“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18)
The in his first general epistle, the apostle John (by inspiration of the Holy Spirit) writes to those he refers to as “my little children.” (1 John 2:1). The recipients of the letter are also referred to as “children of God” (1 John 3:1) and as “beloved” (1 John 4:1, 7). The letter then was written to those who are “beloved little children of God.” Brethren, that is us! What a picture of the faithful Christian – a beloved little child of the Father! God loves each of us as a father loves his child – yea even more! God’s motive for loving us and sacrificing Himself for us is born of the fact that He is our Father and we are His children. This is the central message of 1 John 4:7-21. God loves His children and His children are to love and obey Him. Because God loves us so, we as His beloved little children must love one another. Love, agape, is the highest motive. It is what motivated God to act on our behalf. Love should be what motivates us to act on His behalf.
There is another motivation to serve God beside the motive of agape and that is the motive of fear. Many are the souls that have been brought to repentance by a healthy fear of damnation in hell-fire. Hell, fire and brimstone sermons have their place – each of us needs a healthy amount of fear of such things, often we need to be reminded of that fear. While godly fear can be a healthy motive for obedience, irrational and ungodly fear is a decidedly unhealthy one.
In his dissertation on love in 1 John chapter 4, the apostle John said, “There is no fear in love...” (v.18a). John is not referring to “godly” fear or the overwhelming sense of awe of God. Here he is speaking of that irrational fear where one has an overwhelming sense of doom; the sense that they can never be “good” enough to get to Heaven. This kind of fear has no part in the love of God.
He goes on to say, “...but perfect love casts out fear...” (v.18b) Perfect refers to that which is completed; that which has matured. Love perfected and fully matured casts out fear. “Casts out” literally means “to turn out of doors” such as when the dog is “shoo-ed” out the door of our house. Perfect love casts our fear because there is no room left for it when it has been replaced by agape.
Why must perfect love cast out fear? “Because fear involves torment...” John says in v.18c. When we are motivated strictly by a sense of fear and terror, we “torture” ourselves. If all we ever do, is focus on the “terror of the Lord...” (2 Corinthians 5:11), we will be unable to grow as Christians. If we irrationally allow fear to cause us to regress to the “fetal position” every time we make a misstep or every time we fail – we can never grow as Christians. Love, faith and patience are perfected as we are tried and as we learn from and overcome our shortcomings (James 1:1-4).
John concludes the thought, “But he who fears has not been made perfect in love...” (v.18d) The Christian who has allowed irrational fear to take over is not mature and cannot become mature as long as he holds that fear. How can one come to be made mature in love? Notice the first phrase of verse 17 from the King James Version, “...Herein is our love made perfect...” What is referenced by the word “herein”? We must go back yet another verse to find out. “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him...” (1 John 4:16) John says that our love can be perfected when we recognize God’s unwavering love for us. When we come to realize the depth of God’s love. Remember the words of Paul, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
When we realize how much God has done for us (1 John 4:9-10) we come to understand truly how much He loves us. When we realize we are loved so much by God “that He gave His only begotten Son” we grow in our love for Him. As our love for God grows, there is less and less room for irrational fears. Love so perfected then casts out that fear.
When we were new in the faith, perhaps the fear of hell motivated us to stay on the right track. That is normal and healthy for those who are still babes in Christ. However, if one is to mature, they need to go beyond that fear-based motivation to serve God and progress toward the higher motivation for serving God – reciprocated love! “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Our Influence in the Parking Lot of Life
Have you ever driven around a parking lot looking for a place to park your car, only to find that the one spot available has another vehicle crowding it, in being parked over the line? That happens to me every time, it seems! It is just an annoying fact of living in this crowded world of ours. It is very easy to get annoyed and take it out on the person who “overparked”, isn’t it? I once took a piece of paper and wrote an angry note on it and stuck it under such a person’s windshield wiper. Of course, after I walked down the aisle of parking spots I began to feel bad about the note, after noticing that the five cars parked to his left had also “overparked”. I went back and removed the note from his windshield and was tempted to put it in the windshield of the first “overparked” car, but thought better of it. What had happened, of course, was that the first car parked too far to his right – causing the next car to do the same, and the next car, and the next car – all the way down to me. I am sure that the person who was already parked to my right was annoyed when he came back because my car was “overparked” and now crowding him.
What lesson can we learn from this about the influence we have on others? With regard to our personal influence, it is easy to see from this illustration that our actions cause others to have a reaction. You have heard the statement, “No man is an island.” What does that mean? It is a metaphor. You have two islands in the midst of the sea, there is no contact between them, and so what happens on one island has little or no effect on the other. With regard to man’s relationship to his fellow man, everything we do has an effect upon our environment and upon others. The Bible affirms this same principle, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.” (Romans 14:7 NKJV). The context here deals with violating the conscience of one who is weaker in the faith by eating meat in their presence. To many Christians in Rome and also Corinth, the eating of meat that had previously been offered to idols and later sold in the common marketplace was too closely connected with idolatry for their conscience. Paul was concerned that eating in the presence of those who so conscientiously objected was the same as, “to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.” (Romans 14:13 NKJV). God calls such as a violation of the law of love, “Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.” (Romans 14:15 NKJV).
We must never forget how we can negatively influence others, even when we have the best of intentions in mind. This can be seen even in our “parking lot” illustration; perhaps the first “overparker” had intended to give the person in the handicap parking spot next to him a little extra room to get in and out of their vehicle. It could be the case that his best of intentions toward the handicapped person negatively affected the next six or seven vehicles in the row.
We must be careful and sensitive toward others; but also we must not let these things keep us from doing what is right. That is where “political correctness” has harmed our society, because in order to soothe the sensibilities of the few, we done harm to the many. Such as the “politically correct” view that we must go out of our way to not violate the rights or conscience of atheists or people of “non-Christian” religions, but in doing so we violate the rights or conscience of those in “Christian” religions. Therefore we must always strive to strike a balance between doing what is right and negatively influencing other by doing what is wrong. Paul also said, “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil...” (Romans 14:16 NKJV).
In our illustration, why was I angry with the owner of the “overparked” vehicle next to me? I think it was do to a lack of communication. I did not know why he took up part of my parking spot so I just assumed he was a rude or careless individual. When the reason why he was “overparked” was “communicated” to me (i.e. I noticed the other “overparked” cars) I understood where he was coming from and was no longer annoyed with him. Likewise, when we do something, which causes our brother or sister in Christ to stumble, there needs to be some line of communication between us and the one we have “offended.” Jesus taught, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother...” (Matthew 18:15). Here He is talking about actual sin, but the same application is valid with regard to other transgressions or perceived transgressions. Communication is vital in our natural families – between husbands and wives, parents and children. Communication is also vitally important between member of our church family. Communication makes peace between brethren; it heals rifts between elders, deacons or preachers and the congregations they serve. We must strive to, in all things, demonstrate our love for each other by effectively communicating with one another. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19 NKJV) Communication and consideration of others will go along way toward this end.
What lesson can we learn from this about the influence we have on others? With regard to our personal influence, it is easy to see from this illustration that our actions cause others to have a reaction. You have heard the statement, “No man is an island.” What does that mean? It is a metaphor. You have two islands in the midst of the sea, there is no contact between them, and so what happens on one island has little or no effect on the other. With regard to man’s relationship to his fellow man, everything we do has an effect upon our environment and upon others. The Bible affirms this same principle, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.” (Romans 14:7 NKJV). The context here deals with violating the conscience of one who is weaker in the faith by eating meat in their presence. To many Christians in Rome and also Corinth, the eating of meat that had previously been offered to idols and later sold in the common marketplace was too closely connected with idolatry for their conscience. Paul was concerned that eating in the presence of those who so conscientiously objected was the same as, “to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.” (Romans 14:13 NKJV). God calls such as a violation of the law of love, “Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.” (Romans 14:15 NKJV).
We must never forget how we can negatively influence others, even when we have the best of intentions in mind. This can be seen even in our “parking lot” illustration; perhaps the first “overparker” had intended to give the person in the handicap parking spot next to him a little extra room to get in and out of their vehicle. It could be the case that his best of intentions toward the handicapped person negatively affected the next six or seven vehicles in the row.
We must be careful and sensitive toward others; but also we must not let these things keep us from doing what is right. That is where “political correctness” has harmed our society, because in order to soothe the sensibilities of the few, we done harm to the many. Such as the “politically correct” view that we must go out of our way to not violate the rights or conscience of atheists or people of “non-Christian” religions, but in doing so we violate the rights or conscience of those in “Christian” religions. Therefore we must always strive to strike a balance between doing what is right and negatively influencing other by doing what is wrong. Paul also said, “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil...” (Romans 14:16 NKJV).
In our illustration, why was I angry with the owner of the “overparked” vehicle next to me? I think it was do to a lack of communication. I did not know why he took up part of my parking spot so I just assumed he was a rude or careless individual. When the reason why he was “overparked” was “communicated” to me (i.e. I noticed the other “overparked” cars) I understood where he was coming from and was no longer annoyed with him. Likewise, when we do something, which causes our brother or sister in Christ to stumble, there needs to be some line of communication between us and the one we have “offended.” Jesus taught, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother...” (Matthew 18:15). Here He is talking about actual sin, but the same application is valid with regard to other transgressions or perceived transgressions. Communication is vital in our natural families – between husbands and wives, parents and children. Communication is also vitally important between member of our church family. Communication makes peace between brethren; it heals rifts between elders, deacons or preachers and the congregations they serve. We must strive to, in all things, demonstrate our love for each other by effectively communicating with one another. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19 NKJV) Communication and consideration of others will go along way toward this end.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
God’s Justice, Mercy & Grace
“Gracious is Jehovah, and righteous; Yea, our God is merciful. Jehovah preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he saved me.” (Psalm 116:5-6)
If we are to truly understand and appreciate the concept of God’s grace, there are two other related concepts that we must also understand. God’s Justice (judgment) and God’s Mercy. Just as we cannot truly appreciate the sunlight, until we have experienced total darkness, we cannot appreciate God’s grace, without knowing of His Absolute Righteous Justice and Judgment.
God is Just
“For I will proclaim the name of Jehovah: Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. The Rock, his work is perfect; For all his ways are justice: A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, Just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:3-4). “For I will proclaim the name of Jehovah: Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. The Rock, his work is perfect; For all his ways are justice: A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, Just and right is he.” (Psalm 89:14). What is Justice? Webster’s definition of justice, “The maintenance or administration of what is just (“the state of being in conformity with what is morally upright or good – righteousness”) especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments” Simple Definition – a person gets the recompense they deserve. Guilty of a crime – “do the time.” When one is convicted of capital murder, the judge sentences him to death and he is executed. Justice is served.
What is God’s Justice? An example of the exercise of God’s Justice is found in Nehemiah 9:33-35,
“Howbeit thou art just in all that is come upon us; for thou hast dealt truly, but we have done wickedly; neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies wherewith thou didst testify against them. For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.”
What does God’s Justice demand? “For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). Under the Old Testament, the price of sin was death. However, because God is merciful, a substitutionary sacrifice was allowed. “And according to the law, I may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). Who is under this condemnation? Everyone. “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10-12) “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Why then, are we not struck dead the moment that we commit sin? Because...
God is Merciful
“Jehovah thy God is a merciful God; he will not fail thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” (Deuteronomy 4:32). “The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children...” (Psalm 103:17). What is mercy? Webster’s Dictionary, “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; lenient or compassionate treatment.” Simple Definition – a person does not get the recompense he deserves. One is convicted of capital murder, the judge sentences him to death but the governor grants clemency and the sentence is reduced to life in prison. What is God’s Mercy? An example is found in Matthew 18:23-27,
“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt...”
God’s mercy, in general, is demonstrated first in His creation of all things. (Genesis 1:27-3). And by His providence toward all mankind, “For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”(Matthew 5:4-5) and His long-suffering, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance...” (2 Peter 3:9).
God’s mercy toward this believer is further and more abundantly demonstrated in the sacrifice of His only begotten Son on the cross, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot...” (1 Peter 1:18-19). God’s Justice demands the death of the sinner but God’s mercy allowed for the atonement sacrifice of Jesus to take our place – Romans 5:6-10,
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life...”
God’s mercy toward mankind transcends the simple granting of clemency. We can never truly know the depths of God’s love, but perhaps we can understand just how deep it truly is, as we study about...
God’s Grace
God’s Grace
What is Grace? Webster’s defines it as, “Favor; good will; kindness; disposition to oblige another; as a grant made as an act of grace.” Simple Definition – a person receives that which is undeserved. One is convicted of capital murder, justly deserves death, the judge sentences him to death, but the governor pardons him and the prisoner goes free. What is God’s Grace? Unearned, unmerited favor and good will of God extended to all men who will accept the gift. (The terms grace and salvation are inseparable in the New Testament). "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9). God’s grace is clearly seen in Ephesians 2:1-6,
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus...”
Grace comes from God through Jesus Christ. God manifested His grace in the gift of Christ. "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7). "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;" (1 Corinthians 1:4).
God’s grace is what makes salvation possible. "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." (Acts 15:11) "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" (Romans 3:24) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men...”(Titus 2:11).
How are we saved by grace? By a plan that can be taught. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:11-12). By the blood of Jesus. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7). His blood that was shed for all. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man”(Hebrews 2:9).
However, not all will be saved. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14). Hence, man must do something to reach the blood.
We are saved by grace through faith, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Faith saves when faith obeys. By faith, the walls of Jericho came tumbling down, but not until the people obeyed. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.” (Hebrews 11:30).
Salvation is “Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesiasn 2:9). Man cannot save himself by his own works, but he must work according to God’s plan to be saved. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12). “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”(James 2:24, 26).
Noah was saved by grace, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8). Noah was also saved by faith, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear...” (Hebrews 11:7a). Noah was saved by grace, faith and by obedience. “Noah ...prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith...” (Hebrews 11:7b).
This is the way God’s grace saves today. A good illustration that has often been used to describe the Biblical view of God’s grace goes like this, “Imagine that a car dealer sends you a flier in the mail that reads, ‘Our free gift to you – A New Car! You must be a licensed driver over the age of 18 and come to the dealership on Monday, March 26, 2007 before 9:00 a.m. to claim your free car.’ There is something that you must do in order to receive your free car – you must drive to the dealership on the morning of March 25th before 9:00 a.m.! It’s still a free car, even though I had to do something to claim it!”
God’s grace is extended to all. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men...”(Titus 2:11). Yes, the grace that bringeth salvation is the free gift of God, but we still have to do something to claim that free gift – we must reach out for it. He’s holding it out to us, desperately wanting us to receive it from Him. He wants us to reach out to Him and take the gift He has offered.
We receive that most precious of all gifts when we obey His Son Jesus the Christ. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”(Hebrews 5:9) When we believe the gospel. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29); confess Christ, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33); Repent of our sins, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”(Acts 3:19); and are baptized into Christ, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27).
Saturday, February 24, 2007
When the Book of Acts opens, in Chapter 1, we find the eleven remaining apostles waiting in Jerusalem until they would receive power from Holy Spirit. They were gathered together in an upper room with about 120 of the disciples, including the mother and brethren of Jesus. In Acts 1:15-16, Peter said, “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.” He then goes on in verse 20, “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.” Here he quoted two passages from the Book of Psalms – Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8.
From Peter’s statement in Acts 1:16 we learn a very important lesson from the Bible on Inspiration.
Inspiration is the means by which God has communicated to man from the beginning until the time when “that which is perfect” has come (1 Cor. 13:10). That is, until the complete revealed Word of God has come. “Inspired of God” literally means “God-breathed.” God “breathed” the very words of the Scriptures. This is known as verbal, plenary inspiration – every single word of Scripture is God-breathed. God still speaks to us today – yet only through His Inspired Word.
Let us note three things from Peter’s statement in Acts 1:16:
First, note the Ultimate Source of the Scriptures. “...which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake...” We see that the God speaking through the Holy Spirit is the source of scripture. Just as Peter would later say, “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.” (2 Peter 1:21). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God...” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Second, note the Medium[1] Employed “...which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake...” (David was not only king of Israel – he was a prophet of God, the inspired author of many Psalms.) God has employed, throughout the ages, medium get His Message to mankind. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets...” (Hebrews 1:1) This teaches us that God “spake in times past ...by the prophets...” That is, “in the prophets themselves as the vessels of divine inspiration. God spake in them and from them.” [2] Notice 2 Samuel 23:2 “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue...” and Jeremiah 1:9 “Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth....”
Third, note the Final Result of the process of Inspiration – Scripture. “This scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake...” Scripture is the revealed Word of God in written form. The word “scripture” comes from the Greek word “graphein,” which means, “that which is written.” The Scriptures are the Words of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). May we all follow the example of the Noble Bereans who, “searched the scriptures daily...” (Acts 17:11) – and read God’s Word every day.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Greatest “Valentine’s”
Wednesday, February 14th, is “Valentine’s Day.” It is a day in which we like to express our love for our “sweethearts.” On that day, we will give and receive Valentine’s cards, eat chocolate and quote love poetry to one another, “My love is like a red, red, rose that’s newly sprung in June...” We give gifts of roses, chocolate and Teddy bears to the ones we love the most and we receive their gifts of love in return. It truly is the most romantic day of the year.
Yet the “Valentine’s” that we give to one another pale in comparison to that greatest expression of love, given by the Creator Himself. That greatest of “Valentine’s” came in the form of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) It also teaches that Jesus was that perfect gift – given out of the motive of purest love. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)
The gospel message is essentially a message of love. It is a message of the Creator’s love for His creation.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him...” (1 John 4:9)
It is true that the gospel is a “love letter” to man from God. However, the gospel is NOT just a letter that proclaims the love of God and demands nothing in return – as some are teaching today. The gospel reveals God’s love toward us, yet it also demands that we love God in return.
The Bible clearly teaches that God loves all men and wants all to be saved. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men...” (Titus 2:11); “...Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth...” (1 Timothy 2:4). However, the gospel of Christ also reveals that the “saved” are the ones who truly love God – those who truly love God are those who keep His commandments.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments...” (John 14:15)
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him....” (1 John 2:5)
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous...” (1 John 5:2-3)
All men are loved by their Creator. It was because of His great love that He sent us the Greatest of Gifts. If we, the created, truly want to demonstrate our love and appreciation toward Him for what He has done then all we must do is humbly obey His Word. If we do that, we will abide in the love of God. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:10)
Friday, January 05, 2007
The Noble Bereans
In the seventeenth chapter of the book of Acts, we read of the apostle Paul’s work in the Grecian city of Thessalonica. As was Paul’s usual pattern upon arriving in a Gentile city, he went first to the Jewish synagogue and attempted to teach the gospel to the Jews. There he “reasoned with them (the Jews) out of the scriptures... (the Jewish scriptures) Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ...” (Acts 17:2-3). Paul was unable to convert many Jews there because of a certain element, within the synagogue, that refused to hear and understand the gospel and subsequently stirred up trouble causing Paul to flee that city.
Next we read how Paul went to Berea, some fifty miles to the southwest of Thessalonica, and entered the synagogue there (verse 10). Unlike Thessalonica, here he found a ready audience, one that was willing to listen and was open to the gospel. Why were the Bereans more open to the Gospel than the Thessalonians? The Bible says, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11).
Luke records, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that the Bereans were more noble. The word “noble” here literally refers to those who were of the highest social order – the nobility. However, in Acts 17:11 it is used figuratively. They had a noble character, an open and ready mindset. They were like the “good ground” in Jesus’ “Parable of the Soils” in Luke 8:4-15. Verse 15 of that passage says, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Their hearts were honest and good. Therefore, they received the Word with readiness of mind. That they “received” the gospel meant they listened to it. That they received it with “readiness of mind” meant that they were willing, even eager to accept it. They were open enough to the gospel that they would, at the very least, withhold judgment on it until they could give it a careful and thorough examination.
How did they go about examining it? They SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES to see if Paul’s teachings were correct. Jesus challenged certain men to “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39). Paul had been preaching the Gospel from the Old Testament scriptures. The Bereans studied the scriptures every day to verify he was teaching the TRUTH even as the Law of Moses demanded in Deuteronomy 18:22. The result of this noble searching of the scriptures was that “many of them (the Jews) believed...” (Acts.17:12). (Compare this with Acts 17:4 “some (few) of them believed...”).
What is the application for us today? We should all be like the Bereans in at least two ways. One, let us each have a “noble” mind; one that is willing to heed the Gospel and to change our lives to conform with it’s teaching. Two, let us like the Bereans, search the scriptures daily! (2 Timothy 2:15). In doing so, we will not be fooled by those who come preaching a perverted gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). I challenge you therefore, like the apostle John said in 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” In other words, any time some one claims to preach the gospel, do not listen to his words unless they can be supported by God’s All Authoritative Word with a “thus saith the Lord!”
Next we read how Paul went to Berea, some fifty miles to the southwest of Thessalonica, and entered the synagogue there (verse 10). Unlike Thessalonica, here he found a ready audience, one that was willing to listen and was open to the gospel. Why were the Bereans more open to the Gospel than the Thessalonians? The Bible says, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11).
Luke records, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that the Bereans were more noble. The word “noble” here literally refers to those who were of the highest social order – the nobility. However, in Acts 17:11 it is used figuratively. They had a noble character, an open and ready mindset. They were like the “good ground” in Jesus’ “Parable of the Soils” in Luke 8:4-15. Verse 15 of that passage says, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Their hearts were honest and good. Therefore, they received the Word with readiness of mind. That they “received” the gospel meant they listened to it. That they received it with “readiness of mind” meant that they were willing, even eager to accept it. They were open enough to the gospel that they would, at the very least, withhold judgment on it until they could give it a careful and thorough examination.
How did they go about examining it? They SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES to see if Paul’s teachings were correct. Jesus challenged certain men to “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39). Paul had been preaching the Gospel from the Old Testament scriptures. The Bereans studied the scriptures every day to verify he was teaching the TRUTH even as the Law of Moses demanded in Deuteronomy 18:22. The result of this noble searching of the scriptures was that “many of them (the Jews) believed...” (Acts.17:12). (Compare this with Acts 17:4 “some (few) of them believed...”).
What is the application for us today? We should all be like the Bereans in at least two ways. One, let us each have a “noble” mind; one that is willing to heed the Gospel and to change our lives to conform with it’s teaching. Two, let us like the Bereans, search the scriptures daily! (2 Timothy 2:15). In doing so, we will not be fooled by those who come preaching a perverted gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). I challenge you therefore, like the apostle John said in 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” In other words, any time some one claims to preach the gospel, do not listen to his words unless they can be supported by God’s All Authoritative Word with a “thus saith the Lord!”
Characteristics of the Ideal Christian
Characteristics for Elders
- Rules own house. 1Tim .3:4
- Children in subjection. 1 Tim. 3:4
- Having faithful children. Titus 1:6
- Husband of one wife. Titus 1:6
- Not self-willed. Titus 1:7
- Patient. 1 Tim. 3:6
- Self-controlled. Titus 1:8
- Gentle. 1 Tim.3:6
- Not a novice. 1 Tim.3:6
- Just. Titus 1:8
- Vigilant. 1 Tim.3:2
- Apt to teach. 1 Tim. 3:2
- Holding faithful words. Titus 1:9
- Sober. Titus 1:8
- Blameless.1 Tim. 3:2
- No brawler. 1 Tim. 3:2
- Not soon angry. Titus 1:7
- Sober-minded. Titus 1:8
- Without reproach. 1 Tim. 3:2
- No striker. 1 Tim. 3:3
- Given to hospitality. Titus 1:8
- Lover of that which is good. Titus 1:8
- No lover of money. 1 Tim. 3:3
- Not given to wine. Titus 1:7
- Willing. 1 Pet. 5:2
- Not for prominence. 1 Pet. 5:2-3
- Must have been proven. Titus 3:10
Characteristics for ALL Christians:
- Husband head of wife. Eph. 5:22
- Children obedient to parents. Col. 3:20
- Rear children in nurture of the Lord. Eph. 6:4
- Have own spouse. 1 Cor. 7:2
- Submit to others. Eph. 5:21
- “Be ye also patient…” Jas. 5:8
- Mortify the flesh. Col. 3:5
- Tender-hearted. Eph. 4:32
- “Grow” – 2 Pet. 3:18
- Righteous. Rom. 1:17
- “Watch” – 1 Cor. 16:13
- Able to teach others. 2 Tim. 2:2
- Not carried away by strange doctrine. Heb. 13:9
- Sober. 1 Th. 5:8
- Blameless. Php. 2:15
- No brawler. Titus 3:2
- Put away anger. Col. 3:8
- No foolish talking. Eph. 5:4
- Blameless & harmless. Php. 2:15
- Must not strive. 2 Tim. 2:24
- Given to hospitality. Rom. 12:13
- Hold fast that which is good. 1 Th. 5:21
- Love of money. 1Tim. 6:10
- Not drunken with wine. Eph.5:18
- Willing. 1Tim. 6:18
- Not to be seen of men. Matt. 6:1
- Prove your own selves. 2 Cor.13:5
Dealing with the Past
Do you have something in your past that hinders you from doing the right thing in the present?
Have you ever, in the past, done something for which you are now ashamed? I have! I am also pretty sure that anyone who is reading this article has, in all probability, done things in their past that they now regret having done. It is human nature to look back upon the past. Some things we recall with fondness; other things with shame or embarrassment. The past often has a way of catching up with us. Our past sins, if unrepented of, must still one day be reckoned with – “be sure your sin will find you out…” (Deuteronomy 32:23). Nevertheless, even past sins for which we have been forgiven, have a way of haunting us in the present. Sometimes the consequences of our past sins are still felt many years after repentance and forgiveness. In my case, my conscience still bothers me about some of the things I have done in the past. Even though I realize that God has forgiven me of those things, I sometimes have a hard time forgiving myself.
The apostle Paul had things in his past that could have hindered him from doing the right thing. He had plenty of cause to be remorseful. He had persecuted the church in Jerusalem and other places, “…Beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it…” (Galatians 1:13); “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison…” (Acts 8:3); “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1-2). He was even an accessory to murder at one point in his life! Remember when Stephen was stoned to death by an angry mob, that it was a young man named Saul who held the cloaks of Stephen’s assailants. “And cast him [Stephen] out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul… And Saul was consenting unto his death…”(Acts 7:58; 8:1).
Even before Paul’s conversion, Ananias was apprehensive towards him when the Lord commanded him to go to Paul and teach him what he needed to do in order to be saved. He said, “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name…” (Acts 9:13-14). After Paul’s conversion, the consequences of his past sins were still felt. Some years after his conversion, the Christians at Jerusalem were still wary and mistrustful of him, “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.” (Acts 9:26).
Paul had reason to regret his past. First, because of the way his conscience must have bothered him for the things he had done, and second, because of what some others thought about his sincerity. How did Paul deal with this adversity? How did he put his past behind him? Did he run away and hide? Did he forsake God? NO! In his own words, he said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul’s answer to his regretted past was to forget it, to get over it and to reach for the things that were before him. He did not waste time on “what might have been,” but instead he strove for “what may be.” He pressed towards the mark!
Baseball coaches say that one of the most important attributes of a good pitcher is a short memory. If he throws out a pitch and it is knocked out of the ballpark, he must forget about it and move on. If he is still feeling timid after the last pitch was hit for a homerun, he has a problem. His next pitch is liable to leave the ballpark as well. The same goes with us in our religious life. If our past keeps haunting us, or if we let the feelings or attitudes that others have toward us affect our Christian walk, then we have a problem. We need to let go of the past and ignore what others may think of us, and press on in our Christian life. If we would continue to walk after the way of Christ, in the face of adversity, we will be richly blessed. It is said, “Time heals all wounds.” If we faithfully follow our Savior, in time, the guilt we feel or the negative feelings of others will fade. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). Strive towards the mark of salvation! Do not let your past, or other people’s attitudes towards it, hinder you from doing what is right! If you do these things, you shall never be ashamed and everything else will just fall into place.
Have you ever, in the past, done something for which you are now ashamed? I have! I am also pretty sure that anyone who is reading this article has, in all probability, done things in their past that they now regret having done. It is human nature to look back upon the past. Some things we recall with fondness; other things with shame or embarrassment. The past often has a way of catching up with us. Our past sins, if unrepented of, must still one day be reckoned with – “be sure your sin will find you out…” (Deuteronomy 32:23). Nevertheless, even past sins for which we have been forgiven, have a way of haunting us in the present. Sometimes the consequences of our past sins are still felt many years after repentance and forgiveness. In my case, my conscience still bothers me about some of the things I have done in the past. Even though I realize that God has forgiven me of those things, I sometimes have a hard time forgiving myself.
The apostle Paul had things in his past that could have hindered him from doing the right thing. He had plenty of cause to be remorseful. He had persecuted the church in Jerusalem and other places, “…Beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it…” (Galatians 1:13); “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison…” (Acts 8:3); “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1-2). He was even an accessory to murder at one point in his life! Remember when Stephen was stoned to death by an angry mob, that it was a young man named Saul who held the cloaks of Stephen’s assailants. “And cast him [Stephen] out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul… And Saul was consenting unto his death…”(Acts 7:58; 8:1).
Even before Paul’s conversion, Ananias was apprehensive towards him when the Lord commanded him to go to Paul and teach him what he needed to do in order to be saved. He said, “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name…” (Acts 9:13-14). After Paul’s conversion, the consequences of his past sins were still felt. Some years after his conversion, the Christians at Jerusalem were still wary and mistrustful of him, “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.” (Acts 9:26).
Paul had reason to regret his past. First, because of the way his conscience must have bothered him for the things he had done, and second, because of what some others thought about his sincerity. How did Paul deal with this adversity? How did he put his past behind him? Did he run away and hide? Did he forsake God? NO! In his own words, he said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul’s answer to his regretted past was to forget it, to get over it and to reach for the things that were before him. He did not waste time on “what might have been,” but instead he strove for “what may be.” He pressed towards the mark!
Baseball coaches say that one of the most important attributes of a good pitcher is a short memory. If he throws out a pitch and it is knocked out of the ballpark, he must forget about it and move on. If he is still feeling timid after the last pitch was hit for a homerun, he has a problem. His next pitch is liable to leave the ballpark as well. The same goes with us in our religious life. If our past keeps haunting us, or if we let the feelings or attitudes that others have toward us affect our Christian walk, then we have a problem. We need to let go of the past and ignore what others may think of us, and press on in our Christian life. If we would continue to walk after the way of Christ, in the face of adversity, we will be richly blessed. It is said, “Time heals all wounds.” If we faithfully follow our Savior, in time, the guilt we feel or the negative feelings of others will fade. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). Strive towards the mark of salvation! Do not let your past, or other people’s attitudes towards it, hinder you from doing what is right! If you do these things, you shall never be ashamed and everything else will just fall into place.
Calvinism and Predestination
John Calvin was a French protestant reformer. His doctrine on predestination teaches that there are two classes of people in the world. Those who have been predestined by God before the foundation of the earth to eternal damnation and those that have been predestined to eternal life. Calvin taught that there is nothing one can do to be saved because God has already decided who is going to be saved and who is not going to be saved.
John Calvin twisted the meaning of Ephesians 1:4-5. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”
His interpretation of these two verses caused him to ask, “Does this passage teach that our salvation is strictly a matter of God’s arbitrary election before the world was made, irrespective of any choice that we might exercise in the matter?” According to John Calvin, this passage teaches exactly that. “The Presbyterian Westminster Confession of Faith stated: “By decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death” (Article III).
Thus, we have the damnable heresy of predestination. This doctrine is at the core of Calvinism and its influence is widely felt throughout much of “christendom.” Calvin’s theology is summed up in the acrostic,”TULIP.”
The “T” stands for “Total Depravity”. This doctrine teaches that all men have inherited the sin of Adam and as such, they are fallen to such a degree that they cannot read the Bible and respond in a positive way. So therefore, God has to act directly in order to bring man to His truth. This goes directly against what is written in Ezekiel 18:20 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
The “U” stands for “Unconditional Election”. A doctrine teaches that there is nothing one of the elect can do to prevent himself from becoming a Christian – he simply has no choice. If one has been predestined to eternal life, there is nothing a person can do to prevent it.
The “L” stands for “Limited Atonement”, which teaches that not all men can be saved. Some have been predestined to for salvation; the rest have not. Yet, the Bible teaches that God’s grace has been made available to all men. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11)
The “I” stands for “Irresistible Grace.” This takes away man’s free moral agency. Man has no choice but to respond to God’s grace. This is false because we know that the Holy Spirit can be resisted as indicated by Stephen’s words to the Jewish council, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51).
The “P” stands for the Perseverance of the Saints, or simply stated “Once saved, always saved .” This teaches that one who is of God’s elect can do nothing that would cause him to fall from grace. Here again, Calvin directly contradicts the Scriptures.
There are at least 55 passages in the New Testament that teach that a Christian can fall from grace. In this brief article, we will observe two of these passages.
Galatians 5:4 “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Galatians was written to the churches of in the region of Galatia
(Galatians 1:2). Paul told those in Galatia who were perverting the gospel (by teaching that one had to be circumcised under the Law of Moses in order to be saved – See Acts 15:1) that in trying to keep to parts of the Old Law they had fallen from grace.
James 5:19-20 “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
The book of James was written to the Christians who were scattered abroad (James 1:1). In these verses, James teaches that a Christian who has “erred from the truth” is a soul that has become a “sinner” and needs to be saved from death. James has to be speaking of Christians here because in order for one to “err from” (out of) the truth, one must have been IN the truth – i.e. a saved Christian. There is perseverance of the saints if a Christian persists in his faith.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9).
Calvin’s doctrine of predestination does not originate with God. It is not supported in the scriptures. It is false to its core.
The predestination of Ephesians 1:4-5 is not on an individual basis. God at the foundation of the earth set forth a class of people who would be saved. This class of people would be those who met God’s foreordained demand of obedience to His will according to His Son. They would be those who obeyed the Gospel of Christ. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:8-9). “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)
John Calvin twisted the meaning of Ephesians 1:4-5. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”
His interpretation of these two verses caused him to ask, “Does this passage teach that our salvation is strictly a matter of God’s arbitrary election before the world was made, irrespective of any choice that we might exercise in the matter?” According to John Calvin, this passage teaches exactly that. “The Presbyterian Westminster Confession of Faith stated: “By decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death” (Article III).
Thus, we have the damnable heresy of predestination. This doctrine is at the core of Calvinism and its influence is widely felt throughout much of “christendom.” Calvin’s theology is summed up in the acrostic,”TULIP.”
The “T” stands for “Total Depravity”. This doctrine teaches that all men have inherited the sin of Adam and as such, they are fallen to such a degree that they cannot read the Bible and respond in a positive way. So therefore, God has to act directly in order to bring man to His truth. This goes directly against what is written in Ezekiel 18:20 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
The “U” stands for “Unconditional Election”. A doctrine teaches that there is nothing one of the elect can do to prevent himself from becoming a Christian – he simply has no choice. If one has been predestined to eternal life, there is nothing a person can do to prevent it.
The “L” stands for “Limited Atonement”, which teaches that not all men can be saved. Some have been predestined to for salvation; the rest have not. Yet, the Bible teaches that God’s grace has been made available to all men. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11)
The “I” stands for “Irresistible Grace.” This takes away man’s free moral agency. Man has no choice but to respond to God’s grace. This is false because we know that the Holy Spirit can be resisted as indicated by Stephen’s words to the Jewish council, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51).
The “P” stands for the Perseverance of the Saints, or simply stated “Once saved, always saved .” This teaches that one who is of God’s elect can do nothing that would cause him to fall from grace. Here again, Calvin directly contradicts the Scriptures.
There are at least 55 passages in the New Testament that teach that a Christian can fall from grace. In this brief article, we will observe two of these passages.
Galatians 5:4 “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Galatians was written to the churches of in the region of Galatia
(Galatians 1:2). Paul told those in Galatia who were perverting the gospel (by teaching that one had to be circumcised under the Law of Moses in order to be saved – See Acts 15:1) that in trying to keep to parts of the Old Law they had fallen from grace.
James 5:19-20 “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
The book of James was written to the Christians who were scattered abroad (James 1:1). In these verses, James teaches that a Christian who has “erred from the truth” is a soul that has become a “sinner” and needs to be saved from death. James has to be speaking of Christians here because in order for one to “err from” (out of) the truth, one must have been IN the truth – i.e. a saved Christian. There is perseverance of the saints if a Christian persists in his faith.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9).
Calvin’s doctrine of predestination does not originate with God. It is not supported in the scriptures. It is false to its core.
The predestination of Ephesians 1:4-5 is not on an individual basis. God at the foundation of the earth set forth a class of people who would be saved. This class of people would be those who met God’s foreordained demand of obedience to His will according to His Son. They would be those who obeyed the Gospel of Christ. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:8-9). “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)
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