When you talk about it, clouds gather overhead. An uninvited sharp breeze makes your heart shiver, your mind cringe, your emotions sag. Confidence in the goodness of God takes a hit.
We wonder why an allegedly all-powerful, good-God continues to permit the wanton perpetration of horrific evil on peoples by the world's tyrannical bullies. The UN's recent report (Feb 17, 2014) puts today's spotlight on Kim Jong-un, North Korea's present edition of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Amin, Hussein, Assad. You name the thug.
In our wonder, we've already concluded something like "If I were God, I'd police the world's neighborhoods with a bit more dispatch!"
So why doesn't He? The answer is neither simple nor all-that-satisfactory.
THE RAMIFICATIONS OF FREEDOM
If we seek answers to these questions from the revelation of the Christian Bible, such answers all funnel back to the issue of granted freedom. An all-powerful, utterly-good triune God determined to create. Within the vast scope of all that was brought into existence by God's Word (cf. Psalm 33), God created living beings who were granted the privilege of real-choices-which-result-in-actual-consequences (how's RCWRIAC for an acronym?).
Apparently, in the beginning, angels were granted RCWRIAC, and human beings (i.e., Adam and Eve and their offspring) as well.
RCWRIAC is a great thing when right things, or the "good," are chosen. Good for the chooser and good for those who are impacted by the right choices of the chooser.
RCWRIAC is a terrible thing when wrong things, or the "bad," are chosen. Bad for the chooser and even worse, often, for those who are impacted by the wrong choices of the chooser.
So God's most beautiful and capable angel (arguably), Lucifer, enamored with himself, made a very wrong choice in personal pride, attempting a coup of God's throne (choices later exhibited and recapitulated in some of the world's most prideful rulers, cf. Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28). Lucifer, confirmed in his sin, fell from the presence of God, taking other angels with him, and has been God's prideful arch-enemy ever since.
And so also those who were created in God's very image, Adam and Eve, listening to the inhabited-by-Satan serpent, in their own willful pride, disobeyed the clear command of God. Their choice plunged them and the human race into "sin."
Real Choices Which Result In Actual Consequences impact both the chooser and those who have relationship(s) with and proximity to the chooser. Free choices cut both ways.
THE DIFFICULTY WITH RICOCHETING SIN
Cornelius Plantinga (Not the Way It's Supposed to Be) describes sin like a wantonly destructive bullet which ricochets throughout generations of humanity causing (almost) unpredictable destruction. If Romans 1 is accurate, God in his wrath gives people [who reject the truth revealed about Him] over to the downward spiral of sin's cesspool. People sin and encourage others to sin. God does not readily step in and mitigate the ricocheting consequences. Sin sown reaps a whirlwind of sin. So many are hurt and abused and mistreated and destroyed in the pathways of transgression. Sin is shown to be exceedingly sinful.
It is difficult to watch this unfold in each generation. We want an all-good, all-powerful God to stop it, restrain it, to not allow powerful people who are sinful to hurt the unprotected, the weak, the vulnerable. Children in the womb are aborted. Young girls are sold into the sex-slave trade market. People commit murder and are never caught. Rulers pad their own foreign bank accounts with black-market kick-backs while their people starve in the streets. A generation of people die in the concentration camps. Our hearts cry out, "God, please stop it. Stop it all!"
In essence, we are saying, "We're tired of free choice! We cannot handle it without destroying each other. Take it back; make us robotic!!!!"
LEARNING THE LESSONS OF CHOSEN SIN
Does God ever "step in"? If so, why not more often? Here are some answers I cling to.
First, God respects humanity's freedom and choices, and will hold all men fully accountable in the final day of His judgment. We struggle when this present life is not fair. We desire people to have a chance at "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," and in many places, this good desire is protected by equitable governments. But the wider-lens picture is this. Our life on this fallen planet is simply a very short prelude to an eternity which will dawn in the age to come. "The glory that is coming is not worthy to be compared with our present sufferings." This is not the place nor the era where accountability and justice will fully prevail. Such awaits the age to come.
And thus God calls us to be patient for His coming day, when the accounts will be fully considered, and justice will be meted out by a God who misses nothing. Surely, the Lord is not interested that we fall in love with our present lot, and insist that "this is all there is." God help us! We must have our eyes on what is to come.
Second, God urges us to contend and fight for righteousness today, even as we await His coming day. No better model is ours than godly men and women like Wilber Wilberforce, who paid a personal price to abolish English slavetrading within the British Empire. The Old Testament, reinforced by the teaching of the New Testament, calls on God's people today to defend the widow, the orphan, the defenseless. To cry out against and work for the toppling of the Hitlers and Idi Amins and Kim Jong-uns of the world. Such is the expression of (James) "true religion."
Third, in a fallen and often horribly difficult world, even as we contend for what is right, we are to set our hope completely on Christ and "the grace that is coming to us" in the day He will be revealed. When He comes, all that the prophets said about Him will unfold and reorder "the day" (read Isaiah 2,9,11!)
Fourth, God is also sovereign. He will do what He pleases, and will manage even this fallen world in a way that will finally accomplish His purposes. Even in the world's darkest moments, even when evil seems to overflow, God is free to do what His righteous heart desires, and will respond to the cry of His godly ones.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
WHEN A BELIEVER WALKS AWAY FROM GOD... (Part 2 Still in the Family?)
Over the years, I've know many parents with heartaches. Most of those heartaches arise when a child begins to act and live -- somewhere along the way -- like someone else. Like a stranger. Like a non-family member.
It's rare, but it happens. And when it does, it is truly bewildering. It brings a sense of failure to the parent, a hurt hard to describe and impossible to quantify.
For parents in this predicament. Questions multiply. Self-condemning questions like "What did we do wrong?" Wisdom/relationship questions like, "How can I relate to my son when he is living so contrary to our values?" "Do we just accept her and her lifestyle--but isn't that just encouraging her in the wrong choices she is making?" "But how can we reject? -- she is family!"
That last statement always makes up a sort of bottom-line. No matter what the child may or may not do, there is no doubt the child remains family.
THE FATHER ON THE PORCH
We do well to think about the father who granted his foolish son's request (Luke 15:12, as per Jesus' story). The boy takes off and squanders his assets, living as if he'd never grown up in his father's house. His reckless life eventually hit the wall. Nothing like yet another bowl of pig slop to motivate a reassessment.
We don't know how long the agony went on. But day after day, the father stared down the horizon, wondering how his son could think and live like that. Never doubting, however, that the boy was his. Eventually, the father's patience kept him in a ready posture to receive his child home.
WHEN A BELIEVER WALKS AWAY FROM GOD...
Teaching on "the security of the believer" has wrestled for centuries over the security status of someone who, by faith, is Spirit-born into God's family. Undeniably, some "children" began well in faith and growth. But then sometime later, some walked away. Faith diminished. Spiritual growth retarded. Spiritually reckless living -- which often simply looks like abject complacency - has replaced spiritually fervent desire.
Several questions arise when this happens:
Many good brothers and sisters who search the Scriptures insist that they teach that a truly born-again child of God can not lose faith, will necessarily persevere in growing godliness, and will finish strong. Reformed Theology calls this answer "the perseverance of the saints." Should a believer permanently fall away after a good spiritual start, such a person was not truly regenerated. Perseverance is the evidence of genuine regeneration. Dropping away demonstrates the opposite.
WHAT A WALKING-AWAY BELIEVER CAN LOSE...
There is a better understanding of this - one more fitting both Scripture's teaching and our experiences in life.
First, simple faith, not persevering faith, is what brings about the application of God's grace of salvation. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." This Genesis 15:6 model, endorsed by Paul in Romans 4, compels us to believe that God does not declare us righteous on the basis of whether or not we persevere in faith or good works. Rather justification is based on the propitiating, finished cross-work of Christ, and applied to the life when simple, sincere trust is exercised. Jesus taught such faith is as trusting and fresh as the confidence a child can place in someone who has promised something to him/her.
Second, many things occur to the person who simply and sincerely trusts. There are theological, biblical words pregnant with meanings which are rich and wonderful: justification (declared righteousness), sanctification (set apart to God), regeneration (creation of new spirit-relating-to-God life within us, a "new creation" 2 Cor 5:17) and so much more. Simply put, a simple truster is born into the family by the Spirit (cf. John 3).
Third, life-long growth and development as a becoming-more-like-Christ son or daughter is what normally happens. Clearly, we are expected to "grow up into Him" through all the provisions given by the Triune God for development.
Fourth, what normally happens with a child of God doesn't always happen. Children of God too walk away from their Father, Savior, Comforter and from the family. Some live like they never were in the family. They stop believing, or replace faith in God with faith in...well, you can name a thousand rival candidates.
When this happens, the very same things that the prodigal son lost become loss for the prodigal believer. These include the following
No doubt, there are also "pretenders" who hang around the family for a while, but do so for less-than-genuine reasons, never actually trusting Christ. Still, the presence of pretenders does not explain the reality of others, who really did believe for a time, and now have walked away. In so doing, they are forfeiting the blessings of staying true in the family.
SOME HAVE SAID...
"I don't really care about all that reward stuff. I just want to be in heaven." I get that. And so does God. God's grace in salvation is free. Jesus paid it all and the provision is front and center. Simple, sincere faith in Christ + nothing = salvation, heaven, in the family.
You can't be "unborn."
But there are other things to lose - very important things. Paul said to lose them is to "suffer loss" (1 Corinthians 3). Those who have been born into the family do well to look back over their shoulders and reassess their current steps toward the pigpen.
It's rare, but it happens. And when it does, it is truly bewildering. It brings a sense of failure to the parent, a hurt hard to describe and impossible to quantify.
For parents in this predicament. Questions multiply. Self-condemning questions like "What did we do wrong?" Wisdom/relationship questions like, "How can I relate to my son when he is living so contrary to our values?" "Do we just accept her and her lifestyle--but isn't that just encouraging her in the wrong choices she is making?" "But how can we reject? -- she is family!"
That last statement always makes up a sort of bottom-line. No matter what the child may or may not do, there is no doubt the child remains family.
THE FATHER ON THE PORCH
We do well to think about the father who granted his foolish son's request (Luke 15:12, as per Jesus' story). The boy takes off and squanders his assets, living as if he'd never grown up in his father's house. His reckless life eventually hit the wall. Nothing like yet another bowl of pig slop to motivate a reassessment.
We don't know how long the agony went on. But day after day, the father stared down the horizon, wondering how his son could think and live like that. Never doubting, however, that the boy was his. Eventually, the father's patience kept him in a ready posture to receive his child home.
WHEN A BELIEVER WALKS AWAY FROM GOD...
Teaching on "the security of the believer" has wrestled for centuries over the security status of someone who, by faith, is Spirit-born into God's family. Undeniably, some "children" began well in faith and growth. But then sometime later, some walked away. Faith diminished. Spiritual growth retarded. Spiritually reckless living -- which often simply looks like abject complacency - has replaced spiritually fervent desire.
Several questions arise when this happens:
- Did this person - who believed and grew initially as a Christian -- actually, truly believe? Or was faith feigned--no justification was granted to the pretender, no regeneration actually occurred, and thus eventually the pretense could no longer be maintained?
- If "yes" (he/she did truly believe and was born into God's family), it is possible for a child of God to walk away from God?
- If a child of God walks away from God, is he/she still "saved" (does he/she still retain the benefit of having been declared righteous by faith, a faith once alive but now not)? Or does cessation of active faith constitute a revocation of one's salvation?
Many good brothers and sisters who search the Scriptures insist that they teach that a truly born-again child of God can not lose faith, will necessarily persevere in growing godliness, and will finish strong. Reformed Theology calls this answer "the perseverance of the saints." Should a believer permanently fall away after a good spiritual start, such a person was not truly regenerated. Perseverance is the evidence of genuine regeneration. Dropping away demonstrates the opposite.
WHAT A WALKING-AWAY BELIEVER CAN LOSE...
There is a better understanding of this - one more fitting both Scripture's teaching and our experiences in life.
First, simple faith, not persevering faith, is what brings about the application of God's grace of salvation. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." This Genesis 15:6 model, endorsed by Paul in Romans 4, compels us to believe that God does not declare us righteous on the basis of whether or not we persevere in faith or good works. Rather justification is based on the propitiating, finished cross-work of Christ, and applied to the life when simple, sincere trust is exercised. Jesus taught such faith is as trusting and fresh as the confidence a child can place in someone who has promised something to him/her.
Second, many things occur to the person who simply and sincerely trusts. There are theological, biblical words pregnant with meanings which are rich and wonderful: justification (declared righteousness), sanctification (set apart to God), regeneration (creation of new spirit-relating-to-God life within us, a "new creation" 2 Cor 5:17) and so much more. Simply put, a simple truster is born into the family by the Spirit (cf. John 3).
Third, life-long growth and development as a becoming-more-like-Christ son or daughter is what normally happens. Clearly, we are expected to "grow up into Him" through all the provisions given by the Triune God for development.
Fourth, what normally happens with a child of God doesn't always happen. Children of God too walk away from their Father, Savior, Comforter and from the family. Some live like they never were in the family. They stop believing, or replace faith in God with faith in...well, you can name a thousand rival candidates.
When this happens, the very same things that the prodigal son lost become loss for the prodigal believer. These include the following
- a loss of fellowship with and guiding direction from the Father throughout this short life
- the loss of a life protected by wisdom and the benefit of living righteously by the Holy Spirit
- a loss of time in this life, time which is invested in foolishness rather than true treasure which will last forever in eternity
- a loss of commendation, reward, and inheritance when, at the judgment seat of Christ, our Lord will evaluate our faithfulness following our birth into the family. Paul is clear that some believers "will be saved as through fire" because they squandered the opportunities they had to serve Him and Kingdom work through unfaithfulness
No doubt, there are also "pretenders" who hang around the family for a while, but do so for less-than-genuine reasons, never actually trusting Christ. Still, the presence of pretenders does not explain the reality of others, who really did believe for a time, and now have walked away. In so doing, they are forfeiting the blessings of staying true in the family.
SOME HAVE SAID...
"I don't really care about all that reward stuff. I just want to be in heaven." I get that. And so does God. God's grace in salvation is free. Jesus paid it all and the provision is front and center. Simple, sincere faith in Christ + nothing = salvation, heaven, in the family.
You can't be "unborn."
But there are other things to lose - very important things. Paul said to lose them is to "suffer loss" (1 Corinthians 3). Those who have been born into the family do well to look back over their shoulders and reassess their current steps toward the pigpen.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
WHEN A BELIEVER WALKS AWAY FROM GOD… (Part 1 - Being Honest About It)
One of the most treasured gifts I receive is when someone is openly candid with me.
I'm a pastor. Quite often, people who don't really know me think they need to say things that will please my ordination certificate, or at least not offend it. Many are reluctant to admit that they no longer "buy" what they see me (if you will) always selling.
Truth be told, most pastors would rather you lay aside the tap-dancing and speak what is really going on inside, whatever it is.
Truth be told, God would prefer it as well. I can't recall any time in the life of Jesus when He asked anyone to be a pretender. Can you?
I'VE BEEN STRUGGLING FOR A LONG TIME
Today, I received one such gift. A young father I admire opened up after I asked, "OK…what's really going on with you?"
"Well, I grew up in the church. Went Sunday morning, Sunday night, even Wednesday night. I've been in the youth group. Was in FCA while an athlete in college, I've had 'a walk,' studied my bible, prayed a lot. Today, well…I just don't know."
"OK…what's knocked you off the tracks?" I asked.
"A whole lot of things. Newtown. 9-11. When I read the Bible, and look at the life of Jesus, I think I'd conclude (like some did) that He was kinda crazy. And all the fantastic, miracle stuff in the Bible. It just doesn't seem to ring like it's true. I've got a lot of questions, and I've been struggling for a long time."
Even a quick review of that grocery list reveals that his questions cover the waterfront with struggles we all have with God. Where's a good God when senseless evil guns down children? When extremists snuff out the lives of over 3,000 in one day in downtown New York? And…Jesus…really? Walking on water? Teaching me to "love Him" and "hate my mother and father"? Seas parting? Sun "standing still"? A whale vomiting up a prophet in the Mediterranean Sea?
THINK WITH THEM…REFUSE TO JUDGE
In decades of pastoral ministry, one thing I've learned. Tough questions need thoughtful, non-judgmental answerings. God can handle prickly press conferences. We should too. From cover to cover in the good Book, people often dialogued with God about the difficult-to-swallow.
Honestly struggling people need you and I to struggle with them, and not merely to say, "Here's the answer…believe it." Getting back on the rails requires discovering God to be God all over again rather than just being handed pat answers. Jacob wrestled with God, and in the long night of leveraging one another, Jacob discovered in the end he did not want to let God go. "I will not let you go until You bless me." Doubt and fear had been replaced by a tenacious clinging.
MANY WAYS TO DRIFT AWAY
To be sure, not every "drift" from God is driven by new and honest questions. People walk away from months, sometimes years, of walking with Christ for a wide variety of reasons
We who continue to follow and grow in Christ mourn over those who drift away, who fall away, who throw away their confidence in the One who alone is worthy of it. We wonder about "what happens to them" even as they've grown cold spiritually. We feel powerless, often, to warm them up again.
Defection happens.
Part 2 will take up the question of status - are those who walk away still "saved"? What does the Bible teach?
I'm a pastor. Quite often, people who don't really know me think they need to say things that will please my ordination certificate, or at least not offend it. Many are reluctant to admit that they no longer "buy" what they see me (if you will) always selling.
Truth be told, most pastors would rather you lay aside the tap-dancing and speak what is really going on inside, whatever it is.
Truth be told, God would prefer it as well. I can't recall any time in the life of Jesus when He asked anyone to be a pretender. Can you?
I'VE BEEN STRUGGLING FOR A LONG TIME
Today, I received one such gift. A young father I admire opened up after I asked, "OK…what's really going on with you?"
"Well, I grew up in the church. Went Sunday morning, Sunday night, even Wednesday night. I've been in the youth group. Was in FCA while an athlete in college, I've had 'a walk,' studied my bible, prayed a lot. Today, well…I just don't know."
"OK…what's knocked you off the tracks?" I asked.
"A whole lot of things. Newtown. 9-11. When I read the Bible, and look at the life of Jesus, I think I'd conclude (like some did) that He was kinda crazy. And all the fantastic, miracle stuff in the Bible. It just doesn't seem to ring like it's true. I've got a lot of questions, and I've been struggling for a long time."
Even a quick review of that grocery list reveals that his questions cover the waterfront with struggles we all have with God. Where's a good God when senseless evil guns down children? When extremists snuff out the lives of over 3,000 in one day in downtown New York? And…Jesus…really? Walking on water? Teaching me to "love Him" and "hate my mother and father"? Seas parting? Sun "standing still"? A whale vomiting up a prophet in the Mediterranean Sea?
THINK WITH THEM…REFUSE TO JUDGE
In decades of pastoral ministry, one thing I've learned. Tough questions need thoughtful, non-judgmental answerings. God can handle prickly press conferences. We should too. From cover to cover in the good Book, people often dialogued with God about the difficult-to-swallow.
Honestly struggling people need you and I to struggle with them, and not merely to say, "Here's the answer…believe it." Getting back on the rails requires discovering God to be God all over again rather than just being handed pat answers. Jacob wrestled with God, and in the long night of leveraging one another, Jacob discovered in the end he did not want to let God go. "I will not let you go until You bless me." Doubt and fear had been replaced by a tenacious clinging.
MANY WAYS TO DRIFT AWAY
To be sure, not every "drift" from God is driven by new and honest questions. People walk away from months, sometimes years, of walking with Christ for a wide variety of reasons
- obeying God loses to the desires of the flesh, and disobedience
- the fellowship of the Body loses to the easier, less rigorous fellowship of the world
- seduced by "doctrines of demons," false teaching which appears more attractive and profitable than the call of Christ and the directives of Scriptures
- simple neglect of springs of spiritual life and nurture
We who continue to follow and grow in Christ mourn over those who drift away, who fall away, who throw away their confidence in the One who alone is worthy of it. We wonder about "what happens to them" even as they've grown cold spiritually. We feel powerless, often, to warm them up again.
Defection happens.
Part 2 will take up the question of status - are those who walk away still "saved"? What does the Bible teach?
Monday, February 17, 2014
IS FAITH A GIFT FROM GOD?
Paul's letter to the people who lived in the capital city of the Roman Empire answers many questions. It also raises many others.
One frequent question I'm hearing has to do with both our capability and responsibility to exercise faith in response to the truths of the Gospel.
Paul's message is clear - there is a righteousness from God available to us, but it comes through faith; that is, through personal trusting that God's promise of what He accomplished for us in Christ is true.
But some ask, "Are human beings capable of understanding the truth of the Gospel, and able then to respond in faith? Or is faith a gift from God?"*
POSSIBLE ANSWERS
If the answers to those questions are "no" and "yes" (respectively), then the implication is clear. Only those to whom God gives "faith" will ever believe, be saved from sin's condemnation, and be given the gift of God's righteousness.
If the answers to those questions are "yes" and "no" (respectively), then other implications arise. Answers like this seem to counter Biblical passages which suggest that human beings who are "totally depraved" in their sinfulness cannot recognize truth, and verses which suggest that God does in fact give us the ability to believe (for example, one interpretation of Ephesians 2:8-9 would argue this).
But what if the answers are "yes" and "yes." Yes, we are capable of understanding truth, even though sin effects (but does not eclipse) our understanding of it; and Yes, everything we have, ultimately, is a gift from God, even though our capability to make choices of trust is not coerced or forced by God.
THE PERSPECTIVE OF CALVINISM (or Reformed Theology)
Years ago, while in college (Grace College, Winona Lake, IN), a "reformed theology" movement happened among a section of the student body. Many of us who were heading for ministry as a career were caught up in the discussions and debates. It was there I first understood and initially embraced many of its tenets of theological understanding. Even though John Calvin himself never formulated his system using this acronym, this 5 letter handle has historically been used to summarize the interpretational approach of Reformed Theology
T total depravity of man (he is totally dead in sin)
U unconditional election of man (God choses, apart from any condition, some to be saved)
L limited atonement (Christ's atoning was intended for those God has chosen)
I irresistible grace (God's saving grace, when applied to a person, cannot be resisted)
P perseverance of the saints (those elected and regenerate cannot fall away from faith, but will persevere in godliness until the end)
There are many Scriptures which are used to support these 5 tenets. Suffice to say that the interpretation of many of these Scriptures will consistently flow in a way that supports this system of theological thought.
The questions* (see above) we are asking can be answered from this approach. The answers would be "no" and "yes." No, no one dead in sin can understand or respond in faith to spiritual truth. God must give the faith, that is the capability to understand and then to trust, through an "irresistible" application of His grace. Not worrying about those for whom God does not do this, we should be simply glad He does this for some (and us!...if we are believing).
IS TULIP WHAT SCRIPTURALLY ACTUALLY PRESENTS and TEACHES?
In the years since, I have stepped away from embracing a Reformed Theological viewpoint on these matters. While I respect historical theologians, as well as current teachers, brothers and sisters in Christ, who see the Scriptures' teaching through this lens, I do not personally find this approach to be what Scripture presents. The RT approach is systematic; its pieces fit together. My concern is that they really don't fit Scripture. The system or approach is more imposed on Scripture rather than arising from it.
A MORE BALANCED, BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING
Knowing that my credentials don't match some whose system of thought I'm dismissing, nonetheless I would humbly offer a differing view. Let me capsulize it without writing an epic blog.
First, all things that everyone has are a gift from God. John the Baptist said it, "A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven" (John 3:27). So our ability to understand truth and to respond in acceptance, belief, faith, trust, is given from God.
Second, while sin effects our understanding and ability to believe, it does not eclipse it. Just as sin effects our ability to make good, moral choices, but does not eclipse it. The image of God in us has been marred, but not destroyed. Those who use Ephesians 2 ("we are dead in sin and our trespasses") or Romans 3 ("there is none righteous, no not one") to argue "total incapability" of understanding or responding to truth are over reaching in the application of those statements. They speak to our ability to think righteously and act righteously so as to please God with our own righteousness. As far as that is concerned, we are dead, and we are thoroughly unrighteous.
But they are not descriptions of whether or not we can discover truth, recognize it, and respond to it...however flawed that may be. Responsibility to respond to the truth requires a capability to respond to the truth. If all men/women are totally incapable of believing, and God simply provides the ability to believe to a chosen few, how can those who are not so fortunate be held responsible for not believing.
Third, everywhere in Scripture, the "coming to salvation" process is always presented as a cooperative process, where God's Spirit speaks of truth and Christ, convicts of sin, draws men toward God, and is ready to give anyone birth who will believe. But there is also the full responsibility (and thus capability) of individuals to hear the truth, consider Christ, and respond positively (or negatively) to the Spirit's work of communicating and persuading.
Fourth, language about God's choosing (or electing) to salvation should be more carefully thought through. There are, in fact, a number of different ways that "election" can be understood.
Some, like those in Reformed Theology, insist on an "individual election;" that is, that God selected some individuals out of the billions who would live on the earth, and the unchosen simply remain condemned. This is an "unconditional choice," based purely on "grace." Why some are not chosen, we don't know and will never know. If we are saved, and persevere, we can know we are "elect."
How very fortunate. But even as you read that through, some sense of profound unfairness lingers around this understanding of God's election. This approach simply does not square with Scripture that insists that God loves the entire world and that Jesus died for the entirety of humanity. Why then, if it depends only on God's choice, would He not in grace-and-love choose everyone?
Yet, in my understanding of the body of Scripture, and especially in Ephesians 1, Paul makes it very clear that we are chosen as we are "in Christ," that is, Christ is God's "chosen one," and when we believe, and are placed "in Christ," we are considered "the chosen" for blessing and holiness and a future with God, because we are "in Him." We have also then been "chosen" to become like Him, in keeping with a process God had in mind all along (cf. Romans 8:28-30).
ON BALANCE...
Scripture makes it much more simple. We are born "in Adam." We can be reborn "in Christ." The Spirit of God is busy in the world making that good news clear to men and women, whose sin keeps them from being righteous, but who can know that God exists and need to know that Christ has become their propitiation. Just as Abraham was to look up in the sky and believe what God promised, so we are to look up to the cross and believe that Jesus died their in my place. The Spirit presents that message powerfully, and draws us toward the Savior. Our hearts are urged to reject self-effort and religiosity, and throw our trust completely on Christ.
Simple faith opens the door to being in Christ, and a whole new future begins to unfold to the believing heart. The answers to the initial questions* are "yes" and "yes."
One frequent question I'm hearing has to do with both our capability and responsibility to exercise faith in response to the truths of the Gospel.
Paul's message is clear - there is a righteousness from God available to us, but it comes through faith; that is, through personal trusting that God's promise of what He accomplished for us in Christ is true.
But some ask, "Are human beings capable of understanding the truth of the Gospel, and able then to respond in faith? Or is faith a gift from God?"*
POSSIBLE ANSWERS
If the answers to those questions are "no" and "yes" (respectively), then the implication is clear. Only those to whom God gives "faith" will ever believe, be saved from sin's condemnation, and be given the gift of God's righteousness.
If the answers to those questions are "yes" and "no" (respectively), then other implications arise. Answers like this seem to counter Biblical passages which suggest that human beings who are "totally depraved" in their sinfulness cannot recognize truth, and verses which suggest that God does in fact give us the ability to believe (for example, one interpretation of Ephesians 2:8-9 would argue this).
But what if the answers are "yes" and "yes." Yes, we are capable of understanding truth, even though sin effects (but does not eclipse) our understanding of it; and Yes, everything we have, ultimately, is a gift from God, even though our capability to make choices of trust is not coerced or forced by God.
THE PERSPECTIVE OF CALVINISM (or Reformed Theology)
Years ago, while in college (Grace College, Winona Lake, IN), a "reformed theology" movement happened among a section of the student body. Many of us who were heading for ministry as a career were caught up in the discussions and debates. It was there I first understood and initially embraced many of its tenets of theological understanding. Even though John Calvin himself never formulated his system using this acronym, this 5 letter handle has historically been used to summarize the interpretational approach of Reformed Theology
T total depravity of man (he is totally dead in sin)
U unconditional election of man (God choses, apart from any condition, some to be saved)
L limited atonement (Christ's atoning was intended for those God has chosen)
I irresistible grace (God's saving grace, when applied to a person, cannot be resisted)
P perseverance of the saints (those elected and regenerate cannot fall away from faith, but will persevere in godliness until the end)
There are many Scriptures which are used to support these 5 tenets. Suffice to say that the interpretation of many of these Scriptures will consistently flow in a way that supports this system of theological thought.
The questions* (see above) we are asking can be answered from this approach. The answers would be "no" and "yes." No, no one dead in sin can understand or respond in faith to spiritual truth. God must give the faith, that is the capability to understand and then to trust, through an "irresistible" application of His grace. Not worrying about those for whom God does not do this, we should be simply glad He does this for some (and us!...if we are believing).
IS TULIP WHAT SCRIPTURALLY ACTUALLY PRESENTS and TEACHES?
In the years since, I have stepped away from embracing a Reformed Theological viewpoint on these matters. While I respect historical theologians, as well as current teachers, brothers and sisters in Christ, who see the Scriptures' teaching through this lens, I do not personally find this approach to be what Scripture presents. The RT approach is systematic; its pieces fit together. My concern is that they really don't fit Scripture. The system or approach is more imposed on Scripture rather than arising from it.
A MORE BALANCED, BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING
Knowing that my credentials don't match some whose system of thought I'm dismissing, nonetheless I would humbly offer a differing view. Let me capsulize it without writing an epic blog.
First, all things that everyone has are a gift from God. John the Baptist said it, "A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven" (John 3:27). So our ability to understand truth and to respond in acceptance, belief, faith, trust, is given from God.
Second, while sin effects our understanding and ability to believe, it does not eclipse it. Just as sin effects our ability to make good, moral choices, but does not eclipse it. The image of God in us has been marred, but not destroyed. Those who use Ephesians 2 ("we are dead in sin and our trespasses") or Romans 3 ("there is none righteous, no not one") to argue "total incapability" of understanding or responding to truth are over reaching in the application of those statements. They speak to our ability to think righteously and act righteously so as to please God with our own righteousness. As far as that is concerned, we are dead, and we are thoroughly unrighteous.
But they are not descriptions of whether or not we can discover truth, recognize it, and respond to it...however flawed that may be. Responsibility to respond to the truth requires a capability to respond to the truth. If all men/women are totally incapable of believing, and God simply provides the ability to believe to a chosen few, how can those who are not so fortunate be held responsible for not believing.
Third, everywhere in Scripture, the "coming to salvation" process is always presented as a cooperative process, where God's Spirit speaks of truth and Christ, convicts of sin, draws men toward God, and is ready to give anyone birth who will believe. But there is also the full responsibility (and thus capability) of individuals to hear the truth, consider Christ, and respond positively (or negatively) to the Spirit's work of communicating and persuading.
Fourth, language about God's choosing (or electing) to salvation should be more carefully thought through. There are, in fact, a number of different ways that "election" can be understood.
Some, like those in Reformed Theology, insist on an "individual election;" that is, that God selected some individuals out of the billions who would live on the earth, and the unchosen simply remain condemned. This is an "unconditional choice," based purely on "grace." Why some are not chosen, we don't know and will never know. If we are saved, and persevere, we can know we are "elect."
How very fortunate. But even as you read that through, some sense of profound unfairness lingers around this understanding of God's election. This approach simply does not square with Scripture that insists that God loves the entire world and that Jesus died for the entirety of humanity. Why then, if it depends only on God's choice, would He not in grace-and-love choose everyone?
Yet, in my understanding of the body of Scripture, and especially in Ephesians 1, Paul makes it very clear that we are chosen as we are "in Christ," that is, Christ is God's "chosen one," and when we believe, and are placed "in Christ," we are considered "the chosen" for blessing and holiness and a future with God, because we are "in Him." We have also then been "chosen" to become like Him, in keeping with a process God had in mind all along (cf. Romans 8:28-30).
ON BALANCE...
Scripture makes it much more simple. We are born "in Adam." We can be reborn "in Christ." The Spirit of God is busy in the world making that good news clear to men and women, whose sin keeps them from being righteous, but who can know that God exists and need to know that Christ has become their propitiation. Just as Abraham was to look up in the sky and believe what God promised, so we are to look up to the cross and believe that Jesus died their in my place. The Spirit presents that message powerfully, and draws us toward the Savior. Our hearts are urged to reject self-effort and religiosity, and throw our trust completely on Christ.
Simple faith opens the door to being in Christ, and a whole new future begins to unfold to the believing heart. The answers to the initial questions* are "yes" and "yes."
Sunday, February 16, 2014
GOD'S GRACE IN LIFE'S CRISIS
This text question came after a teaching which spoke about the GRACE of God - "the inherent tendency of God to bestow benefit on the undeserving."
Question - "Where is God's grace in the cancer patient or in the death of a young child?"
FACING PAIN IN LIFE
On face value, this question doesn't readily see the connection between a God whose character includes the desire to give benefit to the underserving and the suffering of people in His world. It's a question that is very frequently asked, usually like this -- "How can a good God not prevent such hardship and tragedy among human beings?"
"Hardship and tragedy" become personal when you have a friend who is struggling with cancer, or are trying to help a family process the immeasurable loss of a beloved child. Of course we ask, "God, where is your grace in these situations when it is most desperately needed? Where is the benefit God is said to so eagerly want to bestow?"
GRACE - MORE PURPOSEFUL THAN SIMPLY PREVENTING PAIN
The broader Biblical truth about how God deals with us is this -- His working in our lives, His bestowal of his "grace," is more purposeful than just keeping us from hurt and tragedy.
To be sure, there are some within the Christian family who teach that it is never God's will that we are sick or struggle or even lose our battle with the fragility of life. "You're a child of the King! He wants you to succeed and prosper. Claim your victory by faith, and it will be given to you!" Christian pastors and teachers who simply bottom line our struggles with a name-it-and-claim-it promise (so-called) from God neither know well the Scriptures nor the God they are claiming to represent.
A more careful and comprehensive reading of God's Word consistently demonstrates that God frequently allows His own to experience physical pain and struggle, even hardship and loss. There are at least two reasons.
First, God uses the discipline of struggle and hardship to shape us (and our character) into that which is like The Lord Jesus Christ. We "share in His holiness" (cf. Hebrews 12) through God's loving and purposeful disciple. "Whom The Lord loves, He disciplines." The cancer patient who leans more deeply into his/her relationship with God, who by God's grace utilizes the rigors of treatment as a means to show others his trust in God and hope in eternal life, becomes more like Jesus and a unique witness in a world that worships health and good times.
Second, God uses the discipline of hardship and even loss to poignantly remind us that this world is not our home, that we are simply sojourning here for a short time, that to "depart and be with Christ" is, in fact, very much better (cf. Paul's word to this effect in Philippians 1). In short, to "set your hope completely on the grace that comes to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1).
I have ministered at a number of funerals of children. I have experienced the lesson and grace God brings home to the hurting hearts of parents - that we not wrap our hearts too much around life in this world or the idea that "this is all there is." Parents in tune with their loving Lord and God learn to release their child to God's care. It still hurts, terribly, but we do not "grieve as those who have no hope" (1 Thess 4:13-18).
ROMANS 8 HAS THE ANSWER
"For I know God is able to work all things together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
When the tragic and difficult are sitting acutely before our eyes, painfully in our experience, it is difficult to see God's purposeful grace at work. But it is there, because He is there. Beyond what we can see, behind what we experience, is a good God orchestrating even the most tragic events in our lives, with His grace, as we love Him, following His call to become more like Jesus.
"Hardship and tragedy" become personal when you have a friend who is struggling with cancer, or are trying to help a family process the immeasurable loss of a beloved child. Of course we ask, "God, where is your grace in these situations when it is most desperately needed? Where is the benefit God is said to so eagerly want to bestow?"
GRACE - MORE PURPOSEFUL THAN SIMPLY PREVENTING PAIN
The broader Biblical truth about how God deals with us is this -- His working in our lives, His bestowal of his "grace," is more purposeful than just keeping us from hurt and tragedy.
To be sure, there are some within the Christian family who teach that it is never God's will that we are sick or struggle or even lose our battle with the fragility of life. "You're a child of the King! He wants you to succeed and prosper. Claim your victory by faith, and it will be given to you!" Christian pastors and teachers who simply bottom line our struggles with a name-it-and-claim-it promise (so-called) from God neither know well the Scriptures nor the God they are claiming to represent.
A more careful and comprehensive reading of God's Word consistently demonstrates that God frequently allows His own to experience physical pain and struggle, even hardship and loss. There are at least two reasons.
First, God uses the discipline of struggle and hardship to shape us (and our character) into that which is like The Lord Jesus Christ. We "share in His holiness" (cf. Hebrews 12) through God's loving and purposeful disciple. "Whom The Lord loves, He disciplines." The cancer patient who leans more deeply into his/her relationship with God, who by God's grace utilizes the rigors of treatment as a means to show others his trust in God and hope in eternal life, becomes more like Jesus and a unique witness in a world that worships health and good times.
Second, God uses the discipline of hardship and even loss to poignantly remind us that this world is not our home, that we are simply sojourning here for a short time, that to "depart and be with Christ" is, in fact, very much better (cf. Paul's word to this effect in Philippians 1). In short, to "set your hope completely on the grace that comes to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1).
I have ministered at a number of funerals of children. I have experienced the lesson and grace God brings home to the hurting hearts of parents - that we not wrap our hearts too much around life in this world or the idea that "this is all there is." Parents in tune with their loving Lord and God learn to release their child to God's care. It still hurts, terribly, but we do not "grieve as those who have no hope" (1 Thess 4:13-18).
ROMANS 8 HAS THE ANSWER
"For I know God is able to work all things together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
When the tragic and difficult are sitting acutely before our eyes, painfully in our experience, it is difficult to see God's purposeful grace at work. But it is there, because He is there. Beyond what we can see, behind what we experience, is a good God orchestrating even the most tragic events in our lives, with His grace, as we love Him, following His call to become more like Jesus.
WHAT'S UP ABE? Wavering faith or Growing Faith?
If you are a Jesus follower, trying to grow in your "walk" (or life) with God, you know what it's like. Ups. Downs. Good stretches. Tough stretches. At times in sync with God; at times pulling in the opposite directions.
We see this pattern in the lives of those whose stories we find in the Bible. Noah, Moses, Samson, Saul, David, Peter...no one's tragectory with God was a straight-line north. Everyone who walks with God has a road with bumps and turns.
Still, the pattern of an honest heart, humble heart with God is generally "up." We've been born into God's family to steadily become more like God's Son.
WHAT ABOUT ABRAHAM (Genesis 12-22)?
In his letter to the Romans, Paul is bullish about Abraham's faith walk. In Romans 4:18-22, Paul describes it in glowing terms: "in hope against hope he believed...he grew strong in faith...never wavered...fully convinced God was able to do what he promised." It sounds wonderful.
Yet a more detailed reading of Abram/Abraham's biography shows there were a lot of "ups and downs" along the way. Genesis 12 is "up" - he leaves his homeland and comes to Canaan and begins to worship God. There there is a "down" as Abram goes to Egypt, struggling to trust God and driven by a bit of fear. Genesis 15 is "up" as he trusts God's promise and is given righteousness. Genesis 16 is "down" as he listens to Sarah and tries to fulfill God's promise through Hagar.
In other words, we see Abram with God's promises in hand and yet not always knowing how God was going to fulfill them and sometimes trying to do too much personally to make them happen.
Still, does this mean that Abraham's faith "wavered" or "diminished," or something else?
GOD'S ASSESSMENT OF ABRAHAM'S FAITH
My sense is that Abraham's trust in God to fulfill what was promised never wavered. Like ours, as he began his "walk" with God, he was young in his faith. Young faith is long on eagerness but sometimes short on perspective. Abraham surely wondered "how" God would fulfill his promises--and sometimes struggled as to what his own role was in the fulfillment--but stayed strong that God would do (somehow, someway) what He said.
It is interesting that both Isaiah (Is 64) and James (James 2) notes that God's assessment was simply this - "Abraham was My friend." This is a very informative desription. Throughout Abraham's life, God regarded this man-of-growing-faith as a growing friend. He discussed things with Abraham - like what to do with Sodom and Gomorrow (Genesis 19). God sensed He had a partner in this ancient Chaldean, and that friendship grew over time. Interestingly, you never hear God condemning Abraham for the missteps we read about in those chapters in Genesis. Abraham's faith steadily grew, even through times when he could have been more patient, more prayerful before plowing forward.
Kinda like us, right? Even in our struggles, God continues to grow our faith and our likeness to Jesus. The tragectory is always north...
We see this pattern in the lives of those whose stories we find in the Bible. Noah, Moses, Samson, Saul, David, Peter...no one's tragectory with God was a straight-line north. Everyone who walks with God has a road with bumps and turns.
Still, the pattern of an honest heart, humble heart with God is generally "up." We've been born into God's family to steadily become more like God's Son.
WHAT ABOUT ABRAHAM (Genesis 12-22)?
In his letter to the Romans, Paul is bullish about Abraham's faith walk. In Romans 4:18-22, Paul describes it in glowing terms: "in hope against hope he believed...he grew strong in faith...never wavered...fully convinced God was able to do what he promised." It sounds wonderful.
Yet a more detailed reading of Abram/Abraham's biography shows there were a lot of "ups and downs" along the way. Genesis 12 is "up" - he leaves his homeland and comes to Canaan and begins to worship God. There there is a "down" as Abram goes to Egypt, struggling to trust God and driven by a bit of fear. Genesis 15 is "up" as he trusts God's promise and is given righteousness. Genesis 16 is "down" as he listens to Sarah and tries to fulfill God's promise through Hagar.
In other words, we see Abram with God's promises in hand and yet not always knowing how God was going to fulfill them and sometimes trying to do too much personally to make them happen.
Still, does this mean that Abraham's faith "wavered" or "diminished," or something else?
GOD'S ASSESSMENT OF ABRAHAM'S FAITH
My sense is that Abraham's trust in God to fulfill what was promised never wavered. Like ours, as he began his "walk" with God, he was young in his faith. Young faith is long on eagerness but sometimes short on perspective. Abraham surely wondered "how" God would fulfill his promises--and sometimes struggled as to what his own role was in the fulfillment--but stayed strong that God would do (somehow, someway) what He said.
It is interesting that both Isaiah (Is 64) and James (James 2) notes that God's assessment was simply this - "Abraham was My friend." This is a very informative desription. Throughout Abraham's life, God regarded this man-of-growing-faith as a growing friend. He discussed things with Abraham - like what to do with Sodom and Gomorrow (Genesis 19). God sensed He had a partner in this ancient Chaldean, and that friendship grew over time. Interestingly, you never hear God condemning Abraham for the missteps we read about in those chapters in Genesis. Abraham's faith steadily grew, even through times when he could have been more patient, more prayerful before plowing forward.
Kinda like us, right? Even in our struggles, God continues to grow our faith and our likeness to Jesus. The tragectory is always north...
Thursday, February 13, 2014
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO 'FEAR GOD'?
All the research confirms how children form their conception of God.
The key is the father. The dad. Absent fathers imprint an "absent God" upon the young heart. Emotionally distant fathers imprint an "impersonal uncaring God" on the young life. Caring, involved, discipling fathers imprint an "interested, loving God" on the young life.
Sometimes the mother, or the grandmother, or perhaps a coach can make up for an univolved or absent dad, and imprint something of God's true role in our lives.
WHAT KIND OF GOD IS THERE?
The very 1st chapters of the Bible tell us volumes about God. In Genesis 1, "Elohim" (the powerful One) is creating and shaping the universe, the world, and life (plant, animal, human) with the skill of a designer-craftsman. Elohim makes man in His image, and bestows some of His authority and creativity in humans to manage the wonderful world He has brought into being. He is the magnificently powerful One.
But in Genesis 2, the name of God changes to "Yahweh," the more personal name for God. More importantly, the God who calls humanity into a relationship with Him. He is the personal God, the promise making and promise keeping God, directing man to enjoy and fully develop what He has provided, but also to do so obeying moral law. Should disobedience occur, the clearly communicated consequences will happen (death, distance, and disfellowship), and it will be difficult.
So the God who is there is All Powerful and Eagerly Personal. The joy and blessing of His presence and provisions are offered, while at the same time the discipline of His Hand is at the ready when disobedience is chosen. Blessing or cursing; intimacy or distance; the Joy of presence and fellowship or the difficulty of judgement and discipline. Israel had set before it Deuteronomy 28 and Deuteronomy 29.
FEARING OUR FATHER
My own dad exhibited those characteristics to me. I was his son. Always, I knew of his love. On most days, I made choices to enjoy the benefits of his blessing. But there were other days when I chose, in rebellion, to disobey. And when I did, I knew what was coming. There would be discipline (for my good) and I (initially) would like nothing about it.
In other words, I lived in joyful yet "reverent fear" of my dad, and it was the healthiest of relationships. I wasn't afraid of him, because he would never do anything "out of character" or "randomly inscrutable." But I was sobered by the prospect that my disobedience and foolishness could (and would likely) bring his powerful, disciplining hand.
This, to be sure, is what fearing God is all about. We live in the confidence that by faith in God's grace we belong to Him in Christ. We also live in the reality that He is God and we are not, and that He has the right to direct, advise, shape, and discipline our lives for our good...and that process may sometimes be very difficult.
Peter, who knew much of both God's grace and discipline, writes, "If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout your time of exile (i.e., life on earth before heaven), knowing you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers..." 1 Peter 1:17-18.
The key is the father. The dad. Absent fathers imprint an "absent God" upon the young heart. Emotionally distant fathers imprint an "impersonal uncaring God" on the young life. Caring, involved, discipling fathers imprint an "interested, loving God" on the young life.
Sometimes the mother, or the grandmother, or perhaps a coach can make up for an univolved or absent dad, and imprint something of God's true role in our lives.
WHAT KIND OF GOD IS THERE?
The very 1st chapters of the Bible tell us volumes about God. In Genesis 1, "Elohim" (the powerful One) is creating and shaping the universe, the world, and life (plant, animal, human) with the skill of a designer-craftsman. Elohim makes man in His image, and bestows some of His authority and creativity in humans to manage the wonderful world He has brought into being. He is the magnificently powerful One.
But in Genesis 2, the name of God changes to "Yahweh," the more personal name for God. More importantly, the God who calls humanity into a relationship with Him. He is the personal God, the promise making and promise keeping God, directing man to enjoy and fully develop what He has provided, but also to do so obeying moral law. Should disobedience occur, the clearly communicated consequences will happen (death, distance, and disfellowship), and it will be difficult.
So the God who is there is All Powerful and Eagerly Personal. The joy and blessing of His presence and provisions are offered, while at the same time the discipline of His Hand is at the ready when disobedience is chosen. Blessing or cursing; intimacy or distance; the Joy of presence and fellowship or the difficulty of judgement and discipline. Israel had set before it Deuteronomy 28 and Deuteronomy 29.
FEARING OUR FATHER
My own dad exhibited those characteristics to me. I was his son. Always, I knew of his love. On most days, I made choices to enjoy the benefits of his blessing. But there were other days when I chose, in rebellion, to disobey. And when I did, I knew what was coming. There would be discipline (for my good) and I (initially) would like nothing about it.
In other words, I lived in joyful yet "reverent fear" of my dad, and it was the healthiest of relationships. I wasn't afraid of him, because he would never do anything "out of character" or "randomly inscrutable." But I was sobered by the prospect that my disobedience and foolishness could (and would likely) bring his powerful, disciplining hand.
This, to be sure, is what fearing God is all about. We live in the confidence that by faith in God's grace we belong to Him in Christ. We also live in the reality that He is God and we are not, and that He has the right to direct, advise, shape, and discipline our lives for our good...and that process may sometimes be very difficult.
Peter, who knew much of both God's grace and discipline, writes, "If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout your time of exile (i.e., life on earth before heaven), knowing you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers..." 1 Peter 1:17-18.
IS GOD STILL GOOD WHEN LIFE IS NOT?
Arguably the most oft raised objection to the Biblical, Christian view of things is captured in the question, "How can God be good when life is not?" We wonder why the existence of an all-powerful, utterly good (APUG) God doesn't lead to a blissful existence for all He has created. We wonder why this APUG God doesn't more consistently keep evil or difficulty or tragedy at bay for us.
WHERE WAS GOD WHEN _______ HAPPENED?
Years ago, I was asked to participate in a panel discussion one evening held at the Memorial Union at Iowa State University. The panel was convened after the catastrophic tsunami obliterated much of the coastlines and peoples along the Asian Pacific rim. So much death. So much destruction. Where was this "good" God?
A number on the panel gave their answers to "where was God?" when this happened. Most of the answers were of the Rabbi-Kushner-kind (his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People)--that God was (is) incapable of preventing such tragedies in our world, but that "He is with us in the suffering and in the expressions of compassion and help" which followed as the world responded to the needs. In other words, God is as much as a victim of these things as we creatures are.
That sounds nice (sort of), and kinda gives God a "pass," but upon further reflection, isn't actually true. Yes, God is with us in the suffering and present in the expressions of love toward hurting people, but God is not incapable of preventing natural disasters. If He were so incapable, frankly He would not be God.
Missing in the majority of answers was a more thoroughly Biblical perspective. Namely, that God created this world and universe in a "very good" way (Genesis 1), but that man's moral choice of rebellion and sin against God resulted in a "fallenness" in all creation - not only in the spiritual make-up of humans but also in the physical workings of creation. Tragedies of every kind (natural disasters, plagues, the desolations of war, etc.) speak volumes to the horrible nature of man's moral rebellion of God, and illustrate in the physical order the sinfulness of sin. And the truth is that God does not suspend the consequences of sin for us; He lets us be subject to them, so that we might understand even more deeply and profoundly we need His Son, Jesus Christ.
LIFE'S BADNESS SHOULD NEED US TO HUMBLE REPENTANCE
Evil, tragedy, death -- all of these result from the free choices God gave our ancestors Adam and Eve, and gives us today. We live in a crippled, fallen creation, and we do well to remember that even on the beautiful, sun-shining days when life "feels" better at the moment. The vestiges of God's wonderful, original handiwork still shine through, but should not lull us into believing that this fallen world is actually in good shape.
It's been compromised, and the only hope of restoration is found in turning to God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died to pay the penalty of sin's curse, and will come again as the redeemer and restorer of God's creation.
The old hymn put it this way - "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through." The promise of a good God is that this short life (70 years more or less) and its tough stretches are not the final chapter. For those who humbly turn to this good God, there is the rock solid promise that an uncompromised and a good eternity awaits, in which righteousness dwells and peace reigns.
Our problem often is that we want this life to be better, and care little for eternity. The solution is to want Jesus in our lives today more than anything, and set our hope "completely on the grace to be revealed to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This life ought prepare us, and make us long for, the next. It can when the heart is humbled before God, and full of faith in Christ.
WHERE WAS GOD WHEN _______ HAPPENED?
Years ago, I was asked to participate in a panel discussion one evening held at the Memorial Union at Iowa State University. The panel was convened after the catastrophic tsunami obliterated much of the coastlines and peoples along the Asian Pacific rim. So much death. So much destruction. Where was this "good" God?
A number on the panel gave their answers to "where was God?" when this happened. Most of the answers were of the Rabbi-Kushner-kind (his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People)--that God was (is) incapable of preventing such tragedies in our world, but that "He is with us in the suffering and in the expressions of compassion and help" which followed as the world responded to the needs. In other words, God is as much as a victim of these things as we creatures are.
That sounds nice (sort of), and kinda gives God a "pass," but upon further reflection, isn't actually true. Yes, God is with us in the suffering and present in the expressions of love toward hurting people, but God is not incapable of preventing natural disasters. If He were so incapable, frankly He would not be God.
Missing in the majority of answers was a more thoroughly Biblical perspective. Namely, that God created this world and universe in a "very good" way (Genesis 1), but that man's moral choice of rebellion and sin against God resulted in a "fallenness" in all creation - not only in the spiritual make-up of humans but also in the physical workings of creation. Tragedies of every kind (natural disasters, plagues, the desolations of war, etc.) speak volumes to the horrible nature of man's moral rebellion of God, and illustrate in the physical order the sinfulness of sin. And the truth is that God does not suspend the consequences of sin for us; He lets us be subject to them, so that we might understand even more deeply and profoundly we need His Son, Jesus Christ.
LIFE'S BADNESS SHOULD NEED US TO HUMBLE REPENTANCE
Evil, tragedy, death -- all of these result from the free choices God gave our ancestors Adam and Eve, and gives us today. We live in a crippled, fallen creation, and we do well to remember that even on the beautiful, sun-shining days when life "feels" better at the moment. The vestiges of God's wonderful, original handiwork still shine through, but should not lull us into believing that this fallen world is actually in good shape.
It's been compromised, and the only hope of restoration is found in turning to God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died to pay the penalty of sin's curse, and will come again as the redeemer and restorer of God's creation.
The old hymn put it this way - "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through." The promise of a good God is that this short life (70 years more or less) and its tough stretches are not the final chapter. For those who humbly turn to this good God, there is the rock solid promise that an uncompromised and a good eternity awaits, in which righteousness dwells and peace reigns.
Our problem often is that we want this life to be better, and care little for eternity. The solution is to want Jesus in our lives today more than anything, and set our hope "completely on the grace to be revealed to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This life ought prepare us, and make us long for, the next. It can when the heart is humbled before God, and full of faith in Christ.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
CAN I OUT-SIN GOD'S GRACE?
"Where sin abounded, grace superabounded" (Romans 5:20).
"WHAT IF U DO SO MANY WRONG AND BAD THINGS THAT U FEEL YOU CAN NEVER GET BACK INTO GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY?"
This sincere question came my way recently, and it is a good one.
My sense is that it arises in our lives when we keep doing the same sinful-thing(s) over and over again. We get stuck in a rut of sin. When a car wheel gets stuck in a rut, you can "gun the engine" all you want, and the car will rock forward, then backward, forward, then backward over and over again. But after much car-engine effort, the vehicle is still stuck, and isn't heading anywhere else fast.
When it is your life that is acting like a stuck car, this can be discouraging. Still, there are some important truths that can give anyone in this situation some traction.
Truth #1 - Jesus paid it all. Romans 3, 1 John 2:1 and other passages give us a clear and unmistakable signal from God that the "penalty" and "guilt" of sin are taken care of in the substitutionary death of Christ on our behalf. God's wrath against our sin and evil has been fully satisfied in the sacrifice of His son. From that sacrifice, God's grace flows to us, and you simply cannot out-sin grace.
Truth #2 - God is not condemning you for repeated failure. We are "cleansed from a guilty (or evil) conscience" by the washing of God's work in our lives (cf. Hebrews 10:21-23). This does not mean we won't feel responsible when we sin, but that we will not be crushed by the guilt of sinning against our heavenly Father's holiness.
Truth #3 - There is help that can get us out of the ruts of sinning. "It takes a village," if you will, to get out of the ruts of sinning over and over again.
To be sure, there are times when we get trapped in addictions, repeated sinful practices which imbed themselves in our "flesh," for which our "flesh" strongly crave. When that happens, it takes more than personal willpower to win the daily battles.
If you are "addicted" to some practice of sin, because your body (or "flesh") desires it with a great power, you must admit that you need help and seek it out. It could be alcohol, pornography, drugs, video games, spending, sexually addicting practices (masturbation, etc.), or immoral sexuality (outside of marriage heterosexual practice, same-gender sexual practice). To be sure, God's grace and help by the Spirit of God are stronger, but that strength often comes through good professional help for overwhelming, addicting sins.
GOD'S PROMISES ABOUT HUMILITY
"God has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and He has not hidden His face from him, but has heard, when he cried to Him" (Psalm 22:24). "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17).
I have discovered, and offer to others, this simple truth. Humility opens all of the doors of help from God that my life needs; pride slams them all shut. Humble yourself before God. He will help you out of the rut, without condemning you. You can find the hand of Jesus, often through fellow Christians who are filled with the Spirit, putting your "car" on a fresh road forward.
"WHAT IF U DO SO MANY WRONG AND BAD THINGS THAT U FEEL YOU CAN NEVER GET BACK INTO GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY?"
This sincere question came my way recently, and it is a good one.
My sense is that it arises in our lives when we keep doing the same sinful-thing(s) over and over again. We get stuck in a rut of sin. When a car wheel gets stuck in a rut, you can "gun the engine" all you want, and the car will rock forward, then backward, forward, then backward over and over again. But after much car-engine effort, the vehicle is still stuck, and isn't heading anywhere else fast.
When it is your life that is acting like a stuck car, this can be discouraging. Still, there are some important truths that can give anyone in this situation some traction.
Truth #1 - Jesus paid it all. Romans 3, 1 John 2:1 and other passages give us a clear and unmistakable signal from God that the "penalty" and "guilt" of sin are taken care of in the substitutionary death of Christ on our behalf. God's wrath against our sin and evil has been fully satisfied in the sacrifice of His son. From that sacrifice, God's grace flows to us, and you simply cannot out-sin grace.
Truth #2 - God is not condemning you for repeated failure. We are "cleansed from a guilty (or evil) conscience" by the washing of God's work in our lives (cf. Hebrews 10:21-23). This does not mean we won't feel responsible when we sin, but that we will not be crushed by the guilt of sinning against our heavenly Father's holiness.
Truth #3 - There is help that can get us out of the ruts of sinning. "It takes a village," if you will, to get out of the ruts of sinning over and over again.
- God is our help. He will not let any of his own children be tempted beyond what any one is able, but faithfully always provides a way of escape, so that we can endure the temptation and scoot away from it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- Jesus himself is a very present help. He is "... a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16).
- The Holy Spirit, who lives within, is a very capable Helper. The more we depend on Him, rather than ourselves, in the moments of temptation and weakness, the stronger He becomes. He responds to simple, timely prayers.
- Fellow Christians are a tremendous helping resource. No one is to run this race of living righteously alone. You are part of a Body, the body of Jesus, and members in the body need each i other. So a key to getting out of sin help is to "confess our sins to one another, and be healed" (James 5). Regularly meeting with a few other Christians for this purpose can bring all of God's resources into your life.
To be sure, there are times when we get trapped in addictions, repeated sinful practices which imbed themselves in our "flesh," for which our "flesh" strongly crave. When that happens, it takes more than personal willpower to win the daily battles.
If you are "addicted" to some practice of sin, because your body (or "flesh") desires it with a great power, you must admit that you need help and seek it out. It could be alcohol, pornography, drugs, video games, spending, sexually addicting practices (masturbation, etc.), or immoral sexuality (outside of marriage heterosexual practice, same-gender sexual practice). To be sure, God's grace and help by the Spirit of God are stronger, but that strength often comes through good professional help for overwhelming, addicting sins.
GOD'S PROMISES ABOUT HUMILITY
"God has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and He has not hidden His face from him, but has heard, when he cried to Him" (Psalm 22:24). "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17).
I have discovered, and offer to others, this simple truth. Humility opens all of the doors of help from God that my life needs; pride slams them all shut. Humble yourself before God. He will help you out of the rut, without condemning you. You can find the hand of Jesus, often through fellow Christians who are filled with the Spirit, putting your "car" on a fresh road forward.
Monday, February 10, 2014
CAN FAITH DIE?
The Protestant Reformer Martin Luther (16th Century) is famous for many things. He might have become infamous had he been successful at taking the "book" (or letter) of James out of the New Testament canon (or approved collection of New Testament scripture).
Luther was so taken (and rightly so) with Paul's teaching on "justification by faith + nothing" (cf. Romans 3:21-4:12) that he could never fully get his head and heart around James' statement that "you see that a man is not justified by works, and not by faith alone" (cf. James 2:24). Such a glaring contradiction threatened the heart of the Gospel, Luther reasoned, and thus James was wrong and his letter should be taken out of the Bible.
WHY BOTH PAUL AND JAMES ARE RIGHT
What Luther missed in his passion for a grace-oriented gospel was two things: (1) James' use of the word "justified" and (2) James' point in the 2nd chapter of his letter.
Let's start with (2) - James' point in the 2nd chapter of his letter was not to explain how a person received the gift of righteousness before God, but rather how a person could prove or demonstrate (or "justify") to others that he/she is a friend of God. Like Paul, James uses Abraham as his example. James 2:23 - "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness and he (Abraham) was called a friend of God." The first part of James' quote there is from Genesis 15, where Abraham was given righteousness by simple faith (without works). The second part of James' quote (he was called a friend of God) comes from Isaiah (41:8)! Isaiah, 1200 years later reflecting on Abraham's life, concluded Abraham was God's friend because Abraham obeyed God in sacrificing Isaac on Moriah. In other words, Abraham proved he was God's friend by obeying (or exhibiting works).
So we can understand (1). James is not using "justified" in the same way Paul uses it. James is using it to speak of being "justified" in the eyes of others who are wondering whether or not a Christian is a "friend" (or obeyer) of God. How do you justify such a claim of friendship? By works. By obeying.
Paul, on the other hand, in Romans 4 speaks to "How someone is declared righteous in God's sight." How? By simply believing that God's promise (about what Jesus did on the cross about sin) is GOOD! Simple faith leads to the gift of righteousness, or justification before God, being given.
In fact, there is no conflict between Paul and James. They are simply speaking about different kinds of justification, and are both right.
WHY WE SHOULD LISTEN TO JAMES
When you read James 2:14-26, you find some arresting statements. One is, "Faith, without works, is dead." This raises the question, "Can a Christian's faith die?" James answers, "Yes...if it is not active, if it is not responsive in obedience to God." Our simple faith gains us the gift of righteousness (Romans 4), and our growing faith makes us useful to God (James 2). But when a Christian becomes unresponsive to God -- at that is certainly possible, or much of the NT Letters' exhortation to faithfulness is superfluous -- than one's faith can die, become useless, and one's friendship with God can be (rightly) called into question.
The point? As a Christian, like Abraham, you are called to move beyond the point of initial faith and the gift of righteousness to a life of living faith and obedience. In Genesis 15, Abram was given righteousness. In Genesis 15-22, Abraham grew in his faith. In Genesis 22, he obeyed God even when it seemed unreasonable to do so...and he proved that his trust in God was alive, and that he was indeed God's friend.
So...is your faith alive? Are you God's friend??
Luther was so taken (and rightly so) with Paul's teaching on "justification by faith + nothing" (cf. Romans 3:21-4:12) that he could never fully get his head and heart around James' statement that "you see that a man is not justified by works, and not by faith alone" (cf. James 2:24). Such a glaring contradiction threatened the heart of the Gospel, Luther reasoned, and thus James was wrong and his letter should be taken out of the Bible.
WHY BOTH PAUL AND JAMES ARE RIGHT
What Luther missed in his passion for a grace-oriented gospel was two things: (1) James' use of the word "justified" and (2) James' point in the 2nd chapter of his letter.
Let's start with (2) - James' point in the 2nd chapter of his letter was not to explain how a person received the gift of righteousness before God, but rather how a person could prove or demonstrate (or "justify") to others that he/she is a friend of God. Like Paul, James uses Abraham as his example. James 2:23 - "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness and he (Abraham) was called a friend of God." The first part of James' quote there is from Genesis 15, where Abraham was given righteousness by simple faith (without works). The second part of James' quote (he was called a friend of God) comes from Isaiah (41:8)! Isaiah, 1200 years later reflecting on Abraham's life, concluded Abraham was God's friend because Abraham obeyed God in sacrificing Isaac on Moriah. In other words, Abraham proved he was God's friend by obeying (or exhibiting works).
So we can understand (1). James is not using "justified" in the same way Paul uses it. James is using it to speak of being "justified" in the eyes of others who are wondering whether or not a Christian is a "friend" (or obeyer) of God. How do you justify such a claim of friendship? By works. By obeying.
Paul, on the other hand, in Romans 4 speaks to "How someone is declared righteous in God's sight." How? By simply believing that God's promise (about what Jesus did on the cross about sin) is GOOD! Simple faith leads to the gift of righteousness, or justification before God, being given.
In fact, there is no conflict between Paul and James. They are simply speaking about different kinds of justification, and are both right.
WHY WE SHOULD LISTEN TO JAMES
When you read James 2:14-26, you find some arresting statements. One is, "Faith, without works, is dead." This raises the question, "Can a Christian's faith die?" James answers, "Yes...if it is not active, if it is not responsive in obedience to God." Our simple faith gains us the gift of righteousness (Romans 4), and our growing faith makes us useful to God (James 2). But when a Christian becomes unresponsive to God -- at that is certainly possible, or much of the NT Letters' exhortation to faithfulness is superfluous -- than one's faith can die, become useless, and one's friendship with God can be (rightly) called into question.
The point? As a Christian, like Abraham, you are called to move beyond the point of initial faith and the gift of righteousness to a life of living faith and obedience. In Genesis 15, Abram was given righteousness. In Genesis 15-22, Abraham grew in his faith. In Genesis 22, he obeyed God even when it seemed unreasonable to do so...and he proved that his trust in God was alive, and that he was indeed God's friend.
So...is your faith alive? Are you God's friend??
WHERE DOES BELIEVING, OR FAITH, ORIGINATE?
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in Him whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
And how are they to preach unless they are sent?"
"So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
Romans 10:14-17
In response to teaching on "simple believing is the means of being given God's righteousness" (Romans 4:1-12), someone texted to me this question: If belief brings about righteousness, where does belief originate?
The question has been greatly debated among Christians who think theologically.
SOME INSIST THAT GOD GIVES A PERSON HIS/HER FAITH
Some fellow Christians insist that human beings--so ruined by the effects of sin in and through the entirety of our person--are not capable of understanding truth or believing in Christ. In short, they are not able to believe even when hearing the truth. We are (as they understand the Bible's description of fallen men) not only "totally depraved" but also "totally incapable."
This means, then, that should anyone come to faith in Christ, it is because a sovereign and gracious God gives not only the gift of righteousness (or justification), but also He gives the capability of understanding and believing the truth. This is often known as the "regeneration-before-faith" view, and it suggests that God sovereignly regenerates a person first, so that such a one has his/her faith-capability restored to believe, and then be given righteousness.
The group of people who understand it this way usually identify themselves as "Calvinists" (i.e., following the theological framework that came from the writings of Protestant Reformer John Calvin, 16th Century), or "reformed" in their theological outlook.
For whom, then, does God do this? For those whom He has sovereignly chosen to be His own. Those He has not chosen are not granted this divinely initiated pre-faith regeneration. Not chosen, and not capable of believing even when presented the truth of Christ, they (the non-elect) are lost forever.
OTHERS SEE A MORE COOPERATIVE PROCESS DESCRIBED IN SCRIPTURE
There are other Christians who agree that sin has thoroughly effected the capabilities of all human beings, but do not see Scripture teaching "total incapability." Rather, while the "image of God" in man has been compromised by sin, still human beings are able to understand truth and respond to it with a faith that arises from within, especially when aided by the convincing and convicting work of the Holy Spirit (cf. John 16:8-11).
This viewpoint recognizes that even fallen-in-sin persons retain a capability to evaluate truth (both general and special revelation from God) and make a decision to accept it or reject it. In short, we all still can understand information, and make a call on believing it or not. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself." John said about Jesus, the Word, that he is the "light which enlightens every man." So the Holy Spirit is active in presenting the truth about God, and the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ, drawing men toward faith, and urging them to believe.
However, this approach would not see God "regenerating someone before faith," but rather a more simultaneous process: God drawing, people responding. The choice is still man's, but the persuasion is from the Spirit. Theologically, those who see the process this way are sometimes identified as "Arminians," or following the convictions of a Dutch theologian, Jacob Arminius.
HERE IS WHAT SEEMS CLEARLY TAUGHT
In my view, what is very clear and consistently presented in Scripture is that God gets the Word, or the Gospel, or the truth, out there in the power of the Holy Spirit, and women/men are called on to believe it. When someone believes and trusts in what God has done and promised, righteousness is given, justification is declared, and such a one finds herself/himself in the family of God. It's tough to improve on the simplicity of Romans 10 (quoted above) -- when the word of Christ is preached, faith can happen. "If anyone believes," Jesus said in John 3:16,. "he/she will not perish, but have everlasting life."
"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in Him whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
And how are they to preach unless they are sent?"
"So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
Romans 10:14-17
In response to teaching on "simple believing is the means of being given God's righteousness" (Romans 4:1-12), someone texted to me this question: If belief brings about righteousness, where does belief originate?
The question has been greatly debated among Christians who think theologically.
SOME INSIST THAT GOD GIVES A PERSON HIS/HER FAITH
Some fellow Christians insist that human beings--so ruined by the effects of sin in and through the entirety of our person--are not capable of understanding truth or believing in Christ. In short, they are not able to believe even when hearing the truth. We are (as they understand the Bible's description of fallen men) not only "totally depraved" but also "totally incapable."
This means, then, that should anyone come to faith in Christ, it is because a sovereign and gracious God gives not only the gift of righteousness (or justification), but also He gives the capability of understanding and believing the truth. This is often known as the "regeneration-before-faith" view, and it suggests that God sovereignly regenerates a person first, so that such a one has his/her faith-capability restored to believe, and then be given righteousness.
The group of people who understand it this way usually identify themselves as "Calvinists" (i.e., following the theological framework that came from the writings of Protestant Reformer John Calvin, 16th Century), or "reformed" in their theological outlook.
For whom, then, does God do this? For those whom He has sovereignly chosen to be His own. Those He has not chosen are not granted this divinely initiated pre-faith regeneration. Not chosen, and not capable of believing even when presented the truth of Christ, they (the non-elect) are lost forever.
OTHERS SEE A MORE COOPERATIVE PROCESS DESCRIBED IN SCRIPTURE
There are other Christians who agree that sin has thoroughly effected the capabilities of all human beings, but do not see Scripture teaching "total incapability." Rather, while the "image of God" in man has been compromised by sin, still human beings are able to understand truth and respond to it with a faith that arises from within, especially when aided by the convincing and convicting work of the Holy Spirit (cf. John 16:8-11).
This viewpoint recognizes that even fallen-in-sin persons retain a capability to evaluate truth (both general and special revelation from God) and make a decision to accept it or reject it. In short, we all still can understand information, and make a call on believing it or not. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself." John said about Jesus, the Word, that he is the "light which enlightens every man." So the Holy Spirit is active in presenting the truth about God, and the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ, drawing men toward faith, and urging them to believe.
However, this approach would not see God "regenerating someone before faith," but rather a more simultaneous process: God drawing, people responding. The choice is still man's, but the persuasion is from the Spirit. Theologically, those who see the process this way are sometimes identified as "Arminians," or following the convictions of a Dutch theologian, Jacob Arminius.
HERE IS WHAT SEEMS CLEARLY TAUGHT
In my view, what is very clear and consistently presented in Scripture is that God gets the Word, or the Gospel, or the truth, out there in the power of the Holy Spirit, and women/men are called on to believe it. When someone believes and trusts in what God has done and promised, righteousness is given, justification is declared, and such a one finds herself/himself in the family of God. It's tough to improve on the simplicity of Romans 10 (quoted above) -- when the word of Christ is preached, faith can happen. "If anyone believes," Jesus said in John 3:16,. "he/she will not perish, but have everlasting life."
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