In a recent discussion I was having with a Calvinist, he put forth that Calvinism has history on its side and that is because the Strict Judicial Atonement Model of Calvinism was the atonement model that has always been adhered to by the church. He went one to say that this was the same atonement model put forth by the apostles. For one, I found this comment to be rather arrogant, because there is no real clear cut atonement model ever put forth in the scriptures. Much like a puzzle, one needs to take up the various pieces from BOTH the Old Testament and New Testament, and come up with a particular picture or concept of what exactly the atonement was for and why is it necessary? I will discuss this further in future upcoming posts, but today I simply want to lay out a brief history of the various atonement models throughout church history*:
1. Satisfaction Theory: Strictly vicarious and exactly equivalent to man's guilt.
A. Satisfaction to Satan, to whom man had chosen to give allegiance and must be liberated by Christ paying to him the ransom price (common from 3rd to 11th centuries): Irenaeus (130?-202?); Origen (185?-254?); Gregory of Nyssa (335-399); Augustine (354- 430); Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153).
B. Satisfaction to God the Father universally for all mankind, through a sacrificial death of the Divine Logos who had become one with lost humanity: Athanasius (296-373), the great defender of the Deity of Christ. In salvation the goodness of God must act consistent with His truthfulness and honor, which involves the principle of justice. "Christ as man endured death for us, inasmuch as He offered Himself for that purpose to the Father." Man must be freed not only from the penalty of sin, but from sin itself and be quickened into life.
C. Satisfaction to the ethical nature or justice of God, which demands absolute legal vindication: Anselm (1033-1109), said to have written the first scientific treatise on the Atonement, 1098. God rightfully demands honor and supremacy which man has refused to give, and thus has incurred a debt to God which can only be paid by punishment or by some substituted satisfaction. The God-man, Jesus Christ, with austere dignity came into our world and by His immaculate conduct and by His obedience to a gruesome suffering of death acquired merit before God which may be imputed to the believer as a perfect judicial standing. A Side Note: Something to ponder here - does this at all sound like forgiveness? If God is literally beating His Son just so he can take out his "vindictiveness" and "Anger" out on him, where then is the forgiveness of God? This is a huge problem for Calvinist who put forth that God would never set aside his anger or wrath, in order to forgive. But yet is this what the Bible or even Jesus says about forgiveness????
D. Satisfaction through a mystical union or a sacrificial bearing of the penalty of sin, providing a "relative satisfaction" as distinguished from an absolute strictly legal satisfaction in the full discharge of guilt, as advocated by Anselm: Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153), a pious and influential monk, typical of the majority of theological leaders from Apostolic times up to Anselm and the Reformation, who followed the descriptive statements of the New Testament without pursuing them to ultimate speculative conclusions.
E. Satisfaction to the offended holiness and justice of God through Christ's bearing the full penalty of man's sin in His vicarious death: Luther (1483-1546); Calvin (1509-1564); and early Reformation leaders, who adopted Anselm's principle of strict judicial satisfaction. The entire guilt and punishment that sinners deserve was transferred to Christ, who by His obedience in life and sufferings endured their total penalty so that sin may no longer be imputed or penalty demanded from those for whom He died, or from those who had been elected to be saved from all eternity. "Our sins were transferred to Him by imputation."
F. Satisfaction as above, with greater emphasis in early post-Reformation times upon the active righteousness of Christ being imputed to the believer as a perfect positive standing: Lutheran and Reformed (or Calvinistic) Confessions, and the Federal Headship theory developed by Cocceius (1603-1669) and more fully elaborated by Turretin (1623-1687). Under the Covenant of Works, Adam was the federal head of all mankind so his sin and its consequences is legally imputed to all.
This somewhat replaced the organic or natural relationship theory of guilt for Adam's sin advanced by Augustine (354-430). Through the Covenant of Grace, the Lord Jesus is the federal Head of those who are to experience salvation, being appointed to bear the full guilt of their sins (Adamic and personal) in an atoning death viewed as His passive obedience. By His active obedience to the full demands of Divine law, He is said to have fulfilled perfectly man's requirements and imputes His righteousness to believers so that it is legally considered to be theirs Since in the full development of the satisfaction theory, whatever has been accomplished in the Atonement is an exact equivalent of guilt so that salvation proceeds upon the basis of strict judicial justice, in no understandable way can it be general or made for everyone in the same sense, or all will be saved since God will not demand a double payment f or guilt-Christ's and the sinner's. But the sacred Atonement was made for all, with no theological reservations: Jn. 3:16-17; Mk. 16:15-16; II Co. 5:14-15; I Tim. 2:3-6; He. 2:9; I Jn. 2:1-2. The Lord Jesus as the Son of Man was under obligation to obey for Himself, since He was "born under the law" (Ga. 4:4-5). His obedience could not, therefore, be imputed to anyone, but He was free to give His life in atonement since He "committed no sin."
2. GOVERNMENTAL THEORY: - The Atonement was necessary to solve the
problems of God as a Moral Governor, who lovingly desires to reconcile mankind.
A. The sufferings of Christ were necessary to the Divine government, rather than to the Divine nature: Gregory of Nazianzus (330-390). "Is it not plain that the Father received the ransom, not because He Himself required or needed it, but for the sake of the Divine government of the universe, and because man must be sanctified through the incarnation of the Son of God?" He strongly opposed the idea of a ransom paid to Satan, and could not understand why a ransom should be paid to the Father. He could only fall back on the "economy" of God and put forth no theory of satisfaction. Other early writers, like Athanasius, also mentioned God's governmental problems.
B. Christ suffered unto death in His human nature, not in His Divine nature, and thus the Atonement was not an infinite value to pay fully for the eternal punishment of sinners, but was graciously accepted by God the Father as sufficient to satisfy Divine justice: Duns Scotus (1265-1308) In line with the majority of Christian thinkers of the centuries, he held the principle that the Atonement provided a "relative satisfaction" to the justice of God and proposed his theory in opposition to Anselm, who had insisted upon absolute total equivalent satisfaction through an infinite sacrifice. He came to view the Divine will as not bound by anything fixed in the Divine nature, but free to decide upon what basis sins could be forgiven.
C. Christ, the Savior of the world, died for all men and for every man, and His grace is extended to all. His atoning sacrifice is in and of itself sufficient for the redemption of the whole world, and is intended for all by God the Father. The sacrifice of Christ is not the payment of a debt, nor is it a complete satisfaction of justice for sin. It is a Divinely- appointed condition which precedes the forgiveness of sin, just as the death of a lamb or a goat in the Mosaic economy. Christ's sufferings took the place of a penalty, so that His sufferings have the same effect in reconciling God to man, and procuring the forgiveness of sin, that the sinner's endurance of the punishment due to his sins would have had. The sufferings of Christ were not a substituted penalty, but a substitute for a penalty: Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609); Episcopius (1583-1643); Curcellaeus (1586 1659); Limborch (1633-1712); known as Arminianism. Outside Holland, Arminianism exerted considerable influence in France, Switzerland, Germany, England, and America, and hence throughout the world through various denominations, especially Methodism. subjects, when repentant sinners are pardoned through a commitment of faith (E.A. Park, 1883): New England Theology; Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758); his son (1745-1801); Nathaniel Emmons (1745-1840); Caleb Burge (1782-1838); N.W. Taylor (1786-1858); C. G. Finney (1792-1875); Congregationalists (very extensively); "New School" Presbyterians; several groups of Baptists; other groups and leaders in America and England (called "American Theology").
In the governmental theory, the Atonement is not required by the subjective nature or vindictive justice of God before mercy is extended. It is not God in isolation as the injured party, but rather God as a benevolent Ruler in relationship to His moral creatures, with great problems of reconciliation that require solution. These problems involve man's relation to God in intelligent moral government, as well as some means to convey God's very deep reactions toward sin and His abounding mercy toward man in spite of man's desperate rebellion. Man must be broken down before God in deep respect and penitence in a return to a right attitude towards God's loving regulation before forgiveness can take place. The sacred advent and atonement of Christ, therefore, is not merely a.measure to discharge guilt by some calculated equivalent. It is the most profound measure conceivable, with an objective to restore a ruptured God-man relationship in all that is involved. The Atonement was, therefore, general in the absolute sense and legally discharged the guilt of no one.
3. MORAL INFLUENCE THEORY: - A manifestation of suffering Divine love was necessary to subdue man's rebellion so reconciliation could take place. The life and sufferings of Christ were conceived to be an exhibition of Divine love to reconcile man back to God by breaking down his resistance and drawing him back into a life of fellowship with God. There is no specific necessity of satisfying the Divine nature or the problems of God's moral government. The life and sufferings of the God-Man were intended to exert a moral impression upon a hard and impenitent heart, which is thereby melted into contrition, and then received into favor by the boundless compassion of God (Abelard): Clement (185?-254?) of Alexandria; Peter Abelard (1079-1142) of France, who opposed Anselm; Horace Bushnell (1802-1876), a lawyer and New England pastor. Many liberals in theology of succeeding generations accepted his general opinions without sharing his deep sincerity.
4. ETHICAL EXAMPLE THEORY: - Sinful man has been misguided and needed a
noble virtuous example to challenge him to a new way of living. If man is going to realize his potential and be reconciled to God, he must repent and reform his ways. For this purpose Jesus Christ was miraculously brought into our world and thus was more than a mere man (Socinianism, 1600's), or was natural born and as a religious genius identified himself with God in special devotion to achieve a unique
ministry to mankind (Unitarianism, 1700's). His virtuous and loving conduct in life and in death as a noble martyr showed us how we ought to love God and each other, or become converted and reconciled to God: Laelius Socinus (1525-1562) and his nephew Faustus Socinus (1539-1604), in Poland; Unitarians, who trace their views back through Arius (256-336); and others of humanistic opinion (Christ a mere man).
THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE ATONEMENT
Case 1: -The Atonement was a literal or an exact payment for sin. -All are not being
saved through it. -Therefore, It could not have been made for all.
Case 2: -The Atonement was a literal or an exact payment for sin. -It was made for all. - Therefore, all will be saved through it.
Case 3: -The Atonement was made for all: Is. 53:6; Lk. 2:10-11; Jn. 1:29; 3:16-17; 6:51; II Co. 5:14-15; I Tim. 2.3-6; Tit. 2:11; He. 2:9; I Jn. 2:2; also Is. 1:18; 45:22; 55:1; Eze. 18:30-32; Mt. 23:37; Mk. 16:15-16; Ro. 2:11; Re. 3:20.
• Only a minority are being saved through it: Ge. 6:5-8; Is. 53:1; Mt. 21:10; Lk.
13:23-24; 23:21; Jn. 5:40; 6:60, 67; 7:7; 16:33; Acts 8:1; 14:22; I Co. 4:13.
• Therefore, it was not a literal or an exact payment for sin.
*Excerpted from his work The Truth Shall Make You Free, by Gordon Olson
June 23, 2008
June 17, 2008
Essential Elements of the Gospel
Recently in our home church one of our fellow members, Bruce brought up a great discussion regarding how does one identify the "Essential Elements of the Gospel" and how does one know when not to join efforts with others as their doctrine is determined to be false.
Here is what was discussed:
In an age with so many doctrines and so many denominations it has become harder and harder to decipher what are the essential elements of the gospel?
Somethings to consider: The purpose of knowing the barest essentials of the gospel is so that we can:
1. Understand how to witness to the lost
2. Identify who are God's fellow laborers in the Truth
3. Which doctrines are mandatory for salvation and fellowship and which are not
4. Who has false hope
There are only four concepts that must be understood for salvation:
1. One must understand what sin is and why it alienates us from God
2. Who is Jesus Christ, and what did He do so that we can be reconciled to God
3. That we live by faith which means daily choosing universal benevolence
4. That only those who persevere to the end shall truly be saved
Any "Gospel" that alters or denies the above mentioned points is a false Gospel. Anyone who teaches a false Gospel is a False Teacher or Prophet.
Colossians 1:19-23 19For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- 23if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.
How much latitude is there in the Gospel Message??
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
What is the purpose of the Gospel?
Romans 1:16-17 16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Romans 16:25-27 25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
CAN ANYONE BE SAVED APART FROM THE GOSPEL?
What happens if the Gospel is altered in the least degree?
1 Cor 1:17 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Is the contingency of salvation a key element in the Gospel?
2 Timothy 2:8-13 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. 13if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
1 Cor 15:1-2 1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
2 Thess 2 :13-15 13But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
If the contingent nature of salvation is a key element of the Gospel, what about those who's gospel does not contain this element?
Hebrews 4:6 6It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience.
2 Thess 1:6-9 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power
2 Tim 2:19 19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
1 John 2:3-6 3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 3:7-10 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
If continued obedience to Christ is a key element of the Gospel, what about those who's Gospel does not demand this?
How do we identify false witnesses, and should we partner with those who do not preach the Gospel?
Jude 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about[a] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
Matthew 7:15-20 15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
Matthew 24:10-13 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
2 John 4-11 4It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 7Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.
SO WHAT ARE THE KEY DOCTRINES OF THE MODERN DAY CHURCH THAT MARK IT AS A FALSE RELIGION?
1. Once Saved Always Saved - Denies the Contingency of Obedience and Faith!
2. Everyone Sins in Word, Thought and Deed! - Turning Grace into Licentiousness
3. Total Depravity - Turns sin into something physical and not the moral and denies the redemptive power of the cross over sin (See 1 & 2)
Here is what was discussed:
In an age with so many doctrines and so many denominations it has become harder and harder to decipher what are the essential elements of the gospel?
Somethings to consider: The purpose of knowing the barest essentials of the gospel is so that we can:
1. Understand how to witness to the lost
2. Identify who are God's fellow laborers in the Truth
3. Which doctrines are mandatory for salvation and fellowship and which are not
4. Who has false hope
There are only four concepts that must be understood for salvation:
1. One must understand what sin is and why it alienates us from God
2. Who is Jesus Christ, and what did He do so that we can be reconciled to God
3. That we live by faith which means daily choosing universal benevolence
4. That only those who persevere to the end shall truly be saved
Any "Gospel" that alters or denies the above mentioned points is a false Gospel. Anyone who teaches a false Gospel is a False Teacher or Prophet.
Colossians 1:19-23 19For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- 23if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.
How much latitude is there in the Gospel Message??
Galatians 1:6-9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
What is the purpose of the Gospel?
Romans 1:16-17 16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Romans 16:25-27 25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Ephesians 1:13 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.
CAN ANYONE BE SAVED APART FROM THE GOSPEL?
What happens if the Gospel is altered in the least degree?
1 Cor 1:17 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Is the contingency of salvation a key element in the Gospel?
2 Timothy 2:8-13 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. 13if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
1 Cor 15:1-2 1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
2 Thess 2 :13-15 13But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
If the contingent nature of salvation is a key element of the Gospel, what about those who's gospel does not contain this element?
Hebrews 4:6 6It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience.
2 Thess 1:6-9 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power
2 Tim 2:19 19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
1 John 2:3-6 3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 3:7-10 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
If continued obedience to Christ is a key element of the Gospel, what about those who's Gospel does not demand this?
How do we identify false witnesses, and should we partner with those who do not preach the Gospel?
Jude 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about[a] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
Matthew 7:15-20 15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
Matthew 24:10-13 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
2 John 4-11 4It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 7Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.
SO WHAT ARE THE KEY DOCTRINES OF THE MODERN DAY CHURCH THAT MARK IT AS A FALSE RELIGION?
2. Everyone Sins in Word, Thought and Deed! - Turning Grace into Licentiousness
3. Total Depravity - Turns sin into something physical and not the moral and denies the redemptive power of the cross over sin (See 1 & 2)
June 15, 2008
Original Sin, Judaism and Augustine
My VBS post from the other day generated a response from Anonymous . The response put forth by Anonymous got me thinking back to some of my studies on Judaism. A very high percentage of Christian Churches adhere to the belief Original Sin these days. But has this doctrine historically been a part of our Christian roots within Judaism?
As Christians we must always remember that our faith and doctrine is based upon the foundation of Judaism. If we deny this then we deny the very basis of our faith. Given that Jesus was a Jew and all of the apostles were Jews, understanding a little about some of the tenets of Judaism would be beneficial to understanding our own faith. For example, if one studies an ancient Jewish wedding ceremony that God gave to the Jewish people, it can teach us a tremendous amount about the Messiah and His church. Understand the different elements of the Temple and you will begin to see a picture of the Messiah.
Therefore, much of the foundations of Christianity are built upon the Jewish faith. I realize not every aspect of Judaism will line up with that of Christianity, but basics such as the nature and charcater of God, sin, faith, repentance and obedience should parallel that of Christianity.
This brings me to my first point. Many churches have accepted the doctrine of Original Sin or Total Depravity. The first logical question that needs to be addressed is "Has Judaism ever believed or embraced the doctrine of Original Sin?" Many Calvinist will claim Old Testament verses such as Psalms 51:5 or Psalms 58:3 as being proof text that Judaism held to the belief that the doctrine of Original Sin or Total Depravity to be true. But if you look into the Jewish faith one of the first things you will realize is that Judaism has never adhere to this doctrine. Historically speaking, Judaism has never believed in many of the so called "tenets" of Christianity such as Predestination or Original Sin. As a matter of fact it may surprise many Christians that Jews believe in Freewill, moral accountability, and that mankind is born morally neutral - and not "totally depraved" as put forth by many Christian churches.
I would encourage anyone to go and search the teachings of Judaism regarding this matter. To date I have found no sects within Judaism that believe in Original Sin or Total Depravity. Of course many will argue that Jews could have changed their position after Christ death and resurrection, but I feel this is somewhat of a "Conspiracy Theory" like attitude on the matter ands there is nothing historically that would support such a notion.
So where did Original Sin theology come from? The simple answer is gnosticism - Greek-Roman Pagan Philosophy. It stems primarily from Platonism. The false concepts of Predestination and Original Sin first appeared on the canvas of Christianity around the 2nd century with Augustine (AD 354-430). Augustine was a former Platonist and pagan high priest, of a gnostic sect known as the Manichean's. It is historically noted that Augustine was heavily influenced by Plato and therefore much of his philosophy and theology was also. Many Christian historians believe with the influence and heresies Constantine brought into Christianity, the stage was set for former pagan priest such as Augustine to offload much of their pagan philosophies onto Christianity. Clearly the amount of Platonic thought that Augustine brought to Christianity is proof that this theory is very plausible. Again, we must remember it is Judaism that is the foundation of Christianity, and not Greek philosophy!
To better understand what Platonism teaches regarding the matter of good and evil it is essential for Christians to understand that Platonism and Judaism stand in antithesis to one another. Plato believed in the general assumption that sin and evil are ontological, that is they are an actual "essence" or is a physical "thing". This essentially means evil and good are a "thing" rather than a moral action or choice. Gnostic's and Platonist literally believed that good and evil could be passed along physically or even "divinely" from the gods above. Whereas Jews have historically for thousands of years have believed that evil and good where not an "essence" or "a thing",it is believed it was the result of a moral choice or action. The ontological view of sin was a major if not the central factor that contributed to the basic premise of the doctrine of original sin - that is because it holds to the belief that evil or sin is an essence and therefore it can be inherently passed along to ones children. To be inherited, sin must have essence, real being; it must consist in some "thing" that causes evil choice and action, instead of being the moral character of the choice itself. With this mind set it is common to regard sin in the heart as an essence instead of a voluntary choice; hence the term "sinful nature." This evil essence is regarded as a part of human nature. Although Augustine did not originate the concept, he passed it on to subsequent generations. Calvin and Luther both built heavily upon it - as both were followers of Augustine's writings and teachings. Sadly it is still with us today and its effects can still be felt throughout the Christian faith.
If you would like to learn more of how Greek and Pagan philosophy influenced Christian theology here is a great article.
As Christians we must always remember that our faith and doctrine is based upon the foundation of Judaism. If we deny this then we deny the very basis of our faith. Given that Jesus was a Jew and all of the apostles were Jews, understanding a little about some of the tenets of Judaism would be beneficial to understanding our own faith. For example, if one studies an ancient Jewish wedding ceremony that God gave to the Jewish people, it can teach us a tremendous amount about the Messiah and His church. Understand the different elements of the Temple and you will begin to see a picture of the Messiah.
Therefore, much of the foundations of Christianity are built upon the Jewish faith. I realize not every aspect of Judaism will line up with that of Christianity, but basics such as the nature and charcater of God, sin, faith, repentance and obedience should parallel that of Christianity.
This brings me to my first point. Many churches have accepted the doctrine of Original Sin or Total Depravity. The first logical question that needs to be addressed is "Has Judaism ever believed or embraced the doctrine of Original Sin?" Many Calvinist will claim Old Testament verses such as Psalms 51:5 or Psalms 58:3 as being proof text that Judaism held to the belief that the doctrine of Original Sin or Total Depravity to be true. But if you look into the Jewish faith one of the first things you will realize is that Judaism has never adhere to this doctrine. Historically speaking, Judaism has never believed in many of the so called "tenets" of Christianity such as Predestination or Original Sin. As a matter of fact it may surprise many Christians that Jews believe in Freewill, moral accountability, and that mankind is born morally neutral - and not "totally depraved" as put forth by many Christian churches.
I would encourage anyone to go and search the teachings of Judaism regarding this matter. To date I have found no sects within Judaism that believe in Original Sin or Total Depravity. Of course many will argue that Jews could have changed their position after Christ death and resurrection, but I feel this is somewhat of a "Conspiracy Theory" like attitude on the matter ands there is nothing historically that would support such a notion.
So where did Original Sin theology come from? The simple answer is gnosticism - Greek-Roman Pagan Philosophy. It stems primarily from Platonism. The false concepts of Predestination and Original Sin first appeared on the canvas of Christianity around the 2nd century with Augustine (AD 354-430). Augustine was a former Platonist and pagan high priest, of a gnostic sect known as the Manichean's. It is historically noted that Augustine was heavily influenced by Plato and therefore much of his philosophy and theology was also. Many Christian historians believe with the influence and heresies Constantine brought into Christianity, the stage was set for former pagan priest such as Augustine to offload much of their pagan philosophies onto Christianity. Clearly the amount of Platonic thought that Augustine brought to Christianity is proof that this theory is very plausible. Again, we must remember it is Judaism that is the foundation of Christianity, and not Greek philosophy!
To better understand what Platonism teaches regarding the matter of good and evil it is essential for Christians to understand that Platonism and Judaism stand in antithesis to one another. Plato believed in the general assumption that sin and evil are ontological, that is they are an actual "essence" or is a physical "thing". This essentially means evil and good are a "thing" rather than a moral action or choice. Gnostic's and Platonist literally believed that good and evil could be passed along physically or even "divinely" from the gods above. Whereas Jews have historically for thousands of years have believed that evil and good where not an "essence" or "a thing",it is believed it was the result of a moral choice or action. The ontological view of sin was a major if not the central factor that contributed to the basic premise of the doctrine of original sin - that is because it holds to the belief that evil or sin is an essence and therefore it can be inherently passed along to ones children. To be inherited, sin must have essence, real being; it must consist in some "thing" that causes evil choice and action, instead of being the moral character of the choice itself. With this mind set it is common to regard sin in the heart as an essence instead of a voluntary choice; hence the term "sinful nature." This evil essence is regarded as a part of human nature. Although Augustine did not originate the concept, he passed it on to subsequent generations. Calvin and Luther both built heavily upon it - as both were followers of Augustine's writings and teachings. Sadly it is still with us today and its effects can still be felt throughout the Christian faith.
If you would like to learn more of how Greek and Pagan philosophy influenced Christian theology here is a great article.
June 14, 2008
The Dangers of Vacation Bible School
Here in Northern Alabama its that time of the year where as you drive up and down the roads you can't help but see all the signs for Vacation Bible School (VBS). Any church here in the South worth its weight in gold will most definitely have a VBS program. Most churches around here have similar themes - this year its "Power Lab" or "Outrigger Island" (all apparently SBC or Lifeway developed programs). Our son, who is 6yrs old, has really enjoyed going to these for the past couple of years. Even though we home church, I see no harm in sending him to a VBS program. I typically have seen these as positive opportunities for him to play and interact with other children his age, and get some exposure to bible stories and how to treat and love others. I figured at his age how much harm could happen to him at this age?
However, that all seemed to change this week when he went to VBS at a church just down the road from where we live. The other day my wife went to pick him up from VBS when one of the teachers approached her. She began to explain to my wife that our son had been asking a lot of questions about Jesus and about asking "Jesus into his heart". First, my wife was taken back by this comment as we have a hard enough time keeping him focused on saying his prayers at nighttime and at the dinner table, let alone he is now looking to be "saved". So to say this comment sort of took her by surprise was maybe an understatement. The teacher apparently went on to say that she was excited about this prospect and wanted to let my wife know as this is a very important decision in such a young boys life and that we needed to talk to him about making this decision.
Well later that evening after dinner my wife began to inform me of this conversation she had earlier that day with the VBS teacher. In general I have no problem with Vacation Bible Schools. I think these are great opportunities to expose kids to the bible and to teach them about God's moral laws and his loving kindness. However, where I seem to draw the line is in how flippant they seem to treat salvation and the depth of the gospel message. I realize that for some traditionalist Christians, my comments might seem harsh or even heretical, but let's look at the proposition the VBS teacher was putting forth theologically about my son's much needed redemption.
First, the bible clearly tells us that the gospel is specifically for the redemption and reconciliation of sinners! A sinner is defined as one who has morally sinned against the good laws of God. Sin is defined as a violation of God's known laws. Therefore, in order for my son to be a sinner, he must first be able to recognize what sin is and must be able to recognize when he has sinned in order to be held accountable by God. Second, one needs to look at what it takes to be reconciled unto God and what that process entails.
The bible clearly says that the gospel is for the lost and for those who are in rebellion against God as a result of their sins. If this is indeed true, then this church was putting forth the idea that not only my 6 year son is a sinner, but better yet, that if he were to die he would be sent to hell as a result of his sinfulness. I have a real hard time thinking that God sees my son as a rebellious sinner let alone he would deserve the wrath of God and the eternal torment of hell. Jesus clearly says that children are innocent beings and that if we cause an innocent child to sin, it would be better for that person to have a stone tied around their neck and thrown into the sea! Children are innocent until the age of accountability and if they do perish they will automatically be with him.
Granted, there will come a time when my son will sin, but at 6yrs old he has a hard enough time tying his shoe laces, let alone committing immoral acts! At this point in my son's life , he has a hard enough time understanding how to work our Wii console, let alone understanding the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ.
For me this is such a sad state when our churches feel it is necessary to bring 5-11 year children to salvation. What do they need to be saved from? Innocence?? Does a child at this age really understand what sin truly is? Again, this is another sign of just how theologically inept most if not all of our churches really are! When churches treat the gospel with such flippancy it really does more harm than good. As a friend of mine once said, "When we make salvation easier than getting a library card, we have done such damage and injustice to the cross". I agree. To take this a step further, couple this idea of "saving" a 5 or 6 year old and then couple that with the theology of "Once Saved Always Saved" then really what you have created is a monster. A monster that when they do to get to an age of accountability and really do begin to sin, that we now have a theology within the mind of this individual that they are still "eternally secure" and yet can continue to act and behave carnally and still get to heaven. For me this is why I entitled this post - "The Dangers of VBS". My concern is not so much with my son, as we will make sure he truly understands what sin is and how one comes to be reconcile unto God. But its the other children who have been duped by the church into thinking that have been saved at such an early age and then told they are "Eternally Secured". For me this is such an injustice not only to those children, but really to the gospel and ultimately Christ and the sacrifice he made for us.
However, that all seemed to change this week when he went to VBS at a church just down the road from where we live. The other day my wife went to pick him up from VBS when one of the teachers approached her. She began to explain to my wife that our son had been asking a lot of questions about Jesus and about asking "Jesus into his heart". First, my wife was taken back by this comment as we have a hard enough time keeping him focused on saying his prayers at nighttime and at the dinner table, let alone he is now looking to be "saved". So to say this comment sort of took her by surprise was maybe an understatement. The teacher apparently went on to say that she was excited about this prospect and wanted to let my wife know as this is a very important decision in such a young boys life and that we needed to talk to him about making this decision.
Well later that evening after dinner my wife began to inform me of this conversation she had earlier that day with the VBS teacher. In general I have no problem with Vacation Bible Schools. I think these are great opportunities to expose kids to the bible and to teach them about God's moral laws and his loving kindness. However, where I seem to draw the line is in how flippant they seem to treat salvation and the depth of the gospel message. I realize that for some traditionalist Christians, my comments might seem harsh or even heretical, but let's look at the proposition the VBS teacher was putting forth theologically about my son's much needed redemption.
First, the bible clearly tells us that the gospel is specifically for the redemption and reconciliation of sinners! A sinner is defined as one who has morally sinned against the good laws of God. Sin is defined as a violation of God's known laws. Therefore, in order for my son to be a sinner, he must first be able to recognize what sin is and must be able to recognize when he has sinned in order to be held accountable by God. Second, one needs to look at what it takes to be reconciled unto God and what that process entails.
The bible clearly says that the gospel is for the lost and for those who are in rebellion against God as a result of their sins. If this is indeed true, then this church was putting forth the idea that not only my 6 year son is a sinner, but better yet, that if he were to die he would be sent to hell as a result of his sinfulness. I have a real hard time thinking that God sees my son as a rebellious sinner let alone he would deserve the wrath of God and the eternal torment of hell. Jesus clearly says that children are innocent beings and that if we cause an innocent child to sin, it would be better for that person to have a stone tied around their neck and thrown into the sea! Children are innocent until the age of accountability and if they do perish they will automatically be with him.
Granted, there will come a time when my son will sin, but at 6yrs old he has a hard enough time tying his shoe laces, let alone committing immoral acts! At this point in my son's life , he has a hard enough time understanding how to work our Wii console, let alone understanding the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ.
For me this is such a sad state when our churches feel it is necessary to bring 5-11 year children to salvation. What do they need to be saved from? Innocence?? Does a child at this age really understand what sin truly is? Again, this is another sign of just how theologically inept most if not all of our churches really are! When churches treat the gospel with such flippancy it really does more harm than good. As a friend of mine once said, "When we make salvation easier than getting a library card, we have done such damage and injustice to the cross". I agree. To take this a step further, couple this idea of "saving" a 5 or 6 year old and then couple that with the theology of "Once Saved Always Saved" then really what you have created is a monster. A monster that when they do to get to an age of accountability and really do begin to sin, that we now have a theology within the mind of this individual that they are still "eternally secure" and yet can continue to act and behave carnally and still get to heaven. For me this is why I entitled this post - "The Dangers of VBS". My concern is not so much with my son, as we will make sure he truly understands what sin is and how one comes to be reconcile unto God. But its the other children who have been duped by the church into thinking that have been saved at such an early age and then told they are "Eternally Secured". For me this is such an injustice not only to those children, but really to the gospel and ultimately Christ and the sacrifice he made for us.
June 12, 2008
New Life Defined
I copied this post from fellow Christ Follower Jesse Morrell's message board. I think this is such a great post and does a thorough job defining what the life of a genuine Christ Follower should be.
1) The purpose of Jesus’ coming was to redeem us from all iniquity
Matt. 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Luke 1:68-75 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people...that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.”
Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
1 John 3:8 “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
2) Those who have been saved from their sins need not continue to sin and repent
Luke 15:7 “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
John 5:14 “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”
Rom. 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”
3) A child of God is able to overcome temptation
1 Cor. 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
2 Pet. 2:9 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.”
4) After being cleansed by the blood of Jesus, it is possible to stay clean
Rom. 6:6-7 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
Gal. 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Col. 1:22 “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
James. 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”
Jude 24 “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”
5) Grace does not cover over sin, but gives power to overcome sin
Rom. 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Rom. 6:15 “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”
Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Jude 4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness.”
6) Whoever sins is the servant of sin, not the servant of God
John 8:34, 36 “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Rom. 6:16-22 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but...Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness...for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness...the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
7) Those who sin are spiritually dead
Rom. 6:13 “But yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.”
Rom. 7:5 “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins...did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
Rom. 8:6 “For to be carnally minded is death.”
Eph. 2:1 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
Col. 2:13 “And you, being dead in your sins...”
1 Tim. 5:6 “But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.”
8) True Christians are dead to sin
Rom. 6:2 “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Rom. 6:6-7 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
Rom. 6:11 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Gal. 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
9) The wrath of God abides on those who sin
Rom. 1:18 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
Rom. 2:8-9 “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.”
Col. 3:5-6 “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”
Eph. 2:2-3 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
Heb. 10:26-27 “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation.”
10) Those that profess to be saved but do not live holy will be surprised at the Judgment
Matt. 7:22-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
11) Those who sin have no part of the kingdom of God
Rom. 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
1 Cor. 6:9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?”
Gal. 5:21 “Of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things [the works of the flesh] shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Eph. 5:5 “For this ye know, that no sleepermonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
12) Those that turn back to sin lose their salvation
Ezk. 33:12-13 “The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression...neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth...if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.”
Gal. 2:17-18 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.”
2 Pet. 2:20-22 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning...The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
13) Those who sin cannot see nor know God
Matt. 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Matt. 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Heb. 12:14 “Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
1 John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”
1 John 2:4 “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
1 Jn 3:6 “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.”
3 John 11 “He that doeth evil hath not seen God.”
14) Whoever loves the world does not belong to God
Eph. 2:2-3 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world...fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath.”
James 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
James 4:4 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
1 John 2:15-16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
15) God does not hear sinners
Psa. 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
Isa. 1:15-16 “And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.”
Isa. 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”
1 Pet. 3:10-12 “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
16) Christians are not to fellowship those who profess salvation but continue to sin
1 Cor. 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
2 Thess. 3:6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
Eph. 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
1 Tim. 5:20 “Them that sin rebuke before all.”
2 Tim. 3:2-5 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud...unholy...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
2 John 9-10 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God...If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.”
17) Christians are to walk in the Spirit, not in the lust of the flesh
Rom. 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Rom. 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Gal. 5:16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Gal. 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
1 Pet. 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
2 Pet. 1:4 “Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
18) By God’s power, Christians keep themselves undefiled
2 Cor. 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
1 Thess. 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
2 Pet. 3:11 “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.”
2 Pet. 3:14 “Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
1 John 3:3 “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”
19) Whoever commits sin is of the devil
Jn. 8:41-44 “Ye do the deeds of your father...Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.”
Eph. 2:2 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air.”
1 John 3:8 “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.”
1 John 3:10 “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
20) Christians follow the example of Christ
1 Pet. 1:15-16 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
1 Pet. 2:21-22 “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”
1 John 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
21) A holy life does not produce sinful fruit
Matt. 7:17-18 “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
Luke 6:43 “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
Heb. 6:8 “But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned.”
22) Christians have an undefiled conscience
Acts 23:1 “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
Acts 24:16 “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.”
1 Tim. 1:5 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.”
23) It is not what we profess, but what we live that counts
Matt. 7:20 “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Luke 6:46 “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
2 Tim. 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
Titus 1:16 “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him.”
24) Those who sin cannot enter heaven
John 8:21 “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.”
Rev. 21:27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.”
25) The foundation of God is to depart from all iniquity
2 Tim. 2:19 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
26) A Christian is a new creature; old sinful ways are passed away
Ezk. 36:26-27 “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
27) Salvation brings a heart perfection that was unattainable under the Old Testament
Matt. 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Heb. 7:19 “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did.”
Heb. 10:14 “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
28) Those who love God keep His commandments
John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:21 “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.”
1 John 2:3-4 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
29) God does not give commandments that are impossible to obey
Matt. 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
John 8:11 “And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
1 Cor. 15:34 “Awake to righteousness, and sin not.”
1 John 2:1 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.”
1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
1) The purpose of Jesus’ coming was to redeem us from all iniquity
Matt. 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Luke 1:68-75 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people...that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.”
Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
1 John 3:8 “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
2) Those who have been saved from their sins need not continue to sin and repent
Luke 15:7 “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
John 5:14 “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”
Rom. 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”
3) A child of God is able to overcome temptation
1 Cor. 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
2 Pet. 2:9 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.”
4) After being cleansed by the blood of Jesus, it is possible to stay clean
Rom. 6:6-7 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
Gal. 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Col. 1:22 “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
James. 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”
Jude 24 “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”
5) Grace does not cover over sin, but gives power to overcome sin
Rom. 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Rom. 6:15 “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”
Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Jude 4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness.”
6) Whoever sins is the servant of sin, not the servant of God
John 8:34, 36 “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Rom. 6:16-22 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but...Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness...for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness...the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
7) Those who sin are spiritually dead
Rom. 6:13 “But yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.”
Rom. 7:5 “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins...did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
Rom. 8:6 “For to be carnally minded is death.”
Eph. 2:1 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
Col. 2:13 “And you, being dead in your sins...”
1 Tim. 5:6 “But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.”
8) True Christians are dead to sin
Rom. 6:2 “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Rom. 6:6-7 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
Rom. 6:11 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Gal. 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
9) The wrath of God abides on those who sin
Rom. 1:18 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
Rom. 2:8-9 “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.”
Col. 3:5-6 “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”
Eph. 2:2-3 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
Heb. 10:26-27 “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation.”
10) Those that profess to be saved but do not live holy will be surprised at the Judgment
Matt. 7:22-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
11) Those who sin have no part of the kingdom of God
Rom. 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
1 Cor. 6:9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?”
Gal. 5:21 “Of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things [the works of the flesh] shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Eph. 5:5 “For this ye know, that no sleepermonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
12) Those that turn back to sin lose their salvation
Ezk. 33:12-13 “The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression...neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth...if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.”
Gal. 2:17-18 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.”
2 Pet. 2:20-22 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning...The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
13) Those who sin cannot see nor know God
Matt. 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Matt. 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Heb. 12:14 “Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
1 John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”
1 John 2:4 “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
1 Jn 3:6 “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.”
3 John 11 “He that doeth evil hath not seen God.”
14) Whoever loves the world does not belong to God
Eph. 2:2-3 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world...fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath.”
James 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
James 4:4 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
1 John 2:15-16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
15) God does not hear sinners
Psa. 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
Isa. 1:15-16 “And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.”
Isa. 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”
1 Pet. 3:10-12 “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
16) Christians are not to fellowship those who profess salvation but continue to sin
1 Cor. 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
2 Thess. 3:6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
Eph. 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
1 Tim. 5:20 “Them that sin rebuke before all.”
2 Tim. 3:2-5 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud...unholy...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
2 John 9-10 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God...If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.”
17) Christians are to walk in the Spirit, not in the lust of the flesh
Rom. 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Rom. 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Gal. 5:16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Gal. 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
1 Pet. 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
2 Pet. 1:4 “Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
18) By God’s power, Christians keep themselves undefiled
2 Cor. 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
1 Thess. 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
2 Pet. 3:11 “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.”
2 Pet. 3:14 “Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
1 John 3:3 “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”
19) Whoever commits sin is of the devil
Jn. 8:41-44 “Ye do the deeds of your father...Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.”
Eph. 2:2 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air.”
1 John 3:8 “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.”
1 John 3:10 “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
20) Christians follow the example of Christ
1 Pet. 1:15-16 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
1 Pet. 2:21-22 “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”
1 John 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
21) A holy life does not produce sinful fruit
Matt. 7:17-18 “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
Luke 6:43 “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
Heb. 6:8 “But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned.”
22) Christians have an undefiled conscience
Acts 23:1 “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
Acts 24:16 “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.”
1 Tim. 1:5 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.”
23) It is not what we profess, but what we live that counts
Matt. 7:20 “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Luke 6:46 “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
2 Tim. 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
Titus 1:16 “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him.”
24) Those who sin cannot enter heaven
John 8:21 “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.”
Rev. 21:27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.”
25) The foundation of God is to depart from all iniquity
2 Tim. 2:19 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
26) A Christian is a new creature; old sinful ways are passed away
Ezk. 36:26-27 “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
27) Salvation brings a heart perfection that was unattainable under the Old Testament
Matt. 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Heb. 7:19 “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did.”
Heb. 10:14 “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
28) Those who love God keep His commandments
John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:21 “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.”
1 John 2:3-4 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
29) God does not give commandments that are impossible to obey
Matt. 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
John 8:11 “And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
1 Cor. 15:34 “Awake to righteousness, and sin not.”
1 John 2:1 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.”
1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
June 7, 2008
Climbing Everest
Climbing Mount Everest has always intrigued me. It has always been one of those things that I thought would be such an awesome experience. Given that it is such a monumental challenge, it must truly require such high levels of discipline, both mentally and physically. The amount of training that goes into preparing for such an adventure is truly not for the half-hearted, but only for those who are serious about taking on such a life changing experience.After reading up on Everest it becomes very clear that no one can really climb it alone (although it has been done, it is very uncommon). Even for the most experienced climbers, Everest requires either an experienced guide or Sherpa. In order to reach the summit, it is essential that you put your full trust in your guide and take their advice as when it is safe to proceed to the summit. It is also very typical to climb with several fellow climbers, in order to maintain safety and to assure no one is left behind or goes off path.
When climbing Everest there are only two paths that one can take to reach the summit. What is amazing about these two trails to the summit is that these paths are extremely narrow - they can be as wide as only a foot in some areas. Guides will tell you never to venture off one of these paths. If one ventures off onto any side of these trails death is almost imminent. There have been many who have ventured off the summit trail and have died within only a few feet from it. It has been recorded that many climbers can plainly see the dead who litter the trail as they pass by. It is a gruesome reminder the need to keep ones eyes on the summit and their feet on the narrow path.
The summit path to Everett reminds me of the verse Jesus said regarding those who will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven:
Matthew 7:13-15 13"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it"
As a Christ follower we must always be conscience that the path we walk is a narrow one and there is little room that allows us to venture off of this path. Since the path is so narrow, it should become very apparent when we have ventured from it. But just as on Everest, we never climb alone. It is important that we listen to the fellowship of others and heed their warnings when one of us decides to either quit or stop moving along the path or when we have decided to put ourselves in mortal danger by electing to veer from this narrow trail.
The gospel message is much like the narrow path. Try to venture from it or change it a little, and your putting yourselves and possibly others in grave to serious danger. The Apostles speak often about the dangers of those who preach a "different path" or a "different gospel".
2Jn 1:9-11 Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it does not have God. The person who abides in the teaching of Christ has both the Father and the Son. (10) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your home or even greet him, (11) for the one who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
AND
Jude 1: 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
As Christ followers how do we know if we are on the right path? What is the marked difference between the wide path of the world versus the narrow path of Christ? Simple - Complete Obedience to God as a result of love and a life that is free from sin. Many claim that we can or must continue to sin in word thought and deed daily and deny man's moral ability to deny sin. To compound matters, some teach that one is "Eternally Secure" and yet can live a life of licentiousness and wickedness and yet still be a citizen of God's Kingdom. But these are distinct patterns of the wide-path and we know from the words of Jesus this path leads not to the "summit", but will lead to death and eternal punishment. Are you walking the narrow path of Jesus Christ? Are you walking according to the Word of God or the Gospel of Jesus? Or are you walking a path that allows you to continue in your sins and yet still be "Saved"? If your on this wide path my friend, turn back and seek the narrow path of Jesus! For the narrow path is the ONLY path that will allow you to reach the summit and reconcile you back to the Father.
2Ti 2:10-13 Therefore I endure all things for the chosens sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (11) Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him: (12) if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us: (13) if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself.
June 2, 2008
Taking out the Trash!
Over the weekend I had the opportunity to watch a wonderful sermon by Gregory Boyd entitled "Taking Out the Trash". Greg raises up some very good points about problems with strict judicial atonement theories such as the Calvinist - Retributive Substitution Atonement Model.
The main issue any atonement theory must address is not only the removal of the penalty of sin, but more importantly it must reform the sinner from selfishness to loving God supremely (An essential to becoming a citizen of God's Kingdom or moral government). An atonement must pardon us of the "crimes" we have committed, but at the same time ascertain that the criminal (or sinner) has been truly reformed from the heart! To strictly forgive without reforming the heart would be like pardoning a criminal from prison and unleashing them back onto society to reek havoc upon the society. The Retributive Atonement model lacks this essential element as it simply addresses the strict judicial transaction and in no way reforms the sinners heart, but simply takes away the penalty and then "secures" them in their still sinful state.
To make his point Greg uses two wonderful analogies here - the "Truck Driver" and a simple bag of trash. The reality is God does not simply overlook our sinfulness, but he truly desires that we are transformed and we truly become a "new creature in Christ" whereby we are no longer walking according to the flesh, but according to God's Spirit. Again, this plays right into my analogy I provided a couple of weeks ago regarding the steak in the toilet - do you really want to eat any part of that steak? God desires that we have no part of sin as Kingdom citizens!
Although this is not the entire video sermon, you can see the sermon in its entirety here.
The main issue any atonement theory must address is not only the removal of the penalty of sin, but more importantly it must reform the sinner from selfishness to loving God supremely (An essential to becoming a citizen of God's Kingdom or moral government). An atonement must pardon us of the "crimes" we have committed, but at the same time ascertain that the criminal (or sinner) has been truly reformed from the heart! To strictly forgive without reforming the heart would be like pardoning a criminal from prison and unleashing them back onto society to reek havoc upon the society. The Retributive Atonement model lacks this essential element as it simply addresses the strict judicial transaction and in no way reforms the sinners heart, but simply takes away the penalty and then "secures" them in their still sinful state.
To make his point Greg uses two wonderful analogies here - the "Truck Driver" and a simple bag of trash. The reality is God does not simply overlook our sinfulness, but he truly desires that we are transformed and we truly become a "new creature in Christ" whereby we are no longer walking according to the flesh, but according to God's Spirit. Again, this plays right into my analogy I provided a couple of weeks ago regarding the steak in the toilet - do you really want to eat any part of that steak? God desires that we have no part of sin as Kingdom citizens!
Although this is not the entire video sermon, you can see the sermon in its entirety here.
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