Yearly Archives: 2011

Miscellaneous Quotes (23)

Posted on by
Reply

“When circumstances seem impossible, when all signs of grace in you seem at their lowest ebb, when temptation is fiercest, when love and joy and hope seem well nigh extinguished in your heart, then rest, without feeling and without emotion, in the Father’s faithfulness; abide in the fact that He loves you infinitely, and even now is working in you faithfully; and honor Him, and put the enemy to flight by taking to yourself the words of Job, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” – D. Tryon

“So long as men are in prosperity, and have their leaves on, they do not see what nests of sins and lust are in their hearts and lives; but when all their leaves are off, in the day of their affliction, then they see them and say, I did not think I had such nests of sin and lusts in my soul… ‘Before I was afflicted I went astray,’ says David, Psa 119:67. And Job 36:10, ‘He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.’ Yea, these afflictions and sufferings of the saints not only reveal and heal their sins, but also put them upon the excerse of grace: ‘In their affliction (says God) they will seek me early,’ Hosea 5:15. Yea, they not only draw out their graces but reveal their graces too, which possibly they never too notice of before.” – William Bridge, “A Lifting Up for the Downcast”

“The only opportunity you will ever have to live by faith is in the circumstances you are provided this very day: this house you live in, this family you find yourself in, this job you have been given, the weather conditions that prevail at the moment.” Eugene Peterson

“I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.” – Richard Baxter

“The very thing that you think was designed to destroy you, could actually be God’s tool to heal you and make you whole.”

“The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation, but makes them so.” – Augustine

“Christ is so in love with holiness, that at the price of his blood he will buy it for us.” — John Flavel

“The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete.” – Augustus Toplady

“To say “Never mind doctrine, let’s get on with evangelism,” is as ridiculous as a football team saying, “Never mind about a ball, let’s get on with the game.” — Peter Lewis

J.I. Packer, from “The Heart of the Gospel” in Knowing God (also in In My Place Condemned He Stood, p. 32): Has the word propitiation any place in your Christianity? In the faith of the New Testament it is central. The love of God [1 John 4:8-10], the taking of human form by the Son [Heb. 2:17], the meaning of the cross [Rom. 3:21-26], Christ’s heavenly intercession [1 John 2:1-2], the way of salvation—all are to be explained in terms of it, as the passages quoted show, and any explanation from which the thought of propitiation is missing will be incomplete, and indeed actually misleading, by New Testament standards.

In saying this, we swim against the stream of much modern teaching and condemn at a stroke the views of a great number of distinguished church leaders today, but we cannot help that. Paul wrote, “Even if we or an angel from heaven”—let alone a minister, a bishop, college lecturer, university professor, or noted author—”should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” (“accursed” KJV and RSV; “outcast” NEB; “damned” Phillips—Gal. 1:8). And a gospel without propitiation at is heart is another gospel than that which Paul preached. The implications of this must not be evaded.

Packer approvingly quotes John Murray’s explanation of propitiation:

“The doctrine of propitiation is precisely this: that God loved the objects of His wrath (the world) so much that He gave His own Son to the end that He by His blood should make provision for the removal of His wrath. It was Christ’s so to deal with the wrath that the loved would no longer be the objects of wrath, and love would achieve its aim of making the children of wrath the children of God’s good pleasure.” — John Murray, The Atonement (Philadelphia: P&R, 1962), p.

“The first rule of holes: When you’re in one, stop digging.” – Molly Ivins

“When God calls a man, He does not repent of it. God does not, as many friends do, love one day and hate another; or as princes, who make their subjects favourites and afterwards throw them into prison. This is the blessedness of a saint; his condition admits of no alteration. God’s call is founded upon His decree, and His decree is immutable. Acts of grace cannot be reversed. God blots out His people’s sins, but not their names.” – Thomas Watson

“No one preaches the whole counsel of God who is a man-pleaser.” – R.C. Sproul

“Longing desire prayeth always, though the tongue be silent. If thou art ever longing, thou art ever praying.” – Augustine

“We are fallen enough to even have a clear conscience and still be wrong.” – Mark Dever

“The prayer which moves the arm of God is still a sinful prayer, and only moves that arm because the Sinless One, the great Mediator, has stepped in to take away the sin of our supplication.” – C. H. Spurgeon

“The obedience of the life of Christ was for us, is imputed to us, and is our righteousness before God; – by His obedience are we “made righteous,” Rom.5:19 – John Owen

“The universe is far too big to be made for man alone. It is just the right size, however, to be made to manifest the glory of God.” – R.C. Sproul, Jr

“If your knowledge of doctrine does not make you a great man of prayer, you had better examine yourself again.” — Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Particular Redemption

Posted on by
Reply

Roger Nicole wrote a very helpful book entitled, Our Sovereign Savior, in which he explains the essence of the Reformed Faith. Chapter 5 is about the subject of “Particular Redemption.” Here are a few of the excellent points Roger Nicole made:

•When it comes to the debate surrounding “limited atonement” the value of the death of Christ is not in question. There are no limits to the value of Christ’s death: it is sufficient to save anyone and everyone who trusts in Christ.

•The death of Christ blesses everyone in human history and creation at large. There is no limit to the extent of these blessings which are often referred to as “common grace.”

•If a person doesn’t believe that the atonement of Christ is limited only to effectually saving the elect then a that person is only left with one theological option: universal salvation of all people.

•The real issue is the design or intent of the Father when he sent his Son to die on the cross and purchase redemption for sinners. Since all sinners do not get saved then there is either a limit in the effectiveness of the atonement or a limit in its intent. Was God doing something to save all sinners and failed? Or was God purchasing the salvation of the elect and succeeded? Historical, orthodox Christianity teaches that God had a limited intent designed for the atonement of Christ: Christ was to die for and purchase and secure the salvation of the elect. The Cross was absolutely successful in accomplishing the particular intent for which it was designed.

•Lorraine Boettner compared this matter to two bridges: (1) one is a narrow bridge that goes all the way across the water, and (2) the other is a very wide bridge that doesn’t go all the way across the water. What good is the second bridge? It is as good as a theology that teaches the atonement was for all sinners but didn’t actually save any.

•The term “redemption” refers to the payment of the full price to purchase a sinners salvation. If the atonement didn’t actually pay the full price and didn’t actually redeem sinners then what good is it?

•The term “propitiation” refers to the atonements satisfying effects upon God’s wrath. If the death of Christ was a propitiation for all sinners then why is God still angry with sinners?

•The term “reconciliation” refers to the healing of a relationship. Since sinners are still considered enemies of God then what good was the atonement?

•The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ died as a substitute for sinners upon the cross, suffering the wrath of God on their behalf. Biblical theology refers to this as the “penal, substitutionary atonement” and “federal headship.” Federal headship refers to the fact that Christ lived and died as our representative before God.

•The doctrine of “universal atonement” teaches that the death of Christ was for everyone but didn’t actually save anyone. Therefore “universal atonement” completely undermines the biblical definitions of redemption, propitiation, reconciliation, substitution, and federal representation.

•Universal Atonement proponents are forced to defend the concept of the Father electing some sinners; but Jesus wanted to die for all sinners; but the Holy Spirit sides with the Father and against the Son and only saves some sinners.

•May no one ever think that definite atonement prevents anybody from coming, harms anyone or takes from anybody anything that belongs to him or her. On the contrary, definite atonement is a doctrine which shows a finished, accomplished salvation.

HT: Jason Robertson

More about Bible Translations

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Steve Weaver wrote an excellent short series of three articles on the subject of Bible translations. I thought he covered a great deal of ground in a concise manner. I recommend this series to anyone who wants a quick but informed overview of this very important subject.

Pastor Steve’s interactions with the King James Only naysayers in the comments section (after each article) are also very worthwhile. Well done Steve.

Article 1: The Necessity and Purpose of Bible Translations

Article 2: The History of Bible Translations

Article 3: Why are there so many Bible Translations?

Justification and Sanctification

Posted on by
Reply

(Repost from November 5, 2010)

We can make a distinction between the body and the head of a man and he suffers no loss, but if there is a separation, the man will be dead. The head and the body must stay together for life to continue. Similarly, though we can make a distinction between justification and sanctification, we must never separate the two.

JUSTIFICATION
Justification is a legal court room term defined as the act of God when He declares a person just or righteous in His sight. This takes place the moment a sinner places their trust in the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. For the sinner who has faith in Jesus, God pronounces the sentence “I find you not guilty! I reckon (I count, I declare) you righteous in My sight, and you and I are forever at peace with each other. All of your sins were transferred to your sin bearing Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ, who took the full brunt of My holy wrath for you, and what has been transferred to your account is the righteousness of My Son, who lived not only a sinless life, but a life fully pleasing to Me. This very real righteousness is yours now and forever.” Continue reading →

Which Horse Wins?

Posted on by
Reply

Before I ever learned John 3:16; the very first Bible verse I ever memorized as a new Christian was 1 John 2:17. Looking back, I can say that it was a great verse to recall to mind when faced with pressing temptations in my teenage years. It reads:

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Its been said that a picture paints a thousand words; sometimes a song achieves the same purpose. Here are two songs that portray the absolute contrast between on one side, the world; and on the other side, the kingdom of God where closeness with the Master Himself is the ultimate prize, the most valued treasure.

The world has great drawing power. There is no doubt about that. The pull is so intriguing to us that ONLY a stronger desire can overcome it.

‘Bright Lights Bigger City’ by Cee Lo Green

I am not sure that there could be a more fitting music video than this one above to portray the attractions of this world, described as “the passing pleasures of sin” in the book of Hebrews. Yet hear the word of the Lord:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

One man said he had two horses living inside him; one a beautiful white horse called holiness; the other a dark foreboding horse called covetousness.

When asked which horse wins, his answer was simple, plain and to the point:

“The horse that wins is the one I feed!”

Now in contrast, here is a song called “Holiness” by Micah Stampley

May I ask you a question?

Which horse will you feed today?

A Word about Bible Translations

Posted on by
1

In my teaching and preaching ministry, I primarily use the English Standard Version (ESV) and it is the Bible most frequently used in our services at King’s Church here in Phoenix.

I say this for two main reasons; the first being that it can be very confusing if we have the different words in front of us as the sermon is being preached. This can be very alarming for new Christians who are not aware of the issues and see a text in front of them that is so different from what the preacher is using.

Decades ago, there was only one real Bible version of choice, the King James Version. Though it was the Geneva Bible with its Reformation based explanatory study notes that first came over to the shores of America on the Mayflower, the growing popularity of the KJV eventually made seeing the Geneva Bible a rare event in church services and in the homes of Christians in the USA.

The King James Version is certainly an excellent translation which has served the church for many generations. However, the meaning of words have changed a great deal in the centuries since the first printing of the KJV in 1611. Many preachers (me included) found that when using it, much time was required in a sermon to update and explain the archaic language used. A newer translation removes the need for this.

In addition to the archaic language of the KJV, what we know of the original text and languages has improved significantly in the last 400 years or so. The Church in our day has needed a Bible translation which reflects this great advancement in scholarship.

In some church services, there can be as many as 15-20 different versions in use in the congregation. Of course, people can use any translation they like. They are free to do so! Yet I think it is very helpful for pastors and elders to recommend one main translation for the congregation as this eliminates any potential confusion.

With this as a foundation, the next question we need to ask is “which is the best Bible to use?”

This leads me to talk about the second reason for choosing the ESV. It stems from the desire to have an essentially literal translation (a “word for word” translation) in use rather than a dynamic equivalent, or “thought for thought” one. As the article below states, the primary advantage in choosing a “word for word” translation is that “preachers, teachers, and church people will have the confidence that their Bible gives them the equivalent English words for what the authors of the Bible actually wrote. They do not need to wonder at every point where translation ends and commentary begins. They do not need to worry that important material has been omitted from the original.”

Certainly, there are other good ESL translations out there. For years I have used the NASB (New American Standard Bible) which is tremendously accurate as a translation. However, if reason number one above was ever to be achieved, a choice needed to be made. The ESV is known for both its very accurate translation and for its language flow. It is very easy to read and to memorize. It is great for both adults and children.

I write these words here and present this short article with questions and answers below (by Leland Ryken) because I wanted you to know some of the thinking behind the ESV being our Bible of choice here at King’s Church.

While we are still on the subject of Bibles, I am often asked to recommend a good Study Bible. I always point people to either the Reformation Study Bible or the ESV Study Bible, both of which use this same English Standard Version (ESV) text. These are the two exceptional Study Bibles out there. I love using both of them and am confident that in directing people to these notes, they will not be led astray. I certainly cannot say that about all Study Bibles out there but these two are remarkable gifts to the Body of Christ at large. You will usually see me preaching using one of these Study Bibles.

– Pastor John Samson

On Bible Translation: A Q & A with Leland Ryken

From the KJV to the NIV, NLT, ESV, and beyond, English Bible translations have never been as plentiful as they are today. This proliferation has also brought some confusion regarding translation differences and reliability. Leland Ryken agreed to join us for a two-part Q&A on Bible Translation. In his new book, Understanding English Bible Translation, he clarifies some of the issues of modern Bible translation and makes a case for an essentially literal approach. Join us as he answers a handful of timely questions:

When did you first become interested in issues of translation philosophy?

My interest has been marked by two key moments along the way. The first came at the time of the release of the NIV, when I was asked to write a literary review of the new translation for Christianity Today. That assignment just happened to coincide with the appearance of a book of essays that criticized modern translations (chiefly the RSV and New English Bible) as being inferior to the KJV. Although I was only vaguely aware of how translation philosophy entered that debate, I became semi-expert in the deficiencies of modern translations.

After serving as a member of the translation committee that produced the ESV, I asked Lane Dennis if he wanted me to expand my review of the NIV into a book-length exploration of the issues surrounding the rival translation philosophies. Lane surprised me by saying yes, so that was followed by my immersion in the subject of the opposed philosophies known as dynamic equivalence and essentially literal translation. The learning curve was steep, but very rewarding.
Continue reading →

Two Kinds of Science

Posted on by
Reply

From the Answers in Genesis website:

We could simply tell you there are two main types of scientific research—operational and historical—but we’d rather show you. And to do that, we want you to take part in a short experiment. (Don’t worry. You won’t even have to move from your seat.)

Imagine that a friend points to a building and asks you to tell them about it. Being the inquisitive individual that you are, you immediately set out to describe the building in as much detail as you can.

The first part of your investigation is pretty straightfoward. You climb to the top and drop down your measuring tape to find that the building is exactly 1,453 feet and 8 9/16 inches from the ground to the tip of the broadcast tower—that includes over 100 floors and an observatory. You put the building on your scales and find it to be 365,000 tons.

“That’s great,” says your friend. “But when was it built?”

Measurements alone can’t tell you that part. You could make an educated guess, of course, but there’s really no need. After all, you have an eyewitness account.

After a quick Internet search, you hand your friend the complete history of this amazing historical monument — otherwise known as the Empire State Building in New York City.

Two Kinds of Science

While our experiment above was fictional, the two methods used for uncovering data aren’t. Some bits of information can be gleaned simply be examining things with your senses—such as the height and weight. Other people can then check your results by making measurements of their own. We often call this operational science (also called observational science—for obvious reasons).

But some research requires either making educated assumptions about the past by examining evidence in the present (historical or “origins” science)—or finding a primary source of information. While our assumptions could be accurate, it’s always better to start with an eyewitness account. Otherwise, our assumptions could lead us in the wrong direction.

For example, some geologists take present-day rates of radiometric decay and rock formation and imagine that the rates have always been the same. That’s why they think the earth is so old (it’s not). But we can’t zip back in time to test this for accuracy.

What we can do, however, is check our historical research against a trustworthy eyewitness account. But what about for the history of the earth? Does something like that exist? You bet—and this amazing compendium of history isn’t hard to find. Just pull out your trusty Bible.

A Trustworthy Source

The Bible often gets attacked as being antiquated and anti-science. But that’s not the case. In fact, using the Bible as a framework allows us to understand why science is even possible and to make sense of the past from a solid foundation.

Starting from the Bible, given to us by the Creator of all things, we know when we’re on the right track (Hebrews 4:13; Colossians 2:2–3).

Friday Round Up

Posted on by
Reply

(1) Ever wondered where the doctrines of grace English acrostic T.U.L.I.P. originated?

Would it surprise you to find out that it is only just over 100 years old? There’s a very interesting discussion and insightful comments found at Justin Taylor’s blog from a couple of years ago, Ligonier has some SUPER deals today on some excellent material in this week’s $5 Friday sale including two GREAT BOOKS. The online sale starts at 8 a.m. eastern time and goes on for 24 hours or until items are sold out. Check it out here.

(3) Wish List: Regular readers of this blog will no doubt confirm that I have talked very little about King’s Church in Phoenix, where I serve as pastor. Its currently a very small start up/pioneer Church where we are looking to the Lord to expand as we reach out around us with the gospel of God’s grace.

A couple of folk suggested I write out a wish list of items we are needing/praying for. I responded that on a blog, people do not wish to be told about needs. By its very nature, the blog is a ministry that is always to be given free of charge.

They said, “That’s very true, but there are some people who have been very blessed by your blog and would wish to know about current needs to see if they can help in any way. You might be pleasantly surprised.”

Perhaps they have a point. I am not going to make a habit of mentioning this, but for those interested, here’s a short list of ministry items we are hoping to acquire:

Full Sound System (speakers, microphones, mic stands, cables, etc.)
Church Chairs
Pulpit
Video Camera upgrade for making youtube videos
Outreach Tracts

Because the folks here have their own ideas and preferences as to what exactly to purchase, please contact us first before buying anything. However, IF you are interested in helping in any way, please know that even small financial gifts towards some of these expensive purchases would be of enormous help.

(4) Most Americans believe that their major problem is something that has happened to them, and that their solution is to be found within. In other words, they believe that they have an alien problem that is to be resolved with an inner solution. What they gospel says, however, is that we have an inner problem that demands an alien solution—a righteousness that is not our own. – Al Mohler, ‘Preaching with the Culture in View,’ in Preaching the Cross (Crossway 2007), p. 81

That’s very clarifying.

The world says: the problem is outside you, the solution inside you.
The gospel says: the problem is inside you, the solution outside you.

(5) The last page of The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis–

‘You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be,’ said Aslan.

Lucy said, ‘We’re so afraid of being sent away, Aslan. And you have sent us back into our own world so often.’

‘No fear of that,’ said Aslan. ‘Have you not guessed?’

Their hearts leaped and a wild hope rose within them.

‘There was a real railway accident,’ said Aslan softly. ‘Your father and mother and all of you are—as you used to call it in the Shadowlands—dead. The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.’

And as He spoke He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at least they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.

God bless – John.

Effectual Grace

Posted on by
Reply

In so far as I can glean from the historical records, the phrase “effectual grace” was first coined by Augustine in his letter to Simplicianus in 396 AD. It describes grace of such power and magnitude that it accomplishes everything intended for it by God. It is grace that saves, really saves. It achieves no mere hypothetical salvation that only becomes effective if man decides to cooperate. Grace Saves. It raises spiritually dead men to life, imparting to them a new nature as the old heart of stone is removed and a pliable tender heart of flesh is put in its place, one that loves Christ and willingly submits to Him in repentance and faith, trusting Christ alone for salvation by grace alone through faith alone, renouncing all human merit and all other Saviors. No other grace is necessary and no other grace can accomplish this – only a miracle working grace that changes the disposition of the heart and carries the newly born again saint all the way to the heavenly shore, even to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is the grace that calls the sinner to faith in Christ with 100% success, for “these whom He called, He justified,” and it is the grace that causes all those justified to be fully glorified “these whom He justified, He glorified.” (Romans 8:29,30)

It was this kind of effectual grace that was in the mind and heart of John Newton as he penned the famous hymn:

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers toils and snares
I have already come
Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home

In speaking of grace in this way, we must always remind ourselves that grace is not a “thing” or “substance.” As Dr. Sinclair Ferguson said so well:

It is legitimate to speak of “receiving grace,” and sometimes (although I am somewhat cautious about the possibility of misuing this langauge) we speak of the preaching of the Word, prayer, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper as “means of grace.” That is fine, so long as we remember that there isn’t a thing, a substance, or a “quasi-substance” called “grace.” All there is is the person of the Lord Jesus — “Christ clothed in the gospel,” as John Calvin loved to put it. Grace is the grace of Jesus.

If I can highlight the thought here: there is no “thing” that Jesus takes from Himself and then, as it were, hands over to me. There is only Jesus Himself. Grasping that thought can make a significant difference to a Christian’s life. So while some people might think this is just splitting hairs about different ways of saying the same thing, it can make a vital difference. It is not a thing that was crucified to give us a thing called grace. It was the person of the Lord Jesus that was crucified in order that He might give Himself to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.