Ordo Salutis: Faith and Regeneration: Test Case John 3, Part Two

Series Part One

Ordo Salutis: Faith and Regeneration: Test Case John 3, Part Two

By way of review, part one of this series began with a discussion of the events of John chapter three between Nicodemus and Jesus concerning being the idea of being "born again."  The first portion of the conversation focuses on this idea of being "born again."  However, even though well-intended,  the following verses discussing another variable are often left out by those emphasizing the priority of regeneration before that of faith.  It must be acknowledged, many (I would suggest both sides) believe that both divine sovereignty and human responsibility are both necessary.  The difference again remains as to whether there is an actual exegetical basis for placing a chronological priority to one of these two.  

Beginning in verse nine the context shifts toward another variable, namely "faith" or "believing."  Notice the weight of verbs (including the verb parsing for the Greek grammarians out there).  This new verb was not mentioned earlier but not is the focus of the conversation:

(v. 12) "and ye believe not" (present active indicative) and "how shall ye believe" (future active indicative)

Nicodemus was not presently believing a certain kind of content "earthly things."  Jesus follows changing the verb tense if Nicodemus is not believing now this level of content how will he in the future believe a different kind of content "heavenly things."  The content of course having its authoritative source in Christ himself who has come from heaven to earth.

Jesus immediately turns to an Old Testament illustration found within a historical narrative passage (which Jesus believed to be true), "the serpent in the wilderness" found in Num 21:4-9.  By way of comparison, Jesus references the serpent on the pole and his own death on the cross,  He follows with a purpose clause in verse 15, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish" (present active participle).

Take note that just as in the wilderness, if you wanted to be healed the individual had to look at the serpent on the pole.  Same concept, if you don't want to perish, then you must individually and continuously believe the gospel.  Not just a moments prayer or walking an aisle.  It is a ongoing trust and dependence on Christ alone.  

Jesus himself continues with and explanation.  Note the connecting preposition "for" in verse 16.  The second clause in verse 16 repeats verse 15, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish" (present active participle).  Jesus repeats the same present tense concept for faith.

Jesus completes the concept of faith by noting it's relationship with condemnation.  He states first (v. 18), "He that believeth on him is not condemned" (present active participle).  Same parsing a third time in a present tense verb.  Continuous faith in the object "on him," keeps the person out of condemnation.  It is also important to see the contrast, "but he that believeth not is condemned already" (present active participle).

Seems to me that both aspects are mentioned in the gospel of John chapter three.  Both the new birth and faith.  Jesus addresses the concepts of "the kingdom of God" (vv. 3, 5) and "eternal life" (vv. 15, 16) using both terminology.  Is God absolutely in control in the regeneration of unbelievers?  Yes  Is .man absolutely responsible to believe the gospel?  Yes.  Both are true.

How you handle this issue has massive theological (and yes even exegetical) affects on other related doctrines, especially in our present day discussions of progressive sanctification.
Hope this helps anyone struggling with this issue or tempted to embrace the extreme positions.  Both are true.

Book Review and Recommendation: Not By Chance (Learning to Trust a Sovereign God) By Layton Talbert

Not By Chance (Learning to Trust a Sovereign God) By Layton Talbert (BJU Press: Greenville, SC), 2001.

I highly recommend this book.  I have read through the book several times as well as taught through this book in a local church to adults.  Many adults mentioned the content was a blessing and encouragement to them as well.

Expect to be thoroughly challenged with the scriptures.  Expect to have the text of scripture as the focus of attention not theological systems regardless of their popularity in evangelical circles.

Appendix E is always a challenge and good reminder to read.  It is entitled, "Salvation: Divine Determination or Human Responsibility?"  For those who have chosen to champion any one particular soteriological  (salvation) grid, don't expect to get a pat on the back.

Consider the Table of Contents below:

Ch. 1 Who is in Charge?
Ch. 2 What is Providence?
Ch. 3 The Preserving Providence of God over Man
Ch. 4 The Preserving Providence of God over Creation
Ch. 5 Governing Providence: A Case Study
Ch. 6 The Mystery of Providence
Ch. 7 The Means of Providence
Ch. 8 Silent Providence
Ch. 9 Problems of Providence
Ch. 10 Providence in the Incarnation of Christ
Ch. 11 Providence in the Passion of Christ
Ch. 12 Providence in the Church
Ch. 13 Providence and Prayer

May this book be a challenge and encouragement in your walk with Christ.  Blessings.

Thoughts on Christmas and Providence: Part Two

This brief article will present several aspects of providence displayed during the Christmas season (well at least they all were together about 2000 years ago).  By way of reminder concerning providence in relation to the events of Christmas, "God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least;" (Quoted from a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch. 5 "Providence" para. one).

Consider several events from the gospel of Luke in relation to the Christmas season (in order as they appear in the text):

1. Conception and Birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:5-7)

"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth"

In perfect timing as priest in the temple.  Under God's direction in perfect detail.  How do you explain this perfect timing?

2. Zacharias's Lot (Lk 1:9)

"According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord"

Just think anyone else could have been serving as priest, but it was Zacharias, the father of John (who would be the Messiah's fore runner).  Later Zacharias will respond to the birth of his son John with what is known in Latin as the Benedictus.

3. Conception of the Messiah (Lk 1:26-38)

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary"

An angel comes to an engaged couple, Joseph and Mary.  A young virgin conceives miraculously by the Holy Spirit.  Both parent would provide the perfect lineage needed for the Messiah to sit on "the throne of his father David (Lk 1:32).  In the following context we have Mary's response commonly identified in Latin as Mary's Magnificat.

4. The Census (Lk 2:1-6)

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed."

Consider the exact order from the secular unbelieving government which caused Joseph and Mary to leave for Bethlehem.  It could have been any other time for a census but under God's direct and man's operation, a decree went out at this exact time.

5. The Messiah's Birth (Lk 2:6-7)

" And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn"

In God's providence Mary gives birth to Jesus while in the town of Bethlehem.  Housing provided for under God's supervision.

6. The Shepherds (Lk 2:8-20)

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night"

Shepherds in the fields fulfilling their regular occupation and they are recipients of God's message to them.  They could have been anywhere but these shepherds had moved their sheep to the exact location where they would be found and receive a glorious message of the Messiah's birth.

7. Simeon and Anna (Lk 2:25-38)

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him."

"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity"

Both of these individuals served in a temple role at the exact time the Messiah would be brought according to Old Testament custom (2:27).  As a result of this we have Simeon's response known in Latin as the Nunc Dimittis.

The other gospels include further details not commented on here.  Well at least three other details.
All these people in perfect placement for God's gift to the world in the Messiah.  Hope this was a blessing on this Lord's Day morning following Christmas.

Songs for the Suffering Servant: Singing on Christmas Day!

 

We are encouraged to sing during the Christmas Season!
Consider what texts follow the three of the four Servant-Songs found in the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.  (Take note of the fact that these songs have an application beyond the nation of Israel to the Gentiles).

Isaiah 42:1-7 (The Lord's Servant and Spiritual Blindness)  

• This servant will be light and judgment to the Gentiles (vv. 1, 6)
• This servant was called by the creator of the heavens and earth (so God as creator matters) (v. 5)
• Note the Exhortation immediately following (Isa 42: 10-12):

"Sing unto the LORD a new song, And his praise from the end of the earth,

 Ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; The isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

  Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, The villages that Kedar doth inhabit:

  Let the inhabitants of the rock sing,

  Let them shout from the top of the mountains.

  Let them give glory unto the LORD, And declare his praise in the islands."

Isaiah 49:1-12 (The Lord's Servant and Salvation)

• This servant was determined for this mission before birth (vv. 1, 5)
• Special Note: The servant was a person and precious before birth, not a thing.
• This servant again is a light and salvation to the Gentiles (v. 6)
• Note the Exhortation following (Isa 49:13):

"Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth;

  And break forth into singing, O mountains:

  For the LORD hath comforted his people, And will have mercy upon his afflicted."

Isaiah 52:13-52:12 (The Suffering Servant)

• This servant will bring peace and salvation to the Gentiles (vv. 9-10, 15)
• This servant will be a substitution for the sins of the people "for our transgressions" "for our iniquities" "the LORD hath laid on him" "he shall bear their iniquities" (vv. 4-6, 11-12)
• This servant will also be a high priest for sinners "made intercession" (v. 12)
• Note the exhortation within the section and immediately following (52:8-9, 54:1):

"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; With the voice together shall they sing:

 For they shall see eye to eye, When the LORD shall bring again Zion.

 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem:

 For the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem."

"Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear;

 Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child:

 For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD."

Merry Christmas!  Don't forget to sing about God's Servant (Jesus) this Christmas season.  Do it at home and in church.  We enjoyed caroling for all our neighbors going house to house as a family.  Singing Christmas hymns and delivering gifts and lifting up the Savior in song.

Book Reviews and Recommendations: Has the Church Replaced Israel? A Theological Evaluation. By Michael J. Vlach

Has the Church Replaced Israel? A Theological Evaluation. By. Michael J. Vlach (Broadman & Holman Academic: Nashville), 2010.

This book was a blessing to read.  I have heard him speak before on this topic and it was just as challenging.  There is a strong pull today to embrace a covenant-based Ecclesiology including Eschatology.  Especially when many of the coalition-type groups are stacked with speakers and writers of that particular theological position.  I encourage anyone tempted to abandon Dispensationalism for anything else to strongly consider this text.  There still is strong exegetical-based reasons for holding to Dispensatsional Premillennialism.

See also the Review and Recommandation of Vlach's other text entitled "Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths."

Consider the table of contents:

Part One: Introduction to Supersessionism

Ch. 1 What is Supersessionism?
Ch. 2 Supersessionism and the Future of Israel

Part Two: Supersessionism in Church History

Ch. 3 Factors Leading to Supersessionism
Ch. 4 Supersessionism in the Patristic Era
Ch. 5 Supersessionism in the Medieval Era
Ch. 6 Supersessionism in the Reformation Era
Ch. 7 Supersessionism in the Modern Era

Part Three: Supersessionism and Hermeneutics

Ch. 8 The Hermeneutics of Supersessionism
Ch. 9 Evaluating the Hermeneutics of Supersessionism
Ch. 10 The Hermeneutics of Nonsupersessionism

Part Four: Supersessionism and Theological Arguments

Ch. 11 Theological Arguments for Supersessionism
Ch. 12 Supersessionism and Romans 11:26
Ch. 13 Evaluating the Theological Arguments of Supersessionism
Ch. 14 God's Future Plan for Nations
Ch. 15 A Case for the Restoration of National Israel, Part One
Ch. 16 A Case for the Restoration of National Israel, Part Two

Book Review: Killing Calvinism (How to Destroy a Perfectly Good Theology from the Inside) By. Greg Dutcher

Killing Calvinism. (How to Destroy a Perfectly Good Theology from the Inside).
By. Greg Dutcher (2012, Cruciform Press)

I think he nails the head on many of these topics.  Aside from my exegetical reasons for not believing in this theological system, he provides some strong reasons for why this particular theological system is a turn off for many evangelicals.  I by personal testimony give hearty agreement to some of the issues he raises and still remained unconvinced as to his attempts to respond to the problems.  One thing I did enjoy is his ending each chapter with a prayer of confession for the specific sins addressed in the chapter.
Please note the chapters in the Table of Contents below:

Chapter One: By Loving Calvinism as an End in Itself

Chapter Two: By Becoming a Theologian instead of a Disciple

Chapter Three: By Loving God's Sovereignty more than God Himself

Chapter Four: By Losing an Urgency in Evangelism

Chapter Five: By Learning Only from other Calvinists

Chapter Six: By Tidying up the Bibles "Loose Ends"

Chapter Seven: By Being an Arrogant Know-it-all

Chapter Eight: By Scoffing at the Hang-ups other have with Calvinism Afterward

(Full review in the works).

Book Review: What is the Mission of the Church? (Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission)

What is the Mission of the Church?
(Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission)
By. Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert (2011, Crossway)

This book served to be a valuable resource while completing my Th.M. at DBTS.
In wake of current fretting on social justice issue in broader evangelicalism, I would like to recommend this book to challenge the various sides on this issue. Please consider the breadth of issues appearing in the table of contents.  I recommend this book to those who are struggling with these issues within the local church.  The exegetical handling of the gospels to address the way they are used and abused for social justice issues alone is worth the price of the book.

Part One: Understanding Our Mission

Chapter 1: A common world in need of a careful definition

Chapter 2:  Understanding our categories

Part Two: Understanding Our Categories

Chapter 3: The whole story (seeing the Biblical narrative from the top of Golgotha)

Chapter 4: Are we missing the whole Gospel?

Chapter 5: Kings and Kingdoms

Chapter 6: Making sense of Social Justice (Exposition)

Chapter 7: Making sense of Social Justice (Application)

Chapter 8: Seeking Shalom

Part Three: Understanding what we do and why we do it.

Chapter 9: Zealous for good works

Chapter 10: The Great Commision Mission

Epilogue: So You're thinking of starting a new kind of Church?

Thoughts on Christmas and Biblical Prophecy: Part One

Christmas is almost upon us once again.  Many of us have large evergreen shaped objects standing in one room of our houses, lights hanging up, wreaths, and wallets perhaps a little smaller than they were a month ago.  School is out and the kids are home (whatever the age).  With all this in mind, I would like to provide some thoughts on this season from Scripture.  I wish to provide an article on Christmas and prophecy and then a follow up article on Christmas and Providence.

Immediately upon opening up your English NT the first scene involving this Christmas season is Matthew chapter one.  The narrative flow is fairly simple: an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, relays verbal content about the Messiah's birth (including OT quotation), he wakes up, time lapse, he names his son Jesus. (End chapter one).

Our concern in this narrative discussion is the verse quoted in 22-23, where the angel quotes a prophecy first penned by Isaiah the prophet.  Several facts are worth noting for our encouragement this Christmas season.

First, verse 22 records, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet."  This formula, "that it might be fulfilled" is repeated multiple times in the gospel of Matthew at least sixteen times (multiple times from this same prophet).  Repeatedly Matthew displays to his Jewish audience the fulfillment of their own scriptures in the Messiah.

Second, this same verse records the same mysterious dual authorship concept "spoken of the Lord by the prophet."  We could add in other scriptural texts to flesh out a full theology of scripture but put simply, God revealed the information to the human author and the human author wrote down this information in his own language.  These two verses alone include the concepts of revelation, inspiration and preservation. 

Third, verse 23 is a quotation of the LXX (a Greek translation of the OT Hebrew text).  Note the following from the underlying Greek text from Matthew 1:23:

Ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσουσιν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἐμμανουήλ,

Note the LXX translation in parallel from Isaiah 7:14:

ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Εμμανουηλ,

The only difference is the parsing of the verb "to call" (the verb marked with a red font).  In Mt 1 the verb is a future active indicative third person plural.  In Isa 14 the verb is a future active indicative second person singular.   Check out the surrounding context of each.  See if you can figure out which subject(s) might be singular and which plural? (I realize some will be able to read the text and others will not).  Note the audience and pronouns.

Fourth, concerning the OT quotation, the LXX helps to remove any confusion.  This is not just a young maiden but a virgin who "shall conceive."  Study this out on your own, Hebrew, Greek and English.  For those of you using the RSV take note here and the follow up changes found in the ESV.  (Please don't take this as a warning or endorsement of either English translation).

Lastly, we shall consider the name "Immanuel."  Matt 1:23 explains for the reader the identification of this child, "God with us."  This is one of many defining doctrines of Biblical Christianity.  This child was not just a man, a good man, a good teacher, a perfect man only, or simply "a" god, but this is the second person of the Trinity coming to earth, God in flesh (Jn 1:14) "and the word became flesh and dwelt among us."  And don't forget this child had a mission, "for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matt 1:21).

There are many more jewels in this text.  I provided only a few.  This is real prophecy fulfilled in scriptural terms.  Mine out the details with a pick and shovel and make them yours.  Don't forget this research was done in seconds with Logos 6.  You could do likewise with Bibleworks, Accordance, or a freebie called E-Sword.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

---

Logos 6 Face lift

Logos 6 Face lift

For all you Logos enthusiasts, in case you haven't noticed Logos got a face lift with new features.

I've been using Logos for almost seven years and love it.

The discounts are great for those who qualify.  The ability to do advanced searches through Biblical text, journals, books, and multiple grammars is excellent.

I highly recommend it.  As far as I can tell it is still available for both Windows and Mac.

For those still using Logos 5, you can actually upgrade to Logos 6 for free.  

Enjoy your Christmas.

Book Recommendation "God Rest Ye Merry: Why Christmas is the foundation for Everything" By. Douglas Wilson

"God Rest Ye Merry: Why Christmas is the foundation for Everything"
By Douglas Wilson (Canon Press, 2012)

Here is a glimpse of the table of contents:

Lesson 1: To Gain His Everlasting Hall

Lesson 2: The Politics of Christmas

Lesson 3: Celebrating Christmas like a Puritan

Lesson 4: How Shall we then Shop?

Lesson 5: Daily Meditations for Advent

The Advent calendar meditations are well-written and extend for a full 30 day period.

New Testament Local Church Polity: Elder or Congregational? Part Two

Series Part One

This issue is important as to how God's church governs itself.  What does the New Testament tell us about how decisions are made within the local church?  Part One of this short series discussed the NT data commonly used to teach congregational polity.  This article will take up the other side of the coin focusing on the NT data used to show a plurality of elders in the local church.

By way of reminder, we need to remind ourselves what verses are appropriate to consider in this conversation.  But how do we determine what is appropriate?  Two key ideas govern this process.  First, some verses are what is called "descriptive."  These types of verses "describe" what was actually happening in first century churches and surrounding culture.  Second, there are verses called "prescriptive."  These verses actually tell us or give to us commands concerning how the church or believers are to function today. 

So what verses are interpreted as teaching a plurality of elders within each local church?  The primary source of evidence (at least from a descriptive view) comes from the book of Acts.  The primary verses come from chapters 14, 15, and 20.  Consider the following:

Acts 14:23 "and when they had ordained them elders in every church"

Acts 15:4 "they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders"

Acts 20:17 "and called the elders of the church"

The primary important concept in these verses is that that term for "elders" occurs in the plural and the term for "church" appears in the singular.  At face value, this is interpreted to mean there are multiple elders each local church.  Evidence for this also appears after the book of Acts within epistles written to both local churches and to individuals.  These are as follows:

1 Timothy 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."

Tit 1:5 "that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee"

Jam 5:14 "the elders of the church"

1 Pet 5:1 "the elders among you"

Each of these verses is interpreted in similar fashion as teaching that there are multiple elders in each local church.  Question: then why do some churches only have one pastor?  Is it because the church is too small?  Is it because no one else is qualified within the local church?  Or is it possible that these and other verses can be interpreted as teaching each local church only needs one elder in each local church?

I invite you to search this out.  I will address this issue in a third and final article in this series.  Just some thoughts to consider before the third article:

1. What is ordination?  Associated to this should we ordain every elder in the local church?

2. What is a senior, associate, or youth pastor?  Why these adjectives and what NT precedence if any?

3. What verses teach we should pay elders, and how to decide which ones to pay or not?

4. What is a lay elder, teaching elder, or ruling elder?

5. What are bishops, overseers, pastors, or elders?  How to identify titles and roles?

These are some rough thoughts with (has been pointed out already) may include some grammatical issues.  Sorry for those.

Ordo Salutis: Is there a textual basis for regeneration prior to faith? John 3 Test Case, Part One

Christians have debated this topic for centuries and this article will not change anyone's mind.
I hope however it will cause you to think through the text and believe the text of Scripture how God has given it to us through the pen of human writers without imposing theological concepts or adjectivally bound terms upon the text.

Before hitting extensive word studies I would like to consider several test cases.  They are common historical scenarios in the Biblical text for daily Bible readers.  Probably even from a Sunday School lesson.

For purposes of this shore article I will take up the third chapter of the gospel of John.  This article is only summarizing the primary arguments used from this text.  The scenario is a Pharisee named Nicodemus coming to have a conversation with Jesus at night (John 3:1-2).

I would like to suggest that Christ's conversation with Nicodemus has two elements.  First, the theological concept of the "new birth" (vv. 3-8) and faith (vv. 9-21).  Second, I don't have time to discuss all the details here (you would probably get bored and stop reading) so I'll hit some of the main points to help in this issue.

Concerning regeneration, first, notice the parallel Jesus makes between verses three and five.
(v. 3) Except a man be born again,                                 he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(v. 5) Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
As you read people's notes and comments see what parallel they make between the two verses.  Do they refer to one event (hendiadys, fancy word,"two nouns linked with conjuncton"), two events, perhaps even some including water baptism or spiritual baptism.

Second, is the focus on inability to actually give physical birth to yourself or any other kind of birth.  Notice Nicodemus took him literally (v. 4).
Verses 2, 3, 5, and 8 are used to show that the new birth is incapable by human beings.  This is absolutely true.  This birth is caused by the Holy Spirit, "born of the Spirit" (vv. 6, 8).  The spirit when it is at work cannot be seen but you can witness its presence "thou hearest the sound thereof" (v. 8).

Third and finally, both these clauses contain the verb "is."  The verb actually occurred in the past (perfect tense) and this verb has results which continue on into the future.  Included in this is the idea that the verb is (passive) meaning the subject of the verb was acted upon.  For example, the ball has been thrown.  The ball did not throw itself.  Someone else threw the ball.  Note the verb tense in relation "is born of the flesh" (perfect tense) also.

If the viewing of text stopped here one would walk away thinking man has no responsibility at all.  I would agree with you.  In fact based on the clauses and verbs mentioned man is not able to do anything in this "born again" idea.  Again, we are in hardy agreement.  However the context does not stop here at verse eight.  There is another side to this that I find often missing which is to be addressed in the next article "faith/believing"  Funny thing is that the multiple sides of this debate see these facts too!

However the emphasis becomes important as it touches on other doctrines such as sanctification (progressive especially), perseverance/preservation, and theology proper to name a few.

Questions to ponder:

1. If the new birth is done/accomplished by God, when in your life did it happen? eternity past?

2. For those who believe the theological concept (regeneration/effectual calling) has to occur prior to human responsibility, what actual exegetical-basis is the found in John 3?  (Please note: the question is not whether you believe divine sovereignty and human responsibility are both true nor is the question whether you believe the Bible teaches regeneration/effectual calling).

3. Depending on how you answer #1 and #2, would you be willing to say the order of priority is based on a previously determined theology? (Note: the question is not whether systematic theology is okay).

4. Is it possible to admit both are true (paradox), without knowing exactly when or how they fit together?  (Yes other texts found in other contexts will be addressed in time).

Hope this helps some.  Comments encouraged especially if including extra grammatical points enforcing the idea of divine sovereignty in the new birth.

Book Review: Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths

Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths
By. Michael J. Vlach (Theological Studies Press, 2008)

Unfortunately those who attack Dispensationalism do not go head to head with the current advocates of this particular theological system.  Of course it is always helpful to accurately represent a system you disagree with: Ad hominem arguments and straw men don't help much.  This text is soon to be six years old but it still packs a punch in exegetical and theological truth.  

I would encourage anyone thinking of abandoning Dispensationalism to carefully consider the arguments of this book.

Consider the Book Outline:
Ch. 1 History of Dispensationalism
Ch. 2 Essential Beliefs of Dispensationalism
Ch.3 Myths about Dispensationalism
Ch. 4 Questions and Answers about Dispensationalis

In chapter two, Vlach lists what he believes are six essential beliefs of Dispensationalism.  They are as follows:
1. "Progressive revelation from the New Testament does not interpret or reinterpret Old Testament passages in a way that changes or cancels the original meaning of the Old Testament writers as determined by historical-grammatical hermeneutics.
2. Types exist but national Israel is not a type that is superseded by the church.
3. Israel and the church are distinct, thus, the church cannot be identified as the new or true Israel.
4. There is both spiritual unity in salvation between Jews and Gentiles and a future role for Israel as a nation.
5.  The nation Israel will be both saved and restored with a unique identity and function in a future millennial kingdom upon the earth.
6. There are multiple senses of "seed of Abraham," thus, the church's identification as "seed of Abraham" does not cancel God's promises to the believing Jewish "seed of Abraham."

In Chapter three, Vlach lists which he believes are myths about Dispensationalism.
Myth 1: Dispensationalism teaches multiple ways of salvation
Myth 2: Dispensationalism is inherently linked with Arminianism
Myth 3: Dispensationalism is inherently antinomian
Myth 4: Dispensationalism leads to Non-lordship salvation
Myth 5: Dispensationalism is primarily about believing in Seven Dispensations

Overall the book is greatly appreciated in strengthening the exegetical and theological foundations of Dispensationalism.

May this overview encourage you to remain firmly rooted (assuming you are already) in the beliefs in a Diispensational understanding of the Scriptures.

Book Review: Acting the Miracle, General Editors J. Piper and D. Mathis

Acting the Miracle.
General Editors J. Piper and D. Mathis
(Crossway, 2013)

This book is a recent contribution to the ongoing battle within evangelical circles concerning the theological concept of progressive sanctification.  Hopefully this text will be a helpful addition to avoiding the extreme forms of sanctification that emerged and been propagated within new evangelical churches. (Full review forthcoming)
Please see table of contents below.

Chapter One: Prelude to acting the miracle (J. Piper)

Chapter Two: Incentives for acting the miracle: Fear, Rewards, and the Multiplicity of Biblical Motivations (K. DeYoung)

Chapter Three: Sinners Learning to Act the miracle: Restoring broken people and the limits of life in the body. (E. Welch)

Chapter Four: Acting the miracle in the every day word of God, the means of Grace, and the practical pursuit of gospel maturity (J. Williams)

Chapter Five: Acting the Miracle together: Corporate Dynamics in Christian Sanctification (P. Moore)

Personally I thought the book was a refreshing contribution to the overtly reformed antinomianism which is becoming more and more prevalent in American evangelicalism.  I may not agree with the writer's more Reformed Calvinistic views on all the issues but its was still profitable reading.

In a Presidential Election, would you have voted for King David?

In a Presidential election, would you have voted for King David?

So would you have voted for King David?  What about Saul or Solomon?  What actually are you looking for as a Christian in your presidential hopeful?  Economic salvation?  Job security?  Someone sharing your views on the sanctity of life or pro-second amendment?  What about other social justice issues (education, equality, etc...)? 

I watched the debates and after Wednesday night's Republican debate I am even more convinced that the Command and Chief of that United States military needs to be a veteran.  A person who has been in war and seen it personally.  Of course, being a veteran myself and having currently served my country for almost 13 years leaves me a little biased. 

I'm listening and/or reading the comments of businessmen, doctors, politicians on my country's safety, military spending/budgets, economy, and religious motivated terrorism and it leaves me awe struck as a soldier.  Long gone are the days when a general like George Washington becomes president.

So would you have voted for David?  A man after God's own heart.  Surely the Republicans will see past adultery, murder, backstabbing and yes polygamy too.  Same for Saul and Solomon.  Would you have voted for these men?  But listen to the candidates verbally thrash each other and (yes, these are the conservative politicians).

Back to the military theme.  Unless the presidential candidate understands what its like having to pull the trigger, then they just don't understand.  Unless they have been in battle staff meetings and actually had to make the decisions or directly follow the orders, then they don't understand.  Unless the presidential candidate has actually had to sit down and think through just war theories before consider mass killing out of revenge, then they don't understand.  I'm guessing to many people this doesn't make sense.  My guess is you've probably never seen the inside of a recruiters office.  Hope I'm wrong on this one.  Only you know the answer?

Even as a God-fearing Christian trying to read and apply the Scriptures to all of life, I must say I'm rather nervous about the actions and attitude of the Republican hopefuls.  Do I pray for our country? Yes.  Do I pray God will raise up his chosen candidate?  Yes.  I just pray God will raise up a good Christian candidate who "has taken the hill" and not sat in an air conditioned off and ordered others "to take the hill." 

Maybe I need to add a post on just war theory.  

May God bring repentance, and revival and blessing to America.!

Book Review: Antinomianism: Reformed Theology's Unwelcome Guest? (Incomplete)

Antinomianism: Reformed Theology's Unwelcome Guest?
By. Mark Jones (P&R, 2013)

Table of Contents

Ch. 1 Lessons from History
Ch. 2 The imitation of Christ
Ch. 3 The Law
Ch. 4 The Law and the Gospel
Ch. 5 Good Works and Rewards
Ch. 6 Amor, Amor
Ch. 7 Assurance
Ch. 8 Rhetoric
Ch. 9 Toward a Definition and a Solution

(Review is incomplete--forthcoming)

New Testament Local Church Polity: Congregational or Elders? Part One

Who actually makes decisions in the local church? The congregation or elders?  What does the New Testament actually say regarding this issue?  The question sounds simple enough but is actually harder to answer than one might think.

Here are some basic thoughts to consider on this issue:
1. What NT texts describe events occurring in the first century? (Descriptive or Normative texts--fancy words for what was going on in the first century context)
2. What NT texts actually prescribe to us what the church should actually do? (Maybe not a command as such but think along these lines)

(Oh, by the way have different positions don't agree on how to define numbers one and two above).

So with that in mind let's consider the actual NT biblical data.  This article will consider the standard texts used to defend congregational polity.  This basically means that the actual members of the church are making the decisions within the church.  We will consider the following texts: Mt 18, Acts 6, 13, 15; 1 Cor 5, 2 Thess 3, and lastly 1 Tim 5.  These will suffice for now in discussing one side of the issue.

Matthew 18:15-20 involves a context of disciplining a sinning brother "if thy brother" (v. 15).  The context includes three steps: first, confronting the person alone.  Second, confronting the person with someone else.  Third, our concern is that the last stage is to bring the issue before the church (v. 17).  So the last stage in the disciplining process is  bringing the issue before the congregation "the church."  The pronouns in the passage are 2nd person plural "you" not referring to individuals (steps one and two) but step three.  Nearly every book or journal on church discipline includes this passage.  This adds initial weight to the congregation making the final decision (here in the context of discipline).

Acts 6:1-7 includes the popularized texts for the selection of the first NT deacons (the verb form appears as "serve" in verse two).  The apostles have their given tasks.  The people are to select the people to fill this serving role (deacons) if necessary.  The plural noun "you" and "brethren" both refer to the congregation.  They chose seven men for this service.  Verse six does not specifically identify who "prayed" and "laid hands" on those selected.  Either way, the people did the selecting of the seven individuals.  If this passage is only normative, then all the later passages for elders (plural) are in jeopardy also.

Acts 13:1-5 includes the selection of Paul and Barnabas for missionary work (regularly identified as Paul's first missionary journey).  The two men are identified by the Holy Spirit (v. 2).  Someone prays and someone then lays hands on the two men before they depart.  If this parallels Acts 6 then perhaps the laying of hands (v. 3) was done by the people.  The plural verbs point to a corporate commissioning.  Strangely enough even the notes of the ESV Study Bible refer to the pronoun "they" as the "whole congregation."

Acts 15 addresses what is commonly called the Jerusalem Council.  This context involves both the congregation and leaders in tandem.  The church decides to sent representatives (v. 2).  Paul and Barnabas are then sent by the local church congregation (v.3).  These representative are then received by another local church congregation and their leaders (v. 4).  When the decisions are final addressed and discussed by both Peter and James it is agreed to by the congregation with representatives sent (vv. 22-23).  This passage adds weight even when doctrinal issues are stake the congregation is involved.  The decisions are not just dictated to them or their thoughts ignored.

In 1 Cor 5 church discipline is under ("if  any man that is called a brother," v. 11).  The pronouns are in the plural, which could be applied with some degree of consistency throughout commands in the epistles to local churches.  They have the obligation as a congregation (plural members) to remove the unrepentant sinning brother "put away" (v. 13).

2 Thess 3 also appears in the context of local church congregation discipline.  The pronouns here again appear in the plural "you."  The command is tough to obey, nevertheless it is addressed to the congregation not just the leaders "ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly" (v. 6).  The congregation has a responsibility to make the decision in confronting and removing a sinning church member.

Lastly, we shall consider 1 Timothy 5:19-20.  Great care is need in confronting the sinful choices of church "elders."  The pattern from Deut 19 "two or three witnesses" enforces that idea that mulitiple people will be need in sin confrontation (Note same pattern back in Matt 18).  Note the pattern that when "elders" sin (not just any church member) they are to be confronted "before all (v. 20).  Seems to identify the idea of congregational involvement.  I've seen this played out before in local churches when elders have to be confronted.  Note also  the motive "that others may fear."  Seems most natural to take the others as congregation members.  Interestingly here the ESV notes add the phrase "the rest of the elders" potentially making the connection with verse 17.  However, the notes state it could refer to "the rest of the congregation" with the phrase "before all.''  I would suggest the weight shifts toward the whole congregation with both phrases combined.

These texts are enough to at least identify congregational decision making within the local church or among the believers.  Part two will address the texts used by advocates of a plurality of laymen elders.

Hope this helps in this area.  This is only a collection of thoughts.  Definitely not a 30 page, footnoted research paper.  But in essence these texts have to be downplayed, ignored, or never taught to help establish a plurality of elders system within a local church context.  Even if you disagree with the congregational role then maybe you would at least acknowledge accountability is needed for leaders within a local church.
Till next time.

God cares how we actually live.

This phrase would seem rather obvious but it is not in many Christian circles.
There is a version of evangelicalism today emphasizing what Christ did "indicatives" (fancy word) and then almost ignoring of downplaying that fact that we must "live" (presently) as Christians.
The Christian life is more than just sitting around and preaching the gospel to yourself and living however you want.  This doesn't even take into account hundreds of commands found in the New Testament alone addressed to believers.

Please consider the following if you are tempted or think you can live however you want and it doesn't matter to God.  The topics of liberty, license, legalism, antinomianism and flat out worldliness will have to wait for another article (or lots of them).

All taken from Ephesians (could have gone elsewhere too):

Eph 4:1 "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called"

Eph 4:17 "ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their minds"

Eph 5:1 "walk in love as Christ also hath loved us"

Eph 5:9 "walk as children of light"

Eph 5:15 "See then ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise"

Hopefully  these are enough to help see that walking as Christians matters.
It is a simple expression of how we conduct our daily attitude and action.
How you live can substantiate your claims or it can discredit what you claim to believe.
If you claim to be a Christian and live like the world may you should stop and consider.
Perhaps on your knees might help.  Trust me I have four kids and mess up a lot.

Hope this is a blessing, encouragement, or perhaps even challenge to some.

Please feel free to comments (especially those of you with kids).

Who wrote the Bible: God or Man? Yes

Another interesting idea that doesn't necessarily require fancy theological concepts.  Doctrinal statements often include vocabulary such as: inerrancy, plenary verbal inspiration, or general and special revelation.  Even though the terms may not explicitly appear in the pages of scripture they can be helpful.  If history is an indicator of the value of these terms, then to deny these Biblical truths can get you in trouble (putting it kindly).

Please consider the following:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

2 Peter 1:19-21 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not |in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost

Consider also these verse pointing to divine and human authorship:
Acts 1:16: "the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake"

Acts 4:25 "who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said"

Heb 3:7 "as the Holy Ghost saith" or Heb 4:7 "he limiteth a certain day, saying in David,"

Take into consideration verbal content given to an Old Testament individual with the phrase "thus saith the Lord."
It occurs over four hundred times.  God has spoken to us a great deal.

Seems fairly simple to take Scripture at face value without any agendas or a theological grid.
Did God write the Bible? Yes
Did man write the Bible? Yes
But how does that work?  There are lots of theories trying to get a grip on this one.  Be encouraged that God has spoken to us at all.
You have a Bible in your own language.  Many people have spent years putting scripture into the voice of the people.  
Read and obey it.  

May God bless the reading of his holy word.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility in Salvation

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility in Salvation

There are many verses in Scripture championed by various theological positions concerning salvation.  Consider the following texts which teach both divine sovereignty and human responsibility:

Matthew  23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem ... how often would I have gathered they children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

John 6:37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and chim that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

John 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me odraw him: and gI will raise him up at the last day."

Acts 13:48 "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and das many as were ordained to eternal life believed."

Acts 16:14 "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of zThyatira, awhich worshipped God, heard us: whose bheart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul."

1 Thess 1:3-4 "Remembering gwithout ceasing hyour work of ifaith, and klabour of ilove, and lpatience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of mGod and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren ||nbeloved, nyour election of God."

2 Thess 2:13-14 "But gwe are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, hbrethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath ifrom the beginning chosen you to salvation kthrough sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto lhe called you by our gospel, mto the obtaining of the lglory of our Lord Jesus Christ."