Systematic Theology: Its Value

In this post we will consider the value of Systematic Theology done correctly.

III.  The Value of Systematic Theology. There are numerous reasons and applications of Systematic Theology that make it invaluable. Here are a few:

A.   Systematic Theology, when done correctly, results in an integrated “system” of all the Bible says on a topic, without contradiction. We say when done correctly because when done incorrectly dishonesty can result in over-emphasis on one’s favorite subjects, or even propagating false doctrines.

B.   Systematic Theology helps us make relationships between various issues, biblical or otherwise. This enables us to make sense of what we know about all theological topics by not resting unless we have understood all theological matters in light of all other theological matters.

C.  Systematic Theology helps us avoid eccentricity in our beliefs, insisting that the system be a balanced handling of all topics. We say helps us avoid eccentricity because even honest theologians may err, since not all theologians agree on everything.

D.  Systematic Theology enables us to communicate truth more logically and effectively. Working things out, especially in writing, assists us in making sure we are making sense and are correcting every inconsistency.

E.   Systematic Theology enables us to stand against error. The error, that faulty systematics are most prone to, is not taking everything the Bible says about each theological proposition into consideration before settling on what one believes is true. When this happens, the theology is incomplete. The second most common error in faulty systematics is allowing contradictions to remain unresolved, since there is no contradiction in God.

Next time: The Limitations of Systematic Theology.

Systematic Theology: Other Theological Disciplines

II.  The Classical Order of Theological Study.

The following is the classical order of various disciplines of theology.

A.  Apologetics defends Christianity against critics of Christianity (Christ, the Gospel, and the Bible, etc.).

B.  Biblical Theology traces the historical and chronological development of special revelation in the Scriptures.  This discipline studies the progressive revelation from Genesis to Revelation.  Though God cannot change, what we know of Him has grown as God has revealed more and more to His people.  When God has revealed additional truth to His people, it is not new to Him.  Nor is any additional revelation contradictory to what has already been revealed.  Rather, it works to give fuller revelation about Jesus, who is the central figure in all of the Bible.

D.  Systematic Theology arranges Biblical Theology topically into a comprehensive and integrated system of belief.

C.  Historical Theology studies the development of theology throughout the Church age.  Historical Theology studies heresies as an important part of theology, since the Church developed her creeds and confessions largely in response to attacks on orthodoxy.

E.  Practical, or Pastoral Theology seeks to apply all truth to how the Church and Christians are to live.  This directs preaching, teaching, and counseling in the Church, ecclesiology, worship, evangelism, etc.  In the end, all good theology has practical implications and applications.

Next: The Value of Systematic Theology

Systematic Theology: An Introduction

An Introduction to Systematic Theology

I.  The Definition and Comparisons to Other Philosophies and Theologies.

Systematic Theology is reflection on biblical truth, with each aspect relating to every other aspect and to the whole, thus constructing a truly integrated system.

Systematic Theology differs from mere philosophy, in that philosophy does not depend upon the revelation of God in His Word.  Philosophers choose an axiom and build upon it.  The axiom of Systematic Theology is God’s revelation of Himself in Scripture.  The presupposition that the Word of God is truth is essential.

Systematic Theology differs from Dogmatic Theology, in that Dogmatic Theology begins with the confessional stance of a church.  While the confession may be every bit true, as long as the confession is true to the Word of God, Dogmatic Theology tends to place too great an emphasis on the confession, even above the Word of God.

Systematic Theology differs from Biblical Theology, in that Biblical Theology follows the chronological revelation of theology.  Each point in Biblical Theology is brought up as it comes up in the cannon of Scripture.  It traces the development of theology from Genesis to Revelation.  Biblical Theology asks the question, “What does the Bible reveal about God?”  Systematic Theology asks the question: “What is true about God?”  Systematic Theology seeks to organize biblical truth in a topical or thematic manner which arrives at the most complete truth in a system in which all relates to a unified and integrated God-centered worldview.

Some people are afraid of systematic theology, thinking it is opposed to the Bible.  It is not, as some allege, “Decide what you believe and find verses to support your beliefs.”  Rather, when systematic theology is done correctly, it takes into consideration all that the Bible says about every topic.  It then interprets every topic in light of the whole of scripture.

Everyone has a systematic theology, or worldview.  Also, systematic theology allows godly people to arrive at conclusions regarding topics about which the Bible does not speak explicitly, based on biblical principles.  For example, if we take the approach of the biblical literalist, women cannot receive communion since none were present at the Last Supper.  However, looking at the whole of God’s revelation, theologians have concluded that God invites women to the table.  That conclusion was arrived at through a systematic approach to theology.

Essential Truths About Jesus: (#8 His Resurrection)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26

Matthew 28:6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:6

Not only did Jesus live and die for His people, He rose from the dead for His people. Here are some essential truths regarding Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

The Resurrection was foretold—by Jesus Himself, no less! The following message was communicated by Jesus to the disciples several times.

Matthew 20:17-19 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again."

The Resurrection happened just as Jesus said it would.

Matthew 28:5-6 But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

The Resurrection accomplished the following (and more!):

• Jesus validated that He is who He claimed to be, and displayed His absolute authority over death by rising from the dead

• Jesus suffered the effects of sin for His people—defeating death, Hell and the devil.

The Resurrection is so essential that if Jesus did not rise, Christianity is false!

1 Corinthians 15:13-17 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

Essential Truths About Jesus (#7 Atonement)

Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:3

Having considered some erroneous views of the atonement, let’s reflect on the biblical and orthodox view of the atonement.

The atonement is all about Christ’s death on our behalf.  His death was vicarious, or substitutionary—meaning, He died for His people in our place. 

The first Adam’s sin brought death to all of his descendants. 

As the second Adam, Jesus, through His perfect active obedience, fulfilled the covenant that the first Adam broke (Romans 5:19).  By His active obedience, Jesus fulfilled the covenant on our behalf. 

Through His passive obedience, subjecting Himself to death on the cross as the sacrifice His people’s sins, He atoned for our covenant-breaking (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).  By His passive obedience, Jesus paid for our guilt.

Here are four words associated with the atonement.

1. Redemption. Christ purchased us from our slavery to sin by satisfying God’s justice (Mathew 20:28, 1 Timothy 2:6).

2. Sacrifice. Christ laid down His life to pay for our sins (Hebrews 9:26).

3. Propitiation. Christ’s sacrifice satisfies the requirement of death for sin and removes the guilt of sinners (1 John 2:2, Romans 3:25).

4. Reconciliation. Christ reconciles, or brings together, two parties (God and His sinful people) that were previously at odds (Romans 5:10-11, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Why is the atonement necessary and what did it accomplish?

• God’s wrath is promised to all men as recompense for sin (Romans 1:18, 6:23).

• God took the initiative in providing salvation for His people (2 Corinthians 5:19).

• God provided atonement because of His love for His people (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4-5).

• The atonement is a ransom paid to satisfy God’s justice (Matthew 20:28).
  (It is not a ransom paid to Satan.)

• Christ delivered His people from the power of Satan (Hebrews 2:14, Colossians 2:15).

• Christ suffered vicariously (in place of His people) (2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53).

• Christ’s work satisfied God’s justice completely (Romans 3:26).

• Christ’s active obedience by keeping the Law perfectly and living sinlessly is an often overlooked, but essential component of the atonement (Philippians 2:8, Romans 5:19, 8:3-4).

• Christ’s passive obedience by submitting Himself to death on the cross paid the penalty for all the sins of all His people (1 Corinthians 15:3).

Next time: Christ’s resurrection 

Essential Truths About Jesus (#6 Three Offices)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” Acts 16:30-31

Because we must believe in the biblical Jesus, not a Jesus of our own imagination, let’s now consider the Work of Christ: What He did and still does as High Priest.  (See also LBCF 8)

A.   The Offices of Christ.  One way of defining the work of Christ is to refer to the three offices of Christ described by Eusebius (A.D. 263-339) and more fully articulated by John Calvin (1509-1564).

1.   Christ the Prophet. A prophet speaks to God’s people on God’s behalf (Exodus 4:15-16).  Prophets both foretell and tell-forth (proclaim) God’s Word to and for God’s people.  Jesus is identified as a prophet (Acts 3:22-ff, John 4:19).  Jesus is the final and ultimate Prophet of God (Hebrews 1:1).

2.   Christ the Priest. A priest speaks to God on behalf of God’s people (Deuteronomy 18:5, Hebrews 5:4).  Melchizedek the priest was a type of Christ (Genesis 14:18-20, Hebrews 7).  The Messiah was to be a priest (Psalm 10:4, 24:7-10).  As a priest, Jesus offered a sacrifice, but it was unique in that He was both the sacrifice and the One who offered the sacrifice (Hebrews 9:25-28, 10:5-14).  While Christ’s priestly sacrificial work was completed on the cross, His intercessory work continues (Hebrews 7:25).

3.   Christ the King. A king is a conqueror and ruler, and exercises sovereign dominion.  The Messiah was to be a king (Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 9:6-7).  As our King, Jesus has conquered all His enemies (Colossians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57) and rules over all (1 Corinthians 15:24-28), though not in the manner in which earthly/human kings rule (Matthew 20:25-28).

B.   Christ and the Atonement.

1.   Inadequate Historical Theories.  Each of the following errors expresses a partial truth, but when a partial truth is believed to be the whole truth, it becomes an untruth.

a.   Ransom to Satan Theory. Championed by Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-165) and Origen (A.D. 185-254), this incorrect theory says that Christ paid a ransom to Satan to buy the elect back from Satan for God.  The truth is that Christ ransomed His people from sin and the ransom satisfied God’s justice; but it was not paid to Satan.

b.   Commercial Theory. Championed by Anselm (A.D. 1033-1109). This theory says that Christ paid the penalty for our sins, but it fails to recognize that Christ’s sinless life is imputed to the elect as well.  This is known as the Active and Passive Obedience of Christ.  His Active Obedience was fulfilled by actively living a sinless life.  His Passive Obedience was fulfilled by passively submitting Himself to death on the cross.

c.   Example, or Martyr Theory. Championed by Peter Abelard (A.D. 1079-1142).  This theory teaches that Jesus’ example of obedience and selfless death for others inspires God’s people to turn from their sins.  It denies total depravity in man that disables him from being righteous no matter who set what example for him.  This theory denies man’s need for redemption.

d.   Moral Influence Theory. Championed by liberal theologians Bushnell (1802-1876), Schleiermacher (1768-1834), and Ritschl (1822-1889).  These theorize that Jesus’ death was nothing more than an expression of love.  This demonstration of love shames man into turning from sin.  It asserts no need of redemption.  Jesus’s death certainly was an expression of love, but it is also much more.

e.   Governmental Theory. Championed by Hugo Grotius (1583-1645).  This theory says God punished Jesus merely as an example to demonstrate God’s wrath regarding sin.  This denies Christ’s substitutionary death.

The biblical view on the atonement, next time.

Essential Truths About Jesus (#5 His Estates)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” Acts 16:30-31

We have been considering essential truths about Jesus.  Why?  Because one must believe in the biblical Jesus, not a Jesus of one’s own imagination.  We have previously considered the deity, humanity, and the person of Christ.  Let’s now turn our attention to the “estates” of Christ.  His estates include: A. His former glory before He was incarnated; B. His humiliation, when He was living and dying as a man on the earth; and C. His exaltation upon being resurrected and His ascension back to Heaven.  (Also see LBCF Chapter 8.)

A.   The Estate of Former Glory.

Before Christ was born on this earth, He existed from all eternity past as the eternally begotten Son of the Father.  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit existed eternally in perfect unity and fellowship, needing nothing or no one outside of Themselves.  Before His incarnation, Jesus was not human. When Jesus was conceived, God the Son entered into the estate of humiliation, taking a human nature (without sin), a human will, and a human body.

B.   The Estate of Condescension (two phases).

1.   Christ’s Condescension is formerly called the kenosis, which is most fully articulated in scripture in Philippians 2:5-8.  The kenosis has not always been understood correctly or uniformly.  While it is clear that Jesus laid aside some of His prerogatives as God (e.g., omnipresence, omnipotence, and majesty), some have incorrectly insisted that Christ laid aside His deity.  Still others have incorrectly taught that the divine attributes remained but became no longer divine.

The Biblical understanding of kenosis is that at the Incarnation, Jesus remained fully divine, but that He voluntarily laid aside the use of some of His divine attributes.  He never became less than God in any way, at any time.

2.   Christ’s Descent into Hell.

What is meant by Christ’s descent into Hell?  It does not mean, as some erroneously insist, that Jesus was in Hell for three days between His death and resurrection under the authority of Satan.  Jesus has never been, nor will He ever be, subject to Satan.  Rather, this descent into Hell is a reference to: a) Jesus’s lifeless physical body being in the grave for three days, and b) His receiving the full force of the Father’s wrath for the sins of His people.  It is also an error to believe that the Father and the Son were separated for three days.  They cannot be separated since they are both essentially God.  While it is clear that Jesus’s body was dead for three days, His soul was with the Father in Heaven (Paradise, Luke 23:43)

C.  The Estate of Exaltation.

The estate of exaltation includes (1) Christ’s resurrection and glorification (Acts 2:24, 32), (2) His ascension (Acts 1:6-11), and (3) His being seated at the right hand of God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) where He intercedes for His people (Hebrews 7:25), and from where He is the Judge of all the earth (Acts 10:42).  In His eternal estate, Jesus remains, and ever will be both human and divine.

 Next time we will consider the Work of Christ: What He did and still does as High Priest.

Essential Truths About Jesus (#4 His Person)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” Acts 16:30-31

While we rejoice in the Lord that all who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved, it is disturbing that many who profess faith in Jesus do not believe in the Jesus of the Bible.  That is why we are continuing with a short series in hopes of answering the question, “Who is the Jesus of the Bible?” The bulk of the content in this series comes from papers I wrote when studying Systematic Theology in seminary in 2001.

This time we will continue addressing the third of three basic errors regarding the person of Christ.

3.   Errors Affecting the Integrity of the Person of Christ. There are several errors that affect the integrity of the Person of Christ.  The early Church vacillated back and forth on this point, missing the fact that Jesus has two distinct natures integrated into one Person.  These two natures are not to be combined into one nature, or separated into two persons or personalities.

a. Nestorianism was named for its chief proponent, Nestorius (A.D. 386-451), the Patriarch of Constantinople. This error was an effort to counter the error of Apollinarianism (divine spirit in a human body, but not human), but it went too far.  This heresy teaches that the two natures of Christ are two persons.  This error was condemned at the Council of Ephesus in A.D. 431.

b. Eutychianism was named for its chief proponent Eutychus (A.D. 378–452), a presbyter of Constantinople. This error ventured back toward Apollinarianism, teaching that Jesus’s divine nature overshadowed or swallowed up His human nature.  This error was condemned by the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451 

c.  Monothelitism comes from two Greek words: mono, meaning one; and theletes, meaning one that wills. This error is regarding the will of Christ.  Monothelites could not accept the concept of Christ’s two natures each having a distinct will in one Person.  Therefore, they asserted that Jesus’s human will was not merely subject to the will of the Father, but was not a separate will at all.  This error was condemned by the Third Council of Constantinople in 681, affirming the orthodox position that Jesus has two natures and two wills in one Person.

The biblical understanding of the Person of Christ was stated by the Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451), which concluded that Jesus is one Person, fully divine and fully human at the same time.  His two natures are distinct.  They must not be co-mingled into one nature, or separated into two persons, or personalities.  He has two distinct wills which are never in conflict, both committed to doing the will of God the Father.  Jesus, the Word incarnate, assumed perfect humanity in order to save fallen humanity. He could not have saved us unless he was fully God and fully man.

The all-important Council of Chalcedon reaffirmed the creeds of Nicaea and Constantinople, condemning the false doctrines of Nestorius and Eutychus. The council affirmed the single personality of Christ and the authenticity and perfection of both His natures, human and divine.

Essential Truths About Jesus (#3 Errors Regarding His Person)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” Acts 16:30-31

We rejoice in the Lord that all who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved.  I am troubled however at how many profess faith in Jesus, but alas, the Jesus they believe in is not the Jesus of the Bible.  That is why we are continuing with a short series in hopes of answering the question, “Who is the Jesus of the Bible?” The bulk of the content in this series comes from papers I wrote when studying Systematic Theology in seminary in 2001.

This time we will begin addressing Christological Errors and Biblical Truth.  There are three basic kinds of errors regarding the person of Christ.

1.   Errors Affecting the Deity of Christ. A classic example of errors affecting Christ’s deity is the error of Arianism. Arians believed that Jesus is not eternal.  This error is based on a misunderstanding of passages like Romans 8:29 and Colossians 1:15 that call Christ the “firstborn.” These passages were misunderstood to be about Jesus’s essential being rather than His economic work as a man in the plan of redemption.  This error was condemned at the council of Nicea in A.D 325, but lives on in groups such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Arianism was named for its chief proponent, Arius (256-336 AD), Presbyter of Alexandria.  Arianism is not to be confused with the racism of  Aryanism.

2.   Errors Affecting the Humanity of Christ. An example of error that denies Christ’s humanity is the error of Apollinarianism.  This error teaches that Jesus is fully divine, but that Jesus had no human spirit, mind, or will.  According to this error, Jesus is a divine being inhabiting a human body.  This heretical attempt to emphasize Christ’s divinity while denying His humanity was condemned by the First Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D.  Apollinarianism was named for its chief proponent, Apollinaris (310-390 AD), Bishop of Laodicea.

Next Time we will consider number three: Errors Affecting the Integrity of the Person of Christ..

Essential Truths About Jesus (#2 His Natures)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” Acts 16:30-31

We rejoice in the Lord that all who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved.  I am troubled however at how many profess faith in Jesus, but alas, the Jesus they believe in is not the Jesus of the Bible. So we are answering the question, “Who is the Jesus of the Bible?” with this short series entitled, Essential Truths About Jesus. The bulk of the content in this series comes from papers I wrote when studying Systematic Theology in seminary in 2001.

Last time we considered the Deity and Humanity of Jesus. This time: how do Jesus’ two natures (divine and human) relate?

Jesus is one Person who has two distinct natures.  An important theological term for the two natures of Christ in one Person is the Theanthropic Person of Christ.  This word comes from the Greek words Theos, meaning God, and anthro, meaning man.  Joining these words describes the joining of deity and humanity in Christ.

1.   Jesus’ deity and humanity are not to be mixed or confused.  Jesus is one Person with two natures, not a composite being made up of two persons or personalities.  He is not God possessing a man’s body, nor is He a man in whom God dwells or who has a profound sense of God within Himself.  He is God and man in one Person.  This union of two natures in the one Person of Jesus Christ is called the Hypostatic Union, the term that describes how God the Son took on a human nature, yet remained fully God at the same time.  Jesus Christ is one Person, fully God and fully man. This is unique to Christ.

2.   There are important distinctions regarding the two natures of Christ.  An important distinction regarding the two natures of Christ is that the deity of Christ did not make the humanity other than human, and the humanity of Christ did not make the deity of Christ other than divine.  The two natures come together in one Person, but they do not change either of the two natures.  There are actions taken by Jesus in which His humanity is in the forefront, and there are actions taken by Jesus in which His deity is in the forefront, but these actions are taken by one Person, who must not be divided.  His two natures are distinct, but never separated.

A footnote: It is interesting that the unbelieving world often has difficulty with the deity of Christ, while believers often forget about or downplay the humanity of Christ. An essential truth is that Jesus is the one and only God-man.

Essential Truths About Jesus (#1 He is Worthy & Able)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” Acts 16:30-31

I recently read an article on the Christian post entitled “Ten Heretical Views Regarding Jesus,” by Joseph Mattera. I encourage those who wish to read the article, find it on The Christian Post website. I will write the next several blogs about the biblical Jesus. The bulk of the content in this series comes from papers I wrote when studying Systematic Theology in seminary in 2001.

First, why is this important? Too many claim to believe in Jesus, but the “Jesus” they believe in is not the God of the Bible, nor of time-honored Christian orthodoxy. Belief in another “Jesus” will not save anyone.

1. Most of the ten heresies are not new. Most are reheated leftovers from centuries-old false doctrines that were debunked in the first four centuries of Christian history. This is a reminder of how important it is to know Christian history, since those who do not know history are frequently doomed to repeat it—including the errors.

2. Most of these heresies are wrong about the deity, person, nature, and will of Jesus the God-Man. These are not unimportant technicalities. One need not know all the details of the truth, but when one embraces error, all bets are off!

Second, what is the truth? The truths about Jesus were hammered out when the Church encountered error. These errors forced the Church to search the scriptures to define Christian orthodoxy. This was done in several Church councils that tackled specific errors.

A.   The Deity of Christ: He is Worthy

John 1:1-5 says that Jesus is “the Word” and that the Word “is God” and is the Creator of all things.  John 5 records several claims by Jesus that He is equal with God.  John 11:25-46 declares Jesus’s authority over life and death.  In John 14:7-9, Jesus claims that to see and know Him is to see and know God.  John 20:28 recounts Thomas’s declaration that Jesus is God.  Acts 20:28 refers to the “church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”  God the Father did not shed His blood on the cross.  That was done by God the Son, the “God-Man” Jesus Christ.  Therefore since the blood that was shed was God’s, Jesus is God.  Those who insist that Jesus never claimed to be God either do not know, or do not understand the scriptures. Jesus had to be sinless to be worthy to die for His people. But since God cannot die Jesus also had to be a human being…

B.   The Humanity of Christ: He is Able

Matthew 1 and Luke 3 record the human genealogies of Jesus (Matthew, through Joseph, and Luke, through Mary).  Luke 1-2 records the details of Jesus’s literal human birth.  Galatians 4:4 says that the Messiah was born of a woman and born under the Law, as are humans.  Hebrews 2:14 records Jesus as having flesh and blood.  The Gospels record numerous human experiences felt by Jesus, including hunger and fatigue. Since God cannot die, Jesus had to be a human being to be able to die for His people.

Therefore, Jesus, the one and only God-man, is uniquely worthy and able to be His people’s Savior.

Next Time: The Two Natures of Christ

Both Heaven and Hell are for God's glory

We began in April considering how the entire Bible is about Jesus.  We began with creation, and last time wrote about eternity after Jesus’ Second Coming.  Let’s pause this time to ask and answer the question, “WHY?”

Throughout this journey through the Bible, seeing Jesus at every turn, we have mentioned numerous times that God’s plan throughout it all is to create a people for Himself.  But what is the point of the story and plan?

The point of the story and plan is to glorify God.  There are two attributes of God that are most fully put on display because of this story and plan.  These two attributes are:  (1) God’s justice/wrath and (2) God’s love/mercy/grace.   The end goal of all things is that God puts these two seemingly opposite attributes on display—for His eternal glory. 

Romans 9:22-23  What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,  23  and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory…

How is God’s justice and wrath displayed?  God’s justice cannot be displayed unless there is an opportunity for someone or something to defy Him.  God allows sin (defiance of Him) so that He can put His justice on display by judging sin and sinners.

How is God’s love/mercy/grace displayed?  God’s grace is on display, first, merely by virtue of creation.  He didn’t owe anyone life, but He gave us life anyway.  That is grace.  But to really showcase God’s grace, God graciously saves sinners who cannot do anything to save themselves. 

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  9  not of works, lest anyone should boast.

To put His grace on display, God forgives some of those who defy Him.  And He does that through the death of His Son, who became a man so that He could live and die to save His people from their sins.  Jesus took our sin and the penalty we deserve so that we can have His righteousness and the reward of righteousness that He alone deserves.  God displays His grace not by saving good people, but by saving sinners.  Some of those He graciously saves are the worst of sinners.

Ephesians 2:4-7  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  5  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  6  and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  7  that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

The point of the whole story is God’s glory.

• God will be glorified by His justice and wrath poured out on sinners who persist in their rebellion against Him—who finally and ultimately reject God’s only remedy for sin:  Jesus Christ.

• God will be glorified by His Love/Mercy/Grace poured out on sinners who are no less deserving of God’s wrath than any others, but those who God graciously chooses to save.

Every one of us will glorify God—either as an object of wrath or as an object of mercy. 

What about you?  Will you glorify Him as an object of His justice and wrath, or as an object of His kindness, love, and grace?

After the Second Coming: Eternity

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1 

After Jesus’ Second Coming and judgment, Revelation 21:1 tells us that Christ will establish a New Heaven and a New Earth…

To learn about that place, read Revelation 21-22, regularly and often.  If you are a believer, that is your eternal home.  If you aren’t interested—you should be, since this life is temporary and eternity is—well, eternal!

We should be looking forward to, excited about, and anticipating Heaven.  Read the following and think more about Heaven: 

Revelation 21:2-8  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.  4  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  5  Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."  6  And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.  7  He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.  8  But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

That is the “end of the story,” and the beginning of eternity. 

What is “the story” about?  It is about God’s plan to create a people for Himself.  But what is the point of the story and plan? Tune in next time!

Jesus is coming again! (2)

Last time we began a list of eight truths about Jesus’ Second Coming.  We listed the first seven, saving number eight for this post.  Here it is:

8.   The Lord Jesus, at His Second Coming will Judge…   

Who will He judge? According to Jesus in Matthew 25:31-33, He will judge not just individuals, but the nations!

Matthew 25:31-33  "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.  32  All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.  33  And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

He will also judge individuals who are lost. 

Revelation 20:11-15  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.  12  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.  13  The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  14  Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  15  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

And, He will judge His people!  Wait! Didn’t Jesus take our condemnation!  Yes, He did!

Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

But the redeemed will be judged by the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:4  For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

(1)  What is the nature of the Lord’s judgment of the redeemed? The judgment of the saved is not about Heaven or Hell.  That was settled by Christ, at the cross. Rather it will be about eternal rewards, or the lack thereof.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,  13  each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.  14  If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.  15  If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

(2)  What will the judgment of believers be based on? Believers’ judgment will be based on faithfulness to Christ (not success as the world counts success!).

1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

(3)  What will these rewards be?  We cannot say for sure what those rewards are, but Revelation 4:4 speaks about believers having crowns on their heads—most believe these crowns represent rewards in Heaven.  Revelation 4:10 speaks of believers “casing their crowns before the throne on which Jesus is seated.” The conclusion is that once believers see the Lord, they will be so aware that He is the only One who is worthy of reward. As an act of worship, they will spontaneously cast their crowns at His feet declaring, “What is this crown doing on my head?”

All that is to say that the more faithful we are here and now, the more fully we will worship the Lord in Heaven forever. 

If anyone thinks, “Big deal, I don’t care much for worship anyway,”  (a) Worshiping God is what we were created for.  (b) Heaven is about worship.

Jesus is coming again! (1)

We have considered what Jesus did when He came the first time and what He did after He ascended into Heaven.  But Jesus is not done.  He is coming again!

The Second Coming is an essential doctrine of the faith.  All believers are not in perfect agreement regarding all of the details of the Second Coming, but all true believers must believe in the Second Coming of Jesus.

The Second Coming is not only essential, it is our blessed hope of future glory.

Titus 2:11-13  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…”

Let us learn eight truths about the Second Coming:

1.   The Lord went away (bodily ascension into Heaven)

Acts 1:9-11  Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

2.   The Lord will come back.

Acts 1:11b  This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

3.   The Lord will be gone a long time.  It has been a long time and we do not know how much longer—but He will come again!

Matthew 25:13 & 19  "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming… 19  After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

4.   We do not know when the Lord will return.

Mark 13:32  "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

5.   The Lord’s people are to do business (grow in grace and evangelize the world) until He comes.

Luke 19:13  So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'

6.   The Lord’s people will suffer before He returns.

2 Timothy 3:12  Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

7.   There will be a great apostasy (falling away) before He returns.

2 Thessalonians 2:3  Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day [second coming] will not come unless the falling away [apostasy] comes first…

The eighth is His judgment when He returns—next time…

God's one plan for His one people

We have been considering (with a few brief interruptions) that the entire Bible is about Jesus (John 5:39-40).  As a sub-category of that premise, we devoted several posts to Christ’s establishment of His Church.  In this post I want to write about another key element about the establishment of Christ’s Church, namely, the blending of Jew and Gentile as one people of God.  A very common mistake in reading the Bible is to conclude that God had a plan for Israel, but that since Israel failed (not only to keep the law, but to receive their Messiah), that God instituted a second, separate plan for Gentiles.  This is a mistake.

God has one plan.

Revelation 5:9  And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation…

Revelation 13:7  It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Revelation 14:6  Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people--

The conclusion:  God has one people, made up of sinful people who He graciously saves from every nationality.  That plan was fulfilled when Jesus Christ saved His sinful people by becoming a man so that He could live for them, die for them, and rise for them.

God gave the Jews the Law, but the Jews could never be saved by keeping the law.  No one can, regardless of nationality.  No one can be saved by keeping the Law since it is impossible for any sinner to keep the Law. 

Romans 3:20-24 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all [Jew and Gentile alike] have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

The Law was never intended to be a means of salvation, based on obedience.  Rather, the Law points out our sinful state that cannot be reversed by our attempts to obey.  Once a person is sufficiently convinced of his hopeless sinful condition, he will cry out to God for mercy—which is found solely through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

This is true not only for Jewish people but the law given to the Jews was to be a light to Gentiles as well.

Deuteronomy 4:6-7  Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the [Gentile] peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'  7  "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?”

While it is understandable that some may think there is a difference between Jew and Gentile, and even that God has two plans (one for Jews and one for Gentiles), Paul tells us that the wall that separates Jew and Gentile has been removed by Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:11-16 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Jesus is the Savior of one people, marked by faith not by ethnicity or nationality.

Jesus’ story is not done however, because He is coming again.  More on that next time. 

WAR!

I recently read an interesting article by Robin Schumacher, a Christian apologist. His opening statement was:

One of the oldest and most often repeated lies about religion and Christianity, in particular, is that it’s responsible for the majority of historical wars and bloodshed.

I know I’ve heard that particular attack on Christianity from time to time.  Even if it were true, how would that make Christianity a false religion?  It wouldn’t!

But it is not true.

It is true that wars have been waged in the name of religion, and sadly, Christians have been engaged in such wars, but what of the claim that “the majority of wars and bloodshed” have been religious in nature?

Schumacher points out the obvious: that wars in which Christians have been engaged, “barely register on history’s violence Geiger counter compared to the carnage and body count produced by secular governments [Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, etc.]” 

Schumacher then points us to a massive scholarly three-volume work entitled “Encyclopedia of Wars,” by Philip and Axelrod.  In that encyclopedia it is pointed out that,

“…of the 1,763 wars waged throughout human history, only 123 have been religious in nature. That amounts to a surprisingly low 6.98% of all wars resulting from religion.

“Further, when wars carried out in the name of Islam are subtracted, the percentage falls to 3.23%, meaning that all religions combined — minus Islam — have been responsible for less than 4% of all humanity’s wars and violent conflicts.”

Schumacher then cites a political science professor named R. J. Rummel who wrote, “Death by Government.”  In it, Rummel wrote the following:

“Almost 170 million men, women and children have been shot, beaten, tortured, knifed, burned, starved, frozen, crushed or worked to death; buried alive, drowned, hung, bombed or killed in any other of a myriad of ways governments have inflicted death on unarmed, helpless citizens and foreigners. The dead could conceivably be nearly 360 million people. It is though our species has been devastated by a modern Black Plague. And indeed it has, but a plague of Power, not germs.”  

Schumacher wrote more, and I refer you to read his article at: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/dealing-with-cosmic-tyrants.html

I’ll conclude my comments with two points:

First don’t be bullied into silence regarding our faith by the fanciful and incorrect allegations against Christ that come from those who hate him.

Second, the greatest war of all time is the war of rebellion waged against God by every sinner (until they are saved).  This war is a matter of Heaven or Hell for those who either trust in Christ or not.  The greatest news of all is that Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, died on the cross and rose from the dead for all who surrender to and follow Him.

The vital importance of the Church (3)

…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18

We’ve been considering the vital importance of the Church. Here is a good question: Are house churches legitimate churches? Answer: Yes and No.

There are times and places that house churches are absolutely legitimate!

(1) In times and in places that the Church is persecuted and disallowed to meet publicly, Christians must meet secretly in small groups, often in homes. Let us remember to pray for our persecuted brethren in such circumstances.

(2) There are times and places that there are so few believers, that meeting in very small groups in homes makes perfect sense. We see the Church meeting primarily in homes in the 1st century as the Church was new and expanding. (When our church first began, we met in a home.)

But what about when and where believers are able to gather publicly and in greater numbers? (1) Though smaller home groups play an important role in a traditional church that meets publicly in larger numbers, these small groups are adjunct to typical churches, not a substitute for church.

(2) The house church movement in our nation is often (not always) made up of folks who claim they cannot find a church they agree with on everything. Frequently these churches have no elders, neglect the sacraments, lack vision beyond their door (no missions), and lack any accountability. These may not be legitimate churches.

Can’t find a church you agree with 100%? Find a legitimate church you can agree with most, and serve, not demanding that they agree with you.

The vital importance of the Church (2)

…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18

We began last time considering the vital importance of the Church. The following are more reasons why we need to be associated with a local church.

There are actions believers are instructed to take that cannot be done without being in a true local church. One example is found in the following verse:

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

The context reveals that “those who rule” are the elders in the local church. If you are not in a legitimate church (one with biblical elders), you cannot do this. The same is true regarding elders in these verses:

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN," and, "THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES." Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 1 Timothy 5:17-20

And what about when one is ill? How can one who is not in a church do this?:

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14

Believers need to be members of a local churches that have biblical elders. Why membership? Membership is formal understanding of mutual accountability between the believers and the church (including the leadership). A fellow pastor who many of you know once said to me regarding membership: “How can elders watch over the souls of those who refuse to be accountable as members?” (See Hebrews 13:17 above)

Next time: The truth about house churches…

The vital importance of the Church (1)

…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18

We have been considering ways that Christ has been building His Church. I thought it of great value to mention some things about the vital importance of the Church.

Jesus made it clear that the Church is His Church, that He is it’s Builder, and that He guarantees His Church’s ultimate success. Jesus came not merely to save individuals (though we are all saved individually). He came to save His people collectively. Collectively, His people are known as His Church (also as His body and His bride, among other designations). The instant we are saved we are members of His Church.

In His infinite wisdom, the Lord established “local churches,” since one cannot function practically belonging only to the universal Church. Believers can be members of the universal Church, yet disobediently refuse to associate with a local church. It is in local churches that we belong, worship with other believers, serve, give, pray, etcetera. Proverbs 18:1-2 warns against not being connected:

Proverbs 18:1-2 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

I’ve said it for years, but the tragic reality continues to worsen: There has never been a time in Church history when there have been more people who profess faith in Christ, yet willfully have nothing to do with His Church! There have been times when more people who are not saved have associated with Christ’s Church, but never more who profess faith in Christ, who not only do not associate with a local church, but insist that they do not need church.

Why do we need church?

The New Testament letters were written to churches, largely about church life. The only way believers knew of these Apostolic letters was by attending local churches were they were read, then circulated in other local churches.

Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts all believers to associate with a church—and to attend with regularity:

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

More next time…