Pastoral Musings

Pastoral duties have me busy presently, but I could not pass this up.

One of the most foolish things that we hear today is the idea that Scripture is incarnate.

It is not.

God the Word, Jesus the Christ, is incarnate.

Scripture is inspired, but not incarnate.

The closest that Scripture comes to being incarnate is in its being fulfilled in Christ.

The next closest Scripture comes to being incarnate is by being wrapped in Moroccan leather, or something similar.

I do not say that irreverently. I say it seriously. We cannot make Christ and Scripture so totally one that we do not distinguish between them.

The Son of God came to us in flesh. Scripture came via the Spirit in a text.

The Word of God John 1:1-4,14

See also Rev 19:13

logos – The word of outward form by which the inward thought is expressed and made known: also the inward thought or reason itself.

A saying, speaking, that which is said or spoken

logos never mans a word in the grammatical sense, as the mere name of a thing…but rather as the thing referred to, the material, not the formal, part.

The power of the mind, which is manifested in speech, reason…

Liddell & Scott Lexicon

Logos is common for reason as well as speech. RWP

It therefore signifies both the outward form by which the inward thought is expressed, and the inward thought itself… Vincent’s Word Studies in The New Testament

It is interesting to note that words are the expressions of the heart. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matt 12:34) KJV

Logos is also translated as follows:

intent (Acts 10:29)

matter (Acts 15:6)

shew (Col 2:23)

The above things speak of a substance, essence, and personality. This shows that the Word is the expression of the heart of God, the matter of God, shewing the substance of God, is thus the essence of God and is in every way God.

Closely associated with Christ being the Word is the statement “ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Rev 22:13) KJV “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev 1:8) KJV Words are always associated with the alphabet. Jesus is the beginning and ending of the expression of God. There is no pre-alpha or post-omega. He alone is God’s perfect, eternal thought and expression of Himself. Christ is the eternal expression of the Almighty, eternal God. From A to Z, Jesus is such a perfect expression of God that He is indeed God in person, character, and essence.

It is thus no surprise that we read, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:1-3) KJV The Son is of the exact nature, or substance, or essence of God the Father. He is the radiance of the glorious brilliance, majesty, and beauty of the Father. Those who see Him see the Father (John 14:9). Why is this so? It is so because the Son is of the same essence and character as the Father. He is the perfect representation of God, because He is God.

The Baptism with The Holy Spirit

Matt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

(KJV)

John the Baptist came as a herald of the Christ. His preaching was filled with promise of the Messiah’s coming. As he preached to the people and baptized those who repented, John told them that the Christ was coming to baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. What is this baptism with the Holy Ghost?

One thing we must notice is that this baptism is a baptism with the Holy Ghost, or in the Holy Ghost. Many times people speak of the baptism of the Holy Ghost as if the Holy Spirit did the baptizing. In reality, Jesus does the baptizing. “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” (Matt 3:11) The work of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is the work of Christ.

The Promise

As John spoke to the people, his preaching was a familiar theme. That theme was concerning the coming King of Israel. John told the people that he came in fulfillment of Isa 40:1-8. John’s ministry was in accord with Old Testament prophecy. Part of the prophecy concerning John’s ministry was that he would tell the people that only God and His word would endure. Included in this message was the fact that the Spirit of the LORD would blow upon men and they would perish. With this in mind we can see that John’s preaching about Jesus baptizing with the Holy Ghost was preaching that pointed men to the Scriptures and promises about the work of the Christ.

As we read the word of God we find that the Spirit is spoken of as “that holy Spirit of promise.” (Eph 1:13) The Holy Ghost came according to the promise of God. We find this promise several times in the writings of Isaiah the prophet:

Isa 32:13-18 Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city: Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks; Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. (KJV) This prophecy speaks of the fact that God would pour out His Spirit on the people and that it would have an amazing effect upon the whole of creation. The effects of the pouring out of the Spirit would be seen in the reign of righteousness in the lives of men and in the earth. When John the Baptist preached that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost, the people knew that he was speaking of the work of the promised Messiah who would come to rule the earth in righteousness and give peace to His people.

Isa 44:1-8 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. (KJV)

Again, in this passage, we have a promise of the outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the people of Israel. The promise from God is a promise that in that day He will deliver and bless His people, and the people would take the name of the LORD unto them. That is, they would declare Him to be their God and their spiritual husband. (Compare this with Acts 2:38 and the command to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is nothing more than a call for them to identify themselves with the Christ who had poured out the Spirit in fulfillment of the above prophecy. What a marked contrast between this simple truth and the heresy of “One-ness” believers!) John was telling the people that the promised redeemer was coming to save Israel. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is a fulfillment of God’s promise.

Ezek 11:19-20 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (KJV) Ezek 36:25-26 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (KJV)

Note that once again we have before us a promise of God giving His Spirit. This promise is to the end that men would be changed to ones who would love and worship God instead of idols.

Ezek 37:12-14 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD. (KJV)

Here, too we have a prophecy that God will restore Israel and pour His Spirit out upon them. This promise speaks of the future of Israel when the LORD returns to raise the dead and to rule in the earth.

Zech 12:9-10 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (KJV)

Here, too, we have a promise of God pouring out His Spirit upon His people at the time of the end. At this time they shall be delivered, restored, and saved.

It is abundantly evident from the Scriptures which are before us that John’s preaching was preaching that would resonate with the people. It was doctrine that they would recognize because they were familiar with it. The King was coming. Their deliverer and Savior was near. The Kingdom of Heaven was indeed at hand. The promise of the outpouring of the Spirit was an Old Testament promise that was indeed gospel (good news) to the people. When the Messiah poured His Spirit upon the people, sin would be forgiven, captives would be set free, and the world would be changed into a righteous habitation.

The Promise Fulfilled

Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)

Acts 2:16-21 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (KJV)

Acts 2:36-38 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

After many years of expecting God to send His blessing and John declaring that the blessing was at hand, Jesus stated that the blessing of the outpouring of the Spirit was near. Jesus stated before He ascended to Heaven, Acts 1:4 wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (KJV) Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV) Jesus let His disciples know that God was soon to fulfill the promise that He had given them so many years before. Finally, on the day of Pentecost, it came. The Holy Spirit fell upon the people and they were baptized in the Spirit. As the saints began to praise God, some observers mocked and stated that the saints were drunken. Peter’s defense was two-fold: it was too early in the morning to be drunken, and this was the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise that God had given. The PROMISE had arrived!

The wonderful thing about this blessing is the fact that it is a universal promise. The promise is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord. This statement is a quote of Joel 2:28. Peter mentioned that the outpouring of the Spirit was in fulfillment of the promise in Joel 2. He also told those men to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. This is especially interesting to note when you contrast the present day misrepresentation of Acts 2:38 which people use to teach baptism in Jesus’ name in order to obtain the forgiveness of sins. One thing is certain, Acts 2:38 does not contradict the plain statement “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” When Peter said, Acts 2:38 Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV) he was simply stating that men must receive Jesus as the Christ and embrace Him as the true King of Israel. Not only so, but one of the things that is characteristic of those upon whom the Spirit is come is the fact that they identify themselves with the Lord who poured out His Spirit (See Isa 44:5). If this is characteristic of those who have received the promise, is it any wonder that Peter would tell the Jews who rejected Christ that they must repent, accept Jesus as their Messiah, and identify themselves with Christ to be saved? Salvation is not through the identifying, but those who deny the Lord are denied of Him (See Matt 10:32,33). No one need think himself to be forgiven of sin if he will not confess Jesus as the Christ and as his savior. This is simply another part of Scripture being fulfilled which says, Isa 44:3-5 I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. (KJV)

Another place where we see the promise fulfilled is Acts 10. In this chapter Cornelius had sent for Peter to come and preach for them. He and his family needed the Gospel, and God arranged for Peter to go and preach to them. Peter preached and told them that Jesus was the one who would forgive them of their sins and justify them.Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (KJV) At this time the church was still a Jewish church. Peter was called into question about having fellowship with Gentile people. His defense was this, Acts 11:15-18 As I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (KJV) At this point we simply need to see that the Gentiles received the same promise that the Jews received. God had kept His promise to pour out His Spirit upon His people and to save all those who call upon Him.

The Baptism With The Holy Ghost Today

The final question that needs to be asked is, “What is the relevance and significance of this doctrine for us today?”

Paul said, Eph 1:13-14 after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (KJV) What is the sealing of the Spirit? Often we think of the seal in the terms of a seal on a jar, or on an envelope. We think of it in terms of security. The context speaks to us of security. We must, however, take Biblical terms and use them in the manner for which they are intended and not go halfway with them. The seal is the Spirit. There is security provided by the Spirit being our seal. The Spirit seals us until Christ comes to redeem our vile bodies and make them like His glorious body (See Php 3:20,21; 1Pet 1:3-9; Rom 8:23). The seal is something that is enduring, however, it is not a seal of the jar lid sort. The seal is a sign of authenticity. It bespeaks of the genuine nature of that which is sealed. For instance, if I were to buy a car, I would receive a bill of sale. The bill of sale needs to be notarized before I go register the car in my name. When I get the bill of sale notarized, it is stamped with the “Great Seal of The State of _____________.” The seal is placed on the bill of sale to authenticate that it is a document that is genuine and not a forgery. In Jesus’ day, the seal was usually made in wax by impressing it with a signet ring. That ring had a particular motif that was unique to the authority who owned it. Thus, when a seal was set on the tomb of Jesus, it was declared off limits by the authorities. The seal declared that the order to not open the tomb was an official government order. So, when a child of God believes the gospel and is saved, he is sealed with the baptism of the Spirit which God promised in the Old Testament. Remember, Paul stated that the seal was with the Holy Spirit of promise. The Spirit within us testifies to the authenticity of our faith.

As the great apostle Paul spoke to the Galatian churches, he reminded them of this same truth. His aim was to defend the truth of justification by faith. For this reason he asked the question, Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (KJV) Paul reminded the Galatians that their receiving of the Spirit and blessing came through faith, not works of the law. He also told them that the reason Jesus died was that we could receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gal 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (KJV) Finally, Paul lets us know that this receiving of the Spirit was not an indwelling alone, but a baptism. Gal 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV) It is important to note that the baptism in Gal 3:27 is of necessity a Spirit baptism. The word “for” is a word that joins the statement to be made with the foregone statements. We have believed in Christ and have put on Christ when we were baptized with the Spirit into Christ. This baptism happens when we become children of God by faith in Christ. In Christ there is equality and no distinctions. (This would not be so if the baptism were water baptism into the local body, for we know that God has placed different people in different positions of authority in the local body.) This baptism is part and parcel of our belonging to Christ and being of Abraham’s seed. In short, the baptism of the Spirit comes to everyone who believes in Christ to the saving of his soul: and that according to the promise of God of which we have already studied.

Finally, this baptism with the Spirit is a great assurance to the child of God. Paul told the Roman church, Rom 8:9-11 ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (KJV) All of God’s children have the Spirit of God in them. The presence of the Spirit of God, in whom we were baptized upon believing in Jesus, is our assurance of our salvation. Remember, it is our seal of authenticity. Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (KJV) Because we have the Spirit of Christ in us, we know that we are partakers of the promise. This is not simply a subjective feeling. God lives within us and testifies to us of the fact that we are true believers. When we read the Scriptures about God’s promises coming to those who believe we have assurance that we are partakers in that promise, because we have trusted Christ, have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit dwells within us giving us the knowledge of salvation according to God’s promise (See Luke 1:77).

Let us thank God that He has given us such a promise and such a blessing. We can live our lives with full assurance that we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ and are forgiven of our sins. We have this assurance because He has given us the seal of the Spirit of God who has surrounded us, joined us to Christ, and lives within us.

Peter Enns said,

It sounds awfully weird to think that the story of Adam and Eve is about Israel. Israel isn’t even mentioned, for goodness sake. Well, that’s why we’re writing this chapter, to explain all this.

Byas, Jared; Enns, Peter (2012-04-09). Genesis for Normal People: A Guide to the Most Controversial, Misunderstood, and Abused Book of the Bible (Kindle Locations 523-524). Patheos Press. Kindle Edition.

Adam is not mentioned again in the Old Testament except for 1 Chronicles 1: 1, where he is the first name in the long nine-chapter list of names. The Old Testament focuses on Israel itself.

Byas, Jared; Enns, Peter (2012-04-09). Genesis for Normal People: A Guide to the Most Controversial, Misunderstood, and Abused Book of the Bible (Kindle Locations 682-683). Patheos Press. Kindle Edition.

Is that actually so? Is Adam Israel?

Let’s look at the passage to see.

“Adam, Sheth, Enosh,” (1 Chronicles 1:1)

“And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel.” (1 Chronicles 1:34)

It’s truly pretty simple, isn’t it? The genealogy begins with Adam and then shows that Israel is descended from Adam through Abraham.

True, Genesis is the story of Israel. That is not the only story, though. Genesis is the story of the world. It is the story of the world which was made by God for His glory, that has fallen into sin, and is going to be redeemed. (See this post for a little more info.)

The promise is the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15) leads us to Eve’s mistaken idea that Cain was the man from the Lord. Then we find that Noah is a representative seed, because he did provide a rest (Genesis 5:28-29). Then we find the promise to Abraham that the world would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:1-3). It is Paul who helps us to see that Jesus is this seed (Galatians 3:16).

Adam is not Israel. Neither is Genesis simply the story of Israel. Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is the book that shows us the beginning of the world, the beginning of sin, the beginning of redemption, and the beginning of Israel, the seed of Abraham, through whom Christ came.

One reason Enns fails with his interpretation of Adam as Israel is that, though he thinks he reads Genesis “through ancient eyes”, he fails to read it through Biblical, theological, and Christological eyes.

The Bible is Christo-centric, not Israel-ocentric.

“knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” (Romans 6:9–10, AV 1873)

He conquered death and sin.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:9–11, AV 1873)

Now we can partake in His life because He lives.

AUGUSTINE. (ut sup.) Although He was made the Son of man upon earth, yet His Divinity with which, remaining in heaven, He descended to

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earth, He hath declared not to disagree with the title of Son of man, as He hath thought His flesh worthy the name of Son of God. For through the Unity of person, by which both substances are one Christ, He walked upon earth, being Son of God; and remained in heaven, being Son of man. And the belief of the greater, involves belief in the less. If then the Divine substance, which is so far more removed from us, and could for our sake take up the substance of man so as to unite them in one person; how much more easily may we believe, that the Saints united with the man Christ, become with Him one Christ; so that while it is true of all, that they ascend by grace, it is at the same time true, that He alone ascends to heaven, Who came down from heaven.

Saint Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman, Catena Aurea: Commentary on the Four Gospels, Collected Out of the Works of the Fathers, Volume 4: St. John, 112 (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1845).

 

AUGUSTINE. (Tr. xii. c. 8) But thou wonderest that He was at once here, and in heaven. Yet such power hath He given to His disciples. Hear Paul, Our conversation is in heaven. (Phil. 3:20) If the man Paul walked upon earth, and had his conversation in heaven; shall not the God of heaven and earth be able to be in heaven and earth?

Saint Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman, Catena Aurea: Commentary on the Four Gospels, Collected Out of the Works of the Fathers, Volume 4: St. John, 113 (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1845).

The Will of God And Questionable Issues

(How to disagree in a Christian manner)

General Guidelines for Christian Disagreements

As we look at the issues which often divide us we must ask ourselves what the true Christian response to those who disagree with us would be. Too often we respond in the flesh. This causes problems to multiply. In fact, one reason why divisions are so great is the fact that people tend to allow disagreements to become personal affronts. This is definitely not the Spirit of Christianity. We are brethren, and members one of another. This being the case, we must find the true, Christian way to respond one to another. That is the aim of this paper. There are two different approaches that will be taken: the first deals with general guidelines for Christian disagreements; the second will deal with specific commands given in relation to disagreements about questionable issues and Christian liberty.

The first general guideline for dealing with disagreements is to be found in the examples of the Old Testament. We are told that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Rom 15:4 ) This being the case, we should find much help in a couple of Old Testament examples. Consider the example of Abraham and Lot as seen in Genesis chapter thirteen and verse eight. There was strife between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot. Instead of allowing this to be a problem, “Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.” (Gen 13:8 KJV) How great a blessing it would be if we as God’s people would keep in mind the fact that we are brethren. The unity that exists among the children of God should be greater than a unity that is based upon conforming to someone’s standards and preferences. Christian unity is a unity of the Spirit. (See Eph.4:1-6) It is a shallow sort of thinking that bases unity upon personal preferences. We must go deeper and base our unity upon the fact that we have the same Savior, are baptized for the same reason, and are indwelt by the same Spirit. True unity is spiritual.

The next thing we should notice about Abraham’s wisdom in dealing with Lot is the fact that Abraham was willing to submit to his brother. Abraham said, “Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.” (Gen 13:9 KJV) How often are we willing to humble ourselves before our brethren instead of insisting upon our own way? There is altogether too often a stubborn insistence that things must be done as we wish for them to be done. That is not the Spirit of Christ. There are times we must suffer wrong at the hands of our brethren for the sake of the gospel. “Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.” (1 Cor 6:,7,8 KJV) Even more wonderful is the fact that, after all the things Abraham sacrificed for the sake of unity, he did not hold a grudge toward Lot, but went to his aid when Lot was in distress. How great a thing love is!

We also see another Old Testament example concerning disagreements in the Psalms. “False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not. They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.” (Psa 35:11-14 KJV) Though he was mistreated the Psalmist still prayed for those who did him grievous wrongs. It is impossible to despise someone for whom you sincerely are praying. It would indeed help us much if we would only take heed to God’s word and pray for all men – even those who disagree with us.

Specific Commands Concerning Disagreements About Questionable Issues

1. Receive your brethren. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom 14:1 KJV) This simple sentence is a command to us that we should receive our brethren who differ with us in areas of questionable issues and Christian liberty. Neither should we receive him for the purpose of attempting to convert him to our viewpoint on these issues. It is not about disputing with this person about his judgements concerning these issues. “ For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” (Rom 14:2,3 KJV) Notice that we are commanded to receive our brethren because Christ has received us. There should be no doubt in our minds about our condition when Christ received us. We were all sinners in need of forgiveness. Christ did not receive us because we agreed with Him, but in spite of the fact that we did not please Him. That is the glory of grace. (See Eph.1:3-7) If Christ received us in such a manner, we should also graciously receive our brethren who differ with us on issues that are not fundamental issues of doctrine. While some would view this as compromising, the truth is that, to not do so is to compromise the grace of God and make God’s grace appear to be something that is conditional instead of being unmerited favor. The hard-nosed, unbending approach toward our brethren who differ with us on issues of Christian liberty is the compromising approach. It perverts grace and makes grace appear to be something that has to be earned. Salvation, fellowship, and church membership are not earned, but are gifts of God’s grace. Our place is to demonstrate that same grace to our brethren.

2. Don’t judge your brother. “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him”. (Rom 14:3 KJV) Again, this is a command from God, not an option. We must receive our brethren and not set them aside. I realize that human nature has a hard time doing this. We do not like the fact that people don’t always agree with us. We would rather people do things the way we have always done them. The problem is strictly a fleshly problem, though we would rather think it to be otherwise. If our disagreements are about the questionable issues and issues of Christian liberty of which we have studied, we must receive our brethren. It is not our place to judge one as not qualified to serve Christ if he disagrees with us in these areas. It is not our place to set aside as nothing one who disagrees with us. If Christ has received our brethren, even though they do not agree with us on these sorts of issues, they have still been received of Christ and are not to be condemned by us. Remember, “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Rom 14:4 KJV) Judgement is not our prerogative. It is the Divine prerogative. We must never condemn our brethren, because, when we do so, we usurp the authority of the Almighty. How great is our sin when we judge our brethren!

3. Don’t cause your brother to compromise his personal convictions. “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Rom 14:13 KJV) The brother who is weak has many fears about issues of Christian liberty. He often sets up fences to keep him from compromising his convictions. He does not have the faith that he will be right with God if he exercises his liberty. If, in this state, he does exercise liberty he will be compromising his convictions and sinning. He has not been faithful to his convictions, nor has he trusted in God. (See Rom.14:20-23) If we insist on things going our way, or if we judge our brethren, they may feel pressured into compromising their convictions. In so doing we have tempted our brother. We have grieved our brother with our meat (see Rom.14:15) and have not exercised true, Christian love. While our brother may get upset by hearing of our doing that with which he disagrees, that is not grieving him with our meat (liberty). To grieve our brother with our liberty is to tempt him to compromise his convictions and do what he feels in his heart is wrong. In areas of Christian liberty, if one feels something is wrong, to him it is wrong. (See Rom.14:14) We must NEVER tempt our brethren to go contrary to their convictions, no matter how foolish and trivial they may seem. To do so is to cause him to sin because he will not be walking by faith.

Paul told the Corinthians that they needed to be very careful in the exercise of their liberty. It could become a stumblingblock to the weaker brethren. “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” (1 Cor 8:9-13 KJV) Notice that the issue is not an issue of offending our brother by hurting his feelings or doing that which he dislikes. The issue is making him to offend by sinning against his conscience. We will probably never be able to go through our lives and do everything to please everyone. We can, however, work very hard at not being a hindrance and causing our brethren to compromise their convictions. Let us remember that our brethren have a right to their thoughts concerning these issues of Christian liberty. We are commanded to “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” (Rom.14:15 KJV) We are to form our own convictions about questionable issues. We should search the scriptures to determine for ourselves what should be the best course for us when it comes to questionable issues and Christian liberty. When we have done so, we should also honor the conclusions at which our brethren who disagree with us have arrived. By so doing we will find ourselves being ministers of peace and unity in the body of Christ.

4. Love your brethren. “But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.” (Rom 14:15 KJV) May God help us to remember that love is the fulfilling of the law. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Rom 13:8-10 KJV) If we love our brethren it is definite that we will do everything in our power to not hinder him, and to help him. Here is the crux of the whole matter, is it not? We do not have the Christian love among us that we need to have. Again, when one makes such a statement as this, we often hear “Compromise! Compromise!” Yet, to be ugly, offensive, obnoxious, hateful, and a stumblingblock in the name of love is where compromise lies. It is felt by those who cry “Compromise!” that it is loving to boldly affirm one’s convictions in any setting whether it edifies or not. It is stated that it is loving to “tell the truth” about these matters. Yet, God’s word is truth (Jn.17:17), and we have seen that God’s word gives us much leeway in the area of Christian liberty. If love covers the multitude of sins (1Pet.4:8), it is loving to overlook the disagreements we may have concerning these particular issues. It is not loving to rub one’s convictions in the face of those who disagree with us. Love seeks unity. Love seeks to edify. We are commanded to love. The approach of those who cry “Compromise! Compromise!” when statements such as these are made will only destroy us. Yet, we are commanded “For meat destroy not the work of God.” (Rom.14:20 KJV) We must all see that the issues of Christian liberty are not issues that should divide us. Whether we are among the strong or weak is no matter when it comes to the fact that we are all commanded of God to love our brother. If we persist in fussing, fighting, and feuding over these things we will destroy ourselves. “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Gal 5:14,15 KJV) Let us never forget that love is the key!

What to Do When Convictions Become Doctrines

One of the greatest problems concerning questionable issues and Christian liberty is when one person (or group of people) makes their convictions a standard of doctrine. When this happens all others are expected to conform. While we should all attempt to accommodate one another in the spirit of love and grace, when personal convictions become doctrines we must resist. Jesus cried out against this in His day saying, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mat 15:7-10 KJV) The way of Christ is to stand against hypocrisy and forced cooperation. Service to God must be from the heart. It is so with our convictions about Christian liberty as well. When one attempts to force their convictions upon another, while it is wrong to be violent or ugly, it is righteous to resist and not comply. Never should we allow others to tell us that our exercise of liberty or understanding of questionable issues causes us to be out of fellowship with God or His church. We must resist this intrusion upon our liberty. The commandments of men are not to become doctrine.

This problem is greatly aggravated when someone states that salvation is dependent upon agreeing with their interpretation of questionable issues and their manner of exercising (or not exercising) Christian liberty. The book of Galatians is a letter of protest about just such behavior as this. The problem in the Galatian churches was the fact that there were those who stated that uncircumcised people were lost. Today the problem is similar: often people are condemned as “not being led by the Spirit”, “not having the Spirit”, or simply cast aside as “unqualified.” Why? Simply because they do not bow to the wishes, whims, and convictions of others. These convictions about Christian liberty and questionable issues should not be allowed to be divisive in such a manner. We have already seen that the command is for us to receive, not judge, our brethren. Now, we must look to the other side of the issue: that is, we must not allow others to judge us as unaccepted of God. We must resist this because it is false doctrine. I know this sounds harsh, but consider the following statements Paul made about those who sought to impose their standards on the Galatians:

1. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:6-9 KJV) To state that someone is lost because they do not agree with us about issues of Christian liberty is to add to the gospel. This is a perversion of the gospel, and is actually another gospel which is not a gospel. It is not truly good news. How sad it is that many, while attempting to please God, are bordering on heresy simply because they want to impose their convictions upon others. We must realize that there are issues of much greater importance than the issues which we have allowed to divide us as God’s people. The doctrine of pure, free grace must be upheld at all costs. We must resist this idea that someone is lost because they do not agree with us on these issues which are not fundamental issues. To insist otherwise is heresy!

2. “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” (Gal 2:1-5 KJV) Paul called those who desired to infringe upon their liberty “false brethren.” In other words, Paul’s doubts were not about those who were not circumcised, but about those who insisted that those who were not circumcised were lost. Today, we must fear for those who insist that someone is lost because they do not conform to the convictions of others. Why must issues of Christian liberty be so divisive? There is a great problem in the heart and mind of someone who desires to condemn their brethren who do not agree with them about matters that do not pertain to how a person is saved, or the nature of the person who is saved. Should the disagreement be about doctrine or morals we would understand. It is practically impossible to understand how someone could so pervert the scriptures to claim Biblical justification for stating that a person is lost simply because they do not dress as we feel they should, or because they eat in a fellowship hall. We should fear greatly for those who are so judgmental: they have not rightly understood the grace of God.

3. “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.) For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.” (Gal 2:11-13 KJV) Paul stated that Peter was to be blamed for separating from his brethren on such trivial grounds as he did. Fear does odd things to us. We often act in ungodly ways because of fear. I am saddened by the fact that good brethren are often to be blamed because they have let fear drive them to do and say things that they know better than to do and say. Pressure from others around us is hard to bear. Even harder to bear than that should be the fact that we could be a great hindrance if we do not stand for Christian liberty and the grace of God. Paul also stated that it was hypocrisy for Peter to withdraw from those with whom he had fellowshipped in the past. How often are we one thing in the presence of some men, and something else when we are with others who have differing opinions. It is a known fact that things such as this happen. A man is treated well or not treated well depending on who is present. This is hypocrisy! These things ought not so to be! The Spirit of Christ within us should convict us that we are not being consistent and that this tendency should be resisted. Our brethren are our brethren regardless of who is present, and regardless of how the agree or disagree with us regarding these issues which are not fundamental to Christianity.

4. “As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal 6:12-14 KJV) Paul stated that the real problem lay in the fact that the judgmental people were proud people. They wanted to make a good show in the flesh. They wanted people to see how “spiritual” they were. How often is this the case! Pride is hated of God. We must hate pride as well. Doctrine tells us that our boasting should only be in Christ who died for us. We have nothing else about which to boast. We have earned nothing. We have no reason to expect pats on our backs. We are sinners saved by grace. Let us accept graciously those who disagree with us, and uphold the wonderful grace of God who loves us and gave His Son for us. To do otherwise is sin.

Conclusion

In closing, I must state that, while some of the statements made in this article sound harsh, this writer harbors no ill will to those who disagree with him. There is a great need for us to be zealous and jealous for the doctrine of the grace of God, however. Grace is the gift of God (Eph.2:8,9) and is not of works (Rom.11:5,6). We are saved by grace (Eph.2:5) and kept by grace (Rom.5:1,2;1Pet.1:3-5) and stand in grace. It is sinful and false for us to state that, for someone to be saved; they must do according to the dictates of our private conscience and convictions about questionable issues and Christian liberty. This is contrary to grace. This is adding to grace, and adding to God’s word. It must indeed be resisted by all who believe and love the truth. I love my brethren. I love those who disagree with me. I am as human as others, and often allow myself to get very irritated and angered by my brethren. For this I often have to repent. This writer asks his brethren to pray for him that he would learn to put into practice the principles contained in this article. May God bless each reader.

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The Will of God And Questionable Issues Pt.3

The Essential Issue (The Glory of God)

As we look back on our study concerning questionable issues, it is obvious that there are things which deeply divide God’s people. Many of these things are things which are issues of Christian liberty. Often these things are very distracting and cause much confusion. Many times people who are good people with good intentions sin and separate from their faithful brethren over these sorts of issues. It is the contention of this writer that we must remember that, while we have issues which are important to us, there is one issue that is essential to the Christian life. That issue is the glory of God.

The scriptures tell us that God made man for His glory. “I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isa. 43:7) “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 11:36) Many other passages of scripture could be given to illustrate this point. It is the point of this article to simply remind us what is most important thing on which we should focus our ministries and our energies in this life. That most important thing is the glory of God. God must be manifest in our lives. We are told to let our lights shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify God (see Mt.5:13-16). We are also instructed that we should live our lives in such a manner that, when men inspect our lives and behold our good works, they would give God glory in the day He visits them (see 1Pet. 2:11,12) God intends for us to give Him glory in our lives.

Not only did God create us for His glory and command that we live for His glory, but the glory of God is the motive of God’s work in our salvation. We are told that we are saved and accepted in Christ “to the praise of the glory of His grace.” (Eph. 1:6) We are also told that Jesus came to bring “many sons to glory.” (Heb. 2:10) The scriptures are filled with instances where God tells us that He saves us that He might receive glory for being merciful and gracious to us.

As we think upon our duty to glorify God, it is imperative that we also understand that God is very jealous of His glory. God is due glory: “Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (Ps. 29:1,2) When we consider that the things which are important to us signify where our hearts are (see Mt. 6:21), and that covetousness is idolatry, (see Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5) we know that it is very easy for anything to become idolatrous. Why? Simply because it is easy for us to allow things to become more desirable and important to us than Christ. Not only can statues be idols, but material things can be idols, too. Ideas and principles can become idols if we are not careful. We can emphasize principles and ideals as well as our means of practicing (or not practicing) questionable issues to the point that we neglect to honor Christ. While we do not intend to do so, it is really very easy to lose sight of the most important thing in the world; the glory of God. God is very jealous of His glory. “The LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Ex. 34:14) “For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” (Deut. 4:24) “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isa. 42:8) This writer asks all his Christian brethren to beware of the idolatrous practice of placing principles concerning these questionable issues above the person of Christ. God’s glory in our lives is more important than insuring that everyone utters our particular “Shibboleth.”

This important truth is well stated in Romans chapter fourteen. Consider the following verses: “He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom. 14:6-12) “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Rom. 14:17) The inspired apostle contended that, while exercising their liberties in the way they approached these questionable issues, each was seeking to give glory to God. The man who regarded a special day did so because he desired to honor God. Another man considered every day as a special day in which he was to live for God. Each man sought to live for the glory of God. Thus Paul instructed them to not allow these issues to divide them, as they were all seeking to honor God. We also see that some ate meat and gave God thanks for the meat. In so doing they gave God the glory. Another did not eat meat, and gave God thanks for the food he did eat. In doing so, he gave glory to God as well as the other man. While approaching issues of Christian liberty in two very different ways, these brethren are both found to be giving God glory. The way the brethren practiced the questionable issue didn’t matter as much as the spirit in which they practiced it. How well we would do to understand this critical point!

We can do good things in the wrong way and not give God glory. We can have opinions concerning how to conduct ourselves in relation to the matters of Christian liberty and yet fail to give God glory. What we must do is seek to please God and manifest His character in all that we do. Attitude does make a difference. Our worship can actually become empty and useless if we emphasize the doing over the glory of God. We can make our opinions concerning questionable issues of Christian liberty into doctrines that divide. We can give lip service and outward worship with our hearts far from God, if we are not careful. (See Mt. 15:7-9) How sad it is to the heart of this writer to see people he loves divided over issues that are largely matters of opinion and interpretation and not matters of fundamental importance. May God help us to give Him the glory by loving our brethren even when we disagree about issues of Christian liberty.

Finally, we find that the judgment is about the glory of God. That is why Paul tells us we are not to judge one another. Judgment is the divine prerogative; it is not ours to employ against our brethren. “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall

bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom. 14:11,12) Judgment is about God being acknowledged as all glorious and worthy of all our praise. How sorely do we mis-step when we condemn and criticize our brethren who exercise their Christian liberty in ways that differ from our opinions of how things should be done. Judgment belongs to God alone. We obscure the manifestation of the glory of God when we so judge our brethren. We also steal from God the glory that is His alone when we judge our brethren. The question is asked: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Rom. 14:4) When we judge our brethren we usurp the authority of God, and thus attempt to take His glory for our own selfish ends. Judgment is about the glory of God and is part of His glorious character. “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Rom. 14:13) Our Christian duty is to love our brethren and to seek

to edify them. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but

the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1Cor. 10:31-33) May God help us to remember that our purpose in life is to give God glory by manifesting His character above all other things. While each person is free to have opinions and convictions concerning issues of Christian liberty, we all have a sacred obligation to seek to glorify God and respect those who differ with us in the way they seek to glorify God in their exercise of Christian liberty.

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I do mean to be harsh. First, read Jason’s post. Normally, I reserve my harshness but when I read statements like this, I cannot help but to return kind for kind,

Ultimately it is the inerrantist who is seeking to yield to the Lordship of Christ on the issue of the nature of Scripture. It is the errantist who is deciding that human reason must/will determine what is right and what is wrong in Scripture.

How very wrong, and how often repeated by the inerrantist, the creationist, and the dominionist (not to mention the KJV-onlyist)

All deny Christ because all demand that they must do something, or they have something special, to complete the revelation of God in Christ.

via Inerrantists, Creationists, and Domionists are all the same – They Deny Christ | Unsettled Christianity.

I will take my time dealing with all of Joel’s claims. He is on vacation and has time for this sort of stuff. He also has a government job and has time for this sort of stuff

First of all, however Joel has committed a serious fallacy: an ad hominem argument by attempting to make me guilty by association. It is truly an over generalization in that one cannot necessarily lump folks together simply because they have something in common. That is especially so when that which is claimed to be held in common is not actually held. Joel’s claim that I feel that I must have something special to complete the revelation of God in Christ makes me kin to Dominionists (whatever they may be) is like me saying that Joel is a centipede; because centipedes have 100 legs, and so does Joel. All of the statement regarding completing the revelation of God in Christ is untrue. More than anything this is an ad hominem instead of a true argument.

It is also a straw man.

Related articles

• Inerrancy, Rationalistic Thought And Empiricism (pastoralmusings.com)

On another post ScottL said

Why are we so bent on imposing some kind of modern, western ideal of the way God MUST speak through humans. God is true and will always communicate faithfully through those He speaks through. But what does this have to do with our modern, western ideas of empirically proven, rationalistic proven statements? Is a poem true because it is inerrantly 100% empirically accurate? Is a proverb true because of the same? Is a descriptive vision true because of the same? Or is God faithfully communicating through these humans what He intends to communicate without conjecture that it must be factually, evidence-based proven statements?

Why not just admit what Scripture says about itself – Scripture is God-breathed, the prophets (even in their specific prophecies) were carried along by the Spirit.

I replied

Either words convey meaning, or they do not.
Either they convey accuracy, or they do not.
If they convey inaccuracy and error, the meaning is not certain and the medium is not dependable.
That is not rationalistic. That is simply reason.
It’s odd that you lay the charge of rationalistic thought at my door when the issue at hand is that I’m not demanding empirical proof of anything. I’m stating that my presupposition is that Scripture is true and conveys truth accurately
The flip side is that modern errantists have decided that the Scripture doesn’t meet the empirical demands of science, so it must be in error.
As far as inspiration: I accept it wholeheartedly. That is the reason I contend for inerrancy. If God speaks, He speaks truly and accurately. You cannot divorce His Word from His character. See 2Timothy 2:11-13 for one example of this

A few minutes later I was doing my reading for the day (I have the next ten weeks of reading plotted out in advance.) and read this:

…rationalistic philosophy declared human reason to be the final standard. Empiricism, recognizing the flights of speculation to which unbridled “reason” is prone, demands that all ideas be ultimately accountable to human sense experience.

John Frame, Apologetics to The Glory of God, pg 51, P&R Publishing

Ultimately it is the inerrantist who is seeking to yield to the Lordship of Christ on the issue of the nature of Scripture. It is the errantist who is deciding that human reason must/will determine what is right and what is wrong in Scripture.

The final standard for the inerrantist is Scripture, because he desires to yield to the sovereignty of God and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Thus it is that, when the Bible is charged with error based upon empiricism, the inerrantist will declare that the Scriptures are true in spite of the so-called evidence that is presented.

Why is this so? He does so because he knows that evidence is subject to interpretation. He also understands the fallen nature of man that leads him to suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18;8:5-7).

In the end, it’s a matter of presuppositions: from whence knowledge, and what is the absolute standard of knowledge? The answer: God.

This is why the blog post at the Diglot is somewhat in error: evidence is interpreted. Historical-critical studies are good so long as the evidence is interpreted under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The historic Fundamentalists said essentially the same thing. See the following:

• The History of the Higher Criticism
• The Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch
• The Fallacies of the Higher Criticism
• The Bible and Modern Criticism

Related articles

• Warfield on The Incarnation and Inerrancy (pastoralmusings.com)
• Randy Alcorn on The Reliability of Scripture (pastoralmusings.com)
• Isaiah, Peter, and Inerrancy : Part One (pastoralmusings.com)
• A Few Questions About Inerrancy (pastoralmusings.com)
• Apologists, Inerrancy, and Apostasy (diglotting.com)