Something truly Holy

Words are weighty things.  Honestly, you can do so much good or so much destruction with one simple word.  A words power however is not a simple thing; you see, the power is grounded in its meaning.  The history, background, and story behind the word is what truly defines its weight and power.  Perhaps this is why, despite the lack of time I devote to it, I love to read and write.  With the right words, so much can be expressed and a depth reached that the soul is overwhelmed.

Sadly today I find the weightiness of one word in particular has lost a great deal of power.  The story, and history behind it has been buried under the commercialism and festivities of our current day.  Easter for many, even within the Church, has become just another day on the calendar.  It's another Sunday with some special events thrown into the service to jog our memory of that one event that happened over two thousand years ago in a far away place.

But you see, Easter is so much more than just another holiday.  Easter is the pivotal point in history.  It far surpasses the greatness of Christmas.  Even more, it distinguishes the Christian faith from every single other belief system, ever.  There is power, a great deal of weight in the word Easter.  It is grounded in a deeply rich historical story.  It embodies the very definition of Holy; it is set apart, distinct from anything else.  No other religion can claim what Easter signifies.

Easter is rooted in the factual, historical story of not the death of Jesus Christ, but the resurrection of the believer's Lord and Savior.  What we truly celebrate at Easter is the triumphant, miraculous conquer and defeat of sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus that Sunday morning.  This is what gives Easter its weight.  The power behind Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And it is this resurrection that the faith of the believer rests.  Without the resurrection, Jesus is nothing more than a cheat and a liar.  It was this fact that Jesus highlighted when He comforted the Disciples in John 14:1-4.  Jesus knew the plan before Him, and that it would be fulfilled.  Everything He had done, and would do, rested in the fact that He would rise from the dead three days after being buried.  And what a miraculous event that was!

The Sunday morning after Jesus' death was sorrowful for the two Mary's who arrived at the tomb early only to find the stone moved away from the tomb entrance, the Roman seal broken and the Guards gone (Matthew 28).  Let's pause here for just a moment.  Many powerful things took place here that deserve our attention to fully grasp their importance.  Regarding the stone blocking the entrance, it is believed that this stone weighed nearly 4,000 pounds.  This was not easily moved to begin with, but was made more significant by the placement of a Seal of the Roman government and the placement of a Roman Guard as ordered by Pilate (Matthew 27:65-66).  Breaking the Seal was punishable by crucifixion upside down, as it was considered treason to do such a thing.  The Seal represented the power and authority of the Roman Empire itself.  With respect to the Guard, it is shocking that he would have deserted his post.  This would have been a battle hardened man, and he would have known the punishment for failure would have most likely been to be stripped of his clothes and burned alive with the clothing at his feet.  Yet their encounter with the angel at the tomb was enough for even these battle hardened Roman Guards to be "...like dead men"  (Matthew 28:4).

The Mary's arrived to find this scene, missing guards, a broken Roman Seal, an empty tomb, and an angel sitting on the stone that had been rolled away.  The angel declared to the frightened women the good news of Jesus' resurrection (Luke 24:5-7), which they then took to the Disciples.

What has been declared one of the greatest scandals by liberals and skeptics alike, is the bedrock upon which all of the Christian faith rests.  History demonstrates the truth and accuracy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and this event continues to distinguish the Christian faith from any other.  It is Holy in every way, distinct and set apart.  This is the significance of Easter.  This is why today is of such great importance.  Nothing in history has ever occurred like this, and it never will.

This is the hope I have.  Jesus came to earth and fulfilled numerous prophecies without flaw, died upon a cross in our place, and three days later He arose as a conqueror of sin and death to arise to the right hand of the Father, and prepare a place for His disciples (John 14:2).  One day, He will return as is also prophesied, and take His disciples with Him (John 14:3).

I don't know where you are spiritually.  Maybe this truth, the reality of the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, has been eating away at you.  Maybe you celebrate Easter but have lost sight of the significance of this day.  Maybe you are searching for a love that brings you to your knees upon realizing the grace and redemption that is found in His crucifixion, which was ours to take.  Grace and mercy, forgiveness and redemption are waiting.  They are found not so much in His death, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is through our faith in Christ that we too are raised to new life.  His death satisfies the penalty we owed, His shed blood covers us.  Before God we are no longer seen as filthy sinners, but redeemed, spotless lambs.  Jesus said He is the only way to the Father, there is no other way to gain forgiveness for sins and access to the Father (John 14:6).

My prayer this Easter, as the day comes to a close, is that you will understand the significance of this day.  That if you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, that you will stop playing games and bow your knee.  That by faith, you will confess Him as Lord and Savior, deny your life and pick up the cross laid before you.  I pray that this Easter would be one of renewal for you.  Please, don't waste it.

Needs and Provision

A new year has once again come upon us. For many it was an excuse to celebrate, drink in excess and party in unfavorable ways. Others celebrated still, but with more control and appropriateness. Personally, the dog and I went to bed early so we could make a delivery the next day.

Like many events, many of us celebrate differently. But there is one thing that almost all of us have in common with the coming of a new year. We may not be vocal about it; we may even deny we participate in it. It is something that in one way or another, in some fashion, we all do: new years resolutions. And we all know the gamete of choices made, from eating less and loosing weight to exercising more at the gym. Or maybe its to save more money, or spend more time with the family. What ever it is, this time of year seems to be the one time where almost if not everyone makes "life changing" decisions. Sadly though, few (including myself) are successful at keeping them as the new year wears on.

This has lead me to really think about the important things in life and where my priorities have landed. 2015 brought many big changes for me and my family. From the job change that really took off in January, to a cross-country move, the birth of our first child just to name a few, somewhere along the line I have dropped in priority the things that are most important. Leading my family, controlling my temper, committing myself to study of the Word on a consistent basis. To some these may not seem like big things, but for me they are vitally important simply because they signify a loss of understanding something everyone needs.

You see, every life needs four things. It doesn't matter who you are, what your gender is, where you live or come from, or what you do. Your age isn't a factor, and neither are your experiences. Everyone, regardless of every specific you can think of requires these four things to live: direction, reality, sustenance and a destination. Without a provision to these four needs a person remains stagnant and unproductive. Additionally, the wrong provisions to these four needs can result in a wrecked life and potential injury to those around you.

And this is my struggle, one that in all honesty I convinced myself was just a "phase" that would correct itself (talk about denial): the provision I was relying on for those four needs was not right. I had lost focus on what was of primary importance, and more importantly who. My focus had shifted to material things, and thinking that I could solve my own problems. Frankly, this is the mindset of much of the world today, and even many of the religions when you break them down. I knew my faith didn't support this thinking. It struck me as funny when a verse I have known my entire life came to mind and so simply answered the needs I listed. It isn't complicated, but it is profound.

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6

Jesus in answering another man's question, answered mine. He provides direction, reality, sustenance and a destination. No other person can do this. Jesus also makes it clear that what He offers is exclusive; any other path does not result in heaven being your destination, contrary to what pop-culture and other religions say. Jesus is it. That is exactly what I needed reminded of.

I don't know, but maybe you are in a similar boat I found myself in. Maybe you have never met Jesus, despite going to church or growing up in a "Christian" family. Don't be fooled, those things don't make you a believer, much like sitting in a garage doesn't make you a car. Maybe you are like me, and have realized the direction you have been heading isn't getting you where you want to be. The answer isn't complicated.

It's a new year, and a perfect time to set things straight. I invite you to accept the provision to our needs through Jesus Christ. This doesn't "fix" every problem or stop every suffering, let's not get a warped idea of following Christ. He does though provide the grace and mercy to walk through the fire. And He promises a destination greater than anything you can imagine. All He requires is belief in His atoning sacrifice upon the cross in our place. It's been done for everyone, but only those who accept it as their own and surrender their life to Him in obedience to follow Him are granted the destination of heaven.

So I end with this: looking for a new direction with the turn of 2016? You don't have to look any more. All you have to do is decide.

Authority: there is only One

I wrote the other night on a "hot topic" that has taken center stage in our society, homosexuality and the acceptance of it as a lifestyle. And while I am not going to dive into it again tonight, there was a point I made in light of it that is the focus of tonight's post. Many years ago there began this movement in thought that has been titled existentialism. Many people know what it is, yet don't know it by that title. Today it is often disguised, though in a historically incorrect way, as tolerance. It's the idea that what works for you works for you and what works for me works for me. Your truth is your truth, and my truth is my truth. It is in essence the abolition of absolutes in exchange for the defining of our own truth. The issue with it today being under the guise of tolerance is that if you do not agree with the tolerant person's truth, then you are wrong and intolerant; yet it is acceptable for them to slander you for disagreeing with their tolerant views. It's a complete double standard aside from the logical problems associated with existentialism itself.

But before I get to far down a rabbit hole regarding existentialism (maybe some time we will journey down that road from a logical perspective), I want to get back to the point of tonight's post. That being a truth that is disregarded in light of existentialism, even within the Church. Specifically the Pope of the Catholic Church, which many gravitate towards in and outside the Church. So what is my concern with the Pope (this time)? You may recall a declaration he made the other week regarding women and abortion.

"I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it."

Now, this sounds great; and don't get me wrong, forgiveness for sin is! Yet in this statement comes to light a major flaw within Roman Catholic dogma (tradition): that being the word of the Pope is of equal and/or greater authority than Scripture. This is a major divide between Roman Catholic and Protestantism, rooted in the actions of Martin Luther confronting the Roman Catholic Church in his day and declaring "Sola Scripture", translated from Latin to be "Scripture Alone". Luther's issue was what I just highlighted, that within the Roman Catholic Church, Scripture alone was not the authority for the Church and believer. While not termed this yet, in essence the Roman Catholic Church was practicing a type of existentialism reserved for the Pope, and we continue to see this today in the form of Church dogma.

So why is this an issue? He is the Pope after all, right? One must keep in mind that regardless of title, all are human. Only Christ walked this earth perfect and sinless, as God in flesh. The truth is that there is only one absolute authority, God. He provides His truth through Scripture and the working of the Holy Spirit; and on that note let me clarify that the work of the Holy Spirit should be able to be confirmed by Scripture. What do I mean by that? One must be able to distinguish the moving of the Holy Spirit from indigestion; and Scripture is the ruler by which we can measure. For example, if you think God has spoken to you through the Holy Spirit and yet what He told you fails to measure up to Scripture, then what you heard was not true. John instructs us to do just this with every spirit (1 John 4:1-3).

Paul clarifies that Scripture is authoritative in his instructions to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul makes it clear that Scripture holds the answers one needs for life, and in that completeness, the absolute authority on how man should live. We must remember our condition, of which the Pope is also subject to. We are fallen sinners, though with salvation we are redeemed before God. And while we are empowered with the Holy Spirit, we are still prone to sin and fallible (Romans 8).

The truth is that regardless of a declaration made by the Pope, he does not hold the authority to forgive sins. The truth is that Jesus Christ is the only One who has the power and authority to grant forgiveness, and God ensured this long before the Pope. And it doesn't just apply to abortion; forgiveness is available for all sins as I stated in my previous post. John made this clear for us when he wrote,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

It's not complicated. You don't have to wait for permission from the Pope and a blessing from a priest. All it takes is sincere confession to God; David illustrates this in Psalm 51. Now, to be clear this is reserved for a believer in context. Apart from Christ as Savior and Lord there is no forgiveness. This takes confession in and of itself; we must stop trusting in ourselves or anything else, thinking we are "good" enough to stand before God and please Him. Paul in his letter to the Roman Church makes it clear that on our own we are all sinners before God, and that His law only brings to light our sin and need for redemption (Romans 3:9-20). With this news however, Paul also makes it clear that redemption is a free gift through the acceptance of Christ's sacrifice upon the cross (3:23-26).

It's not up to a man. It's not up to you or me. The issue of forgiveness being granted has already been decided, and God said yes. We just have to participate by accepting His Son's sacrifice in our place. It's really that simple. While it sounds "cool" to hear the Pope make his declarations, remember he doesn't hold the authority proclaimed.

God does.

It's absolute, unchanging, gracious, and just.

What do you want to put your faith in?

The Firstborn

The following comes from a discussion in one of my theology classes.  Please share your thoughts as a comment in response if you would like.  I hope that these posts help and encourage you to gain a deeper and more fuller understanding of who God is based on Scripture.

Topic: Colossians 1:15 reads in the NKJV (and is similar in most translations): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."  Jehovah's Witnesses understand that by Christ being the firstborn over all creation, he is actually the first created being through which all other things are created (see their New World Translation).  Mormons, on the other hand, take the English translations quite literally and believe that Christ is literally the firstborn child of Heavenly Father and one of his goddess wives (thus Jesus is our eldest brother).  The Greek word translated " firstborn" is prototokos.  How should Christians understand the use of this term in this context, and how might Christians in turn respond to the interpretations of Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons regarding the nature of Christ as the "firstborn"?

Response:
The term “firstborn” can be confusing without examining the context in which it is being used. There is the usage of the word in both the Old and New Testament meaning the first in order, and literal reference to being born first. However, the word for firstborn in both Greek and Hebrew can also mean a position of preeminence, a high position, or that of blessing. With reference to being the literal first born, we see this example in Exodus 13:2, where Moses is instructed by God that all firstborn from the womb is the Lords. Now, it is easy in this example to understand the literal meaning due to the wording and context of the passage, primarily the connection of the word firstborn to the womb. This clearly indicates that in this case, firstborn is referring to the literal meaning of being born first. However, when we examine the context of other passages, this conclusion causes problems. One example is also in Exodus, where reference is made of Israel being the first nation (4:22). Now without examining the context and referring to other Scripture it would be easy to accept a literal meaning of the word, and conclude that Israel was the first nation on earth. But we know based on Genesis 10 that there were many nations prior to that of Israel. In examining the context related to this passage in Exodus 4 we can determine that the term firstborn here is being used not literally, but to refer to a position of favor and blessing. This is seen to be true throughout Scripture and history, that Israel as a nation has been blessed. Another example of this is Psalm 89:27. Here we see David being referred to as the firstborn, but we know from the story in 1 Samuel that he was the youngest of Jesse’s sons. However, when we consider the context and history, we can understand the use of this word to be in reference to that of blessing and preeminence as he was king of the nation of Israel, and head of a household.
Our focus in this discussion is centered on the use of this term in Colossians 1:15, where we find Paul referring to Christ as the “firstborn of all creation”. This has caused confusion for many, and in other religious groups misinterpretations due to misunderstanding the use of the word. We know that Jehovah’s Witnesses see Jesus as being the first creation, through which everything else was created. Because of this belief, when they read this passage of Scripture, they take a very literal interpretation of Jesus being the first created being (first in order). Mormons have a slightly different view, but still misinterpret the use of the term in this passage. Mormons believe that Jesus was the literal firstborn of God, that being He is the product of an intimate relationship between God and a goddess. This makes him our “eldest brother” in that He was the firstborn of creation, and we followed after. Both views as stated before are wrong. Both views fail to take into account the context in which the word is being used. Further, there are examples throughout Scripture that can illustrate both uses of the term dependent on their context. With respect to Colossians 1:15, we find clearer evidence of a less literal interpretation in verse 18. In this verse, Paul goes on to explain “...that in everything he might be preeminent.” Here Paul clearly paints a picture of his use of the term firstborn in reference to Christ. Again, the context surrounding the passage is of great importance. When we ignore this and begin to come to our own conclusions we risk making the mistakes the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons have done.

Boxes

I have decided to share a discussion I had with some classmates regarding the eternality of salvation.  I hope you enjoy this, and please share your thoughts below the text.

Topic: As evangelicals debate the merits of Calvinism and Arminianism, the one point where proponents of either side often abandon their system is in the area of eternal security.  However, evangelicals are not all in agreement over this issue, and even those who affirm that one cannot lose their salvation due to sinful actions may nevertheless believe that one can lose their salvation due to apostasy (a willful rejection of faith in Christ).  In this discussion, state and defend your position on eternal security, and in doing so, address particular concerns such as how your view of Christian fruit-bearing, backsliding, and apostasy play into your overall view of eternal security.  Furthermore, address the differences and similarities between the doctrine of eternal security and the doctrine of assurance, and how these doctrines impact one another.   

Response:
Wow, this is a deep question.  I would argue that out of all the questions posed throughout this course, here and in the text, this is perhaps the most complex and difficult to wrestle with.  The issue of eternal security is one that must be approached carefully and not with haste in determining one’s position, as it has significant bearing on the rest of one’s doctrinal stances.
Growing up I had always been taught that “once saved, always saved”, and thus have been exposed to more support for this view than any other.  One of the most difficult issues with this topic regarding Scriptural support is that either side of the argument can say the same thing; the other guys are misinterpreting the passages.  I am one to not simply look at the passages themselves, but also weigh the logical flow behind them.  With that, I have come to conclude personally that Salvation cannot be lost once attained.  Even in the event of one turning away from the Lord in their life, I do not believe causes God to retract the free gift which has been given upon initial conversion.  As the text (Boyd) pointed out in the essay supporting the eternal security view, eternal life is grounded in God, who Himself is eternal.  To then say that an eternal gift can be removed fails to flow logically.  As the text puts it, “A life that is eternal by definition cannot come to an end” (187).
Numerous passages speak clearly of the eternality of salvation, and words spoken by Jesus and Paul explain that this cannot be taken away (Romans 8:38; John 5:24 to cite a couple).  The possibility of losing salvation undermines the power and authority of God, as the gift comes from and is sustained by Him.  If it were lost this would in turn communicate something of God that is contradictory to what we find in Scripture, namely that He is not omnipotent.  Yet as mentioned, Scripture is clear that this is not the case.  I further believe with regards to an issue such as suicide, that such an act does not remove one’s salvation as many believe.  This is a view I encounter regularly working with adolescents who have been suicidal, and cite this as a reason to continue living (While it helps prevent this tragedy from taking place, I believe it is theologically incorrect and impacts other aspects of their flawed view of God).
So what about the passages that seem to indicate otherwise, or the issue of fruite?  First it is important to note that nowhere in Scripture does it expressly say that salvation can be lost for any reason; it simply can be taken as such by one’s interpretation of the passage.  However, one rule of interpretation is to weigh our interpretations against Scripture as a whole, and when this is done I believe we find that an interpretation of conditional security does not fit in the context of Scripture as a whole, but rather contradicts not only Scripture, but the very nature of God Himself.  Instead I think that these contradictory passages should be taken as they are written and openly agreed to be, that being warnings regarding how we live our lives as Christians and the choices we make.  I do not believe that the eternal view supports a “cheap grace” mindset as is proposed by the conditional view.  We are called to life a life holy and pleasing to God, as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2).  When a believer “backslides”, I do not believe this jeopardizes one’s salvation, however I do believe it impacts their witness to others and the ministry of Jesus Christ through the church.  But one must keep in mind that we are still human, and we have yet to reach glorification; thus we will continue to struggle with sin until we pass from this life to the next.  This does not however grant us permission to act in such a way “...that grace may abound” (Romans 6:1).  As mentioned we are called to live lives that are pleasing to God, not because we are forced, but out of reverence for what He has done for us.  It is a life motivated by love, not force.  This is primarily where I believe the conditional view becomes confused regarding the eternal view, and then makes the accusation that it fosters a mindset of “cheap grace”.  Again, we are not to live a life of willful sin as followers of Christ, but be transformed to new life and seek after God out of reverence for what He has done, bringing pleasure and honor to Him through our actions.
In conclusion I would say that I do not particularly like declaring myself as a Calvinist or Arminian.  I don’t like being put in a box.  I believe that my salvation is secure in who God is, and by definition cannot be moved.  I believe that regardless of the stupid choices I make, NOTHING will ever change the fact that my Father holds me in His arms and will not let go of me.  I am at peace with the understanding that God knew from before time who I would be and what I would do, and in knowing this granted me grace and placed a call upon my heart.  I know that if it were purely in my hands, I would have continued in sin, running away from Him forever, because before He took my heart I was a wicked sinner before God.  Nothing but His power and will changed that.  And I am eternally grateful for what He has done in my life, and because of this I want to seek after Him and bring Him all the glory.