Scripture Q&A (Part 5) - Can't We Generally Agree?

Can't we generally agree on what it means to be a Christian? Basically, it just means we believe in Jesus Christ, doesn't it? Beyond that, let's just acknowledge some major themes of Christianity, but worship God in our own ways.

After all, what does it really matter if we go to churches of different denominations? The basic tenets are all the same. Aren't they? Diversity in the body of Christ is good. Isn't it? We just prefer different types of worship styles, preaching and music. Right? Some churches even have a distinct traditional service and a contemporary service on the same day.

God made us all unique. Right? The body is supposed to have many members. Yes? It's a grand thing we can each worship God in our own unique way. Isn't it? After all, it's all about your personal relationship with Christ and/or living out your Christianity. Well?

Yes and No. Mostly No.

Yes, we can seem to agree in basic, general terms: God is the Creator of all things; Jesus is the Son of God; People sin; Christ died for our sins; the Bible is the word of God; Be good, do good; Heaven and hell are real; go to church and try to be a good neighbor. A new Christian has to start somewhere.

But, hopefully, we recognize where some Christian denominations stray or quarrel. Some say Jesus was only a man, not God. I disagree because of John 8:58 and other claims that He was both. "I and the Father are one," He said in numerous places. Some say you need to live a moral lifestyle and/or obey the Ten Commandments to avoid going to hell, or as evidence of being saved in the first placed. I disagree because of several passages, such as Romans 6:14, Galatians 5:18, and many more. (Others believe "once saved, always saved," no matter what you do. This I agree with due to 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.) I even heard one pastor say even, "worry can keep you out of heaven." I firmly disagree! See Romans 8:38-39.

Which of the things pastors with doctorates and famous theologians say is true? Does it matter if and how we discern the truth? How do we establish and know what is truth? How can we, as lay people of the church, validate the truth, understand truth, or get more truth? Do we also have to go to seminary for years? How is it possible we could all have the same roots and same destiny in Christ, yet think polar opposite, or not think much at all, about doctrine pertaining to grace, truth, the gospel, salvation, sanctification, the definition and purpose of the Church versus Israel?

So No, absolutely not when it comes to specific terms and definitions. No, we cannot generally agree nor should we settle for that. "All truth" has a specific meaning and usage in Scripture. The gospel is only good news in contrast to the bad news. Scripture clearly defines the boundaries of both in such a way there is no chance for private interpretation or wiggle room.

Yet, it is the nature of the sin nature to want to jump to conclusions and make applications, or to put trust in worldly knowledge and history, or to highlight emotional experiences and unexplained, miraculous, and supernatural phenomena.

Scripture has specific answers to hard questions. The problem is with opposing thoughts, not with each other, but with God. Isaiah 55:8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." It takes genuine humility to accept someone else's thoughts.

How far does God's grace go in a world filled with good and evil? What is salvation? What is it not? How does one get saved? How does sacrificial, biblical love differ from great heroism and humanitarian efforts? How much and what depends on our own attitude and actions? Why are we on this Earth? Why now? Why here? Who do we follow, why and how? What's our ultimate purpose?

There is a lot of division in the details of man-made religion. Sometimes, violent division. Ugly thoughts become harsh words. Harsh words become offensive, unloving behavior, often acted out. Unloving behavior becomes powerful enough to wound or kill, whether emotionally or physically.

However, these are not the thoughts and details God describes in Scripture. Indeed, Scripture can be used out of context and viciously; Satan himself attempted to tempt Jesus by quoting Scripture. So, just because someone quotes Scripture doesn't mean they understand it properly.

Scripture seems so voluminous and complicated. If it gets too complicated, many people dismiss further study by saying, "God works in mysterious ways." Or, "I guess we'll find out when we get to heaven." Or, "Who are we to question God?"

Can truth, the whole truth, be understood from Scripture? Yes! God wants us to know Him, in this life. He has given us His Spirit. We have the mind of Christ. When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide us into All Truth. These are all part of God's thoughts in Scripture. They can be understood, but not by the sin nature. Only by someone who is first saved, believes and puts their trust in Christ, and then humbles themselves and diligently seeks after God. One must be born of the Spirit in order to grow in grace and walk in the Spirit.

So many scholars have already studied Scripture. There are tons of commentaries and volumes of church history. I'm sure the pastors, priests, reverends already read through them, carefully picked the significant ones, and is summarizing them or making applications for me.

Can't we just learn from them? Can't we just find the ones we like and trust them to speak well? If the church is big and the preacher popular, he must be good. Right? Or maybe we think if the church is small and sermons not popular they must be teaching the painful truth, not simply what's comfortable. Some of these religious church leaders, elders, and teachers seem like really nice people. I wouldn't mind learning from them. Besides, they're good at telling engaging and heart-felt stories.

The Spirit Compromised Is Man-Made Religion. 

Jesus was angered by the religious leaders of His day, calling them hypocrites (Matt 23), and for good reason. They were about making themselves look good and ignoring what God has done in the process, and was still trying to do through the Holy Spirit.

At the very least, even someone nice, kind and gentle could be focused more on being nice, kind and gentle rather than assisting in the Holy Spirit's mission. The love of God and the word of God, His thoughts and His ways, are about so much more than just being nice, kind and gentle.

At worst, or most blatant, in Acts 7:51, Stephen rightly said of the Jews who opposed Christ, God's salvation, "You stiff-necked (stubborn), uncircumcised in the heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit just as your forefathers did." In fact, after Stephen gave his testimony, they were stirred to such outrageous anger, they stopped (tightly covered) their ears and rushed at him, cast him out of the city and stoned him to death.

Why? Because instead of being cut to the heart and repenting (changing their minds) towards God, they resisted the Holy Spirit, thus denying God, and dug their heels in, retracting into their own self-righteous sin nature, arrogance, anger, and violence. This response was not love, humility, nor the fruit of the Spirit. It was deep-seated, man-made religion.

When this happens, the Holy Spirit is deeply grieved. He carries a profound message of love, grace and truth. Yet, He is outright rejected. He is hindered from doing His job, which is, in common grace, to convict the world of disbelief in Christ, God's solution for reconciliation, and then guiding the saved into all truth.

If we dilute the truth so we can appear to agree, we are covering up the truth as if parts of it were shameful. While we parade around in fancy clothes of moral righteousness. We try to be proud and humble at the same time.

Take the word 'grace' for example. 

Perhaps, we could all agree that grace is a significant part of Christian theology. Grace comes from God. Grace is undeserved merit. Grace is kindness expressed.

But, join the word 'grace' to 'salvation' or to 'the law', and the lines of its boundaries sharpen enough to split convictions. How can the house be divided with both sides calling themselves Christian?

Most would agree we are saved by grace. "For by grace you have been saved through faith." (Eph 2:8a). In the immediate context:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)

Not all of those who agree with the verse above would agree that we are saved once and always saved thereafter. But, if I had something, anything, to do with my salvation, I could boast of that. Right?

Some of them would say, yes, you are saved by grace, but if you go on sinning you won't be saved in the end. Take the example of the pastor I gave above who said, "Worry could keep you out of heaven." You didn't endure or persevere. Your faith probably wasn't even genuine to begin with. 

You are like the seed on the rock, quickly springing up but having no root and just as quickly falling away. You are the branch that did not bear fruit and are cut off and cast into the fire.

Others may be on the opposite side of the 'once saved, always saved' thought and say we can sin all we want once we're saved. It doesn't matter. Salvation is done, out of our hands. Therefore, live it up!

You won't lose your salvation no matter what you do. We are under grace, not the law. No one and nothing can snatch us out of the Father's hand, not even ourselves. In fact, if we sin, grace will abound all the more.

So, which is it? Is salvation secure, or does it hang in the balance? Or is it something else? I challenge you to study the thought behind 1 John 2:2. Did Jesus really die for the sins of the whole world? Yet, that is clearly what the verse says. Would you be tempted to qualify the verse and say it doesn't really mean the "whole world"? 

Where do people get these ideas? Are they all from Scripture? No, absolutely not. There is no compromising all truth. There is no "agreeing to disagree" with the Spirit of truth. Truly understanding 1 John 2:2 is truly understanding grace. No, not everyone is going to heaven. But, John 3:18 clearly says who remains condemned and why. Pay attention to the word "because" and realize the original Greek often translated "do not believe" actually means to "resist believing."

Is that splitting good? Is it right to divide? Is it even okay to agree to disagree? Well, I didn't think so. I bounced back and forth between seeking and not seeking, going to different churches. Every time I sought God, man and his religion obscured my view of what God intended. But, as I kept seeking, sincerely, diligently, God opened doors to understanding His thoughts and His ways I didn't know existed.

Contend for the faith, not for denominations or branches of theology. The Word of God is alive and powerful. All Scripture is God-breathed. Yes, these are phrases within Scripture verses. But, I can no longer hear them out of context. Context is king! Seek Him in the Scriptures. It's not a rule book.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)

complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)

... and so much more! (See other series in this blog, such as 'Scripture Q&A' or 'Why Scripture?')

Thank you for reading my post. Please feel free to leave a signed or anonymous comment. May these words be a blessing to you.

Scripture Q&A (Part 4) - Where Do I Start?

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 ESV)

Approaching the Scriptures for the first time with the intent to learn Spiritual truths from them can be a daunting task. Even, or especially, if we know the Bible is the word of God.

Why? Because it is natural to assume the word of God is complex, full of deep symbolism, conflicting analogies, way over our heads, and mostly irrelevant to daily life. We just need to know what to do.

There are people in history who have devoted their wholes lives to studying Scripture, church history, catechisms, creeds, specific saints, Greek and Hebrew, etc. Who am I to think I can even come close? I would need to go to an accredited seminary, study for years under senior professors, and dig deeply into what many other biblical scholars and missionaries have learned before me.

Right? Well, no.

Actually, the thoughts of God expressed through His word are surprisingly delightful and profound. His grace and truth are amazing things to investigate and discover. You can recognize wit and wisdom when you hear it. Likewise, His Spirit testifies to our spirit that these things are true. He only requires a sincere and humble heart, a willingness to show up and listen with the intent, an expectation even, to learn from Him.

The trap is not to settle for human wit and wisdom. Plus, many have either been beaten down so much they don't feel worthy to read the word of God (or see only punishment in it), or they have been exalted because of worldly success or emotional highs or a miraculous experience they think they don't need the word of God to know God.

Those things and other crafty schemes are what so easily ensnare so many of us into thinking we need to depend on someone else to interpret Scripture for us. True, we need a guide. Absolutely! But, this guide should be leading us into deeper understanding of His word, Scripture, not greater guilt for sin, higher morality for improved citizenship, sacrificial charitable and humanitarian deeds, or even out-of-body experiences. Let the word have its application, only guide the new Christian into all truth.

At the same time, God hides these things from those motivated by selfish gain, arrogance, or coming to Him with firm mind made up, self-righteousness, and prejudgment. The wise and understanding of this world have no advantage in understanding God's truth. Truth is revealed to babes: those who don't think they already know better and filter what they hear through existing worldly knowledge and philosophy.

Churches from all denominations, online sermons, stand-alone verses, thick systemic theology texts, and voluminous commentaries can often be a deterrent or distraction from studying Scripture.

"Someone else has already come to an interpreted conclusion. Why reinvent the wheel? They've done the 'hard' part. Thank goodness! I just need to behave (which can be a struggle, by the way) and not get caught."

Again, no. Being saved, living the Christian life, and maturing as a Christian are not about behavior modification, being morally superior, or highly emotional. It's not even about fighting for human rights or achieving material abundance in this life. Rather, it is about thought modification.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to [the patterns of] this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." Perhaps you've heard of stinkin-thinkin? Well, here's a chance to forsake that negative spiral so "...that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Let what you do follow what you believe. First, believe!

Nowadays, instead of teaching how to study the Bible and letting the Holy Spirit do his job, preachers skip right to making applications in life. How can I be a better [fill in one of your many earthly roles here]? How can I be more [fill in the desired virtue here]? Fortunately, simply living out those applications is not what Jesus meant when He said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10b) The answer to "How?" becomes self-evident when you understand "Why?"

Is someone "blessed" because they have a big house, a nice new sports car, and a cushy salary? That's what the worldly would have you think. But, the Father's plan, executed through Jesus Christ, is about something much more important. Let us let the Guide, who is the Holy Spirit, and a Pastor/Teacher (someone gifted by God to assist) lead us so that we are not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:11-14).

What is the Holy Spirit's job? Simple, because He's highly motivated, but not easy, because we resist Him so much...

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13)

Let yourself be filled with the humility and curiosity of a child gently and sincerely asking one of his parents, "Where do I come from?" Other questions to contemplate while reading Scripture may include:

• "The whole Bible is so big! Where do I start?" 
• "It's so confusing. What should I learn first?"
• "Is accuracy important? What translation should I use?"
• "Who can I trust to help me understand what I read?"

Should I listen to sermons, read other books about the Bible, such as commentaries, or follow guidelines to living out Christian applications, such as The Purpose-Driven Life?"

Wow! That's a lot to consider. First, don't worry. God knows where you are in life. He knows your heart, your humility, your eagerness to know Him and diligently seek Him. Coming to Him should not provoke anxiety. Rather, it should result in peace, joy, and rest for your souls.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Second, don't stress about the end so much as just enjoying the journey. Think of it this way: God wants to work in you. You're job is simply to show up.

At the same time don't just continue randomly to show up and pick a verse to memorize. Have a purpose and a plan for taking that wonderful journey. Ask questions, even tough ones. God has solid answers. Be prayerful. This is not an exercise in academics. The more diligent your seeking, the more rich and rewarding the experience will be.

To make some simple suggestions about getting started, I will assume your initial goals, or questions, may include ones like these:

• What is the 'Big Picture' of the Bible?
• Who is Jesus Christ? How can I know Him?
• What is salvation all about? 
• What does it mean to go from lost to saved?
• How can I understand the job of the Holy Spirit?
• What is Christian living really all about?
• Etc.

Well, here are some simple guidelines I'd like to offer for getting started, plus a few areas of focus to keep in mind. Don't get stuck on what you don't understand. Keep your perspective on the context and come back to it.

1. Open the Scriptures; God has already spoken.
2. Follow your heart's desire to know Him through the Scriptures.
3. Seek to see things from His perspective and understand His thoughts.
4. Get to know Jesus Christ as a Person, especially since the Father is well-pleased with Him.
5. Desire to eventually understand God's eternal plan, but don't jump to conclusions.

Follow your heart's desire. My heart wants to dabble and dive. It wants to skim and inspect. Sometimes I read a passage for quick refreshment. Other times I study for a scheduled length of time on a particular area of Scripture or an a specific topic.

Lastly, remember you are in the age of the church. While much of the New Testament quotes from the Old Testament, mostly to show where Scripture is being fulfilled, it also has language that is exclusive to the church. So, it would worthwhile to discover what's so special about the church. That way, you'll understand the boundaries of what belongs to the church and what belongs to another age.

Please leave a comment if you would like to engage in a conversation about these and other 'Scripture Q&A' or 'Why Scripture' posts. Thank you!

Scripture Q&A (Part 3) - How Does Anyone Get Truth?

"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 

He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:12-15)

I'm back! That is, I'm back to quoting Scripture verses packed with so many wonderful things to talk about. But, for your sake, I'll try my best to contain my enthusiasm.

To start, definitely take note that Jesus Himself said...

1. He still had many things to say to His disciples.
2. His disciples could not bear them at that time.
3. The Spirit of truth would come and take over in guiding them.
4. The Spirit of truth will be thorough in guiding them into all the truth.

Many things to say? Wow! Didn't He say it all with the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, parables, the teachings about the spirit of the law versus the letter of the law, rebuking the religious leaders, personal interactions when performing miracles, the confirmation of Old Testament fulfillment, etc., etc.?

Aren't we supposed to just pick up from His example of gentle, non-judging love and kindness and imitate Him? Isn't it our highest calling to joyfully marvel at what He did and offer the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving? No! Not according to these verses, anyway. Yes, those things, but also so much more.

Yes, what He did was great, beautiful, stunning. He amazed crowds (and me, perhaps you) with His wisdom and authority. Paul didn't hold back his amazement when he offered stunning doxologies in his letters. But what Christ did for us should not be minimized: He opened a door that had never been opened before, to reveal a secret and hidden wisdom of God destined for our glory before time began (1 Cor 2:7).

Because of the work that Christ did in executing the Father's plan, we have been given the opportunity to know the Father intimately. The Father, our Father, who did not He spare His own Son, nor His own Spirit. The Spirit that is in God has been freely given to the believer.

Consider these perspectives: these "many things to say" must be very important for Christ to make such a big deal about them, yet these "many things to say" were beyond human comprehension because it was spiritual information. We would do well to let Him teach us and not presume we already know what He is going to say because we long to loved and forgiven.

Why? Because these "many things" that Christ still had to say, that His disciples were not ready to bear, were the very thoughts of the Father. What was His plan before the foundations of the world? What is His primary goal for the Church, which is the body of Christ?

All that the Father has belonged to Christ, and the Spirit would reveal all that Christ had. To understand what Scripture is saying from a human perspective is to miss the boat. Instead, let us with patience have ears to hear.

Scripture Q&A (Part 2) - Where Does Truth Come From?

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)

How's that for a short, simple answer?

1. Truth is God's word. 
2. God sanctifies us in His word. 
3. So, His word is where we find truth.

Yes, I know, it's not like me to be concise. But, in this case, it's the best way to be clear. Perhaps, all I can do is provide other ways to say the same thing.

• Truth is the word of God. 
• All Scripture is God breathed... (2 Tim 3:16-17). 
• The word of God is alive and powerful (Heb 4:12). 
• Truth is the revelation of God through Scripture. 
• Truth is God's reality.

God's reality is who He is, who we are, what is His eternal plan, His purpose, what is the church, what is suffering, who is Christ, etc., according to His perspective.

Truth comes from God. Truth comes from God's word. Scripture is God's word. So, what truth will sanctify you? God's word, aka Scripture. (Stay tuned for the Who and How of sanctification.)

So, in John 17, why did Jesus pray that His disciples, and those who would believe through their message (John 17:20), for His Father to "sanctify them in the truth"? Simple answer, so that the truth, through God's word, would set them apart from the world.

Another way to look at this beautiful simplicity is to understand what truth is not. Truth, God's word, does not come from...

• the wisdom of humans
• personal experience
• feelings nor emotion
• anything apart from Scripture
• traditional nor ritual
• higher moral standards
• inward meditation
• legalistic self-righteousness
• reciting the Lord's prayer nor a sinner's prayer
• salvation alone
• etc.

I think you get the idea. The list above is just a list of what Scripture, God's word, is not. If God's word cannot be those things, neither can truth be. Why? Because "Your word is truth."

Furthermore, which I'll save for another time, there are distinguishing features of the truth, God's reality, His word, as it pertains to the church. Huge differences from anything we've seen before.

But, for now, we've looked at a high-level of what truth is (Part 1) and where truth comes from (Part 2). Stay tuned while we ask how we acquire this truth (Part 3). We will need this 3rd part as we seek to discover the critical details of the truth as it applies to Christ's church, His body.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

Scripture Q&A (Part 1) - What is Truth?

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" (John 18:33-38a)

For the moment, I'm skipping toward the end of the book of John to bring us to a crucial question that Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" That's actually an excellent question we should all ask ourselves.

What is truth? How does one "bear witness to the truth?" What does it mean to be "of the truth?" What does it mean to listen to the voice of Jesus? How did Jesus fulfill His purpose for being born?

All excellent questions. You probably know the circumstances of John 18. The Jews put Jesus on trial, a mock trial, and determined that He needed to be killed. They literally made up accusations at the trial to find Him guilty of anything. (Matthew 29:59-62) They certainly weren't seeking His answers, or the truth.

Caiaphas said it was better that one man should die than the whole nation of Jews perish (John 11:50, 18:14). They got nowhere in the trial with false accusations. But, when asked directly, they heard it from Jesus' own mouth that He claimed to be the Son of God, which Caiaphas used to declare Him a blasphemer, conclude the trial, and swiftly exact and deliver punishment. (Matthew 26:63-66)

Even though they picked up stones to kill Him lots of times before, this time they thought they were justifying themselves before the people by pretending to go through the proper process of condemning a man to death. What an amazingly awful spin the Sanhedrin put on the situation for political gain! Their strongest motivation was to protect their self-righteous authority over the Jewish nation. The refused to accept this Jesus for who He said he was.

So, what exactly is truth according to Scripture? We've already learned that we can find the definition and boundaries of truth in Scripture (see "Why Scripture?"). It must be some pretty important information if Jesus said bearing witness to the truth was His whole purpose for being born and coming into this world. In living this purpose He was ultimately condemned to death by crucifixion.

So, how do we seek out the truth, discover it, and assimilate it? We start with humility.

Before we crucify Christ (again), disregard Him, assume we already know the truth (whether believer or not, church-goer or not), before we get our understanding from human wisdom, or settle for shallow answers to deep questions, let's humble ourselves and simply let Him tell us. After all, He is the Word and the Word was God (John 1:1). He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Let us find rest in His response. As the context of the verse in the subtitle of this blog says...

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30)