1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
Defining the term "Eschatology"
As much as the scripture addresses issues of what Christ did and what He is doing in believers at this present time, it is equally important to realize that God's purpose for the future is also covered. This study of Bible doctrine is what Bible teachers call "Eschatology" or "study of last things" ("eschatos" = last and "ology" = study of).
Important distinctions: Definites, Positions and Opinions
In any area of doctrine in the scriptures there are some issues which are more "weighty" or more central to Christian identity than others. The first category are what I term "definites". A "definite" is a core doctrine that determines salvation. The second type of doctrine is what I term a "position". This is a doctrine that, though important, is not a determining matter on the nature of one's salvation. The third type of doctrine is what I term "opinions". These are doctrines which are "in-house" debates among Christians, which have valid scriptural support, and are by no-means determinate of one's salvation. With these categories understood, we can now list the eight major "definites" the comprise any discussion of Bible prophecy or "Eschatology":
8 major definite areas in Eschatology (or Bible Prophecy)
a. Christ's literal, bodily, visible return - By far the most important
b. Final Judgment
c. Resurrection
d. Satan will be finally defeated
e. The Saints will never suffer God's wrath
f. Everything the Bible says will come true
g. Christ is the focus of Bible prophecy
h. Hope in Christ is the goal and result of Bible Prophecy
Why Eschatology matters
As you look at those eight major "definites", each of them are innerconnected to each other. In surveying all of the major patterns of thought that have been promoted in the history of the church on Bible prophecy, these themes are the ones that are common to all. Chief among the list of definites is the first one: Christ's literal, bodily return.
These definites also impact other areas of doctrine. For instance the belief in the Final judgment impacts what I believe on the Sovereignty and goodness of God. When I realize that "everything that the Bible says will come true", it is based upon a high view of scripture - which states that the Bible is without error in every word.
Finally, knowing what are "definites" will enable me as a student of scripture to keep the "main thing the main thing". If for instance I develop a theory of Bible prophecy that leads more to despair and less focus on Jesus Christ, then I need to go back to the drawing board of scripture. In our next blog we will look at the various "positions" found in eschatology that flow from the "definites" just listed (see above definitions of these terms).
Welcome to Growing Christian Resources, where you can search over 2,500 resources pertaining to your Christian walk, the explanation and defense of the Christian worldview. For those desiring to dig-deeper into the scriptures, please check out www.biblicalexegete.wordpress.com.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thoughts towards the future
As I was thinking on what I had submitted in today's blog, I was struck once again by the wonderful prophetic hope we find in God's word.
The Bible can be summarize by four major events
When we consider the scope of biblical revelation, four events dominate the fabric of scripture:
1. The Bible's first big event - creation. Over 60 passages speak on the God of glory creating the heavens and earth in six 24 hour periods of time. Man was originally created sinless, yet capable of choosing for or against God. Genesis 1-2 are the chief chapters that deal with this event. Not only did God create what is seen, but also what is unseen - namely the angelic realm.
2. The Bible's second big event - the fall. From Genesis 3 onward we find the first and greatest catastrophe ,the fall. It is here where Adam and Eve broke the Covenant of works, having been tempted by the fallen angel Lucifer, who led a third of the angelic hosts astray and by himself, entered the garden of Eden in the form of a serpent. (Please compare Ezekiel 28, Revelation 12).
With the Covenant of works broken, God offered a second Covenant, the Covenant of grace. As God would repeat that second covenant in various forms through various people (like Abraham, David), two things were being assumed: that a redeemer would have to come and fulfill the first covenant that had been broken - the covenant of works, and that this same redeemer would also come to pay for and fullfill the Covenant of Grace.
3. The Bible's third big event, the cross. It was in God the Son assuming upon himself human flesh that led to the third event - namely His death, Burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven. For 33 years God in human flesh - Jesus Christ - lived in active, perfect obedience to the Father's will. According to Romans 5, Jesus Christ is the New Adam, who did accomplish the completion of the Covenant of works.
By doing that, Christ then submitted himself in obedience to the cross, thus purchasing the price for the Covenant of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that "by grace are you saved through faith, this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man should boast." Thus when I, called by grace, am positioned by God, I then by faith truly receive the benefits of all that Christ accomplished. The event of the cross truly becomes an experience in my life.
4. The Bible's fourth big event - Christ second coming. Following Christ's ascension into heaven, the apostles (the disciples who witnessed Jesus' life and ministry and who preached the gospel in the early church) were told that Christ would come back again. The Bible in both Old and New Testaments speaks about Christ's second coming, with eight times more mentionings of His second coming than His first coming! This event of course has yet to occur, however its of such great significance that it not only determines the purpose and end of history, but affects how Christians live their lives now (please compare 1 John 3:1-3).
Starting tomorrow, I want to focus our attention on what the Bible has to say about Christ's return and prophecy, with the aim of raising our hope and our eyes to our Imperial Majesty, Jesus Christ.
The Bible can be summarize by four major events
When we consider the scope of biblical revelation, four events dominate the fabric of scripture:
1. The Bible's first big event - creation. Over 60 passages speak on the God of glory creating the heavens and earth in six 24 hour periods of time. Man was originally created sinless, yet capable of choosing for or against God. Genesis 1-2 are the chief chapters that deal with this event. Not only did God create what is seen, but also what is unseen - namely the angelic realm.
2. The Bible's second big event - the fall. From Genesis 3 onward we find the first and greatest catastrophe ,the fall. It is here where Adam and Eve broke the Covenant of works, having been tempted by the fallen angel Lucifer, who led a third of the angelic hosts astray and by himself, entered the garden of Eden in the form of a serpent. (Please compare Ezekiel 28, Revelation 12).
With the Covenant of works broken, God offered a second Covenant, the Covenant of grace. As God would repeat that second covenant in various forms through various people (like Abraham, David), two things were being assumed: that a redeemer would have to come and fulfill the first covenant that had been broken - the covenant of works, and that this same redeemer would also come to pay for and fullfill the Covenant of Grace.
3. The Bible's third big event, the cross. It was in God the Son assuming upon himself human flesh that led to the third event - namely His death, Burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven. For 33 years God in human flesh - Jesus Christ - lived in active, perfect obedience to the Father's will. According to Romans 5, Jesus Christ is the New Adam, who did accomplish the completion of the Covenant of works.
By doing that, Christ then submitted himself in obedience to the cross, thus purchasing the price for the Covenant of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that "by grace are you saved through faith, this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man should boast." Thus when I, called by grace, am positioned by God, I then by faith truly receive the benefits of all that Christ accomplished. The event of the cross truly becomes an experience in my life.
4. The Bible's fourth big event - Christ second coming. Following Christ's ascension into heaven, the apostles (the disciples who witnessed Jesus' life and ministry and who preached the gospel in the early church) were told that Christ would come back again. The Bible in both Old and New Testaments speaks about Christ's second coming, with eight times more mentionings of His second coming than His first coming! This event of course has yet to occur, however its of such great significance that it not only determines the purpose and end of history, but affects how Christians live their lives now (please compare 1 John 3:1-3).
Starting tomorrow, I want to focus our attention on what the Bible has to say about Christ's return and prophecy, with the aim of raising our hope and our eyes to our Imperial Majesty, Jesus Christ.
The Trinity's intention in creating human beings - p2
Yesterday we looked at why the Triune God originally created human beings. We discovered that humanity cannot be defined apart from Christ, and that the only way one can discover what it means to be human is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Today we continue noting why it is that human beings were created, and why it is that our humanity makes no sense apart from the God of the Bible.
God had entered into covenant with man
Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2:16-17 form what is called by theologians "The Covenant of works". Quite simply put, God had given man the promise of inheritance to man. It was man's to take and man's right to rule over the earth. God had entered into covenant with man. All man had to do was obey four simple rules:
a. Be fruitful and muliply
b. Rule the earth and all in it
c. Eat freely from every tree in the garden
d. Not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil
If Adam and Eve obeyed these four simple rules, then their status as God's man and woman without sin would remain forever. This covenant arrangement was still based in grace, since God offered it freely from His own heart. The question of the hour would be: "would man follow through with all the God laid before him?" It certainly was within his ability - since he was created free from sin and able not to sin. However man was also created with a free will - meaning that at some point he would be given the opportunity to follow through or forfeit all that God had given him.
Only by Grace through, not works, can man discover his real identity
Man broke the original Covenant of works, so God had to offer one of Grace. That Covenant, revealed in God slaying to two animals in the place of Adam and Eve, and covering them with coats of skin, would be the only way man could now have relationship and fellowship with the Lord. By grace, through faith, in the shed blood of promise, would be the only way.
However man forfeited that when he rebelled against God in the Garden. The "title deed" to earth was transferred over from man's dominion to Satan's control. The only way the title deed was going to be returned back to its rightful owner would be if a man would come to both reclaim its rights and then take up complete dominion over the planet.
Jesus Christ, the New Adam, has done that very thing. (Please compare Romans 5) On the cross he defeated Satan and by right is the heir. All who by grace through faith trust in Christ, are considered co-heirs with him. (Please read Ephesians 2:6-9) We look forward to the time when Christ returns, and sets up His earthly kingdom, that his right as the heir will become a sure fact in His Kingly reign upon the earth. (Please read Revelation 20) God's original inheritance for man is regained through the New Adam The fact that God gave man the authority and privilege to rule the earth is proven in the title deed we see here in Genesis 1:26-30. Man was to be God's "co-regent" or "co-king". Every square inch of planet earth, every last form of life was to be under man's supervision.
God had entered into covenant with man
Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2:16-17 form what is called by theologians "The Covenant of works". Quite simply put, God had given man the promise of inheritance to man. It was man's to take and man's right to rule over the earth. God had entered into covenant with man. All man had to do was obey four simple rules:
a. Be fruitful and muliply
b. Rule the earth and all in it
c. Eat freely from every tree in the garden
d. Not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil
If Adam and Eve obeyed these four simple rules, then their status as God's man and woman without sin would remain forever. This covenant arrangement was still based in grace, since God offered it freely from His own heart. The question of the hour would be: "would man follow through with all the God laid before him?" It certainly was within his ability - since he was created free from sin and able not to sin. However man was also created with a free will - meaning that at some point he would be given the opportunity to follow through or forfeit all that God had given him.
Only by Grace through, not works, can man discover his real identity
Man broke the original Covenant of works, so God had to offer one of Grace. That Covenant, revealed in God slaying to two animals in the place of Adam and Eve, and covering them with coats of skin, would be the only way man could now have relationship and fellowship with the Lord. By grace, through faith, in the shed blood of promise, would be the only way.
However man forfeited that when he rebelled against God in the Garden. The "title deed" to earth was transferred over from man's dominion to Satan's control. The only way the title deed was going to be returned back to its rightful owner would be if a man would come to both reclaim its rights and then take up complete dominion over the planet.
Jesus Christ, the New Adam, has done that very thing. (Please compare Romans 5) On the cross he defeated Satan and by right is the heir. All who by grace through faith trust in Christ, are considered co-heirs with him. (Please read Ephesians 2:6-9) We look forward to the time when Christ returns, and sets up His earthly kingdom, that his right as the heir will become a sure fact in His Kingly reign upon the earth. (Please read Revelation 20) God's original inheritance for man is regained through the New Adam The fact that God gave man the authority and privilege to rule the earth is proven in the title deed we see here in Genesis 1:26-30. Man was to be God's "co-regent" or "co-king". Every square inch of planet earth, every last form of life was to be under man's supervision.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Trinity's intentions in creating human beings
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
By the time we reach this portion of the creation account in Genesis 1, God has already spoken 11 different times, creating everything from stars to moons to plants to animals. It is on this twelfth occasion that God addresses Himself and says the words: "Let us". Why the plural "us"? From what we have studied in previous blogs concerning the nature and character of God, we can say at least this early in the Bible that God is communicating within Himself, undoubtedly foreshadowing what would be the later revelation of God's Triune nature.
The significance of man being made in "God's image"
The fact God is wanting to create a creature unique from all other animate or inanimate created things means God is doing something on a grand scale. Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2 gives us the account of God's creation of the man and woman, Adam and Eve. Today we want to unfold the significance of the phrase "image of God" to understand how it gives us insight into God's purposes and character as it relates to relationship with human beings.
1.God alone can define man Mankind was to have "dominion" over three realms in the earth - "the sky, the land and the sea". Like God, man, (in a delegated sense) had the capacity to have authority, excercise rulership and manage the affairs of the domain under his supervision. Man alone was given the capacity to have a one on one relationship with God.
2. God desired to become man When God made man he gave him the name "Adam", which is the literal Hebrew word for "man". Whenever you take the name "Adam", you discover it is made up of two words. The first part "a" is an abbreviated form of the name of God "Adonai". The second part of "Adam" - "dam", comes from a Heebrew word meanin "blood". Whenever we consider these two words together, "Adam" literally means "Lord of the blood". Within the very name of "Adam" is spelled out the intent and plan of God that was agreed upon before man came on the seen. In fact, Genesis 5:2 tells us that God called the name of the man and woman together by the term "Adam", indicating that His plan of entering into the human bloodline was going to involve them both.
Tomorrow we will explore further the significant intentions God had in making human beings.
By the time we reach this portion of the creation account in Genesis 1, God has already spoken 11 different times, creating everything from stars to moons to plants to animals. It is on this twelfth occasion that God addresses Himself and says the words: "Let us". Why the plural "us"? From what we have studied in previous blogs concerning the nature and character of God, we can say at least this early in the Bible that God is communicating within Himself, undoubtedly foreshadowing what would be the later revelation of God's Triune nature.
The significance of man being made in "God's image"
The fact God is wanting to create a creature unique from all other animate or inanimate created things means God is doing something on a grand scale. Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2 gives us the account of God's creation of the man and woman, Adam and Eve. Today we want to unfold the significance of the phrase "image of God" to understand how it gives us insight into God's purposes and character as it relates to relationship with human beings.
1.God alone can define man Mankind was to have "dominion" over three realms in the earth - "the sky, the land and the sea". Like God, man, (in a delegated sense) had the capacity to have authority, excercise rulership and manage the affairs of the domain under his supervision. Man alone was given the capacity to have a one on one relationship with God.
2. God desired to become man When God made man he gave him the name "Adam", which is the literal Hebrew word for "man". Whenever you take the name "Adam", you discover it is made up of two words. The first part "a" is an abbreviated form of the name of God "Adonai". The second part of "Adam" - "dam", comes from a Heebrew word meanin "blood". Whenever we consider these two words together, "Adam" literally means "Lord of the blood". Within the very name of "Adam" is spelled out the intent and plan of God that was agreed upon before man came on the seen. In fact, Genesis 5:2 tells us that God called the name of the man and woman together by the term "Adam", indicating that His plan of entering into the human bloodline was going to involve them both.
Tomorrow we will explore further the significant intentions God had in making human beings.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Three Unbreakable Promises for daily living
Your Christian life can be likened to a ship, traveling upon the sea of life. At times that sea may be tranquil as glass, with the sails of your faith fully unfurled and the mast of your obedience pointed strait at the sun in a cloudless sky. At other times our Christian walk is that same ship, only the sea of life is a couldron of white capped waves. Our ship is being tossed about, the sails of faith are being ripped and the mast is creaking. We fear we will be capsized if Christ, the Master of the sea does not show up and speak into our lives.
I have found three incredible promises in Hebrews 13 that gives hope to Christians who are in that second description. Though our faith may flicker, God has promised that by His word it will not go out. Though our little ship, called the Christian walk, may threaten to capsize and be made shipwreck, yet in the hands of our Lord, it will not. May the three promises below anchor you today my friend, as they have anchored me.
Promise #1 Hebrews 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “(I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”
Promise #2 Hebrews 13:6 6 so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”
Promise #3 Hebrews 13:8 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
I have found three incredible promises in Hebrews 13 that gives hope to Christians who are in that second description. Though our faith may flicker, God has promised that by His word it will not go out. Though our little ship, called the Christian walk, may threaten to capsize and be made shipwreck, yet in the hands of our Lord, it will not. May the three promises below anchor you today my friend, as they have anchored me.
Promise #1 Hebrews 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “(I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”
Promise #2 Hebrews 13:6 6 so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”
Promise #3 Hebrews 13:8 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Cultivating Passion for God
2 Peter 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The past two blogs has dealt with defining the essence of the Christian life in its three main aspects: namely that it is practical, supernatural and doctrinal. As Peter penned those words by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he laid down one of the grandest summaries of the Christian walk in God's word. But now he did not merely leave us in the realm of theory. Peter puts legs on his grand summary and gives us a seven step process to cultivating Passion for God. This Passion for God involves living daily in the supernatural, practical and doctrinal realms.
Much more to the faith walk than just faith
Following our conversion to Christ by faith, their needs to be fruit issuing forth from the root of faith. Though we are saved by grace through faith alone, we are to remember that in the faith walk we are being sanctified by a faith that should never be alone. Notice what Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5-7 in cultivating Passion for God:
1. In your faith supply moral excellence 2 Peter 1:5
2. And in your moral excellence, knowledge 2 Peter 1:5
3. And in your knowledge, self-control 2 Peter 1:6
4. And in your self-control, perseverance 2 Peter 1:6
5. And in your perseverance, godliness 2 Peter 1:6
6. And in your godliness, brotherly kindness 2 Peter 1:7
7. And in your brotherly kindness, love.
Cultivating Passion for God is your responsibility
Did you notice the underlined word in all seven phrases? "Your". This tells us that in cultivating passion for God, I need to make the promises of salvation my own. I need to take possession, ownership of my passion for God - that is - personal involvement. As a Christ-follower, you and I are not called to be merely spectators in the stands but participators on the field.
God's Grace is necessary to cultivate passion
Now it may sound like that cultivating passion for God is a matter of us getting up enough gumption to go ahead and just do it. However the scripture here is quick to point out an important twin truth - namely that God's grace is necessary. As you look at those list of qualities (the ones in blue), whose are they? Are they generated by you - or are they given by God? Remember, 2 Peter 1:5-8 is based off of what we saw in 2 Peter 1:3-4. It is through the partaking of the Divine nature that I am given these seven graces. Many of them in fact are described by Paul in Galatians 5 as the "fruit of the Spirit".
So even though cultivating passion for God is my calling, my responsibility, my duty and should be my delight; yet it is only made possible by God's Grace. Galatians 2:20 summarizes this twin truth for us: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Oh may you and I Cultivate Passion for God by the Grace He gives us. For it is by the Grace made readily available that you and I can indeed live the supernatural, practical and doctrinal Christian life.
The past two blogs has dealt with defining the essence of the Christian life in its three main aspects: namely that it is practical, supernatural and doctrinal. As Peter penned those words by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he laid down one of the grandest summaries of the Christian walk in God's word. But now he did not merely leave us in the realm of theory. Peter puts legs on his grand summary and gives us a seven step process to cultivating Passion for God. This Passion for God involves living daily in the supernatural, practical and doctrinal realms.
Much more to the faith walk than just faith
Following our conversion to Christ by faith, their needs to be fruit issuing forth from the root of faith. Though we are saved by grace through faith alone, we are to remember that in the faith walk we are being sanctified by a faith that should never be alone. Notice what Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5-7 in cultivating Passion for God:
1. In your faith supply moral excellence 2 Peter 1:5
2. And in your moral excellence, knowledge 2 Peter 1:5
3. And in your knowledge, self-control 2 Peter 1:6
4. And in your self-control, perseverance 2 Peter 1:6
5. And in your perseverance, godliness 2 Peter 1:6
6. And in your godliness, brotherly kindness 2 Peter 1:7
7. And in your brotherly kindness, love.
Cultivating Passion for God is your responsibility
Did you notice the underlined word in all seven phrases? "Your". This tells us that in cultivating passion for God, I need to make the promises of salvation my own. I need to take possession, ownership of my passion for God - that is - personal involvement. As a Christ-follower, you and I are not called to be merely spectators in the stands but participators on the field.
God's Grace is necessary to cultivate passion
Now it may sound like that cultivating passion for God is a matter of us getting up enough gumption to go ahead and just do it. However the scripture here is quick to point out an important twin truth - namely that God's grace is necessary. As you look at those list of qualities (the ones in blue), whose are they? Are they generated by you - or are they given by God? Remember, 2 Peter 1:5-8 is based off of what we saw in 2 Peter 1:3-4. It is through the partaking of the Divine nature that I am given these seven graces. Many of them in fact are described by Paul in Galatians 5 as the "fruit of the Spirit".
So even though cultivating passion for God is my calling, my responsibility, my duty and should be my delight; yet it is only made possible by God's Grace. Galatians 2:20 summarizes this twin truth for us: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Oh may you and I Cultivate Passion for God by the Grace He gives us. For it is by the Grace made readily available that you and I can indeed live the supernatural, practical and doctrinal Christian life.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A Supernatural,Practical, Doctrinal Christianity - P2
Yesterday we explored the practical and doctrinal elements of the Christian life. Today we want to explore that third element: The Supernatural side.
Picture a 3-legged stool
When I think of the Christian walk, I picture a three-legged stool. The Christian life is all at one time a supernaturally practical, doctrinal lifestyle. It includes all three, not just two of the three or one of the three. All believers will gravitate to at least one of the legs more than the other two. Some are very practically minded, others love the intellectual challenges of deep doctrine and still others are more mystical in their Christianity. Peter is challenging us to be equally balanced in all three.
The Christian Walk is Supernatural
Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:4 "For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." The Christian life certainly includes the practical and doctrinal aspects that I wrote about yesterday - but it is so much more than that. It is indeed supernatural.
What does it mean to "partake of the Divine nature"?
This terms used by Peter is remarkable. In the original language it could be translated: "To draw one's common identity from the Divine life of God". How is it that our finite, creaturely existence can truly know and be known by the infinite God of glory? Colossians 2:9 uses the same word as Peter uses here in our text translated "Divine". Paul writes: "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form". That "Him" in the Colossians passage is Jesus Christ.
So it is in relationship and fellowship with Jesus Christ that I fellowship, have in common, the ability to know and interract with God. Without Jesus Christ, believers could never have any interraction with the Lord.
It must be recalled the God the Son partook of our human nature
In order for truly fellowship between God and believers to be a reality, God had to make the first move. Hebrews 2:14-15 states: "Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." That word there for "partook" is the same word used by Peter here in 2 Peter 1:4 - i.e "fellowship, have in common".
To partake simply means to have a common, shared experience with one another
Now take these two passages together, 2 Peter 1:4 and Hebrews 2:14-15, and you will see two incredible, supernatural truths emerge about you own Christian identity:
1. Just as Christ entered into the human experience by partaking of a human nature, as a believer, I can, through Christ, enter into experiencing life with God Himself by partaking of the Divine nature.
2. Just as Christ got to experience the limitations of human life without ever ceasing to be God, I get the chance, through Christ, to experience the unlimited joy and love going on in the Trinity while still remaining human.
A Christian is a supernatural human being
I heard one preacher describe all that we have talking about in this way: "The day I became a Christian, natural me, by faith, stepped into supernatural Jesus, and Supernatural Jesus stepped into natural me, thus making me supernatural." This is why the supernatural aspect of the Christian life is not confined only to the realm of the five senses.
I believe for instance that when I pray, what I pray for here can affect someone across town. How is that? I'm localized, still a creature. Yet Christ in me is living His life out through me. The Holy Spirit residing in my human spirit can sense nuances of situations and life that otherwise would be closed off from my eyes and ears.
Or how about in a church service when the Bible is preached. How is it that you can get insight into a situation from hearing the preaching of a given text, and yet your neighbor walks away with another insight? How is it that it seems that preacher made that sermon for you, and the hundreds of others in that service? It wasn't the preacher reading your mail that day - it was the Holy Spirit of God who authored the Bible that you're reading.
These are common examples of everyday, supernatural Christianity. In its doctrinal, practical and supernatural aspects, the Christian life is indeed remarkable.
Picture a 3-legged stool
When I think of the Christian walk, I picture a three-legged stool. The Christian life is all at one time a supernaturally practical, doctrinal lifestyle. It includes all three, not just two of the three or one of the three. All believers will gravitate to at least one of the legs more than the other two. Some are very practically minded, others love the intellectual challenges of deep doctrine and still others are more mystical in their Christianity. Peter is challenging us to be equally balanced in all three.
The Christian Walk is Supernatural
Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:4 "For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." The Christian life certainly includes the practical and doctrinal aspects that I wrote about yesterday - but it is so much more than that. It is indeed supernatural.
What does it mean to "partake of the Divine nature"?
This terms used by Peter is remarkable. In the original language it could be translated: "To draw one's common identity from the Divine life of God". How is it that our finite, creaturely existence can truly know and be known by the infinite God of glory? Colossians 2:9 uses the same word as Peter uses here in our text translated "Divine". Paul writes: "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form". That "Him" in the Colossians passage is Jesus Christ.
So it is in relationship and fellowship with Jesus Christ that I fellowship, have in common, the ability to know and interract with God. Without Jesus Christ, believers could never have any interraction with the Lord.
It must be recalled the God the Son partook of our human nature
In order for truly fellowship between God and believers to be a reality, God had to make the first move. Hebrews 2:14-15 states: "Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." That word there for "partook" is the same word used by Peter here in 2 Peter 1:4 - i.e "fellowship, have in common".
To partake simply means to have a common, shared experience with one another
Now take these two passages together, 2 Peter 1:4 and Hebrews 2:14-15, and you will see two incredible, supernatural truths emerge about you own Christian identity:
1. Just as Christ entered into the human experience by partaking of a human nature, as a believer, I can, through Christ, enter into experiencing life with God Himself by partaking of the Divine nature.
2. Just as Christ got to experience the limitations of human life without ever ceasing to be God, I get the chance, through Christ, to experience the unlimited joy and love going on in the Trinity while still remaining human.
A Christian is a supernatural human being
I heard one preacher describe all that we have talking about in this way: "The day I became a Christian, natural me, by faith, stepped into supernatural Jesus, and Supernatural Jesus stepped into natural me, thus making me supernatural." This is why the supernatural aspect of the Christian life is not confined only to the realm of the five senses.
I believe for instance that when I pray, what I pray for here can affect someone across town. How is that? I'm localized, still a creature. Yet Christ in me is living His life out through me. The Holy Spirit residing in my human spirit can sense nuances of situations and life that otherwise would be closed off from my eyes and ears.
Or how about in a church service when the Bible is preached. How is it that you can get insight into a situation from hearing the preaching of a given text, and yet your neighbor walks away with another insight? How is it that it seems that preacher made that sermon for you, and the hundreds of others in that service? It wasn't the preacher reading your mail that day - it was the Holy Spirit of God who authored the Bible that you're reading.
These are common examples of everyday, supernatural Christianity. In its doctrinal, practical and supernatural aspects, the Christian life is indeed remarkable.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
A Supernatural, Practical, Doctrinal Christianity - P1
2 Peter 1:3-4 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
One of Jesus' twelve disciples, Peter, penned the above words as the Holy Spirit guided him by divine inspiration over 2,000 years ago. In them contain a glorious summary of the Christian life. In today's blog I want to explore the essence of this entire blog site, with the thought of laying out the Christian life in its three aspects: Supernatural, Practical and Doctrinal elements.
The Christian Life is Practical
Peter writes: "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness". This one verse covers all the bases. We see how God has given to the Christian everything needed for the everyday demands of Christian living in the 21st century. Now what do those demands entail? Peter states that this "everything" pertains to two overlapping realms: "life" and "godliness". For the believer, you can't have life without godliness, nor can you have godliness with no life. Life without godliness leads you into the ditch of worldliness and compromise. On the same token, godliness without life leads you into the ditch of legalism and religion. The practical Christian walk is both "life" and "godliness".
The Christian Life is Doctrinal
Peter goes onward by saying next: "through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises". Is it possible to be effective in the practical Christian life without doctrine? From the pen of the great Apostle, the answer is obvious - it is impossible. How I live hinges on what I believe. What is "true knowledge"? How do I know the difference? The answer is doctrine. The Bible of course is the source book to which I go in search of "The true Knowledge", and doctrine is the vocabulary I use in placing the Bible's teaching into my mind, my heart and my life.
It is evident that what Peter is aiming at is not merely the "message" of the scriptures, but the very "words". How do we know this? Peter mentions the the term "promises". Over 30,000 promises exist in the Bible. When I study the scripture, I need to be answering some basic questions: Is there a command to obey? A Principle to Apply? An example to follow? A promise to claim? A sin to avoid? An attribute of God to delight in? It is in the realm of questions like these that I begin to mine the caverans of the Bible for gold, silver and precious stone. Doctrine is the pearl necklace that is worn by the church and the saints of God. (Please compare Titus 2:10)
With these first two thoughts, we are well underway into establishing a better understanding of the Christian life. Tomorrow we will look into that third aspect fo the Christian life - the supernatural.
One of Jesus' twelve disciples, Peter, penned the above words as the Holy Spirit guided him by divine inspiration over 2,000 years ago. In them contain a glorious summary of the Christian life. In today's blog I want to explore the essence of this entire blog site, with the thought of laying out the Christian life in its three aspects: Supernatural, Practical and Doctrinal elements.
The Christian Life is Practical
Peter writes: "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness". This one verse covers all the bases. We see how God has given to the Christian everything needed for the everyday demands of Christian living in the 21st century. Now what do those demands entail? Peter states that this "everything" pertains to two overlapping realms: "life" and "godliness". For the believer, you can't have life without godliness, nor can you have godliness with no life. Life without godliness leads you into the ditch of worldliness and compromise. On the same token, godliness without life leads you into the ditch of legalism and religion. The practical Christian walk is both "life" and "godliness".
The Christian Life is Doctrinal
Peter goes onward by saying next: "through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises". Is it possible to be effective in the practical Christian life without doctrine? From the pen of the great Apostle, the answer is obvious - it is impossible. How I live hinges on what I believe. What is "true knowledge"? How do I know the difference? The answer is doctrine. The Bible of course is the source book to which I go in search of "The true Knowledge", and doctrine is the vocabulary I use in placing the Bible's teaching into my mind, my heart and my life.
It is evident that what Peter is aiming at is not merely the "message" of the scriptures, but the very "words". How do we know this? Peter mentions the the term "promises". Over 30,000 promises exist in the Bible. When I study the scripture, I need to be answering some basic questions: Is there a command to obey? A Principle to Apply? An example to follow? A promise to claim? A sin to avoid? An attribute of God to delight in? It is in the realm of questions like these that I begin to mine the caverans of the Bible for gold, silver and precious stone. Doctrine is the pearl necklace that is worn by the church and the saints of God. (Please compare Titus 2:10)
With these first two thoughts, we are well underway into establishing a better understanding of the Christian life. Tomorrow we will look into that third aspect fo the Christian life - the supernatural.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Hell and the question of fairness
Yesterday we began looking at the difficult doctrine of hell - with particular focus upon Jesus' account of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. We noted how this chapter in Luke helps us to understand this difficult, but nonetheless true teaching of scripture. Today we want to deal with an even more difficult issue: the fairness of hell. Below is a continuation of yesterday's discussion.
IS HELL TOO SEVERE OF A PUNISHMENT?
When we see the attitudes and words of this rich man, we can say that he got what he deserved. But now we ask: is the punishment too severe?
1. Consider the Nature of the Offended
To deny the fairness of hell as punishment, as well as its eternal duration, is to not grasp the nature of the sinner's offense against God. God is an infinite being. When we look at the concept of justice and punishment, the punishment of the offender always fits the nature of the offense committed against the offended.
2. The nature of the offended party determines the nature of the punishment
If the offended party is a finite creature, then a finite punishment would be warranted. However, God is not finite, but infinite. To do violence to His reputation in any form is sin. Being that His reputation (His glory) is without limit, then any attack against Him is regarded an infinite attack.
3. God is Just and Loving
Romans 9:22-23 reveals that it will take eternity to put on display the glory of God's justice and mercy. Heaven was created for the redeemed, since God through them will be displaying the glory of His mercy. Hell was created for the devil and his angels, and by default, all those who follow the enemy and die without Christ. Thus God will be displaying the glory of His justice for all eternity.
So when we consider those three points above, we can only conclude that in light of the attack that sin is on God's inifinite Holy character, Hell, sadly but truly, is not an unfair punishment.
IF THERE WAS NO HELL, WE WOULD NEVER KNOW IF GOD WAS A GOD OF JUSTICE When Christ suffered on the cross, He suffered God's wrath in the place of all who would ever believe on Him. He also suffered in the place of the rest of humanity to give them space and time for repentance. Even though Christ's death in the historical sense was for all men, yet in the eternal sense His death was to be applied to all who would ever believe. Thus God displayed His justice and grace in the cross. For those who die rejecting Christ, they will suffer in hell because they never took advantage of the grace poured out at the cross. Thus as difficult as the doctrine of hell is, without it we could never say God is Just and fair. In order for God to be a good God, He has to be a Just and Loving God.
IS HELL TOO SEVERE OF A PUNISHMENT?
When we see the attitudes and words of this rich man, we can say that he got what he deserved. But now we ask: is the punishment too severe?
1. Consider the Nature of the Offended
To deny the fairness of hell as punishment, as well as its eternal duration, is to not grasp the nature of the sinner's offense against God. God is an infinite being. When we look at the concept of justice and punishment, the punishment of the offender always fits the nature of the offense committed against the offended.
2. The nature of the offended party determines the nature of the punishment
If the offended party is a finite creature, then a finite punishment would be warranted. However, God is not finite, but infinite. To do violence to His reputation in any form is sin. Being that His reputation (His glory) is without limit, then any attack against Him is regarded an infinite attack.
3. God is Just and Loving
Romans 9:22-23 reveals that it will take eternity to put on display the glory of God's justice and mercy. Heaven was created for the redeemed, since God through them will be displaying the glory of His mercy. Hell was created for the devil and his angels, and by default, all those who follow the enemy and die without Christ. Thus God will be displaying the glory of His justice for all eternity.
So when we consider those three points above, we can only conclude that in light of the attack that sin is on God's inifinite Holy character, Hell, sadly but truly, is not an unfair punishment.
IF THERE WAS NO HELL, WE WOULD NEVER KNOW IF GOD WAS A GOD OF JUSTICE When Christ suffered on the cross, He suffered God's wrath in the place of all who would ever believe on Him. He also suffered in the place of the rest of humanity to give them space and time for repentance. Even though Christ's death in the historical sense was for all men, yet in the eternal sense His death was to be applied to all who would ever believe. Thus God displayed His justice and grace in the cross. For those who die rejecting Christ, they will suffer in hell because they never took advantage of the grace poured out at the cross. Thus as difficult as the doctrine of hell is, without it we could never say God is Just and fair. In order for God to be a good God, He has to be a Just and Loving God.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Difficult Doctrine of Hell
Today we begin delving into the difficult doctrine of Hell. Jesus states why it was originally created: for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Today we are going to look at the fairness of hell as it pertains to the destiny of those who die without Christ. Now when we speak of the "fairness of hell", we are referring to the Justice of God. We must also hasten to add that in speaking of hell's fairness, we do not take away from the sorrow and horror of hell, nor do we grieve any less over those who die without Christ.
In Luke 16 we see the clearest explanation on the place where unbeliever's go who die without Christ. Despite what some may teach, Luke 16:19-31 is a literal account of an actual event that Jesus is using to teach on hell.
WHY DO UNBELIEVERS WHO DIE GO TO HELL IF HELL WAS MADE FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS? Those who are born into this world are under the dominion and authority of Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 3:10). Jesus referred to the Pharisees as having as their father "satan" in John 8:44. When we explore Genesis 3:15, we discover the term "seed" as referring to that portion of humanity who refuse to believe on the "Seed" of Eve - Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:1-3 also reminds us that all human beings are "children of wrath" and "children of disobedience". Thus the destiny of unbelievers who die without Christ is the same as satan because they are alligned in their mindset and their wills with his program. Their hatred of God, their disregard for the law of God all reveal the nature of their heart (please compare Romans 3:13-23).
WHY HELL IS FAIR When we look at Luke 16, we can note the attitudes and words of this rich man who went to hell:
1. There is no repentance in hell. (Luke 16:24) If this rich man would had been crying out to God, acknowledging His wrongdoing and betrayal of God's Holy character, then we could say hell is unfair. However when you look at what the rich man is saying here, he is more concerned with his own comfort than anything else. Whatever characterized him in his time on earth will be magnified in hell. The reality of the flames and pain of torment also show us that Hell is a real place.
2. There is remembrance in hell. (Luke 16:27-28) This rich man was very conscious of the fact that his brothers were still alive on earth. Again, despite the fact he wants them to be warned of avoiding his fate, the message is not centered on repentance, or getting right with God through the shed blood.
3. There is no regard for the authority of God's word (Luke 16:30) The rich man viewed his opinion as carrying more weight than the law of God. He thought that by sending Lazarus back from the dead, perhaps the brothers would repent. True self righteousness will attempt to do God's will apart from the cross and apart from the word. People in hell will never acknowledge nor agree with the verdict of God's word in the realm of salvation. They will still insist on their way. This rich man still wanted Lazarus to do his bidding. The last thing he would ever acknowledge is the uniqueness of God's word to warn and convict sinners.
In Luke 16 we see the clearest explanation on the place where unbeliever's go who die without Christ. Despite what some may teach, Luke 16:19-31 is a literal account of an actual event that Jesus is using to teach on hell.
WHY DO UNBELIEVERS WHO DIE GO TO HELL IF HELL WAS MADE FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS? Those who are born into this world are under the dominion and authority of Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 3:10). Jesus referred to the Pharisees as having as their father "satan" in John 8:44. When we explore Genesis 3:15, we discover the term "seed" as referring to that portion of humanity who refuse to believe on the "Seed" of Eve - Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:1-3 also reminds us that all human beings are "children of wrath" and "children of disobedience". Thus the destiny of unbelievers who die without Christ is the same as satan because they are alligned in their mindset and their wills with his program. Their hatred of God, their disregard for the law of God all reveal the nature of their heart (please compare Romans 3:13-23).
WHY HELL IS FAIR When we look at Luke 16, we can note the attitudes and words of this rich man who went to hell:
1. There is no repentance in hell. (Luke 16:24) If this rich man would had been crying out to God, acknowledging His wrongdoing and betrayal of God's Holy character, then we could say hell is unfair. However when you look at what the rich man is saying here, he is more concerned with his own comfort than anything else. Whatever characterized him in his time on earth will be magnified in hell. The reality of the flames and pain of torment also show us that Hell is a real place.
2. There is remembrance in hell. (Luke 16:27-28) This rich man was very conscious of the fact that his brothers were still alive on earth. Again, despite the fact he wants them to be warned of avoiding his fate, the message is not centered on repentance, or getting right with God through the shed blood.
3. There is no regard for the authority of God's word (Luke 16:30) The rich man viewed his opinion as carrying more weight than the law of God. He thought that by sending Lazarus back from the dead, perhaps the brothers would repent. True self righteousness will attempt to do God's will apart from the cross and apart from the word. People in hell will never acknowledge nor agree with the verdict of God's word in the realm of salvation. They will still insist on their way. This rich man still wanted Lazarus to do his bidding. The last thing he would ever acknowledge is the uniqueness of God's word to warn and convict sinners.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)