lay
All for us our sins to pay
Lived a life utterly pure
By His death made us secure

Exalted divinity
In fragile humanity
Perfect substitute we trust
By faith we can and we must

As man could die in our place
As God rescue Adam’s race
The little babe of Bethlehem
Came here sin and death to stem

The first noel angels sang
From David a Savior sprang
Peace and joy to Earth He’ll bring
With hope the ransomed will sing

Gold a present for the King
He has come, let the bells ring
Speaks of glory of divine
Never tarnish, always shine

Frankincense, means for the Priest
To please God well for us least
Our sins are gone, we rejoice
Loudly give our praise voice

Myrrh encases the Savior
Who died for our behavior
Symbol of a true wonder
Death could not hold Him under

Unto us a Son given
With death and hell has striven
Next time He will rule outright
With one word put foes to flight

Merry Christmas and a new year of knowing God better and following Him more closely.

*I am quoting, but I no longer use that term. I prefer Resurrection Day and I regularly use the term First Advent.

Read Full Post »

Efficacious Security

Posted in Faith, General, Grace, Poem, Reflection, Work of Jesus, tagged , , , on December 4, 2022| Leave a Comment »

I have most of my life struggled with a sense that maybe God doesn’t care. I know from Scripture, experience with answers to prayer, blessings, and encouragements from numerous people over years of time that He does care, but still, though less now, there is this occasional nagging question in my heart as to whether He cares. I no longer believe that it is a lack of faith, because it is by faith that I quickly dismiss it by replacing it with truth.

You see, I have long known that God is able. Both my study of Scripture and experience of His grace confirm that. Sometimes I am tempted by the thought that He is not willing. Recently, I was again thinking about these things because I am reading “The Glory of Christ” by John Owen wherein he speaks of Christ being willing and able to help us. The word that came to my mind was efficacy. Suddenly it seemed to me that efficacy is the connecting bridge between willing and able. Efficacy, “the ability to produce a desired or intended result”, connects intent and ability. God accomplishes what He intends. He would not accomplish it if He did not intend to do so. When He intends to do so, it is accomplished to the extent that He speaks something into existence which was not. He did so in creation; He does so in salvation.

Also, I have long been amazed by a transcendent God who cares about an insignificant human like me. Only, based on His free sovereign grace, I am not insignificant.

Most efficacious He
Who speaks a thing and it comes to be
With a thought or His hand
It hastens to move or firmly stand

In Him power resides
Infinite, sovereign, above all rides
Yet with kindness and truth
He defends, provides, renews our youth

A picture of His grace
Power condescends for Adam’s race
Willingly was humbled
In flesh and death for us who stumbled

Willing and able He
With the greatest of all need are we
The efficacy is real
How thankful we for this hope and seal

Read Full Post »

Best Reason to Rejoice

Posted in Assurance, Blessing, Faith, Glory, God Thoughts, Joy, Poem, tagged , , , , on November 17, 2022| Leave a Comment »

I Peter 1:3-9: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”

The bold type I added to point out that the best reason to rejoice is contained in this passage. For those of you who believe in and follow Christ as your Savior and Lord, your faith brings with it an assurance of being one day in heaven in the presence of God. A joy inexpressible is one that wells up despite the circumstances and beyond ability to explain. It is full of the glory we see in Christ, both for who He is and what He has done.

Paul gets a bit redundant when he is talking about the security of our home in heaven. He says our inheritance is imperishable, will not fade away, reserved, protected by the power of God. “In this” refers to what? The “this” is the soon to be revealed inheritance of heaven, most notably the presence of God. For though we do not see Him now, we are among the “pure in heart”, who “shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) By no merit of my own, but only by His free, sovereign grace am I afforded in heaven a place.

Heaven is mine, I will rejoice
To thanksgiving and praise give voice

Believe the truth and love God’s Son
Salvation eternally done

Focus my mind on things above
Nurture, rekindle my first love

And when trials come, I will rejoice
For heaven is mine by His choice

Persevere will I by His strength
And rejoice in heaven at length

Read Full Post »

Joy with Humility

Posted in Connotations, Consequences, Dependence, Faith, God Thoughts, God's Word, Joy, tagged , , , , on October 30, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Pastor continued his exposition of Philippians today. He explained with references that the dual themes of the book are joy and humility. Paul presents himself as a bondservant, equal to Timothy, and the Philippians as saints, that is, sanctified slaves. The scriptural bondservant or slave is not a compelled or degraded slave of our understanding, but a voluntary servant to a great and glorious master who makes us kings and priests.

I heard the whole sermon, but I had a moment of mental wondering when he said the following: “I am content to be a third-row galley slave pushing the kingdom of God forward. I am not the captain of the ship.”

My mind went immediately to the scene in the movie, “Ben Hur”, in which Judah Ben-Hur (Charleton Heston) is being punished unjustly by being a Roman galley slave. The general admires him and has his chains undone before the battle begins. Judah in his mid-ship starboard placement rows defiantly with anger. Later, when the ship is sunk by a portside ramming, he rescues the drowning but victorious general to be adopted as his son and victorious companion in the parade before the emperor in Rome.

All of this flashed through my mind but is not where my focus alighted. The pastor was talking about humility that is not recognized, not angry pride that is rewarded. I visualized a third-row port-side galley slave rowing for all he is worth going down with the ship. Am I willing to stay in my voluntary bonds to further the kingdom of God when this ship called America goes down? Oh, yes, I will receive reward in heaven, but I may never see any praise or reward or even the results of my efforts on this side of heaven. One day soon persecution is coming and the cause of Christ will be a punishable crime, even a capital offense. How many will stay at their post and keep rowing then? Who among us will continue “fixing our eyes on 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.”? (Hebrews 12:2) And who among us will “consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (v.3)? Will we be able to continue to the point of shedding blood though we “have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.”? (v.4) God is so very gracious to call his bondservants to do hard things but with abundant reward with joy now and into eternity. “Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) Let us focus on these things, brothers and sisters. Unbelievers seek this path of salvation, purpose, and reward “while it is said, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me.”” (Hebrews 3:15) Repent, believe, and serve our great and glorious Master, Jesus Christ.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Myrela

Art, health, civilizations, photography, nature, books, recipes, etc.

Overflows from the Heart

"But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart…" Matthew 15:18

CreatorWorship

Pointing to the One who made, saved, and sustains