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Adding to the Atonement, Part 2

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:13:32 CST

In the first article, an explanation of adding healing and financial prosperity to the atoning work of Christ was given. It is to argue that Jesus died for sin as well as sickness and shortage of finances. This argument proposes that Jesus' work on Calvary was aimed at putting things back to how they were before the Fall of Adam. Whether that refers to eternal hope as a response to future glory or temporal happiness as a response to present success is not clear. If if it is the second, then there are some grave dangers in this teaching. Here they are.

Although this matter relates to the core of Christianity, it is outside of what we call “essential truths” or those doctrines that a Christian must believe to be saved. Still, it is definitely close. In fact, at first glance, I was convinced that it was essential.

The line dividing this from the essentials is so thin. And this teaching comes radically close to crossing it. From a distance, I would not be surprised that most Christians considered it essential until further investigation. The atonement is the focal point of the Christian faith. It is the crease in the middle of a book to which all pages are bound. The Old Testament looked forward to it. The New Testament looked back. The atonement is the center stage, the main attraction, where God most glorifies Himself and demonstrates His power and nature. Yes, this issue is cutting it real close.

The fact is, in regards to the atonement we must believe that Christ died for our sins, vicariously paying our debt to the Lord. In doing so, Jesus made salvation available to those who believe. As far as the atonement, this is what we must know and believe in order to be saved. Adding to this by making healing and financial prosperity available at the same time, complicates things, but does not render your faith useless. No, you can be saved and believe these additions.

But make no mistake, these complications can be severe and fatal to some. If one believes that Jesus made salvation, healing, and financial prosperity equally available on the cross, then one may have expectations that are not met by God. And, if such expectations are high, one might walk away from Him.

Here is an example. Suppose I told you that Jesus died for you and wanted to give you salvation and a lollipop. You, being a lollipop lover, agreed. I mean, this is like having your cake and eating it, too (only it is a lollipop). You sign up for this Jesus and love him and your new life. But, after months have passed and you have not received your lollipop, you start to wonder.

At best, you are wondering what you did wrong. Did you believe enough? Did you have enough faith? Did you say the right thing? Did you do something to offend God so that He is not so gracious? At worst, you are wondering if you are really saved and if this Jesus is really God. If he hasn’t given me my lollipop, has he not given me my salvation either? Is Jesus a liar or unable to follow through on his promise? If he can’t grant me some candy, can he do the greater and save me from hell?

This sort of thinking sets people up with wrong expectations. The dangers are not necessarily at the time of decision, but afterward. Some people might think that they got a Jesus that they didn’t sign up for.

Of course, this is not far-fetched. There are scenes throughout the Scriptures where something similar happens. Take John 6 for example. A crowd numbering more than 5,000 is following Jesus. So He gathers with the disciples on a mountain top and sees the crowd. They are hungry. So Jesus takes the 5 loaves and 2 fish and feeds them (6:9). The crowd was satisfied and impressed with Jesus.

The following day, some of the crowd remained at the foot of the mountain where they were fed the loaves and fish. Seeing Jesus, they pressed Him again for food. This time, He didn’t grant them anything, but to say that He should be their satisfaction, not food (6:26-40).

The people grumbled, argued and eventually, “turned back and no longer walked with him” (6:66). Apparently, Jesus doesn’t always give people their earthly desires and it results in the turning away. This was such a reality that immediately after this, Jesus turns to his twelve disciples and says, “Do you want to go away as well?”

Another story, and one that doesn’t require much telling, is the story of the rich young ruler. He came to Jesus with an eagerness to follow. Jesus tells him to give all the riches away first. Luke 18:23 says, “when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.” The rich young ruler turned away just like the crowd.

Stories like this teach us that if we set people up with expectations of which there is no guarantee, we are possibly leading them to a different Christ altogether. We are leading them to a Jesus that will let them down.

Equating salvation with physical healing and financial blessing and making them equally available by the atonement is not necessarily essential at its core. However, as these biblical accounts detail, it can definitely change the outcome.

Suppose Jesus were to tell them that he would make them rich and keep their tummies full. I think that these stories would have had a totally different ending. And Jesus would not have said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25).

The dangers are real, but they are not for everyone. Those who add healing and prosperity to the atoning work of Christ while believing that salvation is the real prize, will likely not suffer this doctrine. However, those who signed up, basing their trust in this gospel and later find it untrue, will be like the crowd or the rich young ruler if God doesn’t intervene.

In short, the orthodox view of the atonement is safe - even if it were wrong. This new view of atonement is unsafe. The dangers are grave and they lie at the heart of Christianity - even unto our eternity.

In the next article, we will focus on Isaiah 53 and see if healing is promised to those who believe.

Legacy

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:51:40 CST

Here in America, we tend to lose the reality of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Christianity, a tolerant blend, has become a fashion statement. The offense of the gospel has been toned down to now be lovely to those who hate Christ. And, the trend of our churches is following suite. We are becoming materialistic and worldly. And since we don't face regular persecution like the saints of old, we are not tested on where our faith really lies. Let these lyrics help remind you.

Who would have known that a couple of guys from Columbine would come from behind and put guns to the spine of some innocent people - the teachers, the students. The feet of the teachers are screeching through rooms. The mood has been set by the fear of the villains. The bombs and the threats are by Eric and Dillon. America's villains. Generic you're feeling? It is not. It is the plot for a pair that is chilling in the glorious heavens, standing for Christ in a crisis. I know that it's rare what I'm feeling, excitement incited - declaring the Pilgrims' faith and their fate that I’ll share with my children. Cassie and Rachel, the past of the patrons that passed through the ages in Africa, Asia. The Master that saved you, the laughter, the hatred. Jesus predicted that the masses would hate you. So, don't think it strange if a change might occur. If it does, are you ready and prepared for the curve and a turn for the worst? Would you fight, would you fall, would you die for the Christ? That's the price of the call!

Frustrated by the snares and the toils, parents annoy you. Truth of the matter is we're arrogant, spoiled. America's soil has soiled us, sort of. And pastors insist on declaring us royal. And it's true that we are but we take it too far to the point where we break and we take down the bar and forsake all the parts of The Faith that are hard to embrace after all. We've outsmarted the martyrs. We race up the charts. If you trace it to the start, you will find that the way to escape from the dark and your wake is to carve off the weight and the heart of the truth, until everybody loves you. Jesus said woe to you, old and new saints, that hold a view that you can go through The Faith with nobody loathing you. That's a view that you only can hold when your home is the States. So, don't think it strange if a change might occur. If it does, are you ready and prepared for the curve and a turn for the worst? Would you fight, would you fall, would you die for the Christ? That's the price of the call!

The bones that are picked are the bones that depict that they combed through their homes with the stones and the sticks. The aromas - a stench - so they rose up against them at home and at Rome throwing stones at the Christians. Got a hold of them, gripped them, kicked them, scarred them, saw them, sawed them, they were thrown in a pit with the toads and the vermin. I'm rolling the clips. It's urgent the scourges, the groans from the licks, the anger, the stranglers, the hangers, the danger for all of the Christians that rolled in a clique ended up in the teeth of the beast that would feast on the saints that would preach. They were thrown over cliffs. This is not known to exist in the States or the place where the home is just bliss. This song is intense because it's truth and I'm trying to convince you that no one's exempt. Yet no one's equipped. Got our phones on our clips. Our focus is both on our loans and our cribs, our fitness, our business has grown in a pinch. Would you fight, would you fall, would you ball up your fist? Would you falter or march to your grave because you're saved and your life is in Christ and to die is to gain? Would you die in His name for the rise of His fame despising the shame because you're promised to reign?

Lyrics from Legacy by Da Truth, a Cross Movement Records artist.

Death is Not Dying

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:44:09 CST

"Cancer does not define me. Neither does being a wife or a mother. All those things are part of who I am but they do not define me. What defines me is my relationship with Jesus." These are the words of Rachel Barkey. At the time of writing those words, she was a wife and a mother to two children and a victim of cancer. As of July 2, 2009, she is with the Lord.

Her website, Death is Not Dying (www.deathisnotdying.com) reads this:

Reachel's story is not unlike what thousands of women around the world have experienced. A diagnosis that changes a woman's life and inevitably takes from her what we consider to be most precious. After four and a half years of vigilantly fighting breast cancer, the 37 year old wife and mother of two was diagnosed with terminal cancer. But for Rachel the essence of life is found in her relationship with God through Jesus. And that's why Rachel is convinced that death is not dying.

At the website are short blog posts that she wrote in her final days - even to the day before her death. Each are filled with inner joy and outer suffering. They chronolize her last moments and thoughts of eternity. They speak about her hope and about her loss. And more importantly, they are full of God's soveriegn love.

After watching her speech, I think a divinely appointed one, I was compelled to follow up by reading her letters. The speech was not dynamically glorious in its oration, but it abounded in spiritual power. It was inspiring and convicting. I thought so highly of it, that if I didn't share, it would be a disservice to you all. So, watch the video. It is approximately one hour long, but worth every second. For more information, visit deathisnotdying.com.

Adding to the Atonement

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:42:51 CST

When Christ died on the cross for our sins, what things did he make available to us? Was it just sin that He atoned for? Or, was it sin, sickness, and financial shortage? In a recent conversation with a man whom I greatly admire, these questions arose.

His thoughts on the matter were that Jesus’ atoning work on the cross effectively put things back as they were before the Fall for those who believe. In other words, it did not place you in a right standing with God only, it also made your earthly life parallel the experience of life that Adam and Eve experienced before their sin.

We didn’t get into much detail about the specifics of what it meant to experience such a life, but I could safely assume that he didn’t mean that believers were placed back into the garden to eat the fruit and run around naked (Gen. 2:8-25). Eden was demolished and it is illegal to run around in your birthday suite. Of course, there are other things like: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil (2:9), enjoyment of interaction with all animals and beasts (2:20), talking snakes (3:1), and more.

These things are not made new (or made like they were) as man is since they are not able to believe (or don’t even exist today). God cursed the ground and it will remain cursed until it is “burned up and dissolved” with fire (2 Pet. 3:10; cf: 3:7). The same goes for the animals and the rest of our natural world. Rather, I think he is referring to the state of enjoyment that Adam and Eve once experienced in their bodies.

Admittedly, I have a hard time understanding how one could enjoy the pre-Fall state of life without other things like nature and animals being changed as well. If Adam was not in a state of sin, but everything else was, then he would still suffer the thorns and thistles, sweat of labor, and eat the plants of the field (Gen. 3:17-19). He would also suffer the attacks of wild animals, winds of catastrophic storms, and other calamities.

Then, if it were not enough to suffer nature and animals, Adam would also suffer his wife, his friends, his family, and those whom he has never met. If people around him were not made new then Adam would still have to endure robberies, persecution, murder, and just plain meanness.

I think that if we should enjoy life as it were before the Fall, then God would also need to make all things new outside of our bodies. Of course, this is not to mention that Adam also enjoyed in-person visitation and conversations with God which we do not experience (Gen. 2:17; 3:8). However, if he means that believers can experience such tranquillity within, he may be closer to a good point than initially considered.

Consider that today, believers can experience a joy and peace that might be comparative to the joy and peace that Adam experienced. I would assert that in one sense, we have a greater joy and peace since we are on this side of the cross. But the nature of such joy and peace might be similar - namely, not arousing God’s anger but enjoying Him.

The joy that we have now is divinely given. That is to say, that is produced and derived by what Jesus has done for us by reconciling us to the Father. This kind of experience is not the product of our current living conditions. A fleshly joy comes from when we score the winning touchdown for the team or accomplish some feat to be admired. Fleshly joy is dependent upon our living situations and is subject to change.

The new joy, that we have in Christ, is not subject to change. It is firmly grounded in the soil of the atonement. Christ paid the price for our sins once for all. So for eternity we are joyful because our eternity matters most. For this reason, we can have joy even when we fail at our earthly endeavors, are mocked by our peers, or suffer a terrible illness like cancer.

If that is what he means by being made like Adam before the Fall, then he has a good point. However, it was suggested that the joy is not just the fruit of having eternal security and future glory. It is also the fruit of earthly pleasure. In specific, he remarked that sin, sickness, and financial shortage was atoned for by Christ. He believed that Christ made available good health and wealth as much as He did salvation.

In other words, he added sickness and shortage to the atonement for sin. He argued this by referring to Isaiah 53:5, John 10:10, and 1 John 3:8. And using these in reverse order, he pointed out that Jesus destroyed the works of the devil which include sickness and poverty, gave Christians abundant living which is enjoying healing and prosperity, and this was all accomplished on the cross because Christ suffered it for on our behalf.

In the next few articles, we’ll take a look at these passages and the logic provided in order to distinguish what we do have from what we don’t have in Christ.

Read part 2, The Dangers of Adding.

Reputation of Refreshing

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:00:56 CST

As already mentioned, Philemon had a reputation of laboring for the saints so that they were edified in the Lord. That is to say, that they were built-up in their understanding and experience of the many good gifts that God has so graciously given and therefore, in their faith.

This reputation was spanning outside of those saints that gathered in his home for worship. It went even so far to effect Paul himself. He wrote, “For I have had much joy and comfort from your love because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother” (1:7). Philemon’s love was that evasive. It was that powerful. This was a divine love, a loved given him through Christ and for Christ. Therefore, it’s effect was that strong.

The things that Paul was hearing about this man was bringing Paul large amounts of joy and comfort like the waves brought in on the tide as the winds drive them. It was good report after good report. And to a man whose responsibility was to train up leaders in the church to be like the Church’s cornerstone, Jesus, this was was settling news.

Paul received a lot of reports. There were many churches full of many new converts that looked to him for their spiritual guidance. They read the scriptures, but also needed Apostolic authority. Among the reports that came across the lap of Paul, were those from people at Corinth, whose reports were so unsettling that he sends these words ahead of him: “Shall I come to you with a rod?” (1 Cor. 4:21). Surely, more reports like theirs suffered him discomfort and sadness.

But this was not the case with the reports on Philemon. Rather, everything that Paul learned was good. And this good news brought him much joy and comfort. It rested his heart as it did John to “hear that my children are walking in truth” (3 John 1:4).

What were the reports that Paul was hearing? What was it that brought him so much joy and comfort? It was hearing that the hearts of the saints were being refreshed through him. Those who worshipped the Lord in Philemon’s house were being refreshed by his sharing of his faith. This sharing, that when made effective, brings about rest and tranquility.

Some have mistaken this to mean that Philemon took care of the physical needs of those who came to his estate. But this is a mistreatment of the text. For Paul just indicated that Philemon was laboring for the saints in order to bring about a growing, experiential, knowledge of God’s grace. His work was for the edification of their spirituality. Granted, he likely served them with his many resources and refreshed them physically when possible, but that is not what Paul is meaning.

Rather, Paul is meaning that the saints are spiritually refreshed at their innermost being. It is at their heart that they are being refreshed. It is here that matters most. Christians all over the ancient world would soon find their end as the persecution would reach an all-time high. They would lose their friends, family, food, and more. But they would be rested in their hearts knowing of God and His goodness. It is here that lasting refreshing is necessary.

Finally, it is worthy to note that such refreshing is not done by Philemon, but through Philemon. He is only our brother and he is in Christ just as we are in Christ. He is human and was once lost in his transgressions. He is not the source of grace or spiritual refreshments. He is just like you and I.

God, in order to receive the glory, refreshes the hearts of His people through His people. Philemon was a beneficiary just like they were. But God chose to work through him and the sharing of his faith.

As a final evidence of grace expressed by Paul to Philemon, this serves as one of the most effective ways to motivate. Hearing another tell you that God is working through you to edify and refresh those around you is certainly a remarkable thing to hear.

Who are we that God is mindful of us? Surely, this was Philemon’s thinking. So Paul’s encouragement goes. I believe that Philemon was full of motivation at this point and ready to labor more even now.

You Must Make Your Choice

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:26:42 CST

Two weeks ago I posted a quote by John Piper. He wrote, “It is a strange thing that, among folks who do not follow Jesus as their Lord and God, almost no one wants to say bad things about him.” The same person who rejects Christianity often finds something positive to say about Jesus Himself. How can Christ be good, but not Christianity?

The following is an excerpt from C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity. The last paragraph is very popular and has been quoted numerous times. Lewis makes it very clear that you can’t have it both ways: You can’t accept Jesus as a good person if you reject Christianity. You must make your choice.

Among these Jews there suddenly turns up a man who goes about talking as if He was God. He claims to forgive sins. He says He has always existed. He says He is coming to judge the world at the end of time. Now let us get this clear. Among Pantheists, like the Indians, there would be nothing very odd about it. But this man, since He was a Jew, could not mean that kind of God. God, in their language, meant the Being outside the world, who had made it and was infinitely different from anything else. And when you have grasped that, you will see that what this man said was, quite simply, the most shocking thing that has ever been uttered by human lips.

One part of the claim tends to slip past us unnoticed because we have heard it so often that we no longer see what it amounts to. I mean the claim to forgive sins: any sins. Now unless the speaker is God, this is really so preposterous as to be comic. We can all understand how a man forgives offences against himself. You tread on my toes and I forgive you, you steal my money and I forgive you. But what should we make of a man, himself unrobbed and untrodden on, who announced that he forgave you for treading on other men’s toes and stealing other men’s money? Asinine fatuity is the kindest description we should give of his conduct. Yet this is what Jesus did. He told people that their sins were forgiven, and never waited to consult all the other people whom their sins had undoubtedly injured. He unhesitatingly behaved as if He was the party chiefly concerned, the person chiefly offended in all offences. This makes sense only if He really was the God whose laws are broken and whose love is wounded in every sin. In the mouth of any speaker who is not God, these words would imply what I can only regard as a silliness and conceit unrivalled by any other character in history.

Yet (and this is the strange, significant thing) even His enemies, when they read the Gospels, do not usually get the impression of silliness and conceit. Still less do unprejudiced readers. Christ says that He is ‘humble and meek’ and we believe Him; not noticing that, if He were merely a man, humility and meekness are the very last characteristics we could attribute to some of His sayings.

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic–on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

Notes:

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperCollins, 2001. p. 51-52.

We Preach Christ

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:06:27 CST

God has blessed His people with many wonderful gifts. Some of us have the ability to sing and, as in this case, rap. In a world of sinners who need Jesus and who live just a short time, what have we chosen to sing or rap about? If a young kid has only five minutes to listen to a song of yours, what would you say to him? Would you preach the fulness of Christ?

If you were dying of thirst and I offered you some water to drink, how hard would you think before you fought to grab my glass? But if I told you your sin stinks but said you could still drink my water if you turn from your past and look to the present and look to the Father through Jesus Christ would you still want a sip of my water? Or would you die and dehydrate because of your mind state don’t want to just leave your sins on the altar. Listen, I found that cats do want to be saved but we want to be saved from our consequences. Because we play in our sin. Because we stay in our sin. So I pray, "How can I convince this generation of men, generation of women, that we sinners in need of a transplant in the heart." I mean, because it’s dark, Hakeem. Know what I mean? Would you please understand that!

We preach Christ in His fullness. In His fury and endless love. Seek Him now and know Him as Savior seek Him later you’ll know Him as Judge.

If you were starving to death and I came to your house with a meal, how long would you chill before you fought to grab my food? But if I told you your sin stinks but said you could still eat my meat if you turn to His truths? Or would you starve and die would you crawl and cry because you really love cars and shoes? Or would you kill your pride and then spill to God "my sin nature's got me singing the blues?" Listen, I know young dudes who hate to live. I know girls who know where they rapists live and they hate this life and won’t take to Christ so they keep trying to escape with pills. This is real that's why I preach with passion because my cousins Nick, Dennis, and Galisha is asking, "Am I weak if I don't run the streets and look neat in my sneaks and expensive fashion?"

We preach Christ in His fullness. In His fury and endless love. Seek Him now and know Him as Savior seek Him later you’ll know Him as Judge.

If you were born in sin and the Father sent His beloved Son, would you surrender to Him or would you stay on the run? Or would you stick with your block listening to the rock speak slop just to chief with your duns? Listen, your whole life is like a walking abortion. You ain't even had a chance to live. I got fam man. This’l and J-son, if not me, listen to my mans and them. We're certified, teaching people who aren't scared of God. Call us evangelists - until we die preaching that Jesus is God. Please listen to our stanzas!

Lyrics from We Preach Christ by Flame, a Cross Movement Records artist.

Reputation of Edifying

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:43:00 CST

In connection with Philemon’s reputation of labor, he had a reputation of edifying. His labor was not unto no reason. He had a motivation to labor for the Lord. It was for a good purpose. It was to edify those with whom he shared his faith - namely, the saints gathering in his home.

It was Paul’s prayer that Philemon’s labor be effective, that is to say that it accomplish what it was intended to accomplish. He, like Philemon, hoped that the sharing of his faith would edify or build up others in their understanding and experiencing the grace of God. He desired that they know God more fully.

Paul prayed this way because he knew Philemon to be this way. He also knew that this was the godly way. Throughout history, even today, we people tend to do things that are considered good and even well intentioned, but do not edify others above themselves. This was exactly what Paul accused the Corinthian church of. He corrected them this self-centeredness by teaching not to seek “his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1 Cor. 10:24).

Seeking the edification of those around us is the righteous thing to do. It is so, because it is loving (1 Cor. 13). Such was the characteristic of Philemon. He labored for the sake of others. He shared his faith so that others would grow in Christ.

He was unlike some people, believing their motivations to be pure, edify others in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose. If we mean, as the ancient text literally means, when we employ the word edify, “to build a house”, then we can argue that edification can be good or bad. Just as workers build a home and intentionally or unintentionally set one screw wrong, the entire house can be affected one way or another. So building others up is one thing, but building others up in the Lord is another. One’s purpose, motivation, and method must be righteous.

We are not doing good if we build others up for our own good or with false pretense or unto a wicked end. Godly edification is done in and with love for the ultimate purpose of the glorification of the Lord only. Philemon loved the saints (1:5). He had faith in the Lord (1:5). And so he labored unto a holy end. He desired that they “understand and experience every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ” (1:6).

Now when we read “for the sake of Christ” we might be reminded of its use in movies where it bears little good. If not that, maybe we remember using it ourselves or hearing someone say “for Christ’s sake” followed by some more. This is not meant by the author to belittle the Lord or acclaim any need of Christ. If we fathers work, we might say that we do it for the sake of our children. But Christ does not need anything from us.

Paul uses a preposition that means “unto, towards.” It denotes the object of the good things by which and for which they exist. They are unto the Lord. They are for His glory. Their purpose is found in Him since He is the one who gives them (James 1:17). So, the ultimate beginning and the end is for the sake of Christ. It is for His benefit that we should edify. When we understand and experience every good thing that He has so graciously given us, He are led to glorify Him all the more.

So Paul continues his motivating Philemon to forgive by reminding him of his reputation of edifying. This is what the labor is for - to help the saints identify the Lord’s goodness and thus praise Him for it.

Devotion to God Almighty

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:12 CST

The following is from a speech that John Adams (who later became the second President of the United States) gave to Congress on July 2, 1776 (the day Congress actually voted for America’s independence). Notice how he wanted our nation’s independence to be celebrated:

[Independence Day] will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America, to be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival, commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty from one end of the Continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore. You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, the blood, and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these states; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory; that the end is worth all the means; that posterity will triumph in a day’s transaction, even though we shall rule it, which I trust in God we shall not.

Notes:

Millard, Catherine. The Rewriting of America’s History. Camp Hill: Christian Publications, Inc., 1991. p. 77.

Nobody Wants to Die on One

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:30:27 CST

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt. 16:24-25).

The people of Jesus’ day understood exactly what this meant: The cross was the means to a violent and humiliating death. Jesus demands total commitment from his followers; you must be committed even to the point of death. Those who refuse will not be counted worthy to enter into eternal life (cf. Matt. 10:38).

John Piper made the following observation:

It is a strange thing that, among folks who do not follow Jesus as their Lord and God, almost no one wants to say bad things about him. The same thing is true of crosses: They are nice to wear for jewelry, but nobody wants to die on one. The only crosses people want are domesticated ones. It makes sense, then, that a man who calculated his whole life to die on one would be dangerous to believe in.

Notes:

Piper, John. Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2004. p. 118.

The Word of God

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:24:45 CST

Isaiah 40:8 reads, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." How do you feel about the Bible, the word of God? Is it sharp and powerful? Is piercing your soul? Is it the first and final authority in your life? If not, consider these words from Timothy Brindle who clarifies.

Now hear the Word of Yahweh as He speaks through His scriptures, "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." Isaiah 66:2. The Word of God.

This Christian is radical. What's written is factual. Let me first establish that all Scriptures infallible. It's God breathed. His Word He exhaled. To the blind in the spirit, He makes the text braille. Embrace His mysteries, look and take a glance at the greatest history book, no fate or chance because His word never fails unlike men who are sinning. By His word He declared the end from the beginning. And His plan of salvation is solely through scripture. God reveals Himself yet its only a whisper. To speak to man He greatly condescended, but only His Spirit can make you comprehend it. But we can't grasp the whole of it, it's impossible because the fact this Holy writ is inexhaustible. Yet you claim His word has contradictions? Cause you don't have the Spirit and you're not a Christian. Imposters cannot see it with binoculars. And only the canon is inspired not the Apocrypha. Ignoring the facts of it is horribly hazardous. And I can assure you its historically accurate. See the text we hold is the Dead Sea scrolls. And we testify that it sets free souls and renews the mind of these dudes who rhyme and fiends who used to fry and inject needles.

Grass withers, flowers fade, but the word of God endures forever, a perfect treasure. Grass withers, flowers fade, but the holy word of God endures forever and ever.

There are certain guys ignoring the fact that the Bible is the church's final authority, black. My brothers, it is for sure. We call the Bible Holy because it's set apart from all other literature. And forget philosophy, His word has got to be the real because it's the only Holy book where prophecy is fulfilled. I was a foul pagan but mind you I'm now stating how the word of God has made me wise unto salvation. Meet the Savior on a piece of paper. See the glory of Christ. He's the Creator. And each page has a really meaty flavor. So we should savor it not say Ill read it later, but make it our life and our great delight, hide it in our hearts meditating on it day and night and be firmly rooted right next to Jesus using hermeneutics and tight exegesis. We should give God the glory. Preach expository while teaching kids like monastery. Be diligent to endure it and fear it. Be killing sin by the sword of the Spirit. Satan despises me. It angers society that we speak in a biblical language variety because it reveals that mankind is sinful but it revives the soul and makes wise the simple.

Grass withers, flowers fade, but the word of God endures forever, a perfect treasure. Grass withers, flowers fade, but the holy word of God endures forever and ever.

Instead of reading it, we sit and we watch the idiot box, picking our crotch, fixing our thoughts on wickedest plots. Our cultures acting pitifully and Satan uses the wide spread lack of literacy. See the world is deceptive and its horrid and wretched because of its man-made morals and ethics. It's subjective poop, misdirects the youth. But God's law is the only objective truth. See a lot of mens' conventions are smart but only the word can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart and the word's suffice to give eternal life because faith comes through hearing, hearing through the word of Christ. A call to all, and I'm not insulting ya'll, but the Spirit by the word saves without an alter call. And through it His sheep hear the voice of the Sheperd once poisonous lepers now rejoicing forever - saved by His healing tongue. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to reveal the Son. Umm, come consider this, we once were wisdomless, because without the Spirit the words are a bunch of gibberish. And without Him your still doomed with Satan because only He gives the word's illumination. Its a sharp blade, it imparts Grace and sparks faith, a lamp shining in a dark place. Christians always asks, "Whats God will for me?" Well its found in His word searched with humility. The man of God's equipped, theres no complications. The Scriptures efficient apart from confirmation. According to the Scriptures Christ died in our stead. And its according to the scriptures that He rised from the dead. Our only thing that the only thing that's tangible to focus on Emmanuel. Its our rock and its our hope. And its our Holy manuel.

Lyrics from The Word of God by Timothy Brindle, a Lampmode Recording artist.

Advance09 Videos

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:47:31 CST

Advance09 was a particularly special for me. I didn't make the conference, but I have listened to the presentations. It focused on the resurgence of the South. If the South needs anything, it is a resurgence of reformed and missional influence. I pray that one day this will come.

For now, we suffer the influence of pop-churches, seeker-sensitive programs, self-glorifying teachings, and our most prized characteristic, best-life-now-mindedness. Hopefully, the Lord will send preachers like the ones featured at this conference to spread the Kingdom here. Enjoy these videos posted by Re:Lit (a ministry of Mars Hill Church).

Mark Driscoll, "What is the Church?"

Tyler Jones, "Decline & Resurge"

Bryan Chapell, "Communicating the Gospel Through Preaching"

Matt Chandler, "Preaching the Gospel to the De-Churched"

Panel Q&A

Ed Stetzer, "Keys to Understanding the Church and the Kingdom

JD Greear, "Planting is for Wimps"

Eric Mason, "The Ultimate Shepherd"

Mark Dirscoll, "Ministry Idolatry"

John Piper, "Let the Nations Be Glad" Part 1, Part 2

Danny Akin, "Marks of a Healthy Community of Faith"

Panel Q&A

Reputation of Labor

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:27:46 CST

Paul has already expressed that Philemon’s reputation is one of godly usefulness. It is good and there is really nothing that requires Paul’s apostolic attention, be it instruction or correction. However, Paul does pray for him. And when he prays, he thanks God for Philemon and asks only “that the sharing of your faith may become effective” (1:6).

He desires that Philemon’s faith not be inactive and concealed, but that it is manifested to the saints by actual effects. In other words, He prays that Philemon’s faith be none by evidences of grace. He asks the Lord to bless the work of Philemon so that the church would understand and experience every good thing that is in us through Christ.

This is a hefty encouragement. Paul is marking Philemon as a spiritual leader in the church. He prays that he be an example to all of the believers gathering in his house so that they may have full knowledge of the blessings of God. He is praying that Philemon’s labor be powerful and effectual for the Kingdom.

Evidently, there was was no need to pray that Philemon share his faith by works. Paul was confident that he was. Rather, there is only the praying for its effectiveness. He hopes that his sharing be like a ripple in the water caused by the tossing of a stone. Let the others see his faith proven.

The second have of the verse gives us a deeper insight on what Paul considers to be effective. It was not that others would see Philemon as a more spiritual and honorable man. It was not so that they could see miraculous wonders and signs. It was not to elevate Philemon in any way.

The Greek word often translated knowledge refers to something more than just knowing. It is both knowing and experiencing. It is intellectual understanding accompanied by experiential understanding. It is not just knowing what something looks like, but actually seeing it. It is both conceived and observed.

Philemon’s labor of being a persevering witness of trust in the Lord would be effective by providing full knowledge of “every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ” (1:6). That is to say, that all spiritual blessings, all divine graces, all good and useful things that believers have by the Holy Spirit, are to be evidenced so that all will know them for the sake of Christ.

Understanding the blessings we have in Christ bring about the worship of the Lord. Hearing that Paul prays for the effectiveness of Philemon’s labor should bring about even more motivation to love, persevere, and to forgive. It is one thing to have your brother pray for you and it is another thing to have the Apostle Paul pray for you. Although there may not be real significant evidence that one is more powerful than the other, it still must have stirred up the heart of Philemon to hear.

Paul assured the heart of Philemon by telling him that he had a reputation of labor and that he was praying that his labor be effective for the sake of Christ.

Spiritual Zombies

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:34:59 CST

Have you ever shared the gospel with someone who seemed completely unmoved by the good news? Have you ever shared the gospel with someone who found your message offensive, unconvincing, or just plain boring? Did you feel like you failed when they didn’t believe?

Ephesians 2:1-2 says, “you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked.” A person who does not have faith in Christ has no life. They might walk, talk, and breath like everyone else, but spiritually they have no pulse; spiritually they have flat-lined.

God calls each of us to preach the gospel, but we can’t be discouraged when the message is not received. We have to remember we are talking to spiritual zombies. We can’t bring a person back to life, but God’s power is sufficient to save even the walking dead. ”But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…made us alive together with Christ” (vv. 4-5). People are saved by the gospel we preach, but it is God who saves, not us.

John MacArthur helped me put this into perspective when he wrote:

One afternoon early in my ministry at Grace Church I heard a frantic pounding on my office door. I opened the door and there was a little boy, breathless and crying. In a panicked voice he asked, “Are you the Reverend?” When I told him I was, he said, “Hurry! Please come with me.” It was obvious something was terribly wrong, so I ran with him to his house, about half a block away and across the street from our church.

Inside the boy’s mother was weeping uncontrollably. She said, “My baby is dead!” She quickly took me to a back room. On the bed was the limp body of a tiny infant. He had evidently died in his sleep. The body was blue and already cold to the touch. The mother had been trying desperately to revive him, but nothing could be done. The child was gone. There was absolutely no sign of life. The mother tenderly held the tiny body, kissed it, gently touched its face, spoke to it, and wept over it. But the child made no response. A crew of paramedics arrived and tried to get the child breathing again, but it was too late. Nothing had any effect. There was no response because there was no life. Even the powerful love of a heartbroken mother could not evoke a response.

Spiritual death is exactly like that. Unregenerate sinners have no life by which they can respond to spiritual stimuli. No amount of live, beseeching, or spiritual truth can summon a response. People apart from God are the ungrateful dead, spiritual zombies, death-walkers, unable even to understand the gravity of their situation. They are lifeless. They may go through the motions of life, but they do not possess it. They are dead even while they live (cf. 1 Tim. 5:6)

Notes

MacArthur, John. The Gospel Accordng to the Apostles. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Corporation, 2000. pp. 46-47.

Mission Accomplished

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:57:09 CST

Did Christ come to save all people in the world? Was that His goal? If so, did He attain that goal or did He fail? This is the question over the atonement. Was it indefinite or definite? Was it made to save those called the elect or all people? Shai Linne argues for the definite atonement by appealing to the nature of God.

Here’s a controversial subject that tends to divide. For years it’s had Christians lining up on both sides. By God’s grace, I’ll address this without pride. The question concerns those for whom Christ died. Was He trying to save everybody worldwide? Was He trying to make the entire world His Bride? Does man’s unbelief keep the Savior’s hands tied? Biblically, each of these must be denied. It’s true, Jesus gave up His life for His Bride, but His Bride is the elect, to whom His death is applied. If on judgment day, you see that you can’t hide and because of your sin, God’s wrath on you abides and hell is the place you eternally reside, that means your wrath from God hasn’t been satisfied. But we believe His mission was accomplished when He died. But how the cross relates to those in hell? Well, they'd be saying: "Lord knows He tried."

People are saying that He tried. And I'm saying, "Did He try and fail or did He succeed?" Is there going to be one drop of the Savior's blood in vain? No, perish the thought. The Lamb will receive His reward for His suffering.

Father, Son and Spirit: three and yet one, working as a unit to get things done. Our salvation began in eternity past. God certainly has to bring all His purpose to pass. A triune, eternal bond no one could ever sever. When it comes to the church, peep how they work together. The Father foreknew first; the Son came to earth to die; the Holy Spirit gives the new birth. The Father elects them; the Son pays their debt and protects them; the Spirit is the One who resurrects them. The Father chooses them; the Son gets bruised for them; the Spirit renews them and produces fruit in them. Everybody’s not elect, the Father decides. And it’s only the elect in whom the Spirit resides. The Father and the Spirit - completely unified. But when it comes to Christ and those in hell? Well, they'd be saying: "Lord knows He tried."

So, if we can agree that the election of the Father is not universal and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit is not universal, why would the atonement of the Son be universal? That would put the persons of the Trinity completely at odds with one another. But the Triune God is completely unified.

My third and final verse, here’s the situation. Just a couple more things for your consideration. If saving everybody was why Christ came into history, with so many in hell, we’d have to say He failed miserably. So many think He only came to make it possible. Let’s follow this solution to a conclusion that’s logical. What about those who were already in the grave, the Old Testament wicked, condemned as depraved? Did He die for them? C’mon, behave! But worst of all, you’re saying the cross by itself doesn’t save - that we must do something to give the cross its power. That means, at the end of the day, the glory’s ours. That man-centered thinking is not recommended. The cross will save all for whom it was intended. Because for the elect, God’s wrath was satisfied. But still, when it comes to those in hell, well, they are saying: "Lord knows He tried."

Look, at the end of the day, this is about giving God the maximum amount of glory. We proclaim a cross that actually saves - not makes salvation possible, but actually saves. Matthew 1:31, His name should be called Jesus because He will save His people from their sins - not might save them, not try to save them. He will actually save them. It is a definite atonement.

LLyrics from Mission Accomplished by Shai Linne, a Lampmode Recordings artist.

Your Delicacy is Cruelty

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:26:29 CST

As a Christian we should want all our non-Christian friends to be saved. The problem, however, is that many of us are afraid we will push these friends away if we preach the full gospel to them (judgment for their sins, wrath of God, eternal Hell). To avoid pushing our friends away we try to save them with an incomplete gospel. We tell our friends how kind and loving Christ is, but we don’t tell them the real reason why they need Him. We fool ourselves into believing that, if we are friends with them long enough, our faith will somehow rub off on them and we won’t have to warn them about the eternal consequences for their sins. What we end up doing is trying to save our friends without our friends knowing it.

Here is what Charles Spurgeon had to say about our delicacy:

God [has] appointed a day in which He will judge the world, and we sigh and cry until it shall end the reign of wickedness, and give rest to the oppressed. Brethren, we must preach the coming of the Lord, and preach it somewhat more than we have done, because it is the driving power of the gospel. Too many have kept back these truths, and thus the bone has been taken out of the arm of the gospel. Its point has been broken; its edge has been blunted. The doctrine of judgment to come is the power by which men are to be aroused.

There is another life; the Lord will come a second time; judgment will arrive; the wrath of God will be revealed. Where this is not preached, I am bold to say the gospel is not preached. It is absolutely necessary to the preaching of the gospel of Christ that men be warned as to what will happen if they continue in their sins.

Ho, ho, sir surgeon, you are too delicate to tell the man that he is ill! You hope to heal the sick without their knowing it. You therefore flatter them, and what happens? They laugh at you; they dance upon their own graves. At last they die! Your delicacy is cruelty; your flatteries are poisons; you are a murderer.

Shall we keep men in a fool’s paradise? Shall we lull them into soft slumbers from which they will awake in Hell? Are we to become helpers of their damnation by our smooth speeches? In the name of God, we will not.

Reputation of Love

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:39:14 CST

A good reputation is one that is found in faith. Yet faith, if not accompanied by works, is no faith at all (James 2:20). And what is works that are not faith-driven and faith-proving, if not works of love?

An old pop tune said, “Love is a verb.” The singers contrasted it with television affections and passions of the flesh that are often referred to as love but nothing more than lust. They are not love because they are selfish desires. They are not truthful and honest. They are not seeking the edification of others. They are not Christ centered and God glorifying.

Love is expressed in works. It is found in the things we say and do unto others. It is how we treat those around us. It is in the way that we help and support people in a truthful and biblical way. Love with no action is not love, because love is active. They were right to say that love is a verb.

Paul adds to his encouragement to Philemon, the evidence of yet another aspect of his good reputation. Philemon had a reputation of faith in the Lord. And he also had a reputation of “love for all the saints.”

It may not make a whole lot of sense to have one without the other. Faith without love for the saints is not the kind of faith that is described in the Scriptures (1 Jn. 3:14). With Philemon, however, the two were parallel.

Paul heard that Philemon had great love for all the saints. Some of the things that exemplify this love are found right here in this letter. Philemon gave to the church of his resources because they met regularly in his house (1:2). He also shared his faith (1:6) and refreshed the saints (1:7). We can be certain that Philemon’s slave, who this letter is about, also had things to say about him while he was being cared for by Paul (cf. 1:10). If this is all based on one short epistle of information, surely there must be much more to Philemon’s love for those meeting in his home.

The real question is this: How does this motivate Philemon to forgive? Paul is still assuring Philemon’s heart in order to encourage him to continue in godliness. He has mentioned his faith in the Lord and now mentions his love for the saints. As mentioned already, the two go hand-in-hand which affirms genuine salvation. But there is more to it than that.

One who loves the saints is one who seeks to build them up and not for his own benefit (1 Cor. 13:5). He derives joy by serving them. Then, the affirming of this love strengthens his desire. It also reminds him of what is on the line here. No doubt, the saints knew what had happened and would know how this would end. Bringing them to his attention, would add a certain motivation to refresh them yet again by sharing with them what forgiveness looks like. To Philemon, this was another way to love them. By forgiving his wrongdoer, he would exemplify godliness. This would not only refresh him, but all those around him. Thus, he was motivated to forgive by hearing of his own love for the saints.

Paul assured the heart of Philemon by telling him that he had a reputation of love.

Law-Lite

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:22:57 CST

I recently read an essay published by Westminster Seminary California back in 2007. Written by Michael S. Horton, this essay examined the "gospel of prosperity" as taught by Houston, Joel Osteen. It was entitled, Joel Osteen and the Glory Story: A Case Study.

The essay is an excellent case study and is worth the read in its entirety. However, it is a portion of the article that is the focus here. There have been many who have crtiqued Osteen and the Prosperity Gospel over the past several years. But none have stood out to me for its explanation of dangers quite like his.

He calls Osteen's gospel a Law-Lite. Like some foods are made available with little sugar or fats, the gospel of Osteen is made available with little law. But, as logic demands, it is more than that. It is a new salvation ^[i] and a new hell. It is salvation from unhappiness and it is attained by doing your best. Here is a lengthy excerpt from his essay:

There is no condemnation in Osteen's message for failing to fulfill God's righteous law. On the other hand, there is no justification. Instead of either message, there is an upbeat moralism that is somewhere in the middle: Do your best, follow the instructions I give you, and God will make your life successful. "Don't sit back passively," he warns, but with a gentle pleading suggests that the only reason we need to follow his advice is because it's useful for getting what we want. God is a buddy or partner who exists primarily to make sure we are happy. "You do your part, and God will do his part." ^[ii] "Sure we have our faults," he says, but "the good news is, God loves us anyway." ^[iii] Instead of accepting God's just verdict on our own righteousness and fleeing to Christ for justification, Osteen counsels readers simply to reject guilt and condemnation. ^[iv] Yet it is hard to do that successfully when God's favor and blessing on my life depend entirely on how well I can put his commands to work. "If you will simply obey his commands, He will change things in your favor." ^[v] That's all: "…simply obey his commands."

Everything depends on us, but it's easy. One wonders if he has ever had a crisis of doubt or moral failure that stripped him naked in God's presence. Osteen seems to think that we are basically good people and God has a very easy way for us to save ourselves—not from his judgment, but from our lack of success in life—with his help. "God is keeping a record of every good deed you've ever done," he says—as if this is good news. "In your time of need, because of your generosity, God will move heaven and earth to make sure you are taken care of." ^[vi]

It may be "Law Lite," but make no mistake about it: behind a smiling Boomer Evangelicalism that eschews any talk of God's wrath, there is a determination to assimilate the gospel to law, an announcement of victory to a call to be victorious, indicatives to imperatives, good news to good advice. The bad news may not be as bad as it used to be, but the good news is just a softer version of the bad news: Do more. But this time, it's easy! And if you fail, don't worry. God just wants you to do your best. He'll take care of the rest.

So who needs Christ? At least, who needs Christ as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29)? The sting of the law may be taken out of the message, but that only means that the gospel has become a less demanding, more encouraging law whose exhortations are only meant to make us happy, not to measure us against God's holiness.

So while many supporters offer testimonials to his kinder, gentler version of Christianity than the legalistic scolding of their youth, the only real difference is that God's rules or principles are easier and it's all about happiness here and now, not being reconciled to a holy God who saves us from ourselves. In its therapeutic milieu, sin is failing to live up to our potential, not falling short of God's glory. We need to believe in ourselves and the wages of such "sins" is missing out on our best life now. But it's still a constant stream of exhortation, demands, and burdens: follow my steps and I guarantee your life will be blessed.

If you find this to be a helpful piece, read the case study in full, Joel Osteen and the Glory Story by Michael S. Horton.

Notes

Read Jesus is Not Your Savior If Hell is Not Your Punishment for an explanation of how this works.
Joel Osteen, Your Best Life Now: Seven Steps to Living at Your Full Potential (NY: Warner Books, 2004),41-42
Ibid., 57
Ibid., 66
Ibid. 119
Ibid., 262

Reputation of Faith

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:29:20 CST

A good reputation doesn’t come natural to any man - not even goodness. In fact, when the rich young man inquired about good works, Jesus responded with the question, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” (Luke 18:18-19).

Goodness is not in man. We are not born good. We do not do good (Rom.3:12). Despite all of our strongest efforts, we fall short of goodness. We are stained with evil and so are all of our well intended actions (Rom. 14:23). This is why Jesus responded the way that He did.

Paul understood this. This is why he was thanking God for Philemon’s good reputation. He knew that his reputation was not something he could accomplish on his own. This was an evidence of God’s grace in him (James 1:17).

So logically, Paul draws his attention first to his faith. A good reputation is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). The Spirit alive and working in the transformation of one’s life is proof of genuine salvation and faith. So this good reputation indicated to Paul that Philemon was a man of divine faith. He believed and submitted himself to the Lord.

Paul writes that he always gives God thanks when he mentions Philemon in his prayers “because I hear of the faith you have in the Lord Jesus” (1:5). Good things come from the Lord through the Holy Spirit. A good reputation is one of them.

Not only is this the logical place to begin when assuring the heart with evidences of grace, but it is the most motivational and meaningful. Having Christ and being accepted by the Lord is the greatest gift one will ever have. It is the only one that we will never earn. And, it is the one for which all things were made. So it is special.

However, it is also hard. Jesus said that “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matt. 7:14). Peter advised us to “be all the more diligent to make [our] calling and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10). Our faith is important to us. We want it to be real and divinely driven. We want assurance that we are not just fooling ourselves. We want to be confident of our salvation. And so nothing could be more motivating to us than hearing that others find our faith to be genuine.

Paul wrote that he was thankful to God for the faith that Philemon had in the Lord. His faith was first to be mentioned because it is the first fruit of the Spirit and at the very center of the believer’s mind. It is the beginning of meaningful purpose and the fuel for meaningful living. Without faith, we cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). Without faith we cannot genuinely forgive. Without faith we are lost and do no good. Without faith is without God. Without faith, we have nothing. And so with faith, Paul begins assuring Philemon’s heart.

Philemon, since he had a good reputation, also has a reputation of faith. How does this motivate him to forgive? Consider at least these three ways. First, it strengthens his desire to obey because he is reassured of his salvation. He knows that through Christ he can do all things (Phil. 4:13). And second, it strengthens his willingness to forgive, because forgiving others pleases the Lord (John 14:15 with Matt. 6:14).

Expressing your acknowledgement of another faith in the Lord will never fail at motivating them to be more Christ-like. It is the foundation of our new life in Christ and therefore, most influential in the motivation of our heart and desires to obey and please Him.

Paul assured the heart of Philemon by telling him that he had a reputation of faith.

God Made Everything

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:38:49 CST

"The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble," says the writer of the sixteenth Proverb. I am always tickled when a Biblical writer reads my mind. "The Lord has made everything for its purpose." Everything? I ask. What about the evil in the world? I suppose the writer had the same question. He assumed it. So he must have had it before. Thus, he answers, and there is no need for us to question, "Yes, everything, even the wicked for the day of trouble."

This was in my daily reading this morning and it really made me think. The first part of the verse (16:4) says that everything that is made was made by the Lord for a purpose. The word "its" refers to the object made. In other words, what God made has a purpose in its making. The grass was made to for the purpose that grass serves. The clouds were made for the purpose that clouds serve. Animals, molecules, scientific laws are all made for the purpose that they all serve. The same is true of all God's creation, including people.

Of course, no thing has a purpose other than that for which it was made. And so the Maker of all things also made the purpose of all things when He made them. So the purpose is ultimately the purpose of the Maker. This is not to mean that the Maker is purposed as they are, but that the things the Maker makes have the purpose that the Maker desires. For this reason, some translations have the purpose for God like the King James Version which reads, "The LORD has made all things for himself."

So, if the Lord made everything and the purpose of everything, then everything will ultimately serve Him in the way that He has made them to serve. This begs the question, "What about the wicked?" We wonder that because deep down inside we think that evil cannot glorify God who is good. But the oppostie is true.

God is glorified in the punishment of evil. This is called justice. It is an attribute of God. So, God has made some things to serve His purpose by glorifying him in showing off His great justice and holiness. The author wrote, "even the wicked [were made] for the day of trouble."

Wicked people do wicked things. When they do wicked things, it is proverbially called, "the day of trouble." Each day is the day of trouble because trouble is always happening. But the writer is referring to the troubling thing that the wicked do and saying that the wicked was made for such a moment.

Matthew Henry had this to say about this proverb:

Note, 1. That God is the first cause. He is the former of all things and all persons, the fountain of being; he gave every creature the being it has and appointed it its place. Even the wicked are his creatures, though they are rebels; he gave them those powers with which they fight against him, which aggravates their wickedness, that they will not let him that made them rule them, and therefore, though he made them, he will not save them. 2. That God is the last end. All is of him and from him, and therefore all is to him and for him. He made all according to his will and for his praise; he designed to serve his own purposes by all his creatures, and he will not fail of his designs; all are his servants. The wicked he is not glorified by, but he will be glorified upon. He makes no man wicked, but he made those who he foresaw would be wicked: yet he made them (Gen. 6:6), because he knew how to get himself honour upon them. See Rom. 9:22. Or (as some understand it) he made the wicked to be employed by him as the instruments of his wrath in the day of evil, when he brings judgments on the world. He makes some use even of wicked men, as of other things, to be his sword, his hand (Ps. 17:13, 14), flagellum Dei-the scourge of God. The king of Babylon is called his servant.

Let us remember then, that our Lord (by definition of who He is) made everything even the wicked for His purpose. What a mighty God we serve!