Eggus Blog

In a previous post I announced that Grace Baptist Church of Odenton recently adopted the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession as our statement of faith.  As a Reformed Baptist congregation does this mean that the Confession supersedes scripture?  This is a fair question, especially for those who are new to the Reformed faith, or Confessionalism.   In this post I will attempt to clarify a few terms and dispel the concern that Confessional churches may be adding to scripture.

What makes Reformed Baptists “Reformed”?

Historically, the Reformation unofficially began on October 31, 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the church at Wittenberg.  In his book “A History of the Reformation in the 16th Century”  the famous 19th century historian Jean Henri Merle d’Aubigné wrote:

Luther decided to post a Theses with ninety-five propositions upon it demonstrating the need to reform the indulgence. It was October 31, 1517 at high noon that he posted the document in order to have the people read it the next day on All Saint’s Day. His desire was to set forth the light of truth and make it as plain the noon-day sun. Though the document was not as bold as the current form of Reformed Theology today, it did house the basic essentials of truth and what the Reformation would turn into in the days to come.

Martin Luther reacted to what he perceived were the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church.  His 95 Theses was the pivot on which the Reformation swung.  Originally Luther only sought to reform the Catholic church; but it became apparent that there was to be no negotiating with Rome.  The Reformation, the event to which every Christian church owes it’s existence, had begun in earnest.

As was just said, in it’s infant stages Martin Luther and the early Reformers sought reconciliation with Rome.  As this likelihood quickly evaporated, it became necessary for the Reformation to be defined and unified.  In 1618, Christian leaders gathered in the Dutch city of Dordrecht to refute the erroneous teachings of a group called the Remonstrants.  This meeting is commonly called the Synod of Dordt.  While it was not the intent of the Synod to provide a statement on the Reformed faith, history has judged otherwise.  The Synod published, what is commonly called, the Five Solas of the Reformation.  The five solas are:

1. Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone
2. Solus Christus – Christ alone
3. Sola Gratia – Grace alone
4. Sola Fide – Faith alone
5. Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God alone

Most Christian churches today believe strictly, or give assent, to the Five Solas.  But the Five Solas alone are not what constitutes a Reformed church.  In my next post I will introduce another product of the Synod of Dordt that has come to specifically define what a Reformed church is.

At a recently completed men’s retreat a few men were kidding each other about only quoting their favorite books of the bible. I was accused of only quoting Romans and Ephesians. Another brother of only referencing Ezekiel 36. It was all in good fun, but it got me to think of how profound these comments really were.

Ezekiel 36 explains the miracle of regeneration by our sovereign God.

Ezekiel 36:25-27   25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  26 “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

God’s sovereignty is explained.

Ezekiel 36:22   22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went”

How often do these two subjects come up when discussing and studying scripture?  I dare say, often!

Romans and Ephesians is no different.  In Romans we learn about almost every great doctrine in the Word of God.

1. God’s wrath against sin (Romans 1)
2. The condemnation of the Law (Romans 2)
3. All have sinned (Romans 3)
4. Justification by faith alone (Romans 3-5)
5. The believer’s victory in Christ (Romans 8 )
6. Divine election (Romans 9)
7. The universal call of the gospel (Romans 10)

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.  Ephesians is similar.

1. Divine election (Ephesians 1)
2. Sovereignty of God (Ephesians 1)
3. The believer’s inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1)
4. Regeneration (Ephesians 2)
5. Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2)
6. Good works (Ephesians 2)
7. Sanctified living (Ephesians 4)

There is much more that I can list, but hopefully you see the treasure that dwells even in small portions of scripture.

We gladly proclaim the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).  Part of that counsel is to understand the totality of scripture.  Paul wrote:

2 Timothy 3:16-17  16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Don’t be in a hurry to skim through a passage.  Let it dwell in your richly (Colossians 3:16).  There is so much there.

Bill Brown

In Exodus 16 we read about God sending manna each morning (except on the sabbath) to feed Israel. We learn this about the manna:

“When the layer of dew evaporated, behold, on the surface of the wilderness there was a fine flake-like thing, fine as the frost on the ground. When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is bread which the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.” The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little. When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had little had no lack; every man gathered as he should eat. Moses said to them, “Let no man leave any of it until morning.” But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them.” Exodus 16:14-20

What an amazing picture of God’s grace. The manna was only good for the day. It spoiled if left overnight. God’s grace is sufficient for the moment. God takes care of our needs with grace that is right on time every time. God did not dump a months worth of manna on Israel, just like He doesn’t dump all the grace we need to live the Christian life at one time. But rest assured, God’s grace is inexhaustible and always available in our time of need.

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Bill Brown

Futurism is a variant of Christian eschatology that today is found mostly in dispensational theology.  Futurism views most of the apocalyptic literature of Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) as taking place in the future.

Futurism existed in the early Christian church as historic premillennialism.  This view did not believe in a rapture of the church, but it did believe in a literal one thousand year millennial reign of Christ, followed by a period of brief rebellion and then the eternal state.  Modern day futurism is found mostly in the dispensational camp.  Dispensationalism teaches that the church will be raptured prior to the anti-christ coming to power, and the ushering in of a literal seven year tribulation period.  At the end of the Tribulation the anti-christ will be vanquished and Christ will return to set up a one thousand year kingdom.  This kingdom, called the Millennium, will end with a rebellion against the rule of Christ.  The rebellion will be crushed and the Great White Throne judgment will take place.  Following this will be the eternal state.

Futurism is considered an orthodox view of eschatology.  Popular futurists throughout modern history are John Nelson Darby, C.I. Scofield, Lewis Sperry Chafer, John MacArthur and Charles Stanley.

Next: What’s the right view?

What if the sinner’s hope was in the birth of Jesus, and only the birth of Jesus? How many sins have been forgiven by Jesus’ birth alone in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago? Was the baby Jesus able to atone for sin while still nursing? When the shepherds in the field were told by the angel, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” did they see the baby rise up and immediately fulfill his redemptive work? Imagine if the birth of Jesus of Nazareth was the high water mark of the Son of God. Imagine the state of man if nothing happened after His birth.

Just before the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist said of Him, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) John knew the role that Jesus would be asked to take upon Himself. Jesus wasn’t born to complete a nativity scene. He was born in order to die, and He died in order that others might have life.

Imagine if you received a knock on the door one day. You open the door and standing there is a well dressed man with a brief case. He introduces himself as the attorney for one of the richest men in the world. The attorney announces that he has been tasked with presenting you with a proposal that will radically affect your family. The attorney takes out of a document and begins to read. “Your wife and children are promised a luxurious lifestyle. All their bills will be paid. They will have a summer vacation home and a mansion for year round living. Your children will attend Ivy League schools. They will have access to the best health care available. Money will never be an issue. All their worries will vanish. There is only one condition. You must die in order for them to receive all these benefits. Quite a deal, isn’t it? How many of you would be willing to take up the attorney on the offer he is presenting? Imagine your family having their every need taken care of. It really is a ludicrous proposal. No one in their right mind would consider such a thing.

If the previous story seems a bit far-fetched, consider what the Son of God did on our behalf.

Left His fellowship with the Father

John 17:5 ⁵ And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.*

Philippians 2:6 ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God*

Took on human flesh

Isaiah 53:2 ² For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant*, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Luke 2:7 ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son*, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Philippians 2:7 ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men*

Became Sin

Galatians 3:13 ¹³ Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us*: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

2 Corinthians 5:21 ²¹ For he hath made him to be sin for us*, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Hebrews 9:26 ²⁶ For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself*.

Unlike the illustration I used earlier, Jesus did not suffer and die so that we may have an easy life. The bible is clear that being a disciple of Jesus means that we will walk in a similar fashion as He did. We may face persecution, ridicule and the pleasures of this world in order to “know Christ.” This is what Paul had in mind when he said:

Philippians 3:7-14 ⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, ⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: ¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ¹¹ If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. ¹² Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

How should we view the Christmas season?

Remember that Jesus did not come with the intention of remaining a baby.

Remember that He suffered and died in your place, paying the just penalty for your sin.

Remember that you were saved from the penalty of sin by faith alone in Christ’s finished work on the cross.

Remember that He rose again from the grave, proving that death is vanquished and one day you will reign with Him forever in heaven.

*emphasis mine

Every four years the rhetoric builds, yard signs populate front lawns and bumper stickers seem to be on every car in front of you.  It’s the General Election.  There are elections each year but the General Election is the grand daddy of the them all.  How should the Christian view voting?

Voting History

Voting like it is today was an unknown quantity in the bible.  Nations were run by kings or armies, not by popular vote.  In the history of the world democracy is still a rather new idea.  Ancient civilizations (ancient Persia, Greece and Rome) had some form of male dominated voting, but they paled in comparison to what we practice in 21st century America.  For most of its existence the New Testament Church has faced persecution.  It can be argued that not until the founding of the United States did a progressive movement begin where each adult citizen had the right to vote.  Voting became a new privilege for Christians, one that those who preceded us did not enjoy.

The Bible on Voting

The bible does not address whether a Christian should or should not vote, at least not directly.  Titus 3:1 says, “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.”  Voting has been called a right and a duty.  Whether there is an obligation to vote, and thus be subject to our rulers, is debatable.  This writer believes that voting is a matter of conscience.  You have the right to vote or not to vote.  It’s up to you.

How to Vote

Ah, you didn’t think I was going to tell you who to vote for, did you?  Sorry to disappoint.  For the Christian, all that we do should be for the glory of God.  The scripture says, “Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)  The bible also says, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)  So we have a two-fold principle to consider.  On the one hand we are to do everything for the glory of God, and on the other we are not to join with unbelievers or their ways.  If a Christian chooses to vote he should examine the candidates and determine how their policies and beliefs will best align with the things that will glorify God.  No candidate will fit the bill on every policy, so for the Christian who decides to vote it is a matter conscience.  But even if it is a matter of conscience, scripture can still be our guide.

WELCOME TO YOUR BLOG!

This blogs purpose is, “Theology for the Rest of Us.”  Not everyone is a published theologian or knows Greek and Hebrew, but we all need to understand theology, which is the study of God.  That’s why this blog was created: to bring theology into the everyday.  Stay, read, interact.

We’re glad you’re here!

Caution! Theology, this exit.

Are you a supra, infra, or just plain ole lapsarian?  What’s the ordo salutis?  Paedo or credo?  Studied your eschatology in light of your soteriology lately?  Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed with God’s transcendence?  If these terms cause you to scratch your head or reach for “Our Daily Bread”, then don’t despair.  Many of you have been told that theology is for the pastor or the seminary professor.  Theology and doctrine is dry.  It’s not needed.  If that’s the case for you then maybe we, the theology wonks, have let you down.  Theology is the study of God, and doctrine is the teaching we glean from studying God’s word.  It’s not just for the pastor or seminarian.  It’s for all of us; the rest of us poor slobs who don’t know Greek from how to make sense of the US tax code.  The purpose of this blog is to take theology and make it accessible to all.  That doesn’t mean we’re going to dumb theology down.  No way.  The study of God is a noble pursuit; the noblest of all pursuits. Theology is to be taken seriously for it yields teachings (doctrines) that reveal God’s very nature.  Theology tells about mans sinful condition, the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.  Theology informs us how to live as Christians and about our future in the eternal state where Christ will rule forever and ever.  Theology keeps Christ’s church from errors that many have followed and shipwrecked their faith and even taken others with them.  So, as you see, theology isn’t just for the “wonks”, it’s for the rest of us too.  And by the way; wonks are welcome on this blog also. One of the most effective methods of learning theology is to listen and ask questions.  Read the posts and feel free to interact with the authors.  I will not be the only one posting.  A select group of theologians will be invited to post on different theological areas.  And we don’t drink the Kool-Aide on this blog.  I will solicit opinions from authors who share opposing viewpoints than what I personally believe.  It’s all good because discussion of opposite views leads to learning, and the goal is not to be more like me but to be more like Christ.

Enjoy this blog for it really belongs to you!

Soli Deo gloria!

~Bill