Short and sweet, fresh Gospel Gal episode: Here is some assurance and an answer to the question of the Israelites in Malachi: How have you loved us? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNSGfkOSxRA&ab_channel=GospelGal
Gospel Gal is devoted to gospel proclamation and gospel encouragement in daily life. ~~~~~Scroll down to dig in.~~~~~
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Sermon Takeaways: Why Church Membership?: John Fonville
Sermon:
Why Church Membership? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3RAKqLWeow&ab_channel=ParamountChurch
People love the Gospel... but we do not love the administration of the Gospel. They are inseparable.
Symbolically: The promise to Noah was not inseparable from its administration: the arc.
Church membership: A people and a place. Invisible: Elect. Visible: Covenant Community purchased by the blood of His Son.
A Christian can not have God for his Father unless he has the church for his mother. ~Reformer
Deut 9: Gathered by His grace and delivered from slavery in Egypt.
The church is an organized disciplined assembly.
The church is composed of hypocrites. Yes.
What is church membership: Covenantal relationship. Marriage: a person joining a visible assembly.
You have been baptized into Christ's body, not into isolation.
Purpose: To remember the Gospel and Encourage one another, through Word and Sacrament.
Why is it necessary?
1. Submission to Christ as King. He is coming back to Rule a perfect Kingdom. We are His subjects. In the visible church, we are part of that kingdom now. Christ saves to rule and rules to save. In the church, there are appointed officers who rule the sheep. Sheep are prone to wander. But the King (Shepherd) provides shelter in his gathered assembly. Submission to His Lordship happens here.
2. We show our submission to His leadership here. He uses men as His delegates to rule and reign in the church. They are His ambassadors (vocational). Chief sinew through which the body is held together (Calvin). Heidelberg 104: 5th Commandment: Honor and love to those in authority. Bear patiently with their weaknesses since we are governed by their hand. Eph 4:7 Gifts poured out: Gifted ones for the growth of all believers in the church. Ordinary teachers 1. equip the saints, 2. work of the ministry (Word and Sacrament, and 3. edification of the saints. They keep watch over your souls. Let them do this with joy and not grief.
3. Serve one another. You are a body part. The local body is where you serve. No member regardless of their weakness is unnecessary. Horton: distinct roles: Those who depart are like a run-away foot. Luther: God does not need our good works, but our neighbor does. A churchless Christian is a self-contradiction. A member who separates from the body will suffer. Eyes cannot function when they are separated from the body.
Church membership is a privilege: the place of Christ's care and protection. John Jewel: Noah's arc. To forsake is like refusing Noah's arc. Attend diligently as we are able. It is for you. What is being done for and to you. You need it like you need o…
See more
Church membership: Spiritual nourishment and assurance. The church is where we receive rest, absolution, Word and sacrament. It is where heaven comes down to earth: a foretaste of that which is to come. Worship isn't a place we come to do something, but to have something done to you. In Word and Sacrament Jesus comes to us through the Spirit. He meets us here in grace and salvation.
Why Church Membership? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3RAKqLWeow&ab_channel=ParamountChurch
People love the Gospel... but we do not love the administration of the Gospel. They are inseparable.
Symbolically: The promise to Noah was not inseparable from its administration: the arc.
Church membership: A people and a place. Invisible: Elect. Visible: Covenant Community purchased by the blood of His Son.
A Christian can not have God for his Father unless he has the church for his mother. ~Reformer
Deut 9: Gathered by His grace and delivered from slavery in Egypt.
The church is an organized disciplined assembly.
The church is composed of hypocrites. Yes.
What is church membership: Covenantal relationship. Marriage: a person joining a visible assembly.
You have been baptized into Christ's body, not into isolation.
Purpose: To remember the Gospel and Encourage one another, through Word and Sacrament.
Why is it necessary?
1. Submission to Christ as King. He is coming back to Rule a perfect Kingdom. We are His subjects. In the visible church, we are part of that kingdom now. Christ saves to rule and rules to save. In the church, there are appointed officers who rule the sheep. Sheep are prone to wander. But the King (Shepherd) provides shelter in his gathered assembly. Submission to His Lordship happens here.
2. We show our submission to His leadership here. He uses men as His delegates to rule and reign in the church. They are His ambassadors (vocational). Chief sinew through which the body is held together (Calvin). Heidelberg 104: 5th Commandment: Honor and love to those in authority. Bear patiently with their weaknesses since we are governed by their hand. Eph 4:7 Gifts poured out: Gifted ones for the growth of all believers in the church. Ordinary teachers 1. equip the saints, 2. work of the ministry (Word and Sacrament, and 3. edification of the saints. They keep watch over your souls. Let them do this with joy and not grief.
3. Serve one another. You are a body part. The local body is where you serve. No member regardless of their weakness is unnecessary. Horton: distinct roles: Those who depart are like a run-away foot. Luther: God does not need our good works, but our neighbor does. A churchless Christian is a self-contradiction. A member who separates from the body will suffer. Eyes cannot function when they are separated from the body.
Church membership is a privilege: the place of Christ's care and protection. John Jewel: Noah's arc. To forsake is like refusing Noah's arc. Attend diligently as we are able. It is for you. What is being done for and to you. You need it like you need o…
See more
Church membership: Spiritual nourishment and assurance. The church is where we receive rest, absolution, Word and sacrament. It is where heaven comes down to earth: a foretaste of that which is to come. Worship isn't a place we come to do something, but to have something done to you. In Word and Sacrament Jesus comes to us through the Spirit. He meets us here in grace and salvation.
More on this topic:
Read: https://gospelgalblog.blogspot.com/2020/07/church-homelessness.html
Read: https://gospelgalblog.blogspot.com/2020/07/church-homelessness.html
Friday, July 15, 2022
Legalism Dies Hard
Someone asked about what to think of the hard feelings she might have toward bad teaching/counsel from legal preachers this morning, and I thought maybe my answer might help someone else. Here it is...
I grew up in Fundamentalism, graduated from Bob Jones University and hated the legalism that poisoned so much of the teaching, yet it some of it clung to me for years into our marriage and parenting, church outlook, etc. Legalism dies hard, especially when it's reinforced in your community.
The best way to combat it is to identify sound teachers and listen to them more and more, and turn off/leave teachers who reinforce legalism behind. Despite what the legalists tell you about your new beliefs, yourself, and sound churches, leaving them behind and exposing their errors is key, but you won't know error unless you're being reinforced in authentic, gospel-centered preaching that consistently points you to Christ outside of you and for you, rather than to your navel.
As far as hard feelings... They are natural and warranted when you've been deceived and led astray by bad teachers. You can feel those emotions without guilt. It is right to be angry and sin not. It is right to shed light on what is wrong. It is right to move on and to seek leaders who point you to Christ, and *if you've sinned, you have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. You can be honest with Him about those things. But please hear me say, you are not sinning by knowing and feeling that something was very wrong.
Saturday, July 9, 2022
Assurance Found Only In Christ: Horatius Bonar
"I am not satisfied with my faith," says one. No, of course, you aren’t; nor will you ever be; at least, I hope not! The Bible does not say, "Therefore, being SATISFIED with our faith, we have peace with God" it says, "being JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God." "I am not satisfied with my repentance." That is wonderful! What would you do with your repentance if you were satisfied with it? Would you bring it to God instead of the blood? Oh, what pride and self-righteousness must be in any person who is satisfied with his repentance and faith! That person could never find true peace, for such a refuge of lies must fall.
"I am not satisfied with my love." What? Did you expect, on this earth, to be satisfied with any grace found in you? Was it your love for Christ or His love for you that gave you peace at first? There is but one thing with which Almighty God is satisfied--entirely satisfied--and that is the person and work of His Son. It is with Christ that we must be satisfied, NOT with ourselves nor anything about us! When we cease from our labors and ALL of our righteousness and enter into HIS rest, pardon and peace will come without delay.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Road Trips 2
Listen to this podcast episode of White Horse Inn. So helpful and clarifying. It is not in sensational ways that we do spiritual warfare, but in seemingly ordinary ones, remembering that it is the Lord Almighty, mighty in battle, Who has accomplished our warfare *for us *outside of us. It is in Him that we have the victory. Here's the episode: https://whi-radio-members.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2022whi1628jun19-extended.mp3
Monday, June 20, 2022
Road Trips
One of the great things about long road trips is having the opportunity to talk on the phone and listen to podcasts. Yesterday I listened to about five hours of podcasts. All of them were so rich and encouraging.
I'll try to post more, but one that stands out was from Dennis Johnson discussing Christ-Centered, Redemptive-Historic hermeneutics. Far from being just academic, this understanding shapes, forms, and transforms the way regular Christians read Scripture. Without this understanding, the Bible can become disjointed and we can veer off into error. But with a Christ-Centered hermeneutic, we read Scripture the way the Apostles taught it and the way Jesus explained it. Moreover, it keeps our gaze on Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Make some time to listen. This is so helpful.
1. Dennis Johnson Reading the Scriptures Like Peter and Paul Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC2kzwtbcWo&ab_channel=WestminsterSeminaryCalifornia
The next one that was so beneficial was by Hywel Jones on Justification and Sanctification. He discusses the distinctions and necessity of understanding both as they apply to our salvation and pursuit of holiness. Great remarks: "'Nothing in my hands I bring. Simply to the cross I cling.' Have you ever tried clinging with something in your hand?" "Forget freedom and you're on the road to legalism. Forget fulfillment and you're on the road to antinomianism." Listen to this clarifying message.
2. Justification and Sanctification by Hywel Jones: https://wscal.edu/resource-center/justification-and-sanctification?fbclid=IwAR1Bwe3-qun0p2tXuWKu1YriLhTx09RuO4P9ShfYU7yMK1GjTQZt8nZqzNA
Monday, June 6, 2022
The Undertone of Lordship Salvation: Joy Dudley (Gospel Gal Contributor)
Disclaimer: It is not the purpose of this post to elaborate on the teachings of Lordship Salvation and how it compares to Reformed Confessional Theology. At the end of this post, I will provide resources that deal more deeply with the differences. This post is more to describe to the best of my ability what it was like for me to believe that the tenets of Lordship Salvation were the only faithful expression of the Christian faith. If anyone reading identifies with what I am describing, this post is for you to show you that your sentiments are valid. I promise that there is a better, more restful, and comforting alternative that is both faithful to the Scriptures and faithful to maintain the necessity of repentance and obedience without compromising the comfort and rest that sinners can find in Christ.
undertone: an underlying quality or feeling
If there is one word that I could use to describe what it was like being influenced by the teachings of Lordship Salvation, it would be the word suspicion. I was suspicious of everything - the quality of my own faith, the quality of my obedience, and the quality of the faith of others. Perhaps the most damaging suspicion I harbored was the suspicion that God didn't really forgive me of my sin in Christ. I was suspicious that I was deceived into thinking that I was saved. I was terrified that perhaps Jesus did not know me and that He would cast me away on the Last Day.
Last week at the Shepherd's Conference, John MacArthur said the following to both aspiring and current Pastors and Shepherds:
"It is not enough to fire the Gospel all the time, but you have to constantly bring them to an incessant introspection and spiritual inventory of their spiritual lives" (For context you can find the link to the entire sermon here.)
That is exactly what I did under the influence of Lordship. I was constantly and incessantly examining myself to see if I was in the faith. And to be honest, I always fell short in relation to the exacting demands of God's law. I was always left terrified that I was outside of Christ, yet hoping that somehow my fruit qualified me to seek consolation in His promises. The Gospel was defined and explained, yet presented and held out to me with a closed fist. There was always this dark cloud of suspicion that obscured Christ's mercy and kindness. I felt like I was on the outside looking into a world where people were overjoyed and confident that God saved them as they were conquering their sin left and right. I remember feeling as if I was always stuck in limbo, always questioning but never resting. The temptation to give up and resolve to go to hell was palpable, but I always asked - "Lord where else can I go? You have the words to eternal life." (John 6:68). Yes I believed, but perhaps Jesus was giving Himself to me with his fingers crossed. Christ was for me - yet I had no right to believe that unless my sanctification level was up to par. If I was honest, it was never up to par.
At the 2011 Expositors Conference Steven Lawson said the following during a Q&A:
"I was asked at my table what would I preach to bring church members to Christ. And I said the last thing I would preach would be John 3 16. That just lulls everyone in the building to sleep. I would preach the Lordship of Christ, I would preach repentance, I would preach the new birth, I would preach the necessary evidence of the new birth, I would preach the sovereignty of God in salvation to the extent that I could push that. I would do everything that I could to blow a trumpet in Zion and to awaken those that are asleep" (For context you can also find the link to the interview clip here)
The above quote explains perfectly the experience of what it was like to be under the influence where the evidence of the new birth was emphasized widely and divorced from the powerful, life giving indicatives of God's love for His people in Christ. Lordship smoked me out as a potential false convert where I was defined by my sanctification level and not defined by the righteousness of Christ. I didn't see that the new birth, the Lordship of Christ, repentance, and the necessary evidence of the new birth were grounded in and effected in the promises of John 3:16 and other verses like it. The promises of sanctification from receiving the whole Christ by faith, turned into whips used to threaten me. I saw my sanctification as a threat with the presupposition that if I was not doing as well, I had no right to rejoice in the promises of Christ.
The definition of saving faith was unclear because it often involved the need to surrender all in order to be saved. Surrender all - how was I to do that? What does it mean? If it is obedience, I was sorely lacking because I knew that I was already disqualified. The questioning and silent despair lasted for years. I thought that if this is what defined the Christian life, then I will be resolved to keep trying and to go to hell.
If this describes you Beloved, there is a better way. Toward the end of MacArthur's address, he mentioned that "the last thing you want to do is make people feel secure when they shouldn't." I never felt secure. Yet I was secure in either my self righteousness or despair. Beloved, do not feel secure in your self-righteousness or despair. Christ is your security. Be secure in Christ's righteousness, in his intercession. Be secure in His life, death, and resurrection for you and outside of you. His kindness and love in forgiving your sin is yours forever. Christ became to you "wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption" . He is secure for you. He lived for you and died for you. He suffered the anguishes of hell in your place. He lives to make intercession for you. You live by faith in these promises, not by the quality of your sanctification.
The undertone of comfort:
In learning more about Reformed Theology from the confessions, my presupposition changed from one of suspicion to comfort. The Heidelberg Catechism is rightly called the Church's book of comfort. The first question opens with this beautiful line:
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
that I am not my own,
but belong with body and soul,
both in life and in death,
to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins
with his precious blood,
and has set me free
from all the power of the devil.
He also preserves me in such a way
that without the will of my heavenly Father
not a hair can fall from my head;
indeed, all things must work together
for my salvation.
Therefore, by his Holy Spirit
he also assures me
of eternal life
and makes me heartily willing and ready
from now on to live for him.
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" Jesus was not holding Himself out to me with a closed fist. He gave himself freely to me and I only needed to receive him with the empty hands of faith. I was not to self-examine myself to despair, but with the understanding that in Christ I was righteous, sanctified, and prayed for. His Lordship over my life was not something I needed to make sure was true, but was forever and always present. He is my Prophet, Priest, and King. As my Prophet, He speaks the words of forgiveness and grace. As my Priest, He has offered His own blood so that I may boldly have access to the holy of holies. As my King, He governs and preserves me so that not a hair can fall from my head outside of His will. He defends me from the evil one and subdues and conquers the continuing remains of my sin that clings so closely. I never leave His hand because I know that I am His. When I sin, I am grieved. But I know that I am safe in coming to Christ to confess them and seek pardon, because of His mercy. He desires to pardon and forgive.
The message found in John 3:16 is the motivation to continue to fight my sin with a good and free conscience. Without it, my conscience would be terrified and I would only serve God out of slavish fear. Christ is the consolation for the terrified conscience.
Yesterday I asked a question in a Facebook group that asked for a description of pietism. With her permission, I am sharing this answer from Amanda Kershaw that perfectly articulates how Lordship affected me,
"The tincture of pietism is of perpetual incompleteness. It is quiet starvation carefully protected from all fulfillment and satisfaction. It is of questions that refuse answers and instead demand more questions. It is of restless water trying to cancel out its own waves with more waves and only stirring itself up into further disturbance.
The confessional church is where the humble and hungry come to be fed to complete satisfaction. It is the undeserving receiving a promise of which they are commanded to be fully assured. In the face of all their failure, the inheritance is indeed theirs! Pietism calls this presumption. Christ calls it faith. It is to His honor when His people eat what He provided."
There is indeed a better word Beloved than the undertone of suspicion. Christ is for you. I will leave you with the wonderful words from Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author of "Has American Christianity Failed?"
"Dear Christian, the Gospel is for you. The forgiveness of sins is for you. Jesus, and His death and resurrection, His mercy and grace, His undeserved kindness are still for you, today and always. Your life is hidden with God in Christ, and it is His lavish love and kindness, not your obedience and commitment, that make a Christian life."
"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." - 2nd Thessalonians 3:5
Resources for Further Study and Context:
The Reformation Answers Lordship Salvation: http://gospelgalblog.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-reformation-answers-lordship.html
Lordship Salvation with Pastor John Fonville from Theology Gals : http://theologygals.com/2017/10/lordship-salvation-with-pastor-john-fonville-theology-gals-episode-35/
Lordship Controversy Theology Gals: http://theologygals.com/2019/05/lordship-controversy-episode-112/
Why I left Lordship Salvation Theocast Part 1 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thtTV5hv41k
Why I left Lordship Salvation Theocast Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE6rkhkGi3k
Critique of Lordship Salvation Theocast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nidOt4Bc5k&t=1110s
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Gospel Gal Happenings
Gospel Gal Happenings
If you follow Gospel Gal on social media, you may know that I recently enjoyed a visit from Joy Dudley, Gospel Gal Blog Contributor and Co-host. During her visit we recorded a fresh podcast episode with Matt and Onnig from Back to the Reformation and we created a new website where all our episodes are now at your fingertips. We still have our blog, and we still post our podcast episodes to Youtube, but you can also find us at our new website. Many thanks to Joy, Matt and Onnig for participating with Gospel Gal and for helping develop the website.
Here's Gospel Gal's freshest episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mjzZlDFg-Q&t=471s&ab_channel=GospelGal
And here's Gospel Gal's new website: https://gospelgal.org
Saturday, January 8, 2022
Our Whole Salvation (Calvin)
"We see that our whole salvation and all it's parts are comprehended in Christ. We should therefore take care not to derive the least portion of it from anywhere else.
If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that it is of Him.
If we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, they will be found in His anointing.
If we seek strength, it lies in His dominion.
If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that it is of Him.
If we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, they will be found in His anointing.
If we seek strength, it lies in His dominion.
If purity, in His virginal conception.
If gentleness, it appears in His birth; for by His birth, He was made like us in all respects that He might feel our pain.
If we seek redemption, it lies in His Passion.
If acquittal, in His condemnation.
If remission of the Curse, in His cross.
If satisfaction, in His sacrifice.
If mortification of the flesh, in His tomb.
If newness of life, in His resurrection.
In short, since rich store of every kind of good abounds in Christ, let us drink our fill of this fountain and from no other. "
~John Calvin (The Institutes)
HT: Ana Joy
If gentleness, it appears in His birth; for by His birth, He was made like us in all respects that He might feel our pain.
If we seek redemption, it lies in His Passion.
If acquittal, in His condemnation.
If remission of the Curse, in His cross.
If satisfaction, in His sacrifice.
If mortification of the flesh, in His tomb.
If newness of life, in His resurrection.
In short, since rich store of every kind of good abounds in Christ, let us drink our fill of this fountain and from no other. "
~John Calvin (The Institutes)
HT: Ana Joy
Monday, December 20, 2021
Advent 2021:Gospel Hope:Prophesied, Fulfilled, and Coming
Advent 2021: Gospel Hope:Prophesied, Fulfilled, and Coming
Compiled by Marissa Namirr and Joy Dudley
This Advent we are drawn back to the ancient promises given to the Fathers of a Serpent Crushing Son. Listen to these marvelous promises and covenants and how they are directly fulfilled in God who took on flesh to redeem us, His people. They were an immense blessing to Joy and me and we hope they and this discussion will be a Gospel blessing to you this Advent.
You can listen to the Gospel Gal YouTube episode by the same title here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ROHEs8fVLs&ab_channel=GospelGal
Luke 1:68-79
68 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because He has visited
and provided redemption for His people.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 just as He spoke by the mouth
of His holy prophets in ancient times;
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the clutches of those who hate us.
72 He has dealt mercifully with our fathers
and remembered His holy covenant—
73 the oath that He swore to our father Abraham.
He has given us the privilege,
74 since we have been rescued
from our enemies’ clutches,
to serve Him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness
in His presence all our days.
76 And child, you will be called
a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare His ways,
77 to give His people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion,
the Dawn from on high will visit us
79 to shine on those who live in darkness
and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Genesis 3:15
15 I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your seed and her seed.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 17:1-7
1When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in My presence and be blameless. 2 I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell facedown and God spoke with him: 4 “As for Me, My covenant is with you: you will become the father of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations. 6 I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. 7 I will keep My covenant between Me and you, and your future offspring throughout their generations, as an everlasting covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you.
2 Samuel 7:8-17
8 “Now this is what you are to say to My servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land. 10 I will establish a place for My people Israel and plant them, so that they may live there and not be disturbed again. Evildoers will not afflict them as they have done 11 ever since the day I ordered judges to be over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. “‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord Himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a human rod and with blows from others. 15 But My faithful love will never leave him as I removed it from Saul; I removed him from your way. 16 Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’” 17 Nathan spoke all these words and this entire vision to David.
Luke 1:68-79
68 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because He has visited
and provided redemption for His people.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 just as He spoke by the mouth
of His holy prophets in ancient times;
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the clutches of those who hate us.
72 He has dealt mercifully with our fathers
and remembered His holy covenant—
73 the oath that He swore to our father Abraham.
He has given us the privilege,
74 since we have been rescued
from our enemies’ clutches,
to serve Him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness
in His presence all our days.
76 And child, you will be called
a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare His ways,
77 to give His people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion,
the Dawn from on high will visit us
79 to shine on those who live in darkness
and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Genesis 3:15
15 I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your seed and her seed.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 17:1-7
1When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in My presence and be blameless. 2 I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell facedown and God spoke with him: 4 “As for Me, My covenant is with you: you will become the father of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations. 6 I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. 7 I will keep My covenant between Me and you, and your future offspring throughout their generations, as an everlasting covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you.
2 Samuel 7:8-17
8 “Now this is what you are to say to My servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land. 10 I will establish a place for My people Israel and plant them, so that they may live there and not be disturbed again. Evildoers will not afflict them as they have done 11 ever since the day I ordered judges to be over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. “‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord Himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a human rod and with blows from others. 15 But My faithful love will never leave him as I removed it from Saul; I removed him from your way. 16 Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’” 17 Nathan spoke all these words and this entire vision to David.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
31 “Look, the days are coming”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke even though I had married them”—the Lord’s declaration. 33 “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—the Lord’s declaration. “I will put My teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. 34 No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least to the greatest of them”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “For I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sin.”
Isaiah 9:2-7
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased its joy.
The people have rejoiced before You
as they rejoice at harvest time
and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
4 For You have shattered their oppressive yoke
and the rod on their shoulders,
the staff of their oppressor,
just as You did on the day of Midian.
5 For the trampling boot of battle
and the bloodied garments of war
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it
with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.
Luke 2:8-14
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors
So we understand and believe that Jesus Christ is a real, historical man. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and the virgin to fulfill prophesy as the Serpent Crusher from Genesis 3, the seed of Abraham and the root of David, and He is for us the long-awatied Messiah, Mediator and Advocate. We believe and can have no doubt that He is all our salvation and all our peace with God. He has reconciled us to God by His perfect, one and only sacrifice. He has actively and passively fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf and ever lives to make intercession for us.
Heidelberg Catechism 35
Q. What does it mean that he
“was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary”?
A. That the eternal Son of God,
who is and remains
true and eternal God,
took to himself,
through the working of the Holy Spirit,
from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,
a truly human nature
so that he might become David’s true descendant,
like his brothers in every way
except for sin.
John 1:1-4; 14-17
1 In the beginning was the Word,Heidelberg Catechism 35
Q. What does it mean that he
“was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary”?
A. That the eternal Son of God,
who is and remains
true and eternal God,
took to himself,
through the working of the Holy Spirit,
from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,
a truly human nature
so that he might become David’s true descendant,
like his brothers in every way
except for sin.
John 1:1-4; 14-17
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 All things were created through Him,
and apart from Him not one thing was created
that has been created.
4 Life was in Him,
and that life was the light of men.
... 14 The Word became flesh
and took up residence among us.
We observed His glory,
the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.
15 (John testified concerning Him and exclaimed,
“This was the One of whom I said,
‘The One coming after me has surpassed me,
because He existed before me.’”)
16 Indeed, we have all received grace after grace
from His fullness,
17 for the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
In regard to the benefits of Christ's incarnation to us, Zacharius Ursinus wrote, "There are two benefits resulting from the holy conception and nativity of Christ. First, the confirmation of our faith that he is the mediator; and, secondly, the consolation that we are justified before God through him. The reason of this arises from the fact, that he could not be the mediator between God and man, who is not himself very man, and perfectly righteous, and who is not united with the Word. It behooved the mediator to be, by nature, true God and man, that he might preserve the salvation purchased for us. "For such an High-Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens." (Heb. 7:26.) What, therefore, is the meaning of this article, I believe in Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary? First, I believe that this natural Son of God was made true man in a miraculous manner, and that he is one Christ having two natures, the divine and human, joined together by a personal union, and that he was sanctified by the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. Secondly, I believe that he is such, true God and true man, and yet but one Christ, and that he was sanctified from his mother's womb, that he might redeem and sanctify me, (which he could not do unless sanctification and union were effected in him) and that I have the right of the adoption of the sons of God, for the sake of this, his Son, conceived and born in the manner just described.
What a great salvation is to be seen in the incarnation of Jesus Christ our Savior and King, but the same Messiah is not quite finished His redemption story. The Word and the Creed inform us that this Gentle and Lowly Redeemer is coming again to "judge the living and the dead." And it is His imminent return that we look for at Advent each year.
Heidelberg 52 explains how it is that the Christian can rejoice in the hope of His coming.
What a great salvation is to be seen in the incarnation of Jesus Christ our Savior and King, but the same Messiah is not quite finished His redemption story. The Word and the Creed inform us that this Gentle and Lowly Redeemer is coming again to "judge the living and the dead." And it is His imminent return that we look for at Advent each year.
Heidelberg 52 explains how it is that the Christian can rejoice in the hope of His coming.
"In all distress and persecution,
with uplifted head,
I confidently await the very judge
who has already offered himself to the judgment of God
in my place and removed the whole curse from me.
Christ will cast all his enemies and mine
into everlasting condemnation,
but will take me and all his chosen ones
to himself into the joy and glory of heaven."
Come thou long-expected Jesus! May your Advent, Christmas and New Year be full of Gospel blessing.
with uplifted head,
I confidently await the very judge
who has already offered himself to the judgment of God
in my place and removed the whole curse from me.
Christ will cast all his enemies and mine
into everlasting condemnation,
but will take me and all his chosen ones
to himself into the joy and glory of heaven."
Come thou long-expected Jesus! May your Advent, Christmas and New Year be full of Gospel blessing.
Resources used for the episode and article:
1. The Song of Zechariah: Sermon from John Fonville: Paramount Church
2. The Heidelberg Catechism
2. Zacharius Ursinus Commentary on The Heidelberg Catechism
Monday, December 13, 2021
Purity Culture And a Real-life Redemption Story
Last week Joy and I had a great conversation with Jennifer Moodie. We discussed
the Purity Culture, how it has impacted us, and the way the Gospel provides health and healing, as Christ reconciles us to Himself and to one another. Jenn shares her story and how real divine intervention changed her husband's life, her's, and their marriage.
Here's the Gospel Gal episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th-6l4mkEXo&ab_channel=GospelGal
If you're wondering what the Purity culture is, if you're wondering how beneficial it is, if you're wondering how to heal from its effects, listen to this episode. I really appreciate Jenn's perspective and want Gospel Gal's readers and listeners to take this away as they consider what they hear on this episode:
Sources and Resources Mentioned (Disclaimer: Noting the following resources does not suggest Gospel Gal endorsement).
1. "How an Abstinence Pledge in the ’90s Shamed a Generation of Evangelicals":
New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/abstinence-pledge-evangelicals.html
If you're wondering what the Purity culture is, if you're wondering how beneficial it is, if you're wondering how to heal from its effects, listen to this episode. I really appreciate Jenn's perspective and want Gospel Gal's readers and listeners to take this away as they consider what they hear on this episode:
| ||
A:Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them, and am still inclined to all evil, yet God, without any merit of my own, out of mere grace, imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ. He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me, if only I accept this gift with a believing heart." ~Heidelberg Catechism 60 |
This is Jen's blog: https://purelyandgraciouslyhis.blogspot.com/
1. "How an Abstinence Pledge in the ’90s Shamed a Generation of Evangelicals":
New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/abstinence-pledge-evangelicals.html
2. Do You Not Know (Sermon Series): John Fonville: Paramount Church https://www.paramountchurch.com/sermons/series/do-you-not-know
3. Talking Back to Purity Culture: Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality: Rachel Joy Welcher
3. Talking Back to Purity Culture: Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality: Rachel Joy Welcher
4. The Great Sex Rescue: Sheila Wray Gregorie
5. The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters: Sinclair Ferguson
6. Knowing God: JI Packer
6. Knowing God: JI Packer
7. The Heidelberg Catechism
Monday, December 6, 2021
Meditation Monday #11 with Gospel Gal: Who Can Stand?
Psalm 130 poses a question that is repeated throughout Scripture. "If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?" On today's meditation Monday, listen to John Fonville answer this age-old question, and the question that burns in our hearts so often.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J-eiq3No8w&ab_channel=GospelGal
Thanks be to God in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our standing is not in what we have done, what we can do or will do. It is in the perfect work done outside of us for us in His justifying, propitiating work.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. (Romans 4:5-8)
Psalm 130:3-4
New King James Version
3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.
You can listen to John's full sermon at Paramount Church, here:
The Hope of Advent: The Fundamental Blessing of the Gospel // Paramount Church // December 5, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_blPSKTvSPQ&t=4135s&ab_channel=ParamountChurch
The Hope of Advent: The Fundamental Blessing of the Gospel // Paramount Church // December 5, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_blPSKTvSPQ&t=4135s&ab_channel=ParamountChurch
Friday, December 3, 2021
God's Law: Its Use & Misuse
God's Law: Its Use & Misuse
~Marissa Namirr, Gospel Gal & Joy Dudley
Here the Gospel Gal YouTube episode by the same title: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neDHxuA7RSk&t=761s&ab_channel=GospelGal
Zacharius Ursinus, co-author of the Heidelberg Catechism defines God's Law this way: “Law now, in general, is a rule, or precept, commanding things honest and just, requiring obedience from creatures endowed with reason, with a promise of reward in case of obedience, and with a threatening of punishment in case of disobedience. It is a rule, or precept, commanding things honest and just, otherwise it is no law. Requiring obedience from creatures endowed with reason: the law was not made for those who are not bound to obedience. With a promise of reward in case of obedience; the law graciously promises blessings to those who perform acceptable obedience; because no obedience can be meritorious in the sight of God.”
However, the Reformed community has broken God's Law down into three distinct categories:
1. Pedagogical
2. Civil/Ceremonial
3. Normative.
Ligonier Ministries breaks it down like this:
"Its first function is to be a mirror reflecting to us both the perfect righteousness of God and our own sinfulness and shortcomings. As Augustine wrote, "the law bids us, as we try to fulfill its requirements, and become wearied in our weakness under it, to know how to ask the help of grace." The law is meant to give knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 5:13; 7:7-11), and by showing us our need of pardon and our danger of damnation to lead us in repentance and faith to Christ (Gal. 3:19-24).
A second function, the "civil use," is to restrain evil. Though the law cannot change the heart, it can to some extent inhibit lawlessness by its threats of judgment, especially when backed by a civil code that administers punishment for proven offenses (Deut. 13:6-11; 19:16-21; Rom. 13:3, 4). Thus it secures civil order, and serves to protect the righteous from the unjust.
Its third function is to guide the regenerate into the good works that God has planned for them (Eph. 2:10). The law tells God's children what will please their heavenly Father. It could be called their family code. Christ was speaking of this third use of the law when He said that those who become His disciples must be taught to do all that He had commanded (Matt. 28:20), and that obedience to His commands will prove the reality of one's love for Him (John 14:15). The Christian is free from the law as a system of salvation (Rom. 6:14; 7:4, 6; 1 Cor. 9:20; Gal. 2:15-19, 3:25), but is "under the law of Christ" as a rule of life (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2)." ~Nathan W. Bingham
As we are no longer under Israel's civil or ceremonial codes, we will primarily be discussing the first and third uses of the Law and how they are applied in the life of the Christian.
Listen to Lee Irons discuss the first and third use of the Law that applies to the believer (min 46:03: http://links.christreformed.org/irons/20211107-Law-And-Gospel-In-BT-Perspective.mp3?fbclid=IwAR1fQ3SS-x0ZuNY1dN8rnyxr9cfpUPcYW02RBdJzJ5382aBqRFZgrlL5ZSE
In the first use of the Law, we are drawn back to the memory of our sin and misery, and our need of Christ in the recollection of the first use. Each week in our liturgy we are issued a solemn reminder:
"Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."
Jesus says this is the summary of all the Law, and we are reminded of the Law of God week after week, according to the Heidelberg Catechism,
"First, so that throughout our life
we may more and more become aware of
our sinful nature,
and therefore seek more eagerly
the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ.
Second,
so that, while praying to God
for the grace of the Holy Spirit,
we may never stop striving
to be renewed more and more
after God's image,
until after this life we reach
the goal of perfection."
The response is to fall on our knees and recite the Kyrie: "Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy." The awareness of sin and its consequences without Christ as Mediator would fall under the heading of the first use of the Law.
In the third use, however, the Christian remembers that even what is required of us is given. The fruit of faith is new inclination, new obedience, and new gratitude springing forth in love for God and neighbor (the fulfillment of the Law). As a child relates to a loving, nurturing father, so we also relate to our Father in heaven. He could never have demonstrated more love to us, than the giving of His own Son for us. We now look for ways to express gratitude for what has been done outside of us and for us. Gratitude is not earning favor, but the outflow of having received favor. The believer is no longer under the Law as a covenant of works: “Do this and live." But in Christ, we are no longer under the Law’s penalties. We know from the Epistles that those who seek to be justified by the Law will receive it's curses for disobedience. This is not what Christian obedience is about.
Listen to how Ralph Erskine describes the Law for the Christian:
“The commands of the law, in the hand of Christ, have lost their old covenant-form, and are full of love. The command of the law of works is, Do, and Live; but in the hand of Christ, it is, Live, and Do: the command of the law of works, is, Do, or else be damned: but the law in the hand of Christ, is, I have delivered thee from hell, therefore do: the command of the law of works is, Do in thy own strength; but the law in the hand of Christ is, “I am thy strength; My strength shall be perfected in thy weakness,” therefore Do. The command is materially the same, but the form is different: the command of the law of works is, Do perfectly, that you may have eternal life; but now, in the hand of Christ, the form is, I have given thee eternal life in me, and by my doing; and therefore do as perfectly as you can, through my grace, till you come to a state of perfection.”
we may more and more become aware of
our sinful nature,
and therefore seek more eagerly
the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ.
Second,
so that, while praying to God
for the grace of the Holy Spirit,
we may never stop striving
to be renewed more and more
after God's image,
until after this life we reach
the goal of perfection."
The response is to fall on our knees and recite the Kyrie: "Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy." The awareness of sin and its consequences without Christ as Mediator would fall under the heading of the first use of the Law.
In the third use, however, the Christian remembers that even what is required of us is given. The fruit of faith is new inclination, new obedience, and new gratitude springing forth in love for God and neighbor (the fulfillment of the Law). As a child relates to a loving, nurturing father, so we also relate to our Father in heaven. He could never have demonstrated more love to us, than the giving of His own Son for us. We now look for ways to express gratitude for what has been done outside of us and for us. Gratitude is not earning favor, but the outflow of having received favor. The believer is no longer under the Law as a covenant of works: “Do this and live." But in Christ, we are no longer under the Law’s penalties. We know from the Epistles that those who seek to be justified by the Law will receive it's curses for disobedience. This is not what Christian obedience is about.
Listen to how Ralph Erskine describes the Law for the Christian:
“The commands of the law, in the hand of Christ, have lost their old covenant-form, and are full of love. The command of the law of works is, Do, and Live; but in the hand of Christ, it is, Live, and Do: the command of the law of works, is, Do, or else be damned: but the law in the hand of Christ, is, I have delivered thee from hell, therefore do: the command of the law of works is, Do in thy own strength; but the law in the hand of Christ is, “I am thy strength; My strength shall be perfected in thy weakness,” therefore Do. The command is materially the same, but the form is different: the command of the law of works is, Do perfectly, that you may have eternal life; but now, in the hand of Christ, the form is, I have given thee eternal life in me, and by my doing; and therefore do as perfectly as you can, through my grace, till you come to a state of perfection.”
And the writers of the Heidelberg Catechism would view obedience to the Law of God as an expression of gratitude in the life of the believer. Listen to John Fonville describe how our Savior draws us in as he describes the lawful use of Law and Gospel, in the paradigm of comfort from the Heidelberg Catechism, here (minute 6-10:11:
Our Triune God no longer relates to us as a Judge ready to penalize us for moral failures, but views us as righteous, based on Christ's merits and perfect obedience to His Father's will. Christ's perfect obedience to God's Law has been imputed to us.
Our Triune God no longer relates to us as a Judge ready to penalize us for moral failures, but views us as righteous, based on Christ's merits and perfect obedience to His Father's will. Christ's perfect obedience to God's Law has been imputed to us.
Along with understanding the third use of the Law as an expression of gratitude in the life of the believer, it is also important to make sure that we don’t misuse any of the uses of the Law. And there a couple of ways the Law of God, which is good, holy and right, can be misused.
Misuse #1: Law without Gospel:
Having established that the Law is good, holy and right, we must also understand that the Law, in its three uses, only offer life to those who keep it perfectly, personally and perpetually. So the preaching of the Law, without offering the hope of the Gospel is only going to condemn the hearer.
Listen to how Dr. Rod Rosenbladt explains the dangers of misusing the 3rd use of the Law:
“At any rate, if we Reformation folk do the “third use of the law” badly, we get very close to the infamous “application section” of the sermon so common in Wesleyan & evangelical preaching. And if we do it badly, the sensitive Christian believer can be driven to a slavery as bad as any slavery done to them by a totalitarian dictator. If the Ten Commandments were not impossible enough, the preaching of Christian behavior, of Christian ethics, of Christian living, can drive a Christian into despairing unbelief. Not happy unbelief. Tragic, despairing, sad unbelief. (It is not unlike the [unhappy] Christian equivalent of “Jack Mormons” – those who finally admit to themselves and others that they can’t live up to the demands of this non-Christian cult’s laws, and excuse themselves from the whole sheebang.) A diet of this stuff from pulpit, from curriculum, from a Christian reading list, can do a work on a Christian that is (at least over the long haul) “faith destroying.” (Excerpt from The Gospel For Those Broken By the Church)
Misuse #2: Confusing Law and Gospel:
This is a common problem in the Church, and has been thoughout her history. Confusion of Law and Gospel makes the Gospel a new Law, or turns the Law into a means of salvation.
To clarify, when we say Gospel, we are talking about the joyful announcement that Christ came, that He really took on flesh, performed all the obedience to the Law that was necessary, in our place, that he died as a substitute, bearing the wrath of God that we deserved for our sin, his dead body was truly buried, and that three days later, He rose again from the dead having secured victory over sin and death for us. The Gospel is not what we do, not what is commanded of us, not the Law, but what Christ has done, under the Law for and outside of us.
It is a misuse of the Law to suppose that it has the power to rescue a sinner from sin and death as only the Gospel can do. Listen to Theodore Beza, student of the Reformer, John Calvin on the results of confusing Law and Gospel:
"We divide this Word into two principal parts or kinds: the one is called the “Law,” the other the “Gospel.” For all the rest can be gathered under the one or the other of these two headings…We must pay great attention to these things. For, with good reason, we can say that ignorance of this distinction between Law and Gospel is one of the principal sources of the abuses which corrupted and still corrupt Christianity."
He also states “The majority of men, blinded by the just judgment of God, have indeed never seriously considered what curse the Law subjects us to, nor why it has been ordained by God. And, as for the Gospel, they have nearly always thought that it was nothing other than a second Law, more perfect than the first. From this has come the erroneous distinction between precept and advice; there has followed, little by little, the total ruin of the benefit of Jesus Christ.”
As we have discussed, the Law without the Gospel is a recipe for crushing despair for a believer who is consistently aware of their propensity to sin. And confusing Law and Gospel is equally as dangerous for the church and the world that so desperately needs the true cure for our sin and misery. And there is a third way the Law of God can be misused:
Misuse #3: Theonomy (second use): We won't take the time to define or refute it here, but for those interested in the topic, we recommend this episode of Back to the Reformation with Scott Clark: https://heidelblog.net/2021/11/with-back-to-the-reformation-podcast-taking-about-politics-and-the-church/
So, we should be wary of teaching that emphasizes doing over and above what has been done for you in Christ. Know that in your pursuit of holiness and obedience, you are covered in the righteousness of Christ, and it is the Gospel that fuels our gratitude. The law in it’s 3rd use gives shape and definition of how we are to show our gratitude, but it is never the ultimate grounds for our assurance. Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and intercession are the objective realities that will be forever and always true for His people. Jesus’ is the author and perfector of our faith and sanctification is a promise rooted in His abolishing of sin and death 2000 years ago.
The Law is good, pure, and holy. It teaches us how to love God and neighbor. It shows us our sin and misery and drives us to Christ when we see we have failed to keep it (first use of the Law). It shows us ways that the government reigns in society and protects us from crime (common grace/second use of the Law). It provides guidance on how we express gratitude to God for what He has done for us as His children (third use of the Law).
So, we should be wary of teaching that emphasizes doing over and above what has been done for you in Christ. Know that in your pursuit of holiness and obedience, you are covered in the righteousness of Christ, and it is the Gospel that fuels our gratitude. The law in it’s 3rd use gives shape and definition of how we are to show our gratitude, but it is never the ultimate grounds for our assurance. Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and intercession are the objective realities that will be forever and always true for His people. Jesus’ is the author and perfector of our faith and sanctification is a promise rooted in His abolishing of sin and death 2000 years ago.
The Law is good, pure, and holy. It teaches us how to love God and neighbor. It shows us our sin and misery and drives us to Christ when we see we have failed to keep it (first use of the Law). It shows us ways that the government reigns in society and protects us from crime (common grace/second use of the Law). It provides guidance on how we express gratitude to God for what He has done for us as His children (third use of the Law).
We no longer fear the penalties of the Law, but rejoice that the Law has been kept for us, and that the perfect righteousness of Christ is ours' and always will be. Now, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we move on to love and serve our neighbor out of gratitude for all that has been done for us.
Resources:
* Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism:Zacharius Ursinus
*The Threefold Use of the Law: Nathan W. Bingham
* http://links.christreformed.org/irons/20211107-Law-And-Gospel-In-BT-Perspective.mp3?fbclid=IwAR1fQ3SS-x0ZuNY1dN8rnyxr9cfpUPcYW02RBdJzJ5382aBqRFZgrlL5ZSE :Lee Irons
*The Heidelberg Catechism
*The Sermons and other practical works of Ralph Erskine
*Guilt, Grace, & Gratitude: A Paradigm For Comfort: Sermon (Paramount Chruch): John Fonville
*The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification: Walter Marshall
*The Gospel in Revelation: Graeme Goldsworthy
*The Gospel For Those Broken By the Church: Rod Rosenbladt
*The Christian Faith :Theodore Beza
*Back To The Reformation Podcast "Taking About Politics And The Church": https://heidelblog.net/2021/11/with-back-to-the-reformation-podcast-taking-about-politics-and-the-church/ :R. Scott Clark, Matthew Rosenblum, Onnig Sayadian
Monday, November 29, 2021
Meditation Monday #10: The Apostles Creed: "I believe in ...Jesus Christ... The third day he rose again from the dead. ." and Lord's Day 17 (Heidelberg Catechism)
Meditation Monday #10: The Apostles Creed:
"I believe in ...Jesus Christ...The third day he rose again from the dead..."
and Lord's Day 17 (Heidelberg Catechism)
Compiled by Marissa Namirr (Gospel Gal) and Joy Dudley
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
We're continuing our discussion of the Apostles Creed, and specifically, the article, "The third day he rose again from the dead.
Of Christ's resurrection, Caspar Olevianus, co-author of the Heidelberg Catechism writes,
And his co-author, Zacharius Ursinus writes,
“We have thus far spoken of the humiliation of Christ which reached its last point in the article of his descent into hell. We must now speak of his glorification, which began with his resurrection from the dead on the third day. The humiliation of the mediator was not to continue forever. It was sufficient that he should once suffer, and die. But the efficacy and power of Christ, in preserving the blessings which flow from his humiliation, will endure forever”
He continues, “What then is the meaning of this article of the Creed: I believe in Christ, who rose from the dead on the third day? It means that I believe: 1. That Christ did truly recall his soul to his body which was dead, and quickened it. 2. That he retained a true soul and body; and that both are now glorified, and free from all infirmity. 3. That he rose by his own divine virtue and power. 4. That he rose for the purpose of making us partakers of the righteousness, holiness, and glorification, which he had purchased for us.”
It is crucial to understand that a real, historic Jesus existed, died and rose again, as prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures and witnessed by hundreds, as attetested in the New. Michael Horton writes, Etched in my memory from childhood are those lines from a familiar Easter hymn in evangelical circles, "He Lives": "You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart." In spite of the warmth that such sentiment offers, it hardly fits the bill sketched out by the Apostle Peter: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Pet. 3:15). Many ideas can be, and often are, embraced by the heart that are simply wrong. Santa Claus and the tooth fairy may be harmless childhood myths, but when we are making claims about eternal matters, emotionally useful fantasies will not suffice. Eventually, we grow up, and if our understanding of the Christian truth-claims does not mature as well, we are likely to be blown about by the trendy gusts of whim.In an informal survey of evangelical Christians recently, nearly everyone agreed with the statement, "It is more important for me to give my personal testimony than to explain the doctrines and claims of Christianity." This is remarkable, especially since not even the New Testament eye witnesses of Christ's saving acts wrote much about their own experiences and feelings. "What Jesus Means To Me" or "How Jesus Changed My Life" are simply not the most notable headlines of these biblical accounts. "That which was from the beginning," says John, "which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life"--this is the Christian's confidence."
Having established testimony to the resurrection, we'll continue with the Heidelberg Catechism, which addresses Christ's resurrection and the benefits of His resurrection to us.
Lord's Day 17, Question 45 of the Catechism asks, "How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?"
It answers, "First,
by his resurrection
he has overcome death,
so that he could make us share
in the righteousness
which he had obtained for us
by his death. 1
Second,
by his power
we too are raised up
to a new life. 2
Third,
Christ's resurrection
is to us a sure pledge
of our glorious resurrection. 3
2.Rom 6:5-11; Eph 2:4-6; Col 3:1-4.
3.Rom 8:11; 1 Cor 15:12-23; Phil 3:20, 21.
Olevianus writes this concerning the fruit of Christ's resurrection:
Of the benefits of Christ's resurrection to us, Ursinus writes, “If Christ be risen, he has abolished sin; not, however, his own sin, for he was free from all manner of sin; but he has abolished sin as it respects us. And if he has abolished our sin, he has also abolished death; for in removing the cause he has, at the same time, removed the effect. "The wages of sin is death." (Rom. 6:23.) And further, if he has abolished death, and that by a sufficient satisfaction for our sins, as his resurrection fully testifies, then his resurrection is most assuredly a certain evidence and pledge of our resurrection, in as much as it is impossible that we should continue in death since Christ has rendered a full and sufficient satisfaction in our behalf”
“That the resurrection of Christ is a pledge of our resurrection, may also be inferred from the fact that the same Spirit dwells in us which dwelt in Christ, and will also work the same in us which he wrought in Christ our head. The Spirit is always the same in whomsoever he dwells. He does not work effectually in the head, and sleep in the members. Seeing, therefore, that Christ raised himself from the dead by his Spirit, he will also without doubt raise us. "If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Rom. 8:11.)”
“Christ is our brother and will not, therefore, on account of his tender love and affection, leave us under the power of death, especially if we take into consideration his power and glory. For if he raised himself when dead, much more will he be able to raise us, in as much as he is now alive. And if he had power to raise himself from the dead when existing in a state of humiliation, much more can he now raise us, seeing that he reigns gloriously at the right hand of the Father”
“The last, though not the least, benefit resulting from the resurrection of Christ, is the consummation of all his benefits, and the glorification of the Church. It was for this reason that Christ died, rose again, and has delivered us perfectly from sin, that he might make us heirs with him in his kingdom and glory. "He is the First-born from the dead." "Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." (Col. 1:18. Rom. 8:17.) He shall conform us to himself, because both he and we live by the same Spirit. And this Spirit is not unlike himself. For "if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you, he that raised," &c. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also." (Rom. 8:11. John 14:3.)
The historic life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for and outside of us, separate Christianity from every other religion. Thanks be to God, and glory to You, Lord Christ, for the power of your resurrection!
There is no greater assurance of God's love and favor than the provision of His Son's life, death, burial, and resurrection from the grave on the third day, for us. As Ursinus writes,
“We are assured by the resurrection of Christ...that he applies unto us the benefit of redemption, that he constantly preserves us in the righteousness which he has made over unto us, that he commences a new life in us, and thus confirms us as to the consummation of eternal life, which he could not do, had he not risen from the dead.”
Sources:
*The Apostles Creed
*Exposition of the Apostles Creed: Caspar Olevianus
*The Commentary of Dr. Zacharias Ursinus on The Heidelberg Catechism
*Can We Still Believe in the Resurrection?: Michael Horton
*The Heidelberg Catechism
Monday, November 22, 2021
Gospel Gal Hot-Take #2: "Stop Complaining": Lament & Some Theology of Suffering
My friend Vanessa recently sent me a short YouTube posted by Todd Friel of Wretched. The clip was
part of a sermon from John MacArthur's sermon, "How to Live in a Crooked and Perverse Generation" at Grace Community Church in Dec 2020. Here is the Wretched clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lsO2Y_EZtk&ab_channel=Wretched. The full sermon and transcript can be found on the Grace To You website.
And you can listen to my YouTube episode on this content here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mudv_0lvCK0&ab_channel=GospelGal
(In this episode Joy, Vanessa and I look at Todd Friel and John MacArthur's take on complaining and bring our own Hot Take, given theology of suffering in the Psalms. We hope to apply the salve of the Gospel to suffering souls and wounded hearts.)
(In this episode Joy, Vanessa and I look at Todd Friel and John MacArthur's take on complaining and bring our own Hot Take, given theology of suffering in the Psalms. We hope to apply the salve of the Gospel to suffering souls and wounded hearts.)
Here are some of our key points in the YouTube episode:
In his sermon, John Mac Arthur exhorts his listeners,
He's preaching on Philippians 2: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain..." (v. 14).
He's preaching on Philippians 2: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain..." (v. 14).
As MacArthur speaks, I am transported back to my Fundamentalist upbringing where there was an unspoken or overt expectation that the expression of emotion was, at least, fleshly if not completely sinful, especially the attitudes of anger, anxiety, fear, or sadness. The Chrisitan was to be joyful, so of course, complaining was looked upon as bad behavior or a sub-Christian mentality.
Now, we understand that it is not Paul's imperative that is problematic. He is instructive. In the context of Philippians chapter 2 the Apostle first reminds us of the great sacrifice of our Savior for us. Only after providing this comfort does he call Christians to live accordingly, as beloved children in a world hostile to Christians. He is admonishing his hearers to remember to live at peace with those around them, inside and outside of the church. He stirs his hearers up to remember the kindness of God in His sovereign plan for their lives.
So, what is so glaringly problematic in MacArthur and Friel's message here? The hearer is carelessly instructed to "Stop complaining" but not provided with instruction on what to do with brokenness and pain, other than to live with it "to prove ourselves blameless children..."
Now, we understand that it is not Paul's imperative that is problematic. He is instructive. In the context of Philippians chapter 2 the Apostle first reminds us of the great sacrifice of our Savior for us. Only after providing this comfort does he call Christians to live accordingly, as beloved children in a world hostile to Christians. He is admonishing his hearers to remember to live at peace with those around them, inside and outside of the church. He stirs his hearers up to remember the kindness of God in His sovereign plan for their lives.
So, what is so glaringly problematic in MacArthur and Friel's message here? The hearer is carelessly instructed to "Stop complaining" but not provided with instruction on what to do with brokenness and pain, other than to live with it "to prove ourselves blameless children..."
What I have learned having experienced bouts of pain and discontent, is that, as God's beloved ones we *can and *should boldly bring our complaints to God. He is *our Father, Who knows the very hairs on our heads and we are free to approach Him with all of our cares. The Psalms are full of lament, and the psalmist rightly lays out his grief before God. (Note the theology of suffering taught throughout the book.)
You see, the Lord knows our hearts better than we know them ourselves. So when we approach Him, He won't be fooled into believing we're content with our current lots in life when we're not. At times we're actually offended, stressed, worried, and our hearts are sore. And guess what! He knows. He sees. And I think that a message to the children of God, that they are to restrain themselves from honest lament to their Father is a false and toxic one....Toxic to assume that God's ways for you are hard, so therefore He demands that you take your bitter medicine and like it...
You see, the Lord knows our hearts better than we know them ourselves. So when we approach Him, He won't be fooled into believing we're content with our current lots in life when we're not. At times we're actually offended, stressed, worried, and our hearts are sore. And guess what! He knows. He sees. And I think that a message to the children of God, that they are to restrain themselves from honest lament to their Father is a false and toxic one....Toxic to assume that God's ways for you are hard, so therefore He demands that you take your bitter medicine and like it...
Far from putting us in time out for whining, our Triune God welcomes us into His presence even with our babblings and cries, for Christ's sake. Think of what the Son of God performed for us. Jesus put on flesh, not only to live obediently in our place, not only to suffer the wrath of God that we deserved but to feel the angst, the temptation, the heartache, and pain that we experience. His empathy is always on full display. Listen to Dane Ortland describe our Mediator/Savior's compassion for us.
“Sympathize is not cool and detached pity. It is a depth of felt solidarity such as echoed in our own lives most closely only as parents to children. Indeed it is deeper even than that. In our pain, Jesus is pained; in our suffering, he feels the suffering as his own even though it isn’t – not that his invincible divinity is threatened, but in the sense that his heart is feelingly drawn into our distress. His human nature engages our troubles comprehensively. His is a love that cannot be held back when he sees his people in pain” (HT Joy Dudley).
As I step back from the past pain and skepticism of God's paternal heart, into the present reality of the love and care of the Triune God for me I remember these truths. Recall them with me.
Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin." The Son of God has passed the test for me, and He ever lives to make intercession for me having experienced the very temptations that I have, yet without sin.
Romans 8:26: "In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings." The Spirit of God given to me as a certain deposit assuring my standing and future glorification, steps in and prays for me when I don't know how to sufficiently or correctly pray for myself.
Matthew 10: 29-30 "Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted." My Father in Heaven is moved with everlasting love, to the extent that He did the unthinkable for a sinner like me. He gave His only begotten Son and will never withhold from me what is good. I can now confidently approach Him with all my burdens, brokenness, and even blindspots, knowing that He will never cast me out or disdain my appearing before Him in my pain.
“Sympathize is not cool and detached pity. It is a depth of felt solidarity such as echoed in our own lives most closely only as parents to children. Indeed it is deeper even than that. In our pain, Jesus is pained; in our suffering, he feels the suffering as his own even though it isn’t – not that his invincible divinity is threatened, but in the sense that his heart is feelingly drawn into our distress. His human nature engages our troubles comprehensively. His is a love that cannot be held back when he sees his people in pain” (HT Joy Dudley).
As I step back from the past pain and skepticism of God's paternal heart, into the present reality of the love and care of the Triune God for me I remember these truths. Recall them with me.
Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin." The Son of God has passed the test for me, and He ever lives to make intercession for me having experienced the very temptations that I have, yet without sin.
Romans 8:26: "In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings." The Spirit of God given to me as a certain deposit assuring my standing and future glorification, steps in and prays for me when I don't know how to sufficiently or correctly pray for myself.
Matthew 10: 29-30 "Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted." My Father in Heaven is moved with everlasting love, to the extent that He did the unthinkable for a sinner like me. He gave His only begotten Son and will never withhold from me what is good. I can now confidently approach Him with all my burdens, brokenness, and even blindspots, knowing that He will never cast me out or disdain my appearing before Him in my pain.
Therefore we can say confidently with the Psalmist:
"I cry aloud to the Lord;
I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out my complaint before him;
I reveal my trouble to him.
Although my spirit is weak within me,
you know my way."
~Psalm 142:1-3
Complain to the One Who faithfully loves you and has the power to bring change to situations, stories, sadnesses that you cannot. "...casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you." ~I Peter 5:7
Sources:
1. Episode 2821:Wretched: Todd Friel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lsO2Y_EZtk&ab_channel=Wretched
2. "How to Live in a Crooked and Perverse Generation":John MacArthur: Sermon and Transcript: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/81-98?
3. Gentle and Lowly: Dane Ortland
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Gospel Gal Intro and Statement of Purpose
I am Marissa Namirr, Gospel Gal. I live and work in North Florida and the Atlanta Suburbs (updated 7/16/2022). I am the wife of Mark, m...
-
I am Marissa Namirr, Gospel Gal. I live and work in North Florida and the Atlanta Suburbs (updated 7/16/2022). I am the wife of Mark, m... -
This time last year was one of the most trying times in my life. Our youngest daughter, then 19 and a sophomore at University, was battling ... -
The Reformation Answers Lordship Salvation: Marissa Namirr and Joy Dudley Adapted audio version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRX...
