Some of my favorite parts of Bob Kauflin's message at the Desiring God Conference.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty!
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who hath fearfully, wondrously, made thee;
Health hath vouchsafed and, when heedlessly falling, hath stayed thee.
What need or grief ever hath failed of relief?
Wings of His mercy did shade thee.
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging,
Who, when the elements madly around thee are raging,
Biddeth them cease, turneth their fury to peace,
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.
Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding,
Who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,
Sheddeth His light, chaseth the horrors of night,
Saints with His mercy surrounding.
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Simply Irresistible Part 2
The primary reason I see it as impossible for a person to believe in a Calvinism/Arminian hybrid theology is because there is a cause/effect relationship between Regeneration and Faith.
Last week I defined regeneration "...the spiritual change wrought in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit in which his/her inherently sinful nature is changed so that he/she can respond to God in Faith, and live in accordance with His will." The problem with my definition for a skeptic, however, is that it already assumes that regeneration is the cause of faith (which I admit is a Calvinistic assumption). So we should look at regeneration closer and then show why it must precede faith.
The only place where the word "regeneration" is used in the Bible is in Titus 3, "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior" (Titus 3:4-6). We see here that regeneration is a "washing" which is done by the Holy Spirit. Though the word is only used here the reality is pictured in both the Old and New Testament.
The most familiar term for Regeneration is “the new birth.” The writings of the apostle John give the most in depth study of this event. Among them we see in John 3 Jesus saying “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God… The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:3, 8). Here we see Jesus describing the new birth. He shows Nicodemus how this is an act accomplished by the Holy Spirit according to the Spirit’s free will, “the wind blows where it wishes” the word Jesus used for “wind” and for “Spirit” is the same. I will devote a future post in this series to the full text of John 3:1-21.
1 John tells us how we know someone is born again. If we are to take 5:1 at its full meaning we must conclude that regeneration is the cause of faith and not a mere reaction of God to faith, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
Last we look back to John’s Gospel for another clear text that defeats the idea that the new birth is anything but the first act of God in conversion which causes a man’s responsibilities in the event. “But to all who did receive [Christ], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)
This act of renewal is the event referred to in the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. Thanks for hanging with me.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Last week I defined regeneration "...the spiritual change wrought in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit in which his/her inherently sinful nature is changed so that he/she can respond to God in Faith, and live in accordance with His will." The problem with my definition for a skeptic, however, is that it already assumes that regeneration is the cause of faith (which I admit is a Calvinistic assumption). So we should look at regeneration closer and then show why it must precede faith.
The only place where the word "regeneration" is used in the Bible is in Titus 3, "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior" (Titus 3:4-6). We see here that regeneration is a "washing" which is done by the Holy Spirit. Though the word is only used here the reality is pictured in both the Old and New Testament.
The most familiar term for Regeneration is “the new birth.” The writings of the apostle John give the most in depth study of this event. Among them we see in John 3 Jesus saying “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God… The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:3, 8). Here we see Jesus describing the new birth. He shows Nicodemus how this is an act accomplished by the Holy Spirit according to the Spirit’s free will, “the wind blows where it wishes” the word Jesus used for “wind” and for “Spirit” is the same. I will devote a future post in this series to the full text of John 3:1-21.
1 John tells us how we know someone is born again. If we are to take 5:1 at its full meaning we must conclude that regeneration is the cause of faith and not a mere reaction of God to faith, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
Last we look back to John’s Gospel for another clear text that defeats the idea that the new birth is anything but the first act of God in conversion which causes a man’s responsibilities in the event. “But to all who did receive [Christ], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)
This act of renewal is the event referred to in the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. Thanks for hanging with me.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Poetic Criticism
I wonder if today's Christianity is much better in some ways than the Christianity of the slave owners, criticized by Frederick Douglass in his Narrative.
"Come, saints and sinners, hear me tell
How pious priests whip Jack and Nell,
And women buy and children sell,
And preach all sinners down to hell,
And sing of heavenly union.
"They'll bleat and baa, dona like goats,
Gorge down black sheep, and strain at motes,
Array their backs in fine black coats,
Then seize their negroes by their throats,
And choke, for heavenly union.
"They'll church you if you sip a dram,
And damn you if you steal a lamb;
Yet rob old Tony, Doll, and Sam,
Of human rights, and bread and ham;
Kidnapper's heavenly union.
"They'll loudly talk of Christ's reward,
And bind his image with a cord,
And scold, and swing the lash abhorred,
And sell their brother in the Lord
To handcuffed heavenly union.
"They'll read and sing a sacred song,
And make a prayer both loud and long,
And teach the right and do the wrong,
Hailing the brother, sister throng,
With words of heavenly union.
"We wonder how such saints can sing,
Or praise the Lord upon the wing,
Who roar, and scold, and whip, and sting,
And to their slaves and mammon cling,
In guilty conscience union.
"They'll raise tobacco, corn, and rye,
And drive, and thieve, and cheat, and lie,
And lay up treasures in the sky,
By making switch and cowskin fly,
In hope of heavenly union.
"They'll crack old Tony on the skull,
And preach and roar like Bashan bull,
Or braying ass, of mischief full,
Then seize old Jacob by the wool,
And pull for heavenly union.
"A roaring, ranting, sleek man-thief,
Who lived on mutton, veal, and beef,
Yet never would afford relief
To needy, sable sons of grief,
Was big with heavenly union.
"'Love not the world,' the preacher said,
And winked his eye, and shook his head;
He seized on Tom, and Dick, and Ned,
Cut short their meat, and clothes, and bread,
Yet still loved heavenly union.
"Another preacher whining spoke
Of One whose heart for sinners broke:
He tied old Nanny to an oak,
And drew the blood at every stroke,
And prayed for heavenly union.
"Two others oped their iron jaws,
And waved their children-stealing paws;
There sat their children in gewgaws;
By stinting negroes' backs and maws,
They kept up heavenly union.
"All good from Jack another takes,
And entertains their flirts and rakes,
Who dress as sleek as glossy snakes,
And cram their mouths with sweetened cakes;
And this goes down for union." (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Appendix)
In what ways (including but not limited to Abortion) does the Christianity of the West resemble this culture adapting Christianity?
Pray!
"Come, saints and sinners, hear me tell
How pious priests whip Jack and Nell,
And women buy and children sell,
And preach all sinners down to hell,
And sing of heavenly union.
"They'll bleat and baa, dona like goats,
Gorge down black sheep, and strain at motes,
Array their backs in fine black coats,
Then seize their negroes by their throats,
And choke, for heavenly union.
"They'll church you if you sip a dram,
And damn you if you steal a lamb;
Yet rob old Tony, Doll, and Sam,
Of human rights, and bread and ham;
Kidnapper's heavenly union.
"They'll loudly talk of Christ's reward,
And bind his image with a cord,
And scold, and swing the lash abhorred,
And sell their brother in the Lord
To handcuffed heavenly union.
"They'll read and sing a sacred song,
And make a prayer both loud and long,
And teach the right and do the wrong,
Hailing the brother, sister throng,
With words of heavenly union.
"We wonder how such saints can sing,
Or praise the Lord upon the wing,
Who roar, and scold, and whip, and sting,
And to their slaves and mammon cling,
In guilty conscience union.
"They'll raise tobacco, corn, and rye,
And drive, and thieve, and cheat, and lie,
And lay up treasures in the sky,
By making switch and cowskin fly,
In hope of heavenly union.
"They'll crack old Tony on the skull,
And preach and roar like Bashan bull,
Or braying ass, of mischief full,
Then seize old Jacob by the wool,
And pull for heavenly union.
"A roaring, ranting, sleek man-thief,
Who lived on mutton, veal, and beef,
Yet never would afford relief
To needy, sable sons of grief,
Was big with heavenly union.
"'Love not the world,' the preacher said,
And winked his eye, and shook his head;
He seized on Tom, and Dick, and Ned,
Cut short their meat, and clothes, and bread,
Yet still loved heavenly union.
"Another preacher whining spoke
Of One whose heart for sinners broke:
He tied old Nanny to an oak,
And drew the blood at every stroke,
And prayed for heavenly union.
"Two others oped their iron jaws,
And waved their children-stealing paws;
There sat their children in gewgaws;
By stinting negroes' backs and maws,
They kept up heavenly union.
"All good from Jack another takes,
And entertains their flirts and rakes,
Who dress as sleek as glossy snakes,
And cram their mouths with sweetened cakes;
And this goes down for union." (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Appendix)
In what ways (including but not limited to Abortion) does the Christianity of the West resemble this culture adapting Christianity?
Pray!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Was the U.S. Ever a Christian Nation?
Thoughts?
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the views of the author of this blog.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the views of the author of this blog.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Five Reasons I Love Hymns
1. "Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die."
2. "My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;"
3. "And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"
4. "Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!"
5. "Here is love, vast as the ocean
Lovingkindness as the flood
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom
Shed for us His precious blood
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten
Throughout Heav'n's eternal days"
Had I not joined a church that sings mostly hymns I would not have learned many of these precious words. I thank God for the many hymn writers of the past who expressed so beautifully truths which make my heart sing. My favorite thing about a good hymn is that much of the stirring of my emotions is done by the lyrics rather than the music.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die."
2. "My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;"
3. "And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"
4. "Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!"
5. "Here is love, vast as the ocean
Lovingkindness as the flood
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom
Shed for us His precious blood
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten
Throughout Heav'n's eternal days"
Had I not joined a church that sings mostly hymns I would not have learned many of these precious words. I thank God for the many hymn writers of the past who expressed so beautifully truths which make my heart sing. My favorite thing about a good hymn is that much of the stirring of my emotions is done by the lyrics rather than the music.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Simply Irresistible Part 1
Irresistible Grace is the fourth point of Calvinism (but who's counting?). It is the doctrine that explains what takes a helpless sinner and turns them into a slave to Christ. Over the next several weeks we will be looking at different aspects of this doctrine. For now I'm just going to define some things.
What is Irresistible Grace?
The doctrine that states the saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom he has determined to save (the elect), whereby in God's timing, he overcomes their resistance to the call of the gospel and irresistibly brings them to a saving faith in Christ through regeneration.
What is Regeneration?
"Regeneration [also called the new birth] is the spiritual change wrought in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit in which his/her inherently sinful nature is changed so that he/she can respond to God in Faith, and live in accordance with His will.”-J.I. Packer
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
What is Irresistible Grace?
The doctrine that states the saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom he has determined to save (the elect), whereby in God's timing, he overcomes their resistance to the call of the gospel and irresistibly brings them to a saving faith in Christ through regeneration.
What is Regeneration?
"Regeneration [also called the new birth] is the spiritual change wrought in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit in which his/her inherently sinful nature is changed so that he/she can respond to God in Faith, and live in accordance with His will.”-J.I. Packer
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
When is Abortion Racism?
John Piper on the connection between abortion and racism:
Another form of this racism is against Down Syndrome babies:
"Until this year, only pregnant women 35 and older were routinely tested to see if their fetuses had the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome. As a result many couples were given the diagnosis only at birth. But under a new recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, doctors have begun to offer a new, safer screening procedure to all pregnant women, regardless of age. About 90 percent of pregnant women who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis have chosen to have an abortion." (New York Times)
You don't typically have organizations like planned parenthood without some motivation for the propagation of their cause. It is obvious that underneath the "plan B" that abortion has become is a clear statement of what kind of person is not welcome in this world. It is tragic that minorities are such a target for this option but equally sad is the fact that we are now seeing less DS because they are being slaughtered at the youngest of ages.
Another form of this racism is against Down Syndrome babies:
"Until this year, only pregnant women 35 and older were routinely tested to see if their fetuses had the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome. As a result many couples were given the diagnosis only at birth. But under a new recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, doctors have begun to offer a new, safer screening procedure to all pregnant women, regardless of age. About 90 percent of pregnant women who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis have chosen to have an abortion." (New York Times)
You don't typically have organizations like planned parenthood without some motivation for the propagation of their cause. It is obvious that underneath the "plan B" that abortion has become is a clear statement of what kind of person is not welcome in this world. It is tragic that minorities are such a target for this option but equally sad is the fact that we are now seeing less DS because they are being slaughtered at the youngest of ages.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Purpose of God for Our Life on Earth
"We should get it settled in our minds, that the purpose of God for our life on earth, is to have us grow into Christ's image. We are not in this world merely to accomplish a certain amount of work--but to be fashioned into strength and beauty of character. If we would always remember this, we would not be perplexed so often by the mysteries of our lives.
If joy is ours--it is to make us better and a greater blessing to others.
If sorrow is ours--it is to purify us and bring out some line of Christ's image in us more clearly.
If our hopes are disappointed--it is because God has some better things for us, than that which we so earnestly desired.
If we are called to endure pain--it is because the best in us can be called out only by pain.
If bereavement comes and we are left without the strong human arm we have leaned upon heretofore--it is because there are elements of strength in our life, which never could be developed unless the human supports were taken away.
If our burdens are heavy--it is because we grow best under burdens.
If we are wronged by others--it is to teach us better, the great lessons of patience and sweet temper.
If our circumstances are uncongenial and our condition hard--it is that we may be disciplined into self-control, and may learn to be content in whatever state we are in.
The Master is always teaching us new lessons, making us into the beauty of the pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service."-J.R. Miller (Garden of the Heart)
If joy is ours--it is to make us better and a greater blessing to others.
If sorrow is ours--it is to purify us and bring out some line of Christ's image in us more clearly.
If our hopes are disappointed--it is because God has some better things for us, than that which we so earnestly desired.
If we are called to endure pain--it is because the best in us can be called out only by pain.
If bereavement comes and we are left without the strong human arm we have leaned upon heretofore--it is because there are elements of strength in our life, which never could be developed unless the human supports were taken away.
If our burdens are heavy--it is because we grow best under burdens.
If we are wronged by others--it is to teach us better, the great lessons of patience and sweet temper.
If our circumstances are uncongenial and our condition hard--it is that we may be disciplined into self-control, and may learn to be content in whatever state we are in.
The Master is always teaching us new lessons, making us into the beauty of the pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service."-J.R. Miller (Garden of the Heart)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Crown Him With Many Crowns!
Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.
Crown Him the virgin’s Son, the God incarnate born,
Whose arm those crimson trophies won which now His brow adorn;
Fruit of the mystic rose, as of that rose the stem;
The root whence mercy ever flows, the Babe of Bethlehem.
Crown Him the Son of God, before the worlds began,
And ye who tread where He hath trod, crown Him the Son of Man;
Who every grief hath known that wrings the human breast,
And takes and bears them for His own, that all in Him may rest.
Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed over the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.
Crown Him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease, and all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end, and round His piercèd feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.
Crown Him the Lord of love, behold His hands and side,
Those wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.
Crown Him the Lord of Heaven, enthroned in worlds above,
Crown Him the King to Whom is given the wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.
Crown Him the Lord of lords, who over all doth reign,
Who once on earth, the incarnate Word, for ransomed sinners slain,
Now lives in realms of light, where saints with angels sing
Their songs before Him day and night, their God, Redeemer, King.
Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou has died for me;
Thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity.
-Matthew Bridges
Friday, September 12, 2008
Is Christ Our Example in Every Area?
"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." (Philippians 3:17)
"Christ, though a divine person, was man as we are men; and not only so, but he was, in many respects, a partaker of our circumstances. He dwelt among men. He depended on food and raiment and such outward supports of life as we do. He was subject to the changes of time and the afflictions and calamities of this evil world, and to abuse from men's corruptions and to the same law and rule that we are he used the same ordinances, and had many of our trials, and greater trials than we. So that Christ's example is chiefly offered in Scripture for our imitation...But yet the example of some that are fallen creatures, as we are, may in some respects be more accommodated to our circumstances and more fitted for our instruction than the example of Jesus Christ. For though he became a man as we are, and was like us, and was in our circumstances in so many respects, yet in other things there was a cast difference. He was the head of the church, and we are the members. He is Lord of all; we are his subjects and disciples. And we need an example that shall teach and direct us how to behave toward Christ our Lord and head. And this we may have better in some that have Christ for their Lord as well as we, than in Christ himself." -Jonathan Edwards (Pursuing Holiness in the Lord, 16)
It is not blasphemous for us to say that Christ is not our example in some ways. If Christ is to be our substitute and our righteousness we cannot have him as our example of repentance of sin (though he can be for the overcoming of temptation). There are few areas in which Paul and other saints are a more fitted examples for us but they do exist. Rather than being concerned that there are areas that we cannot look to Christ as an example we should instead glory in his perfect work and know that it is because of that work that we are enabled to do the things which we are talking about.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
"Christ, though a divine person, was man as we are men; and not only so, but he was, in many respects, a partaker of our circumstances. He dwelt among men. He depended on food and raiment and such outward supports of life as we do. He was subject to the changes of time and the afflictions and calamities of this evil world, and to abuse from men's corruptions and to the same law and rule that we are he used the same ordinances, and had many of our trials, and greater trials than we. So that Christ's example is chiefly offered in Scripture for our imitation...But yet the example of some that are fallen creatures, as we are, may in some respects be more accommodated to our circumstances and more fitted for our instruction than the example of Jesus Christ. For though he became a man as we are, and was like us, and was in our circumstances in so many respects, yet in other things there was a cast difference. He was the head of the church, and we are the members. He is Lord of all; we are his subjects and disciples. And we need an example that shall teach and direct us how to behave toward Christ our Lord and head. And this we may have better in some that have Christ for their Lord as well as we, than in Christ himself." -Jonathan Edwards (Pursuing Holiness in the Lord, 16)
It is not blasphemous for us to say that Christ is not our example in some ways. If Christ is to be our substitute and our righteousness we cannot have him as our example of repentance of sin (though he can be for the overcoming of temptation). There are few areas in which Paul and other saints are a more fitted examples for us but they do exist. Rather than being concerned that there are areas that we cannot look to Christ as an example we should instead glory in his perfect work and know that it is because of that work that we are enabled to do the things which we are talking about.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Thursday, September 11, 2008
End Times Part 5: Premillennialism- Rapture
Now that we have surveyed the three main views on the millennial reign of Christ (Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, and Premillennialism) I want to finish by looking at the three main views of the rapture within Premillennialism.
What is the rapture? Rapture is not a word you will find in the Bible. It is, rather, a theological term that describes an event taught to us by the Bible. One primary text that teaches this is 1 Thessalonians 4:15–17,
The rapture is the event when Christ returns part of the way back to the earth and catches up the church to himself. The questions we are now to ask is when this will happen (in relation to the great tribulation period), which is a large part of what establishes one's view on what happens after the rapture.
There are three main views:
Pretribulationalism- This view is probably the most popular view in America right now, mostly because of the greater interest many of its proponents give toward the subject which means more is written on it than the other views. Pretribulationalism can be complicated and not all of the people who hold to this view could be put in the same boat.
Basically the idea is that right now we are in the "church age" and we have been for 2,000 years. Most pretribulationists hold to a sharp distinction between God's dealing with the church and His dealing with the nation of Israel. Right now the nation of Israel is under a hardening (see Romans 11:7) this does not mean that no Jewish people will be saved, only that there will not be any great revivals among the Jewish people during this time. At some future time God will rapture the church marking the start of the great tribulation. It will be during this seven year period that God will once again deal with Israel and there will be a great remnant saved during the tribulation. After the seven year period Christ will return to the earth with the whole of believers and then we will see the millennial reign.
This view is well marked by its distinction of the church and Israel (known as Dispensationalism). Some key texts that are used for this view are Revelation 3:10, 1 Thess. 1:10, as well as the fact that the church isn't mentioned in Revelation after chapter 3. This is by no means an exhaustive or even a fair amount of the text given by pretribulationalists but I must move on.
Midtribulationalism- This view is very similar to the pretrib position. The big difference, as you might imagine, is that the church will not be raptured until about three and a half years into the tribulation. This is because midtribulationalists say that the first half of the tribulation is the wrath of man while the second half is the wrath of God.
Posttribulationalism- It seems that posttribulationalism is the oldest of the three views. Many pretrib and midtrib proponants agree with this but say that this is an example of an increase of knowledge (see Daniel 12:4). For this reason the other name for this view is Historic Premillennialism. Their view is pretty simple, we are currently in the church age, at some future time the great tribluation will begin and last about seven years (I use the word about intentionally in this case because posttrib people are usually less stingy about exact timing). At the end of the tribulation Christ will return part of the way, catch up believers, and they will continue all the way back to earth. This sounds a little odd but John Piper gives a helpful picture of a dignitary being escorted (this link is a very helpful survey of all of these views). At this point the views look pretty similar because they all agree that Christ will return with the church.
To some of you I have not given nearly a good enough survey and I'm ok with that. To others I am talking about meaningless things and you just don't care. The important thing to see is the one common thread of all the millennial and rapture views, Christ is coming back. That is one thing you can bank on. Will you have to endure a great seven year tribulation? I don't know but the Bible does affirm that you will suffer for Christ. Could you be raptured at any moment with out any sign to help you get ready? Maybe, maybe not, but you could also die at any moment without any sign to help you get ready. Will the time before Christ's return see a mass increase, making the world a much better place under the rule of Christ from heaven? I don't know but we are still called to proclaim the gospel.
So what was this study of categories and different views about then anyway? It was about Luke 24:45 and understanding the Scriptures better. With that said, I'm starting Irresistible Grace next week.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
What is the rapture? Rapture is not a word you will find in the Bible. It is, rather, a theological term that describes an event taught to us by the Bible. One primary text that teaches this is 1 Thessalonians 4:15–17,
"For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
The rapture is the event when Christ returns part of the way back to the earth and catches up the church to himself. The questions we are now to ask is when this will happen (in relation to the great tribulation period), which is a large part of what establishes one's view on what happens after the rapture.
There are three main views:
Pretribulationalism- This view is probably the most popular view in America right now, mostly because of the greater interest many of its proponents give toward the subject which means more is written on it than the other views. Pretribulationalism can be complicated and not all of the people who hold to this view could be put in the same boat.
Basically the idea is that right now we are in the "church age" and we have been for 2,000 years. Most pretribulationists hold to a sharp distinction between God's dealing with the church and His dealing with the nation of Israel. Right now the nation of Israel is under a hardening (see Romans 11:7) this does not mean that no Jewish people will be saved, only that there will not be any great revivals among the Jewish people during this time. At some future time God will rapture the church marking the start of the great tribulation. It will be during this seven year period that God will once again deal with Israel and there will be a great remnant saved during the tribulation. After the seven year period Christ will return to the earth with the whole of believers and then we will see the millennial reign.
This view is well marked by its distinction of the church and Israel (known as Dispensationalism). Some key texts that are used for this view are Revelation 3:10, 1 Thess. 1:10, as well as the fact that the church isn't mentioned in Revelation after chapter 3. This is by no means an exhaustive or even a fair amount of the text given by pretribulationalists but I must move on.
Midtribulationalism- This view is very similar to the pretrib position. The big difference, as you might imagine, is that the church will not be raptured until about three and a half years into the tribulation. This is because midtribulationalists say that the first half of the tribulation is the wrath of man while the second half is the wrath of God.
Posttribulationalism- It seems that posttribulationalism is the oldest of the three views. Many pretrib and midtrib proponants agree with this but say that this is an example of an increase of knowledge (see Daniel 12:4). For this reason the other name for this view is Historic Premillennialism. Their view is pretty simple, we are currently in the church age, at some future time the great tribluation will begin and last about seven years (I use the word about intentionally in this case because posttrib people are usually less stingy about exact timing). At the end of the tribulation Christ will return part of the way, catch up believers, and they will continue all the way back to earth. This sounds a little odd but John Piper gives a helpful picture of a dignitary being escorted (this link is a very helpful survey of all of these views). At this point the views look pretty similar because they all agree that Christ will return with the church.
To some of you I have not given nearly a good enough survey and I'm ok with that. To others I am talking about meaningless things and you just don't care. The important thing to see is the one common thread of all the millennial and rapture views, Christ is coming back. That is one thing you can bank on. Will you have to endure a great seven year tribulation? I don't know but the Bible does affirm that you will suffer for Christ. Could you be raptured at any moment with out any sign to help you get ready? Maybe, maybe not, but you could also die at any moment without any sign to help you get ready. Will the time before Christ's return see a mass increase, making the world a much better place under the rule of Christ from heaven? I don't know but we are still called to proclaim the gospel.
So what was this study of categories and different views about then anyway? It was about Luke 24:45 and understanding the Scriptures better. With that said, I'm starting Irresistible Grace next week.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
John Piper on Abortion
"The helpless are crushed, sink down,
and fall by his might.
He says in his heart, 'God has forgotten,
he has hidden his face, he will never see it.'
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, 'You will not call to account'?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none." (Psalm 10:10-15)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Let's Get Interactive- Joe Biden on the Beginning of Life
This is not a political post. Look for the post-modernism in Senator Biden's comments. Is it more ethical to stand up for what you claim to believe or to stand up for immorality in the name of "choice"?
Thoughts?
P.S. Sorry for the graphics that come up near the end of the video.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.
All laud we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.
-Walter C. Smith
Thursday, September 4, 2008
End Times Part 4: Pre-Millennialism
Premillennialism is the view that Christ will return and literally establish a kingdom on this earth. Most proponents believe this kingdom will last for a literal thousand years before the eternal state is ushered in with the new heavens and new earth.
How do they see Revelation 20? Premillennialists take Revelation 20 literally. This will be a time like no other time. It seems to be a concept developed in the Old Testament. For example, "No more shall there be in it
an infant who lives but a few days,
or an old man who does not fill out his days,
for the young man shall die a hundred years old,
and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed." (Isaiah 65:20)
This does not seem to be a description of the present age or the eternal state. This is an age which is similar to the one we now see but under the rule of the messiah.
Proponants of this view. Keeping in mind that those who hold to this view disagree on some aspects of it there is a large range of theologians and pastors who are Premillennial. This includes men like John Macarthur, John Piper, D.A. Carson, Albert Mohler, Mark Dever, Douglas Moo, and others. My intention is not to make it seem like the overwhelming majority of theologians hold to this view. The important thing is not who holds this view but whether or not it is biblical. The fact of the matter is Premillennialism is a very old view that became unpopular for a long time until the 20th century. All of these views have been dominant at one point or another which means we should not look to the most popular view but to the biblical one.
There are three different views on the rapture within Premillennialism so we will survey them over they next few weeks.
Stephen
How do they see Revelation 20? Premillennialists take Revelation 20 literally. This will be a time like no other time. It seems to be a concept developed in the Old Testament. For example, "No more shall there be in it
an infant who lives but a few days,
or an old man who does not fill out his days,
for the young man shall die a hundred years old,
and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed." (Isaiah 65:20)
This does not seem to be a description of the present age or the eternal state. This is an age which is similar to the one we now see but under the rule of the messiah.
Proponants of this view. Keeping in mind that those who hold to this view disagree on some aspects of it there is a large range of theologians and pastors who are Premillennial. This includes men like John Macarthur, John Piper, D.A. Carson, Albert Mohler, Mark Dever, Douglas Moo, and others. My intention is not to make it seem like the overwhelming majority of theologians hold to this view. The important thing is not who holds this view but whether or not it is biblical. The fact of the matter is Premillennialism is a very old view that became unpopular for a long time until the 20th century. All of these views have been dominant at one point or another which means we should not look to the most popular view but to the biblical one.
There are three different views on the rapture within Premillennialism so we will survey them over they next few weeks.
Stephen
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
How Would You Pray for Your Friends Awaiting Execution?
"O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, but with you there is light;I am lonely, but you do not leave me;I am feeble in heart,
but with you there is help;I am restless,
but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,but you know the way for me
Restore me to liberty,and enable me to live now
that I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised." Deitrick Bonhoffer
Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, but with you there is light;I am lonely, but you do not leave me;I am feeble in heart,
but with you there is help;I am restless,
but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,but you know the way for me
Restore me to liberty,and enable me to live now
that I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised." Deitrick Bonhoffer
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Gustav the Megaphone
"There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, 'Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.'" (Luke 13:1-5)
"Jesus treats wars and natural disasters not as agenda items in a discussion of the mysterious ways of God, but as incentives to repentance. It is as if he is saying that God uses disaster as a megaphone to call attention to our guilt and destination, to the imminence of his righteous judgment if he sees no repentance...Disaster is a call to repentance. Jesus might have added (as he does elsewhere) that peace and tranquility, which we do not deserve, show us God's goodness and forbearance." -D.A. Carson (How Long O Lord?, 61)
Pray for those affected by Hurricane Gustav but remember to thank Him for the calmness of the storm compared to what it could have been.
Stephen
"Jesus treats wars and natural disasters not as agenda items in a discussion of the mysterious ways of God, but as incentives to repentance. It is as if he is saying that God uses disaster as a megaphone to call attention to our guilt and destination, to the imminence of his righteous judgment if he sees no repentance...Disaster is a call to repentance. Jesus might have added (as he does elsewhere) that peace and tranquility, which we do not deserve, show us God's goodness and forbearance." -D.A. Carson (How Long O Lord?, 61)
Pray for those affected by Hurricane Gustav but remember to thank Him for the calmness of the storm compared to what it could have been.
Stephen
Monday, September 1, 2008
Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day!
All thy works with joy surround thee,
earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o'er us,
binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward,
in the triumph song of life. -Henry Van Dyke
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