Pitch-pipes and PowerPoint

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Bryan Hodge

Members of the church of Christ have historically emphasized that the Bible teaches that we should have Biblical authority for what we do.  God has required such.  He did under the Old Covenant (e.g. Leviticus 10:1-2; 1 Samuel 13:9-14; 2 Chronicles 26:16-21).  He does under the New Covenant (e.g. Acts 15:22-24; Colossians 3:17 – Thayer indicates that to do a thing “in the name of” is used of “by one’s command and authority” ; Vine’s indicates that it can mean “in recognition of the authority of”).

Some ask “What about pitch-pipes?” and “What about PowerPoint?”  I believe that there are two types of people who ask such questions.  (1) Some are people who do not believe in this hermeneutical approach to the Bible.  They reject the need to limit worship (and other matters) to what is authorized by explicit statements, accounts of action (examples), and implication in the Bible.  Therefore, they ask such questions to ridicule the need for authority (reduction ad absurdum), or to expose what they believe is an inconsistency in our practice (note: showing an inconsistency in us does not prove their position).  (2) Others are people who believe that we must have Biblical authority for what we do.  However, they do not understand how such things are authorized.

People may ask these questions for different reasons.  Whatever the reason, let us provide an answer.

 Generic Command v. Specific Command

A generic command is a command to do something, but certain specifics are not mentioned.  A few examples: (1) Christians are to assemble on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).  The hour has not been specified.  God has left it to man to decide.  The place has not be specified.  Israelite males were required to worship in Jerusalem, three times per year (Deuteronomy 16:16 cf. 2 Chronicles 7:12; 1 Kings 12:27; Luke 2:41-42).  No such requirement exists for Christians.  The church met in various locations (Acts 8:1; 13:1; 18:22; Romans 16:1; 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 16:19; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2; 1 Peter 5:13; Revelation 1:11; 2:1; 2:8; 2:12; 2:18; 3:1; 3:7; 3:14).  (2) Christians are to give on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).  How this giving is to be collected is not specified.  Should it be dropped into a box?  Should we pass a hat?  God has left such details to man.  (3) Christians are to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).  The type of songs are specified: psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  However, the specific songs and how to start these songs are not specified.  Therefore, God has left such to man (e.g. song books, song leader, the pitch and speed of the song).

A specific command is a command to do something with certain things specified.  A few examples: (1) God did not just tell Noah to build the ark; He told Noah to build the ark out of gopher wood, with certain features, and dimensions (Genesis 6:13-16).  Where God has specified, man is not at liberty.  (2) God did not tell Christians to make music (any music).  He specified the type of music (singing) and the type of songs to be used (psalms, hymns and spiritual songs).  (3) Jesus did not tell His disciples to eat and drink something remembering Him.  He specified the elements (Matthew 26:26-28).  Unleavened bread (cf. Exodus 12) and the fruit of the vine (grape juice) are to be used.

Expedient v. Addition

I am using the word ‘expedient’ to refer to an aid to carry out God’s command.  A few examples: (1) Saws and hammers may have been expedients to Noah’s building the ark.  (2) A collection plate may be an expedient to gathering the collection.  (3) A podium may be an expedient to preaching and teaching.  (4) Song books may be an expedient to singing.  So also may be the use of an overhead projector or PowerPoint to display the words and musical notes of the song.  An expedient does not add to what is being done.

I am using the word ‘addition’ to refer to an unauthorized addition to what God commanded.  A few examples: (1) The use of another kind of wood in the ark (e.g. oak, pine, etc.) would have been an addition.  (2) The use of chicken and iced tea, along with unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, would be an addition.  (3) The use of purely patriotic songs, along with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, would be an addition.  (4) The use of instrumental music in our worship is an addition to the command to sing.

Pitch-Pipe

It is possible for one to use the pitch-pipe as a musical instrument, like a harmonica, to play a tune.  Moreover, it could be used this way with the intent of worshipping God.  Such would be an addition.

However, it is an expedient to use a pitch-pipe to get a pitch in preparation to leading a song.  There is no intent to worship with such.  The pitch-pipe ceases to be blown before the intended song of worship begins.

Consider this comparison.  A song leader may clear his throat before leading a song.  He does so preparing to worship in song.  He does not do so as a part of worship  N.B. Hardeman said in one of his tabernacle sermons of 1923, “I have been told …that there is just as much scripture for the organ or piano or flute or violin as there is the tuning fork…  they are not parallel…You watch what a tuning fork does… I strike it here, and it gives the pitch of the music to be sung…When does worship begin? In the singing of the song. There was an old gentleman in my town who in answer to this, once made this remark  ‘the difference between a tuning fork and the organ is this: that the tuning fork has enough respect for God to quit before worship begins, while an organ continues all the way through.’ Let me say to my friends who use the organ that if you would use it as a tuning fork, let it stop before we commence to worship God, I would not open my mouth against it.” (Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons Vol. 2, p. 278).  G.K. Wallace said, in the Wallace-Hunt debate of 1951, “All right, now what are we doing with the tuning fork?  We do not produce music with it.  The singing is a result.  The singing is a result of getting pitch.  You get the pitch”(Wallace-Hunt Debate, p. 37).  Guy N. Woods said, “The tuning fork gives the leader the pitch of the first note and is silent when the worship begins.  This is one great difference between a tuning fork and organ or piano – the tuning fork knows when to quit!” (Woods, Questions and Answers, Vol. 2, p. 34).

PowerPoint

It is an expedient to use PowerPoint.  In singing, its function may be likened to the song book (It displays the words and notes of the song).  In preaching and teaching it may function as a Bible (displaying the text being studied) or as a visual aid (much like white boards, chalk boards, overhead projectors, hand-out notes, flannel boards and sheet sermons – preachers of an earlier generation often presented their points on white sheets which were suspended before the audience).

The use of visual aids is authorized.  They were used in the Old covenant (e.g. Jeremiah 18:1-ff; 19:1-ff; Ezekiel 4:1-3; 12:1-7; 24:1-14).  They may be used under the New Covenant (e.g. Acts 21:10-11).

Let us be careful Bible students.  Let us discern between good and evil.  Let us discern between what is an expedient and what is an addition.

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Loving Loyalty

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

Society is filled with self-centered people.  It always has been, to one degree or another.  It is all about them.  They are only your friends or close family members, so long as they see a direct benefit to them.  The Bible speaks of these type people (e.g. Job 6:15-17; Psalm 27:10; Proverbs 14:20; 23:22: 27:10; Luke 14:12-14; Mark 14:50; 2 Timothy 4:16, etc.).

Loyalty should characterize the people of God in the following relationships.  Let’s notice  –

1.   Loyalty is needed in our relationship with God.

Life is not always easy.  Job did not have it easy at every moment of his life.  However, his loyalty to God never wavered.  He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return.  The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21 cf. Genesis 3:19; Psalm 90:3; Ecclesiastes 12:7).  Again, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10); “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).

This type of loyalty is essential to heaven.  Jesus said, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).  It takes trust. Paul said, “I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:11-12).

“True-hearted, whole-hearted, faithful and loyal, King of our lives by Thy grace we will be/ True-hearted, whole-hearted, fullest allegiance Yielding henceforth to our glorious King” (Song: True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted by Frances Havergal).

“To Christ by loyal and be true; His banner be unfurled, and borne aloft till is secure the conquest of the world/ To Christ be loyal and be true; He needs brave volunteers, to stand against the pow’rs of sin moved not by frowns or fears/ To Christ be loyal and be true; In noble service prove your faith and your fidelity, the fervor or your love” (Song: To Christ Be True by Elisha Hoffman).

2.  Loyalty is needed in our relationship with brethren, and the local church.

Such loyalty is rare in this day.  Many church-hop, with little or no commitment to the local church and her work.  John Hobbs, citing a 1990 Newsweek article writes, “The baby boomers are returning to church, but the type of church they are looking for is one which offers support not salvation, help not holiness.  They are seeking a church that is convenient, entertaining, one that does not point out any problems in their life, one that does not preach a list of do’s and don’ts.  They do not want to feel guilty… They inspect congregations as if they were restaurants and leave if they find nothing to their taste… They don’t convert – they choose… Participation follows not out of duty or obligation usually but if it fits their needs… They do not want an authoritative church or guide… A group affirmation of self is at the top of the agenda, which is why some of the least demanding churches are not in greatest demand” (Hobbs, The Compelling Power of the Cross, pp. 71-72; Newsweek, December 17, 1990,  “And the Children Shall Lead Them – Young Americans Return to God” by Wade Roof). Sad! I do not think much has changed, since these words were written, concerning church shopping.  The consumer mentality asks, “What do you have to offer me, right now?”  It says, “the church is here to entertain me and my kids, and to cater to my wants and desires.” The consumer never really considers himself as a part of the church. The church is separate. It is exists to serve me.  The disciple mentality says, “It is the truth which sets man free.  Does this church stand for the truth?  True greatness is found in service.  How can I serve others?  Let me take up my cross and follow Him and His will in all that I do. I want to be a worker in the church and a part of the church.” The church is not seen as an institution completely separate from the members. Members of the Body make up the church.

Some are quick to leave over some real or imagined personal problem with another brother or sister in Christ. We are supposed to be brethren (e.g. I have five siblings, according to the flesh. I would never simply walk away from my relationship with them without diligently seeking to resolve the problem). Love should exist between us. Instead of rushing off, we should make great effort to resolve the matter (Matthew 18:15-17; Matthew 5:23-24;  1 Corinthians 13:1-7; Ephesians 4:1-3). Is leaving, without making a real effort to resolve the situation, really how God teaches us to handle things?

Some are quick to leave over some real or imagined difference in doctrine (even if that point of difference is not even understood by them to be a matter of salvation).  Do not misunderstand Me; I am not suggesting actual false teaching is to be tolerated (Romans 16:17; Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 1:10-13; 2 John 9-11; Revelation 2:14-16; 2:20-22, etc.).  However, shouldn’t we care enough about one another to reason with one another?  Is rushing off really the best way to handle things? And if we are going to leave over what is taught, shouldn’t we consider it something which is essential to salvation?

There are legitimate reasons to leave a church.  One may relocate to live in another location.  One may decide that his talents can be better used elsewhere.  One may decide that moving is necessary for spiritual growth or spiritual well-being. False doctrine and sin may be entrenched and tolerated.  Unbiblical things may be taking place; things which one has tried but cannot change.

However, church-hoppers we should not be.  Loyalty is needed to build a local church. Ask yourself where a local church, any local church, would be if all members were as committed as you.

3.  Loyalty is needed in our relationship with family.

Families in America, in many cases, are not what they should be.  Husbands and wives work against each other, and even divorce.  Parents are uninvolved and irresponsible, and even abandon their children.  Children show no respect, and even abandon their parents.  Family members do not talk to one another. Sad!

Loyalty is needed.  Our love of Christ, alone, should surpass our love for family (cf. Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26).

Husbands and wives should be loyal to one another.  Marriage ideally is for life (Matthew 19:6; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:39).  Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).  Wives are to love their husbands and their children (Titus 2:4).  Husbands are not to cast off their wives, but are to rejoice with the wife of their youth (Proverbs 5:18). Wives are to be the helper of their husbands (Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 31:10-12,23).

Parents need to be loyal to their children.  Parents are not to abandon their children.  They are to educate their children in the way of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 1:5 cf. 3:15).  Parents are to provide for their children (1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Corinthians 12:14; Titus 2:4-5; Proverbs 31:15, 21). Parents should help them grow in the four areas of life (intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially cf. Luke 2:52).

Children need to be loyal to their parents.  They are to be obedient when young (Ephesians 6:1).  They are to be respectful and helpful, and even providing when old (Psalm 127:4-5; Proverbs 23:22; Matthew 15:4-6; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16).  Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner report, “The economists Doug Bernheim, Andrei Shleifer and Larry Summers in using data from the U.S. government… Showed that an elderly parent in a retirement home is more likely to be visited by his grown children if they are expecting a sizable inheritance.  But wait, you say: maybe the offspring of wealthy families are simply more caring toward their elderly parents?  A reasonable conjecture – in which case you’d expect an only child of wealthy parents to be especially dutiful.  But the data shows no increase in retirement-home visits if a wealthy family has only one grown child; there needs to be at least two.  This suggest that the visits increase because of competition between siblings for the parents estate… Some governments, wise to the ways of the world, have gone so far as to legally require grown children to visit or support their aging moms and dads.  In Singapore, the law is known as the Maintenance of Parents Act.” (Levitt and Dubner, Super Freakonomics, pp. 105-106).  Sad!

4.  Loyalty is needed in our relationship to friends and family friends.

The world is filled with “fair-weathered friends” (cf. Job 6:15-17; Proverbs 14:20).  These “friends” are there in good times.  They disappear when times are not so good. They abandon one when health, emotional,  financial, and other difficulties come. Sad!

Some abandon old friends when a new friend comes along.  Sad!  Consider the words of Cicero, “Should new friends, assuming the deserve the designation, sometimes be ranked above old ones – in the same way we prefer young horses to old?  This is not a question which any human being ought to ask.  There are some things we can easily have too much of; but friendship is not one of them.  The older it is the better it ought to have become, like a wine that has improved with age.  There is truth in the saying that men must eat many a peck of salt together before they can know what friendship really means.  I am not saying that new friendships are to be despised – on the assumption that they really offer a prospect of bearing fruit, like blades of corn that fulfill their promise at the harvest.  Yet, the old friendships must still keep their place, for length of time and familiarity are by no means negligible factors.  To go back to the horses for a moment; other things being equal, everyone would prefer to use the mount he knows rather than an untrained and unfamiliar one.” (Cicero, On the Good Life, p. 210 – 211).  These are good words.

There should be loyalty.  The Bible says, “Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend” (Proverbs 27:10 cf. Matthew 7:12; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7).  True friendship is precious.  True friends help one another through life. True friends “bear one another’s burdens” [(Galatians 6:2), of course such is not specifically about friends]. True friends help each other to be better. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friends” (Proverbs 27:17).

A word of caution is in order.  Loyalty to friends does not require that we remain with those who are continued influences on us to sin (Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 1:10-15; 13:20; 22:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:33). I am speaking of a general pattern of evil influence, and not an occasional lapse of judgment or  transgression of which one is willing to repent. When our friends sin, we should seek to restore them (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20). We should not quickly forsake them.

There is not a greater friend to man than Jesus (John 15:13). He deserves our loyalty (Matthew 10:32-33).

“They tried my Lord and Master, With no one to defend, Within the halls of Pilate He stood without a friend/  The world may turn against Him, I’ll love Him to the end, And while on earth I’m living, My lord shall have a friend/ I’ll be a friend to Jesus, My life for Him I’ll spend; I’ll be a friend to Jesus, Until my years shall end” (song: I’ll Be A Friend to Jesus by Johnson Oatman)

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God: Anthropomorphism

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

Anthropomorphism (from the Greek Anthropos meaning man or human, and morphe meaning form or feature) is a figure of speech which is used in the Bible.   It is “an ascription of material  forms to God” (Clinton Lockhart, Principles of Interpretation, p. 182).  It helps man understand God.  It describes things unseen, by things which are seen.

Let us notice…

1.  God is spoken of as having eyes and ears.

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).  He sees (Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 23:23-24).  “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).  He is even able to look upon the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).  “There’s an Eye watching you… Every day mind the course you pursue… There’s an all-seeing Eye watching you” (Song: Watching You by J. M. Henson).

“The wages of the laborers which mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth” (James 5:4).  “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12 cf. Psalm 34:15).  He hears. “There is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:4).  We are accountable for our words (Matthew 12:36).

2.  God is spoken of as having nostrils.

The song of Moses says, “With the blast of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together; the floods stood upright like a heap; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea” (Exodus 15:8 cf. 14:21-22).  This speaks of His might.  Pleasing sacrifices are described as a sweet-smelling aroma to Him (Philippians 4:8 cf. Genesis 8:21; Exodus 29:18, etc.).  What do you think improper worship smells like to Him?  (1 Samuel 15:22; Amos 5:21-24; Malachi 1:7-8, 11-14).

3.  God is spoken of as having a mouth.

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 cf. Deuteronomy 8:3).  Scripture is “inspired by God,” literally, “God breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).  There used to be a TV ad which said, “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.”  God has spoken.  Are we listening? May we be as Samuel, who said, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10). May we be as Cornelius, who said to Peter, “We are all present before God, to hear all things commanded you by God” (Acts 10:33).

4.  God is spoken of as having limbs (arms, hands, fingers, feet, and even wings).

God redeemed Israel out of Egypt by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm (Exodus 6:6; 15:16; Deuteronomy 4:34; 7:19; 11:2; 26:8).   His might and compassion are in view.  His hands were creative (Isaiah 45:11-12; Psalm 19:1).  His fingers created (Psalm 8:3).  He wrote with His finger (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10).  His finger cast out demons (Luke 11:20 cf. Matthew 12:28). “Thus says the LORD: ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.  Where is the house that you will build Me?'” (Isaiah 66:1 cf. Acts 7:49).  He is much larger than this earth.  Boaz spoke of Ruth as one who had come under the LORD’s wings for refuge (Ruth 2:12).  David requested, “Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked who oppress me, from deadly enemies who surround me” (Psalm 17:8-9).  Jesus said to Jerusalem, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37).

5.  God is spoken of as having a face.

“The face of the LORD is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12 c. Psalm 34:16).  Elihu spoke of God’s face being expressive with joy over the sinner who repents (Job 33:26-28 cf. Luke 15:7, 10, 32).  “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

John Haley has written, “These texts, which represent God as having hands, fingers, wings, feathers, horns, and the like, are simply bold figures and startling hyperboles in which the Orientals are wont to indulge.  They would never, for a moment, think of being understood literally in using them” (Haley, Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible, p. 63). God is Spirit (John 4:24). A Spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24: 39).

Anthropomorphism is found in some of our songs.  We have already mentioned one. Now, let us mention two more. “He’s got the whole world in His hands.  He’s got the whole world in His hands.  He’s got the whole world in His hands.  He’s got the whole world in His hands” (Song: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, by Laurie London).  “Time is filled with swift transition – Naught of earth unmoved can stand – Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.  Hold to God’s unchanging hand!  Hold to God’s unchanging hand!  Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand” (Song: Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand, by Jennie Wilson).

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God: One or Three? (Part 5)

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

In this last segment of this study, we will consider some questions which are commonly asked.

1.   Is the idea of multiple persons in the Godhead found in the Old Testament?

While it is not as clearly found in the Old Testament, as it is in the New Testament, some believe that such can be found in the Old Testament.  (a) “The Angel of the LORD” or “The Angel of God” is mentioned throughout the Old Testament.  He seems to be called “God” and “LORD” or “Jehovah” (Exodus 3:2 cf. 3:4; Judges 6:12 cf. 6:14, 16, 20).  He seems to call Himself “God” (Genesis 31:11 cf. 31:13; Exodus 3:2 cf. 3:5).  Angel means messenger.   This messenger of God is called “God.” (b) “The Spirit of the LORD” or “The Spirit of God” is mentioned throughout the Old Testament.  The Spirit seems to possess qualities of deity (Isaiah 40:13-14).  The Spirit, at times, is distinct from the LORD of host (Zechariah 7:12).  However, on other occasions, there is no clear distinction (Psalm 139:7-8).  The LORD can be grieved (Genesis 6:6).  This is not said specifically of the Spirit in the Old Testament.  However, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit likewise can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). Therefore, the Spirit is not just some impersonal force.

2.  1 Corinthians 8:6 reads: “There is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.”  Does this passage teach that Jesus is not God?

No.  If this passage denies that Jesus is God, then it also denies that God is Lord (cf. Luke 1:32).

This passage makes two distinctions.   (a) God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ are distinguished from idols (1 Corinthians 8:4-6).  (b) God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ are distinguished from creation (1 Corinthians 8:6). Notice that the Father and Jesus are both so distinguished.

This is actually a reference to the Shema  – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4 cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6).  Jesus is being included as being of the Godhead.

3.  Ephesians 4:4-6 reads: “There is… one Spirit… one Lord… one God and Father of all…”  Does this passage teach that the Spirit and the Lord (Jesus) are not God?

No.  If this passage denies that the Spirit is God, then it also denies that God is spirit (cf. John 4:24).  If this passage denies that the Lord is God, then it also denies that God is Lord (cf. Luke 1:32).

The one Spirit, in context, refers to the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit revealed the message of salvation to man (Ephesians 2:18, 20 cf. 3:3-5).

The one Lord, in context, refers to Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:2; 1:3; 1:15; 1:17; 3:11; 3:14; 5:19-20).  He is worthy of worship (Ephesians 5:19-20).  He is over all flesh (cf. John 17:2; Romans 10:12).

The one God, in context, refers to the Father (cf. Ephesians 1:2; 1:3; 1:17; 4:;;6; 5:20; 6:23).  The word “God and Father” appear twice in this book (Ephesians 1:3; 4:6).  The word “and” (Kai) could be rendered “even.”

The fact the Father is referred to as the one God in no way denies the deity of the Spirit or the Lord (Jesus).  Albert Barnes comments, “Christians worship one God, and but one (God).  But they suppose that this one God subsists as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, united in a mysterious manner, and constituting the one God, and that there is no other” (studylight.org).  Remember the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4 cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6).

4.  1 Timothy 2:5 reads: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  Does this deny the deity of Jesus?

No.  The fact that Jesus is called the “Mediator between God and men” no more denies His deity, than it does His humanity.  He is said to be “the Man Christ Jesus” in this passage (1 Timothy 2:5 cf. Acts 17:31).  Other passages speak of His deity (e.g. John 1:1 cf. 1:14; Philippians 2:5-7).

He is the perfect mediator.  Wayne Jackson comments, “There is one God, i.e., one divine nature… There is one mediator also.  “Meditator” (mesites)  literally is a ‘go between’ (from meses, ‘middle,’ and eimi, ‘to go).  A mediator is one who seeks to restore peace between estranged parties.  Those parties are the holy God, and man, the transgressor.  To be a balanced mediator, the mediating person must be equally related to both parties.  Christ, possessing both divine and human natures, as exactly that… It is very important that one notice the mediator is ‘man’ (without the article, hence, man, as to his nature), in contrast to the later Gnostic error (docetism), that Christ only appeared to be human” (Jackson, Before I Die, p. 56).

5.  John 10:30 reads, “I and My Father are one.”  Does this passage teach that Jesus and the Father are one and the same person, identical, without distinction?

No.  This would contradict other passages (e.g. John 5:31-32, 36-37).

Let’s look closer at this passage.  The literal language is, “I and the Father one we are” (The Zondervan Parallel New Testament).  The word “one” in neuter gender.  Marion Fox comments, “The word ‘one’ (en) is in the neuter gender in the Greek, not masculine as one would expect if He was saying ‘one person.'” (Fox, The Work of the Holy Spirit, Vol. 1, p. 37).  The point being made, in context, concerns purpose.  Guy Woods comments, “One in the sense indicated in verses 28 and 29, i.e., in protecting his followers, and in keeping them safe all harm.  He and his Father are one in purpose, in interest and in plan, and thus the action of the son is inseparable from the will of, and the desire of, the Father” (Woods, A Commentary on The Gospel According to John, pp. 220-221).

6.  John 14:9 reads, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…”  Does this not prove that Jesus and the Father are one person?

No.  Consider the words of Marion Fox, “God is spirit (John 4:24); and no man can behold God (Exodus 33:20; John 1:18, and 1 John 4:12).  Therefore, the seeing of which Jesus is referring is not a literal seeing.  What they saw was either the Father’s flesh or His attributes (perfect love, etc.).  It cannot be His flesh they saw because God is spirit (John 4:24), and a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).  Therefore they saw His attributes as they were revealed through Jesus (Matthew 11:27)” (Fox, The Work of The Holy Spirit, Vol. 1, p. 37). Remember that Jesus physical appearance was of no special beauty (Isiah 53:2).

7.  Did the Trinity develop from paganism?

Some think that they have found similarities between the trinity of Christianity and triads in other religions.  However, some of these “similarities” are not so similar upon closer examination.  In some cases various gods are over looked to emphasize three persons.  In many cases, these are not three persons in one God, but polytheism.

If similarities do exist how do we explain this?  “Some… believe that various pagan triads and threefold deities may have originated a primitive revelation of – or memory of – …the one True God.” (Is The Trinity Pagan? http://www.ukapologetics.net).  In the case of Hinduism, it may be that they borrowed from Christianity.  Robin Brace writes, “Scholars tell us that this ‘trimurti’ (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva or Siva – B.H.) only appears in Hinduism during the 4th – 7th centuries A.D…. If the Holy Trinity concept predates the Hindu trimurti (which certainly appears to be the case), the former could not have been copied from the latter.  In fact, given Hinduism tendency to absorb concept from other religions, and the fact that Christianity reached India in the first century, it is very likely that the Hindu teachers developed the trimurti along the lines of the Trinity – concept professed by Indian Christians.  Yet, the former is not an exact copy of the latter… Brahma, Vishnu and Siva each have a goddess consort  – Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Sakti respectively.  That would make not three but six.  Add Ishvara and his consort, Maheshvari, and you now have eight… Yet, these are only eight among millions of divinities in the Hindu tradition… (ibid).

The subject is difficult.  Our faith should be derived from the Scriptures (Romans 10:17).

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God: One or Three? (Part 4)

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

One of the most difficult issues in understanding the nature of God is understanding the number of God.  Is God one or three?

Let’s review.  In lesson one, it was concluded that there is one God.  In lesson two, it was concluded that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not identical.  There is a distinction in identity.  In lesson three, it was concluded that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are referred to as “God” in the Scriptures, and possess Divine qualities.

Let us continue our study –

Triune God

There is one God.  This one God has related and manifested Himself in three persons, and these three persons are distinct.

How can we understand this?  Many imperfect illustrations have been set forth.  (1) Some have compared God to a three-leaved shamrock (three leaves, one plant).  (2) Some have compared God to an egg (shell, white, and yolk – but one egg).  (3) Some have compared God to an apple (skin, flesh, and seed – but one apple).  (4) Some have compared God to water’s form [solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapor) – but still H20].  (5) Some have compared God to a triangle (three sides – but one geometrical figure).  (6) Some have used the triquetra to illustrate God (three interwoven arcs – but one figure). (7) Some have compared God to a three cord rope (three intertwined rope – but one rope). There are problems with some of these illustrations, and none of them is perfect (modalism, partialism).  It is possible that man will not fully understand, this side of heaven.  John Wesley said, “Bring me a worm that can comprehend a man, then I will show you a man that can comprehend the Triune God.”  (www.christianquotes.info).  J.J. Turner and Edward Myers write, “The doctrine of the ‘Trinity’ has rightly been called a mystery.  The existence of three persons in one essence is beyond human comprehension.  We must admit, also, that this doctrine is one of the deepest to be found in the Bible; and in final analysis, it must be accepted by faith.  This doctrine is not provable from natural theology or empirical observation.  Man would never know of the trinity of God without revelation from God” (Turner, Doctrine of the Godhead, p. 40).

Some have ridiculed the use of the word “Trinity.”  Walter Martin has written, “Jehovah witnesses take great delight in pointing out that the word ‘trinity’ does not appear as such in the Bible.  They further state that since it is not a part of Scripture, it must be of pagan origin and should be discounted entirely.  What the witnesses fail to understand is that they very word ‘Jehovah,’ which they maintain is the only true name for God, also does not appear as such in the Bible, but is an interpolation of the Hebrew consonants YHWH or JHVH, any vowels added being arbitrary.  Thus it is seen that the very name by which they call themselves is just as unbiblical as they suppose the Trinity to be” (Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, p. 61, footnote 14).  The truth is a concept may be Biblical, even though the wording does not appear in Scripture (e.g. God’s providence, God’s plan of salvation, God’s sovereignty).

Roles

Let’s consider creation.  (1) God planned creation (Genesis 1:3; 1:6; 1:9; 1:11; 1:14; 1:20; 1:24; 1:26).  (2) The word, the pre-incarnate Jesus, executed the plan (John 1:1-3, 10, 14; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:1-2).  (3) The Spirit was also active in creation (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30).

Let’s consider the plan of salvation.  (1) God, the Father, was the source of the plan (John 5:36; 6:38; Luke 22:42; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Ephesians 3:8-11; Hebrews 10:7).  (2) God, the Son, was sent to execute this plan (John 3:17; Galatians 4:4).  (3) God, the Spirit was also active in the plan revealing and confirming this plan (John 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-11; Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

“Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee. Holy, holy, holy!  Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!”                (Song: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty by Reginald Heber)

“O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,  Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;  I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,  Thy power throughout the universe displayed\

When through the woods, and forest glades I wonder,  And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze\

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;   That on the cross, My burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin\

When Christ shall come, With shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart, Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: ‘My God how great Thou art!’\

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,  How great Thou art! How great Thou art!Then sings My soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art!  How great Thou art! (Song: How Great Thou Art, by Carl Boberg)

 This series will continue next time.

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God: One or Three? (Part 3)

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

One of the most difficult issues in understanding the nature of God is understanding the number of God.  Is God one or three?

In the previous lesson, it was concluded that there is a distinction between the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  The unitarian position that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the same person (an intelligent, thinking existence) seems contrary to scripture.

Let us continue our study –

God, The Father

The Father is referred to as “God” in scripture.  Jesus taught, “Do no labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him” (John 6:27).  Why trust the message of Jesus?  Because God the Father set His seal on Him.  Guy N. Woods comments, “To seal anything is to attest by some sign or mark that it is indeed authentic… The Father sealed the Son by (a) direct testimony; (b) by signs and wonders and (c) by his resurrection from the dead” (Woods, A Commentary on the Gospel According to John, p. 124).  Notice that the passage speaks of “God the Father.” Other passages also so speak (e.g. John 20: 17; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 1:1; Philippians 2:11; 1 Peter 1:2).

God is the Father of mankind.  Malachi asked, “Have we not all one Father?  Has not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:1 cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6).

The Father – Son terminology is used of the relationship between God and Jesus.  However, this language seems to be only used in connection with the incarnation and after; it does not seem to be used of the pre-incarnate Logos.

God, The Son

The Son is referred to as “God” in Scripture.  Isaiah foretold of the birth of a child, who would be called “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).  The wording “mighty God” is used of Jehovah (e.g. Isaiah 10:20-21; Jeremiah 32:18).  Paul referred to the Christ as “the eternal blessed God” (Romans 9:5).  Other passages could be considered (e.g. John 1:1 cf. 1:14; 20:28; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-6; Titus 2:13 – See Granville Sharp Rule; Hebrews 1:8).

It is true that the use of the word “God” for Jesus does not prove that Jesus is of the Godhead (Divine Nature).  The term “god” (el, elohim, theos), for example, is sometimes used of men in positions of power and authority (e.g. Exodus 7:1-2; 22:28 A.S.V.; Psalm 82; Ezekiel 31:11; John 10:34).

However, let us also consider: (1) Jesus used the words “I am” to describe His existence (John 8:58 cf. Exodus 3:14).  (2) Jesus seems to be called Jehovah (Malachi 3:1 cf. Matthew 11:10; 1 Peter 3:15 A.S.V. cf. Isaiah 8:13; Hebrews 1:10-12 cf. Psalm 102:1-2, 25-27).  (3) Jesus is the first and the last (Revelation 1:11; 2:8 cf. Isaiah 44:6).  (4) He is the heart searcher (Revelation 2:23 cf. Jeremiah 17:10; 20:12).  (5) He is the Holy One (Acts 3:14 f. Isaiah 43:3).  (6) He had power to raise Himself (John 10:18).  (7) He is worthy of honor and worship (John 5:23a; Romans 14:11 cf. Isaiah 45:23; Ephesians 5:19 cf. 5:20; Hebrews 1:6b; Matthew 4:10 cf. – Matthew 2:2; 2:11; 8:2; 15:25; 28:16-17; John 9:38).

God, The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit seems to be referred to as “God” in Scripture.  Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…?… Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?  You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:34).  Notice that the Holy Spirit is juxtapositioned with God.

Moreover, consider: (1) The Holy Spirit is closely joined with the Father and the Son in Scripture.  “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).  Neither the name of mere men or angels are included.  Notice that the name or authority is singular.  “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14).  Again, no mere men or angels are included in the benediction.  (2) The Holy Spirit possesses qualities one would expect of deity.  The Spirit is eternal (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10), and omniscient (Isaiah 40:13-14).

The unitarian position which denies the Divine Nature of the Son and the Holy Spirit [This position is sometimes called Arianism.  It is named for Arius (256-336 A.D.), a North African theologian] seems at odds with the information we have considered.

We will continue to study this issue next time.  Continue reading.

If one desires additional information defending the deity of the Holy Spirit, consider my article The Holy Spirit: An Impersonal Force?

If one desires additional information defending the deity of Jesus, consider my articles – Jesus: His Pre-Existence, Jesus: A Created Being?, JESUS: a god?, and Jesus: Divine Language.

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God: One or Three? (Part 2)

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

One of the most difficult issues in understanding the nature of God is understanding the number of God.  Is God one or three?

In the previous lesson, it was concluded that there is one God.  Tri-theism seems contrary to scripture.

Let us continue our study –

Distinction: Father and Son

There is a distinction made between the Father and the Son.  Jesus said, “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true.  There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true… And the Father Himself, who sent me has testified of Me” (John 5:31-32, 37a).  Jesus point is: there would be inadequate evidence to believe in Me, if all you had were My testimony; but you have more than this.  You have another (allos = another of the same kind) witness.  The Father bears witness of Me.  He does so by miraculous works (John 5:36 cf. 9:3 cf. 3:1-2).  He does so through the scriptures (John 5:37-39).

Jesus, in the garden, prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).  Are we to believe that He prayed this to Himself?

Jesus, on the cross, prayed, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit'” (Luke 23:46).  Surely, He was not speaking of Himself.

Distinction: Son and Spirit

There is a distinction made between the Son and the Holy Spirit.  “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38).  There must be a distinction.

Distinction: Spirit and Father

There is a distinction made between the Holy Spirit and the Father.  Jesus said, “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26; Guy N. Woods comments, “The comforter (Helper – B.H.) would proceed from the Father; thus, he differed from the Father in person; he was sent by the Son and so was distinct from him; therefore, any theology which denies the separate and distinct personalities of the godhead is false” (Woods, A Commentary on The Gospel According to John, p. 335).

Simultaneous Appearance

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:26-17 cf. Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:32-34).

Compare this passage with the teaching of Sabellius.    Roy Lanier Sr. writes, “In the third century after Christ a man named Sabellius taught that the one divine substance simply assumes three different forms, or manifestations, in its three-fold relation to the world.  But this divine substance never manifests itself in its three forms simultaneously, and as each new manifestation appears the former manifestation ceases.  Sabellius thought the first manifestation, the Father, served from creation to the birth of Christ; the second manifestation the Son, began with the incarnation and worked to accomplish our redemption; and the third manifestation, the Holy Spirit, does the work of revelation and sanctification” (Lanier, The Timeless Trinity, p. 46).  This doctrine, which is known as Sabellianism or Modalism seems at odds with this passage.

Several passages have been considered in this writing.  The unitarian, oneness position, that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one person seems at odds with this passages.

We will continue to study this issue next time.  Continue reading.

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God: One or Three? (Part 1)

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

The New Testament speaks of the “Godhead,” or “Divine Nature,” or “divinity,” or “Deity” (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9).  The reference is to the true nature of God.  Note: The English word “Godhead” is “a simple doublet of the … Continue reading →

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God: His Attributes (Part 3)

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

There is a difference between knowing God and knowing about God.  Knowing God is sometimes used of having fellowship with God (e.g. 1 John 2:4 cf. 1:6; 1 John 2:3 cf. 1:7).   Knowing about God may simply refer to knowing certain things said about Him, perhaps the things said about Him in the Bible.  Ultimately, we should want to know Him, and not just know about Him.  However, knowing what the Bible teaches about Him is important – for how can we know Him, if we first do not know something about Him?

It is in some ways difficult for man to understand God.  Kerry Duke writes, “The primary reason we have trouble understanding the precise relationship between God and the world is that we are so unlike Him.  How can we as earthly, finite human beings relate to the infinite creator?  After all, we are mortal, frail beings subject to the limitations of physical existence; God is pure spirit – immortal and immutable.  We had a beginning in time and we judge almost everything in terms of the clock; God is eternal, and to Him ‘one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8).  We live in a world plagued with grief, pain and death, the Almighty dwells in heaven, a place free of such troubles… Where is God?  In heaven, we answer, but what does this mean?  Where is heaven?  …Words such as ‘where’ and ‘place’ have literal meaning only in reference to the physical realm… Reaching heaven is not a matter of traveling far enough in the universe to arrive there.  Heaven is in another realm, not a different place.  Speaking of heaven as a ‘place’ or of God being ‘somewhere’ in appropriate only in an accommodative sense” (Duke, God at a Distance, pp. 3-4).

The purpose or this series is to consider what the Bible reveals about God.  We should want our theology to be correct.  An improper understanding of God can cause many problems (e.g. Psalm 50:21; Isaiah 29:15; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Ezekiel 8:12; 9:9; Acts 17:24-25; 17:29).

7.  God is Faithful.

He is faithful to His word.  Moses proclaimed, “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps (His) covenant” (Deuteronomy 7:9).  Paul proclaimed, “He remains faithful, He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

He is also faithful to His people.  Moses told Israel, “He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8).  God told Joshua, “I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).  Christians are told, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).  Consider the story of a husband and wife.  When they first married, they sat close to one another on that bench-seat of their truck or car.  However, as time passed, they began to sit farther apart.  The wife, noticing this, said to her husband, “I wish we still sat as close as we once did.”  The husband, who did the driving, replied, “I did not move.”  If there is a distance between the Christian and God, it should be realized that God did not move.  It is the Christian, who needs to return to God (cf. The Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32).

“‘Great is Thy faithfulness,’ O God my Father,  There is no shadow of turning with Thee” (Song: Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas Chisholm).

8.  God is Forgiving.

It is amazing that He provides man with so many opportunities for forgiveness.  David said, “You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You” (Psalm 86:5).  Micah said, “Who is a God (El – power, authority) like You, pardoning iniquity (Micah 7:18).  Jesus taught that us to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22).  Surely, God is just as forgiving.  He forgave Peter.  He forgave Saul.  He can forgive us.

9.  God is Patient.

We see this in the scriptures.  He gave man 120 years to repent before the flood (Genesis 6:1-3 cf. 2 Peter 2:4-5).  The fact that He has taken so long to judge the world is an example of His patience.  Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).  He is “the God of patience” (Romans 15:5).

10.  God is also characterized by Wrath.

He is longsuffering but not forever suffering.  He once closed the door of the ark.  He will, one day, close the door of opportunity for grace.  Judgment is coming.  The wrath of God is spoken of many times in the scriptures (e.g. John 3:36; Romans 1:18; 2:5; 2:8; 5:9; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6).  Charles Hodge has written, “A holy God is a God of wrath.  The word ‘wrath’ appears 189 times in the scriptures.  ‘Wrath’ is used in the Bible even more than ‘grace.’  People today may cringe at the word, but without wrath there is no need for grace.  To lessen judgment is to minimize sin.  God has wrath, fierce wrath, great wrath, and a day of wrath (Hodge, The Agony and Glory of the Cross, p. 112).

Do not delay.  Respond to His offer of grace today.  “And now why are you waiting?  Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

“Oh praise the Lord, the Lord for He is good, His judgments just, His mercy doth endure; From Zion’s Hill praise ye the Lord of Heaven, Praise in the heights and all ye stars of light\

He knows our ways, the starry host He numbered, Their paths He laid, He calleth them by name; He lifteth up and helps the meek and lowly, And casteth down, the wicked in their ways\

When I look up into the Heaven’s splendor, The starry host, as far as eye doth see; I see His face in all of Heaven’s glory, And feel the tug, His gentle hand on me\

When I survey Thy wondrous work at Calv’ry, My heart and soul as yet can’t understand: For what is man that Thou didst visit him, Did glory crown set o’er Thy works his hand\ 

Kings of the earth, yes, judges great and small, Great is our God, Great is our God, Ye mountains, hills, ye stormy winds that call, Great is our God, Great is our God” (Song: Great is Our God by Alton Howard).

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God: His Attributes (Part 2)

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

Have you heard the ancient Indian story of the blind men and the elephant?  Here is a version of it retold in a poem by John Godfrey Saxe:

Blind Men and the Elephant

“It was six men of Indostan to learning much inclined,                                                                Who went to see the Elephant (Though all of them were blind)                                                That each by observation might satisfy his mind.

The first approached the Elephant and happening to fall                                                           Against his broad and sturdy side, at once began to bawl;                                                          ‘God bless me! but the Elephant is like a wall!’

The second, feeling of the tusk, cried, ‘Ho! what have we here                                                    So very round and smooth and sharp?  To me ’tis mighty clear                                                 This wonder of an Elephant is like a spear!’

The third approached the animal and happening to take                                                             The squirming trunk within his hands, thus boldly up and spake;                                             ‘I see,’ quoth he ‘the Elephant is like a snake!’

The fourth reached out an eager hand, and felt about the knee.                                            ‘What most this wondrous beast is like is mighty plain,’ quoth he;                                             ”Tis clear enough the Elephant is very like a tree!’

The fifth, who chanced to touch the ear, said: ‘e’en the blindest man                                     Can tell what this resembles most; deny the fact who can                                                           This marvel of an Elephant is very like a fan!’

The sixth no sooner had begun about the beast to grope,                                                          Than, seizing on the swinging tail that fell within his scope,                                                        ‘I see,’ quoth he, ‘the Elephant is very like a rope!’

And so these men of Indostan disputed loud and long                                                                  Each in his own opinion exceeding stiff and strong,                                                                Though each was partly in the right, and all were in the wrong!”

It is possible to have a distorted understanding of God.  Some emphasize His love, grace, and goodness.  Others emphasize His holiness, justice, and severity.  It is important that we consider all that god reveals about Himself in the Bible.  Let us continue our study of the attributes of God.

5.  God is Good.

His goodness is proclaimed in the scriptures.  The Psalms proclaimed this point (e.g. Psalms 23:6; 25:8; 31:19; 33:5; 51:1; 106:1; 107:8, 9, 15, 21, 31).  Jesus proclaimed this point (Mark 10:17-18; Matthew 19:16-17; Luke 18:18-19).  So did Paul (Romans 11:22).  So did James (James 1:17).

The Hebrew word (tob) and the Greek words (Kalos, Chrestotes, agathosune, eupoiia) are translated “good.”  These are words are used in a variety of ways in the Bible.  The Hebrew tob is defined to mean “pleasant; agreeable… excellent… valuable in estimation… appropriate, becoming… better, …glad, happy, prosperous… kind… good (ethical), right” (Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius).  The Greek Kalos means “beautiful to look at… good, excellent in nature and characteristics… beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life… morally good… honorable… affecting the mind agreeably” (Thayer).  The Greek chrestotes means “moral goodness, integrity… benignity, kindness” (Thayer).  The Greek agathosune is defined nearly the same way as the previous word.  “Trench following Jerome distinguishes between the chrestotes and agathosune in that the former describes the kindlier aspects of ‘goodness,’ the later includes the sterner qualities by which doing good to others is not necessarily by gentle means… Lightfoot regards chrestotes as a kindly disposition toward others; agathosune as a kindly activity on their behalf” (Vine’s).  The Greek eupoiia means “doing good, beneficence” (Thayer).

We will consider three ways in which God is good.  First,  He is physically beneficent.  “He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good (agathopoieo), gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17).  “He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

Second, He is spiritually beneficent.  The opportunity for salvation is due to His kindness (chrestotes) or goodness (Titus 3:4-5 cf. 2:11).

Third, He is by nature morally good (Mark 10:17-18).  Thomas Warren said in the Warren-Flew debate, “He gives us the old medieval problem which raises the question as to whether an action is good because God approves of it or does God approve of the action because it is good?  Now, you see this problem is supposed to put us into the dilemma, ‘If God approves of it because it is good,’ then there is some law above God.  But if you say, ‘It is right simply because God approves of it,’ then you have something under God that was arbitrarily given by God, so that if He had wished, He could just as well have said that lying is good and that fornication and adultery, and murder and rape and all such is just as good as purity and truth-telling.  Now neither one of those alternatives will do, and they do not constitute a proper dilemma because goodness flows from the ultimate good, who is God.  Goodness flows from the very nature of God.  It is neither that God is under the good nor that God is above the good but that good flows from God” (Warren-Flew Debate p. 32).  “Every good (agathe) gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Jesus said, “No one is good (agathos) but One, that is God” (Mark 10:17-18; Matthew 19:16-17; Luke 18:18-19).  What did He mean?  (1) He not mean that no man could be called good, in any sense of the word (cf. Psalms 37:2-3; 112:5; Proverbs 2:20; 12:20; 13:22; 14:14; Matthew 12:35; 25:21, 23; Luke 6:45; Acts 11:24; 3 John 11-12).  (2) He did not mean that He was sinful (cf. Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22).  (3) He did not mean that He was not god, that is deity (John 1:1 cf. 1:14; 8:56-58; 20:28-29; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8).  (4) He did mean that only God is absolutely, perfectly good.  Why is it that did He said this?  (a) He may have been correcting the common casual use of titles.  Albert Barnes comments, “Why did you give to Me a title that belongs only to God?  You suppose me to be only a man, yet you give me an appellation that belongs only to God.  It is improper to use titles in this manner… a most severe reproof of a foolish habit of compliment, and flattery, and seeking pompous titles (Barnes Notes, Vol. 9, p. 167).  (b) He may have been prompting the man to consider whom he was.  Eric Lyons comments, “Jesus did not intend to deny divinity, but instead was actually asserting that He was God (and thus morally perfect).  Jesus simply wanted this young man to appreciate the significance of the title he had employed, and to realize to whom he was speaking” (Lyons, The Anvil Rings, Vol. 2, p. 68).

“God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He’s so good to me! / He cares for me, He cares for me, He cares for me, He cares for me, He’s so good to me!” (Song: God is so Good by Paul Makai)

6.  God is Love.

His love is mentioned throughout the Bible.  It is mentioned in the Old Testament (e.g. Deuteronomy 4:37; 6:8; 10:15; 10:18; Psalm 106:1 NASB; Psalm 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 31  NASB; Proverbs 3:12; Isaiah 63:7; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:1).  There are many familiar passages in the New Testament.  Consider: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16).  “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).  “He who does not love does not know God for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

His love is especially seen in His plan of salvation.  He knew that man was weak, and subject to temptations (cf. Psalm 103:10-14).  This is how He chose to make man.  He knew that man would need forgiveness.  Yet, His holiness and justice demanded punishment for sin.  Moreover, the price had to be high.  God hates sin.  He planned for all of this, before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:17-20; Revelation 13:8).  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son…” (John 3:16).

Was the cross really necessary?  Evidently, God thought it was.  John Hobbs writes, “Some say that it is not necessary to satisfy God.  They say since God is sovereign, all He has to do is to simply say, ‘I forgive man.’  But, this ignores the attributes and nature of our Creator who never does anything inconsistent with his character… God’s holiness, righteousness, justice, and love demanded that something be done to satisfy all his characteristics” (Hobbs, The Compelling Power of the Cross, pp. 24-25).  Moreover, the cross provides great motivation for man to change his conduct (e.g. John 12:32; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 8:8-9; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:4-8; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 John 3:16).

God is love (1 John 4:8; 4:16).  Roy Lanier Jr. comments, “Literally, this is stated ‘the God is love.’  John’s use of the definite article leaves no doubt as to the subject and predicate.  The language cannot be translated ‘love is God'” (Lanier, Epistles of John, p. 139).  Love is not God.  God is love.  Love flows from His nature.  It is not above Him.  It is not beneath Him.  He initiated love, loving us before we loved Him (1 John 4:10; 4:19; Romans 5:8).  He showed us how to love (1 John 4:10; 4:19).  He loved before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).

“Come let us all unite to sing, God is love; Let heav’n and earth their praises bring, God is love; Let every soul from sin awake, Each in His heart sweet music make, And sing with us for Jesus’ sake For God is love” (Song: Come Let Us All Unite To Sing).

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