Holy Spirit: Anointed

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The realtor says, “location, location, location!” The Bible student should say, “context, context, context!” Many give too little consideration to the miraculous setting, of the first century, when studying passages about the Holy Spirit. This certainly is the case in passages which speak of those anointed with the Spirit.

Jesus

Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD” (cf. Isaiah 61:1-2).

Prophets (e.g. 1 Kings 19:16). Priests (e.g. Exodus 28:41; 30:30), and Kings (e.g. 1 Samuel 9:16; 16:1-2, 12-13; 2 Samuel 2:7; 1 Kings 1:34) were anointed with oil. This was a ceremonial act which set them apart for a work.

Jesus was anointed, not with oil, but with the Spirit. The Spirit came upon Him at His baptism (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:32-33). It’s by the power of the Spirit that Jesus works miracles (see: Matthew 12:28; Acts 10:38). Jesus was inspired by the Spirit (see: Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 12:26-28; Acts 10:38; Acts 1:1-2).

Acts 10:38, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Again, the context is miraculous. The word “power” is many times associated with the super-natural (e.g. Matthew 10:1; Luke 24:49 cf. Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Romans 15:19; cf. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Prophets/Apostles

2 Corinthians 1:21, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God.”

Watch the pronouns. “Us” refers to Paul and his co-workers (2 Corinthians 1:1, 6, 8, 19, 21). “You” refers to the saints at Corinth and Achaia (2 Corinthians 1:1).

God established Paul and His co-workers to the Corinthians. The word “establishes” could be rendered “confirms.” The reference is to miraculous confirmation (cf. Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3).

This is the context of the word “anointed.” As we already seen the word can refer to a miraculous anointing (cf. Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38).

1 John

1 John 2:20, 27 – “But you have an anointed from the Holy One, and you know all things… the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you…”

The context concerns false teachers (1 John 2:18, 26). They would be able to deal with this because they had received an anointing (1 John 2:20, 27).

Remember that the early church had received miraculous gifts (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4). There were prophets. There were also those who had the gifts of discerning spirits (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:10). Bill Lockwood commented, “It is most likely the case that the inspired author directed his remarks in verse 27 specifically to those who had the gift of discerning spirits” (Lockwood, The Holy Spirit in 1 John, Hammer and Tongs, March – April 1999). Guy N. Woods commented, “We conclude, therefore, that the ‘anointing’ which these to whom John wrote had received a miraculous measure of the Spirit… this measure enabled them to recognize and refute the false teachers…” (Woods, Peter, John and Jude, p. 246).

Question: If they needed no one to teach them, why did John write unto them? John may be encouraging them to stand up and use their gifts. Having a gift is not the same as using a gift (cf. 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Corinthians 14:32). This certainly is not saying that Christians do not ever need to be taught (1 Corinthians 4:17; 14:19; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Hebrews 5:12). The E.S.V. Study Bible provided another possible answer saying “by writing this letter, John is obviously teaching them. He means, rather, that they have no need for any instructions that diverges from the gospel message.”

1 John 3:24; 4:13-14 – “And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us… By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son as Savior of the world.”

Notice two things: (1) The word “know” is used in connection with the Spirit. We have seen this before with the anointing (1 John 2:20). (2) Those bearing witness of Jesus had been given the Spirit. The apostles were to receive the Spirit and bear witness (cf. John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4, 32).

The context seems miraculous. Franklin Camp commented, “John insisted that the apostles know that God abided in them because of the miraculous manifestation given them by the Spirit… This statement is in defense of the apostles and the message they preached… 1 John 4:13 and 14 is the double testimony of the apostles and the Holy Spirit to the Sonship of Christ” (Camp, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Redemption, p. 171). Marion Fox commented, “The Holy Spirit had endowed the apostles and New Testament prophets with gifts which gave them knowledge … that God was with them” (Fox, The Work of The Holy Spirit, Vol. 1, pp. 427-428). Bill Lockwood commented, “In the first century revelation did not come through an inspired book, but through inspired men. The assurances therefore came directly through the Spirit. Today, the same assurance of being a Christian comes through accepting what the Spirit said.” (Lockwood, The Holy Spirit in 1 John, Hammer and Tongs, March – April 1999).

Feelings are not our guide (Proverbs 16:2, 25). Let us be as the Bereans and search the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).

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Appreciating His Work

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and reproach” (Proverbs 19:26).

“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight him. Let your father and mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice” (Proverbs 23:24-25).

“Honor your father and your mother” (Deuteronomy 5:16 cf. Mark 7:10; 10:19; Ephesians 6:1-2).

“My son hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother” (Proverbs 1:8 cf. 4:1-5; 6:20-23; 13:1; 15:5; 23:22).

It is easy to under-appreciate the advice and work of a father. Mark Twain famously said “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But, when I got to be 21, I was astonished how much the old man had learned in seven years.” Another has put it this way – “4 years: my dad can do anything. 7 years: My dad knows a lot, a whole lot. Age 8: My father doesn’t know everything. Age 12: Oh well, naturally father doesn’t know that, either. Age 14: Father? Hopelessly old-fashioned. Age 21: Oh, that man is out of date. What did you expect? Age 25: He knows a little bit about it, but not much. Age 30: Maybe we ought to find out what dad thinks. Age 35 A little patience. Let’s get dad’s assessment before we do anything. Age 50: I wonder what dad would have thought about that. He was pretty smart. Age 60: My dad knew absolutely everything. Age 65: I’d give anything if dad were here so I could talk this over with him. I really miss that man.”

Appreciate your father. Consider in view of Father’s Day, the following two poems:

Only A Dad                                                                                                                                            By Edgar Guest

Only dad with a tired face,                                                                                                        Coming home from the daily race,                                                                                        Bringing little of gold or fame                                                                                                            To show how well he has played the game;                                                                                   But glad in his heart that his own rejoice                                                                                        To see him come and to hear his voice.

Only a dad with a brood of four,                                                                                                      One of ten million men or more                                                                                             Plodding along in the daily strife,                                                                                               Bearing the whips and the scorns of life,                                                                                     With never a whimper of pain or hate,                                                                                            For the sake of those who at home await.

Only a dad, neither rich nor proud,                                                                                           Merely one of the surging crowd,                                                                                               Toiling, striving from day-to-day,                                                                                              Facing whatever may come his way,                                                                                          Silent whenever the harsh condemn,                                                                                            And bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a dad but he gives his all,                                                                                                          To smooth the way for his children small,                                                                                 Doing with courage stern and grim                                                                                                 The deeds that his father did for him.                                                                                           This is the life that for him I pen:                                                                                                 Only a dad, but the best of men.

Father                                                                                                                                                      By Edgar Guest

Used to wonder just why father                                                                                                  Never had much time to play,                                                                                                          Used to wonder why he’d rather                                                                                                         Work each minute of the day.                                                                                                        Used to wonder why he never                                                                                                          Loafed along the road an’ shirked;                                                                                                    Can’t recall a time whenever                                                                                                               Father played while others worked.

Father didn’t dress in fashion,                                                                                                         Sort of hated clothing new;                                                                                                             Style with him was not a passion;                                                                                                    He had other things in view.                                                                                                             Boys are blind to much that’s going                                                                                                 On about ‘em day by day,                                                                                                                      And I had no way of knowing                                                                                                        What became of father’s pay.

All I knew was when I needed                                                                                                       Shoes I got ‘em on the spot;                                                                                                        Everything for which I pleaded,                                                                                          Somehow, father always got.                                                                                                         Wondered, season after season,                                                                                                    Why he never took a rest,                                                                                                                And that I might be the reason                                                                                                      Then I never even guessed.

Father set a store on knowledge;                                                                                                        If he’d lived to have his way                                                                                                               He’d have sent me off to college                                                                                                     And the bills been glad to pay.                                                                                                       That, I know, was his ambition:                                                                                                     Now and then he used to say                                                                                                          He’d have done his earthly mission                                                                                                  On my graduation day.

Saw his cheeks were getting paler,                                                                                              Didn’t understand just why;                                                                                                                Saw his body growing frailer,                                                                                                             Then at last I saw him die.                                                                                                                 Rest had come! His tasks were ended                                                                                         Calm was written on his brow;                                                                                                Father’s life was big and splendid,                                                                                                 And I understand it now.

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Holy Spirit: Sealed/Guaranteed

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The Bible speaks of those who were sealed with the Spirit, and who had been given the earnest (or guarantee) of the Spirit. How should these words be understood?

Sealed

John 6:27, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because the Father has set His seal on Him.”

A seal can refer to a visible stamp or marking on a document. It authenticates or confirms a document to be genuine.

God set His seal on Jesus. The signs Jesus did authenticated that His message was from God (cf. John 3:2). Sadly, some cared more about the loaves and the fish, than what the message was (John 6:26).

2 Corinthians 1:21-22, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who has also sealed us…”

Watch the pronouns. “Us” refers to Paul and his co-workers (2 Corinthians 1:1, 6, 8, 19, 21). “You” refers to the saints at Corinth and Achaia (2 Corinthians 1:1).

God established Paul and his co-workers to the Corinthians. This word “establishes” could be rendered “confirms.” The reference is to miraculous confirmation (cf. Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3).

God anointed Paul and his co-workers. The reference is to miraculous anointing (cf. Acts 10:38).

God sealed Paul and his co-workers. God authenticated their message, as being from God.

Ephesians 1:13, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

Watch the sequence. First, they heard. Second, they believed. Third, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Acts mentions the conversion of some at Ephesus. The same sequence appears. First, they heard (Acts 19:4-5). Second, they believed enough to be baptized (Acts 19:5). Third, they received miraculous abilities (Acts 19:6).

Acts mentions the conversions of some at Samaria. Again, the same sequence appears. First, they heard (Acts 8:5, 12). Second, they believed and were baptized (Acts 8:12). Third, they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

This same sequence is seen in the Great Commission. First the gospel was to be preached (Mark 16:15). Second, it is to be believed and baptism is to follow (Mark 16:16). Third, signs would follow (Mark 16:17).

Franklin Camp commented, “Christ was sealed by the Spirit to confirm Him as God’s Son and to certify Him as the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. The apostles were sealed by the Spirit to confirm and to certify them as ambassadors of Christ. The seal on the Ephesians was the manifestations of the Spirit that confirmed them as God’s people” (Camp, The Work of the Holy Spirit, p. 175).

Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

The Holy Spirit is grieved when man lives sinfully (see: Seven Signs Against the Spirit).

Franklin Camp commented on their sealing. He said, “Read Ephesians 4:7-16. Here are ten verses, and all of these verses are dealing with miraculous gifts… suppose that verse 30 is read immediately following verse 16. Would anyone have a problem in seeing that the sealing was in connection with miraculous gifts? Ephesians 4:30 is in the same chapter and context that discusses miraculous gifts” (Camp, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Redemption, p. 177).

What about the words “for the day of redemption?” The word “for” (eis) tells us that the aim of the sealing is the day of redemption. It is akin to 1 Corinthians 1:7-8, which reads “so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Guarantee

2 Corinthians 1:21-22, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has sealed us and given us the spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

Again, watch the pronoun. “Us” refers to Paul and his co-workers (2 Corinthians 1:1, 6, 8, 19, 21). “You” refers to the saints at Corinth and Achaia (2 Corinthians 1:1).

Paul and his co-workers had been anointed and sealed by God in order to establish (or confirm) to others (such as those at Corinth) that their message was from God. The words “anointed” and “sealed” are references to miraculous gifts. The giving of the Spirit as a guarantee should be understood in this context.

2 Corinthians 5:5-7, “Now… God… has given us the spirit as a Guarantee. So we are always confident knowing that while at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

The “us” and “we,” in context, refers to Paul and his co-workers (2 Corinthians 3:1; 4:1, 5, 13-15; 5:1, 13, 18-20). Though, there is an application to all Christians (cf. 2 Timothy 4:8).

God is gracious. (1) He has prepared for the faithful a glorious, eternal habitation (2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:2 cf. 5:5a). (2) He also provided the confidence in Paul, and others, of the things not seen. One of the ways that He did so was by giving the Spirit. Franklin Camp commented, “The word ‘sealed’ and the word ‘earnest’ are simply two different words expressing the same thought by two different figures of speech… The ‘seal’ of the Holy Spirit was the miraculous manifestations of the spirit that certified and guaranteed the integrity of the revelation given and obeyed. The ‘earnest’ of the spirit is the figurative term to indicate the inward enjoyment of the blessings of Christianity, because of the assurance given by miraculous manifestation. How could one enjoy the blessings of Christianity unless he was assured of the truthfulness of the gospel he had received?” (Camp, The Work of The Holy Spirit in Redemption, p.p. 181-182).

Ephesians 1:13-14, “…You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee (earnest KJV) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”

Some have thought that the “earnest” (KJV) means down payment. However, such is not the meaning (Genesis 38:17, 18, 20 LXX). “Originally, earnest money deposited by the purchaser and forfeited if the purchase was not completed… In general, usage, it came to denote a pledge, or earnest of any sort” (Vine’s). The word refers to a pledge or a guarantee.

They had a miraculous guarantee. Foy Wallace, Jr. commented, “The Ephesian Gentiles were among them that were afar off in the heathen world and that Holy Spirit of promise was to them the seal and assurance of their inheritance in the gospel of their salvation revealed to them through the Word of Truth” (Wallace, The Mission and Medium of the Holy Spirit, p. 80).

They had the guarantee of God’s word. There is a textual variant in Ephesians 1:14. Some manuscripts have a masculine pronoun, others have a neuter pronoun. If the pronoun is masculine, then the antecedent is not “Spirit” but “word.” Marion Fox renders Ephesians 1:13-14 this way – “by (or in) whom you also (were made a heritage v. 13 cf. v. 11), after having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, [by (or in) whom after having believed, you were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise,] which (word) is the earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of the possession, unto the praise of His glory” (Fox, The Work of the Holy Spirit, Vol. 1, p, 223). He believes that the guarantee to be God’s word on the matter (cf. John 10:35b; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:13-20).

This is an interesting theory. However, the term “guarantee” or “earnest” two other times is connected with the Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5). I see no necessary reason not to understand it the same way in this passage.

This guarantee was “until the redemption of the purchased possession.” The purchased possession refers to the church (Acts 20:28) or Christians (1 Corinthians 6:20; Titus 2:13-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19). The redemption refers to eternal redemption (Romans 8:18-25 cf. Titus 1:2). The word “until” is eis. The N.A.S.B. renders it “with a view to the redemption.”

Today, we do have the assurance of His word (John 10:35b; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:13-20). We have the internal evidence of the written word (Hebrews 11:1 cf. Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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3 Corinthians, Laodiceans, and 3 Peter

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Some have worried themselves over whether there are some books missing from the New Testament canon. Three books in particular have been called into question.

A Previous Epistle

In 1 Corinthians 5:9 Paul writes, “I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people.” Some believe this verse is an illusion to a previous epistle that Paul had written to these brethren, which we no longer have. Does this refer to a missing New Testament book? Should there be a 1st Corinthians, 2nd Corinthians and a 3rd Corinthians? Should 1st Corinthians be titled 2nd Corinthians and 2nd Corinthians be titled 3rd Corinthians?

I see no reason for such conclusions. It seems to me that the reference is to this very book of 1st Corinthians. This may be an Epistolary Aorist much as John used in 1 John 2:12-14. That is Paul says, “I wrote” (past tense) because Paul is putting it from the reader’s perspective.

If I wrote a letter to someone and in it said, “While I am out-of-town feed my dog after you get off work everyday” and later in the same letter went on to say, “I wrote to you about feeding my dog after you get off work each day – let me explain to you more fully about what I want you to do.” One would not conclude that I was referring to a previous letter, would he? Paul is doing the same thing.

Watch the context. Paul had just told these brethren to withdraw from a brother who was engaged in a life of fornication (1 Corinthians 5:1-8). Now, he is simply cautioning them not to think that he means that it is their duty to withdraw themselves from everybody in the world that lived such a sinful life (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). Adam Clark agrees writing, “The wisest and best skilled in Biblical criticism agree that the apostle does not refer to any other epistle than this; and that he speaks here of some general directions which he had given in the foregoing part of it…”

The Epistle of Laodicea?

In Colossians 4:16 Paul writes, “Now when this epistles is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”

Again, some believe that this verse is an allusion to an inspired epistle probably written by Paul, that is now lost. But is such the case?

Consider these things: (1) The text does not actually call it, “the Laodicean epistle,” or “The epistle of Laodicea,” but “the epistle from Laodicea.”   Such is a big difference. The epistles were circulated (Colossians 4:16; 2 Peter 3:15-16; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Revelation 1:11). It is conceivable that the epistle in question was not originally written to Laodicea, but they were now in possession of it, and were to pass it next to the church at Colossae. (2) The cities of Laodicea and Colossae were neighboring cities. They were located just a short distance apart. Foy Wallace, Jr. even gives reason to conclude that the churches in these two cities merged at a later time (The book of Revelation, page. 36). (3) The themes of the books of Ephesians and Colossians complement one another well. The book of Ephesians emphasized the place of the church in God’s plan. The book of Colossians emphasizes the Christ in God’s plan. It would be natural to read these two books one after the other. Moreover, it is clear that these two books were written about the same time. (4) Adam Clark says, “Marcion… of the second century, as quoted by Tertullian… in the beginning of the third century calls it (the book of Ephesians – B.H.) the epistle to the Laodiceans.” Besides this, there is not reference to a Laodicean epistle in the early church. Geisler and Nix’s, “A General Introduction to the Bible,” concludes, The Laodicean letter is probably the canonical book of Ephesians” (page 26).

Another Epistle of Peter?

2 Peter 3:1 – “This second epistle, beloved I now write to you in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.”

Some have denied that the mentioning of this epistle as being a second epistle, means that  what we call 1 Peter was the other epistle. Some think that Peter wrote another letter that is now missing. The main reason that they do so is because it is thought that 2 Peter addresses itself to a totally different concern than that of 1 Peter. Yet, 2 Peter 3:1 speaks of a similar purpose. Thus, there must be a missing epistle.

Ridiculous! While it is true that the theme is somewhat different, still there is a similarity between the two epistles. Both epistles speak of Noah and the flood to teach us today (1 Peter 3:20-21; cf. 2 Peter 3:1-7). Such is the reference in 2 Peter 3:1. Add to this, both epistles speak of the need to grow (1 Peter 2:1-2 cf. 2 Peter 1:5-7 and 2 Peter 3:18). Additionally, both were written to affect the mind (1 Peter 1:13, 3:8; 4:1; 5:2 cf. 2 Peter 3:1-2).

There simply is no necessary reason to conclude that this refers to some missing book. Where is the evidence of this missing book? Where does the early church ever allude to such? Moreover, would one, just by reading 2 Peter 3:1, even think there to be a lost book?

Conclusion

Put your mind at ease. God has promised to preserve His words (Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Luke 16:17). Geisler and Nix wrote, “It seems highly unlikely that God would have inspired a book that He did not preserve” (page 217). Moreover there is no evidence which warrants the conclusion that any books are missing.

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I Want The Goat to Die!

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“There is an old Russian fable, with different versions in other countries, about two poor peasants, Ivan and Boris. The only difference between them was that Boris had a goat and Ivan didn’t. One day, Ivan came upon a strange-looking lamp and, when he rubbed it, a genie appeared. She told him that she could grant him just one wish, but it could be anything in the world. Ivan said, ‘I want Boris’ goat to die.’ Variations on this story in other countries suggest that this tells us something about human beings, not just Russians.” (Thomas Sowell Reader, p. 129).

This attitude has been manifested through history. Solomon once heard a maternity case involving two women. These women were harlots. The shared the same house. They both had given birth to a child near the same time. One child died, due to the mother’s carelessness. Now, both women claimed to be the mother of the living child. Solomon said, “Bring me a sword… divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other” (1 Kings 3:24-25). The true mother said, “O my lord give her the living child, but by no means kill him!” (1 Kings 3:26). The woman who falsely claimed maternity said, “Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him” (1 Kings 3:26). She did not really want the child. She simply did not want the other woman to have a child. Solomon rendered his verdict. He said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; She is his mother” (1 Kings 3:27).

Envy is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). “If you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic” (James 3:14-15). We must rid ourselves of envy.

We should love and care about others. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). It should not make us feel bad when another has joy in his life.

Envy often is over material possessions. However, it should be remembered that those who are right with God are rich. “Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation” (James 1:9). “Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in the faith and heirs of the kingdom to those who love Him?” (James 2:5). “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:17-18 cf. Proverbs 24:19-20; Psalm 37; 73).

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Holy Spirit: In Sanctification (Part 4)

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The Bible clearly teaches that God sanctifies. Moreover, it teaches that He does so indirectly, by medium of the word (John 17:17, 19). However, some believe that He also directly (miraculously) influences the heart and mind of man. Some believe that this influence is irresistible.

Let’s consider a few passages which are commonly cited…

God Works in You

Philippians 2:12-13, “…Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure…”

Work out your own salvation. “Work out” is present tense (continue to work out), middle voice (This is something that you are to do. It is not something done for you. Man is not passive in this matter), imperative mood (This is a command). Not all works are excluded from salvation. Meritorious works are excluded (Romans 4:4; Titus 3:4-5). Works of the Old Testament law are excluded for us (Galatians 2:21; 3:2; Romans 3:20, etc.). Man-made works of righteousness are excluded (Romans 10:1-3). Man is not saved by works of flawless, sinless perfection which needs no grace, mercy, or forgiveness (Romans 3:23 cf. 4:4-8). However, there are works which God requires of man (John 6:27-29; Acts 10:34-35; Philippians 2:12; James 2:24 26).

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. That is, be serious and conscientious about the Christian life. Fear being lost (Hebrews 10:31). Fear (respect) God (Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 3:7; 9:10; 15:33; Isaiah 8:12-13 cf. 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 10:28). Do not take your duties and responsibilities lightly.

It is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. This is a caution. Man should not be arrogant or puffed up over his work in the Lord, for credit really belongs to God. It is He, who produces the desire and activity in man.

The fact that God works in man is stated, but the “how” is not explained here. Some have read into this a direct operation of God on the heart and mind of man. Is such demanded by the text?

We know that God works in man through the medium of the word (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Steven Lloyd linked Philippians 2:12-13 with 1 Thessalonians 2:13. He wrote, “How is it that God works in us? …It is God’s word that effectively works in us and motivates us to do His will” (Lloyd, Coping: A Biblical Approach, pp. 64-65). J.W. McGarvey provides this bit of wisdom, “When an effect can be explained and accounted for by causes which are known to be present, it is illogical to assume a cause which is not known to be present” (McGarvey, Original Commentary on Acts, p. 203).

Led by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-18, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Some were still carnally-minded (Galatians 5:17 cf. Romans 8:6-7), and double-minded (cf. James 4:4, 8). They had not yet crucified the sinful passions of the flesh (cf. Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14). They were trying to serve two masters. Such will not work.

Paul commanded them to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). This is in the imperative mood (It is a command). He is instructing them to conduct their lives according to the teaching of the Spirit. There is not one item listed as “The Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) which is not taught in the Scriptures, and it is the Spirit which revealed this teaching.

If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Howard Winters commented, “To walk in the Spirit and to be led by the Spirit embrace the same concept. They both mean to be directed by the Spirit (and the Spirit’s direction today comes through the word of God, divine revelation) or to live for spiritual things. Spirituality is not just a single characteristic; it is a total outlook of life – what one is and how he lives, the totality of living by the things of the Spirit” (Winters, The Work of the Holy Spirit, pp. 191-192). The term “led” in no way implies a direct operation of the Holy Spirit, or an irresistible force (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:2; 2 Timothy 3:7). Remember that to walk in the Spirit is a command.

What is meant by “you are not under the law”? It is an ellipsis, meaning – “You are not under the condemnation of law” (cf. Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:23). It certainly does not mean than man is not amenable to law. If he is not amenable to law, then there could be no sin (Romans 4:15; 5:13; 1 John 3:4). Clearly, we sin (1 John 1:8). Moreover, many passages speak of our being under some law (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2; Jeremiah 31:33-34 cf. Hebrews 8:10-11 and 10:16; Galatians 6:2; Romans 8:2, 7; 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 9:21; Hebrews 10:16; James 1:25; 2:12).

Enlightenment

Ephesians 1:15-20, “…I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that God… may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…”

Revelation was still occurring. “The Spirit of wisdom and revelation” refers to revelation through inspiration (cf. Exodus 28:3; Deuteronomy 34:9; Isaiah 11:2). The “knowledge” (epignosis) refers to greater, deeper knowledge. “This word translated “knowledge” (epignosis) goes beyond the ordinary word for knowledge (gnosis). Whereas the latter might simply indicate a knowledge of facts, the word Paul used indicates a full, complete and thorough knowledge” (Gary Workman, Paul’s Prayer, Spiritual Sword Lectureship: The Book of Ephesians, p. 18). It refers to “greater and more accurate knowledge… deeper and more intimate knowledge and acquaintance… the complete comprehension after first knowledge (gnosis) of a matter. It is bringing me better acquainted with a thing I knew before; a more exact view of an object that I saw before afar off” (Trench, p, 300 quoted by Marion Fox in the Work of the Holy Spirit, Vol. 2, p. 151). He wanted them to receive through inspiration a greater knowledge and appreciation of what God has planned for the saints.

How does God enlighten the eyes? The Bible teaches that He does so through the medium of His revealed word (cf. Psalm 19:7-8; Acts 26:16, 18). Where is the passage which clearly teaches that He enlightens any other way?

Strengthen With Might

Ephesians 3:14-16, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father… that He would grant you… to be strengthened with might through His spirit in the inner man.”

Paul prayed that they be strengthened. This strengthening would be done by (dia, the means or instrument by which such would be accomplished) the Spirit. The effect would be in (eis, into) the inner man. Wayne Price has written, “Some would have the proposition ‘eis’ pale into nothing more than ‘in’ showing location. In their judgment, this verse informs us that the Holy Spirit is ‘in’ the inner man. This verse does not even address the issue of the Spirit’s indwelling whatsoever. Instead, it merely tells us that the Holy Spirit imparts a strengthening directed toward the inner man” (Price, The Spirit in the Inner Man, Hammer and Tongs, September – December 1997, p. 5).

The passage does not specify how the Holy Spirit strengthens. However, the Bible clearly teaches that man may be strengthened by medium of God’s revealed word (Acts 14:21-22; 15:40-41; 16:4-5; 18:23; 20:32; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

Revelation was still coming forth at the time Paul wrote this epistle to the saints at Ephesus (Ephesians 4:7-13). The Holy Spirit inspired the apostles and prophets to reveal the message of God (Ephesians 2:18, 20; 3:1-7). Foy Wallace, Jr. commented, “All gifts in the church with which they were endowed were to enable them (to) inwardly grow… as mentioned in chapter 4:8-16” (Wallace, Commentary on Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians, p. 171).

One of the goals of Paul’s prayer was “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through (dia) faith” (Ephesians 3:17); or more literally through “the faith.” This likely refers to the system of faith, the New Testament. However, even if it refers to personal faith, it cannot be separated from God’s word, for “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). There seems no good reason to conclude that the Holy Spirit strengthens the inner man separate and apart from the medium of the word.

However, whatever one’s views – one thing should be very clearly emphasized. The Holy Spirit does not sanctify man with irresistible force (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).

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An Ancient Earth? (Assumptions, Assumptions!)

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Those of the evolutionary persuasion adamantly teach us that this earth is old, very old. In fact, they tell us that this earth is perhaps, and in all likelihood, as old as 4.6 billion years. They teach this as fact. They teach this with great arrogance and haughtiness. Anyone, who doesn’t understand that this earth is ancient is looked down upon as being woefully ignorant. After all, “science” is upon their side. They have Carbon-14 and other radiometric dating techniques which prove these things!

On the other side are the Bible believing theists. They have studied. They know that it is impossible to cram 4.6 million years of time into the Biblical record. They believe that the Bible means what it says: God created the heavens, and the earth, the sea and all that in them is, in six literal, twenty-four hour days (Exodus 20:11). They, furthermore, recognize there to be a vast difference between any genealogical gaps that might exist in the Biblical record, and chronological gaps. To them, the earth is young, just a few thousand years old.

Why all the fuss? I believe this to be an important discussion for each side, for a few reasons. (1) This discussion is important for the evolutionary “scientist” and atheists, because: (a) Even though, macro-evolution is not observable (that by definition places it outside of the realm of science), it is thought that if they can convince you of an old earth, then they can convince you that given enough vast amounts of time, anything is possible, even evolution [Such reasoning is faulty; For example, given enough time (opportunity) would a hurricane ever blow enough scrap metal together in an organized fashion so as to form from scrap one fully functional 747 jumbo jet? Of course, such is preposterous!]. This argument is persuasive to many. (b) It is a way to attack the Bible, and reduce it, in the minds of men, to mere mythology. Who are our children going to listen to: the preacher, parents, Bible class teachers with a 2000 year old book; or modern “science” with its radiometric dating methods? Alas, many are listening to the latter. And yes, many are smart enough to understand that the two can’t be harmonized. If modern “science” and its ancient earth, and evolutionary teachings are right, then the Bible is wrong with this regard to its Genesis account. Moreover, since so much of the Bible’s teaching is based upon the Genesis record [e.g, Creation (Hebrews 11:3); Marriage (Matthew 19:1-6); Role of men and women (1 Corinthians 11:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:12-14) Origin of sin (Romans 5:12),etc.], it cannot be trusted on anything. (2) This is important for the Bible believer, because: (a) The credibility of the Bible is being called into question. (b) Our children are being taught this, and yet we know that such is contrary to the Biblical record. How are we going to answer them? (c) Many have felt compelled in the church to compromise the Genesis record of creation.  If we do so, can we really trust the rest of the Bible? If the Bible does not mean what it says here, then how do we know what it means – anywhere?

The real question is this: Has science really proven an ancient earth?

The answer is: no, they have not. All radiometric dating methods are based upon certain (non-provable) assumption. First, they assume that originally this earth was entirely composed of parent elements, and no daughter elements. That is, when measuring age it is understood that certain elements, over time, will break down (or decay) into certain other daughter elements. For instance, Uranium 238 decays over time into Lead 206. When examining a rock, they look at the ratio of these two elements contained in that rock, and they assume that originally that there was no Lead 206 but that all of that Lead 206 came from Uranium 238. They then figure how long it would take for that Uranium to convert into the present amount of Lead, and from this process is deduced the age of that rock. But notice, it is based upon a very large (and unprovable) assumption that there was no original daughter elements present. How do they know this to be the case? The answer is that they do not know this to be the case. Watch the words of the Encyclopedia Britannica, “A second important assumption is that a sample began its life free of daughter atoms. If that were not so, there would be the appearance of a certain age even at the time of zero. At a later time such a ‘built-in’ age would be the error inherent in a measured age. This second assumption is never valid in the strictest sense, and there are some cases in which it is not even valid practically.”1 Consider this: Couldn’t God have originally created the earth with all elements present, from the very beginning, placed here for man’s benefit? Of course He could!   And, if He did so would the earth have an appearance of age?   Yes, just as Adam and Eve had an appearance of age from time zero, being made adults, and not as infants. Second, these dating methods assume an uniformitarian geological model. For example, they assume a standard erosion rate. They assume that coal, oil, and natural gas are formed at the same rate today, as always. They assume things that cannot be proven. But what if this world hasn’t been so uniformed in its geological earth history? What if there was, as the Bible indicates, a global catastrophe, a great deluge which covered deeply this entire earth? What would such do to the appearance of things? “Modern geology holds that wind and water erosion has been a rather constant process for millions of years. Therefore, all rock strata have been formed by this slow, gradual process of water exerting a few pounds of pressure each year to compress small fragments of earth into large bed rock. Think how utterly upset that theory would be by the catastrophe of a universal flood. Since Mt. Ararat is 17,000 feet high and the Water was at least this deep, and since a cubit foot of water weighs about 63 pounds, every square foot of the earth’s surface at sea level had a pressure of 1,071,000 pounds. This is equivalent to about 107 billion pounds of pressure on top of the average house. Industrial diamonds are made from carbon compounds by exerting a pressure of 800,000 pounds per square inch for a few minutes. One can readily see how such a flood, exerting great pressure for more than six months over the whole face of the earth, could have formed coal beds, sedimentary rocks, diamonds, mountains, valleys and hundreds of other phenomena. One great catastrophe could have accomplished in a few months what it would take uniformity millions of years to accomplish.”2

Much more time and space could be given to this important subject; However, these two points along should help dispel the notion that science has proven an ancient earth. Their conclusions are based upon assumptions, and assumptions. Add to this fact that numerous are the methods that point to a relatively young earth, yet our children never hear about these. Parents, arm yourselves with the facts3 and don’t back down to these “pseudo-intellectuals.”

ENDNOTES

  1. Encyclopedia Britannica, Articles “Dating, Relative and Absolute,” Encyclopedia Britannica, Macropaedia Vol. 5 page 504-505 (1979).
  2. Furman Kearley, Tract: “The Significance of the Genesis Flood: (World Mission Publishing Company, Lubbock TX, 1974). Page 11-12. Note: Nothing demands that the mountains were once so high. See Psalm 104:6-9 N.A.S.B.
  3. If one wants more information in this area, one should subscribe to Apologetics Press’ publication Reason and Revelation or Focus Press’ Think..
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Holy Spirit: In Sanctification (Part 3)

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The Bible clearly teaches that God sanctifies. Moreover, it clearly teaches that He does so indirectly, mediately through the word of God (John 17:17). He does so indirectly through the influence of the word of God. However, some believe that the Bible also teaches that He does so directly and immediately. That is, it is thought that He directly influences the human heart without means of the word, or separate from the word.

Let’s consider two commonly cited passages…

Love Poured Out

Romans 5:5, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

First issue: What love is in view? Does this refer to our love for God? Does it refer to our love for others, as God loves others? Or, does this refer to God’s love for us? The context suggests that the reference is to God’s love for us (cf. Romans 5:8). We can have confidence that God will not let us down, because He has revealed His love for us.

Second issue: How did God pour out this love into our hearts? Roy Deaver commented, “The knowledge we have of God’s love is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit by revelation, by miracles, and by spiritual gifts, made known God’s love” (Deaver, Romans: God’s Plan for Man’s Righteousness, pp. 137-138). The pouring out of the Spirit takes one back to the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17-18, 33, 36-38). It refers to revelation and confirmation which came by the Holy Spirit.

This does not teach what some think. It does not teach that the Holy Spirit directly (miraculously) transforms the hearts of men into loving hearts, or at least provides direct influence on the heart towards such.

Natural Man v. Spiritual Man

1 Corinthians 2:14-16, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For ‘who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”

Some have misunderstood this passage. It is thought that the natural man is the non-Christian, or the unsanctified. Furthermore, it is thought that the spiritual man is the Christian, or sanctified man. Then, it is inferred that this is teaching that the natural man, who is without aid of the Holy Spirit, cannot properly interpret scripture The spiritual man, aided by the Holy Spirit, can accurately interpret scripture.

However, the context is not interpretation, but revelation. Let’s notice the context: (1) Verses 7-9. God, before time, ordained a plan for our glory (1 Corinthians 2:7 cf. Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:14). Man, apart from revelation, did not understand God’s plan. It was hidden wisdom. This hidden wisdom was now being revealed by inspired men (1 Corinthians 2:7 cf. Ephesians 3:1-5; Romans 16:25-26). (2) Verses 10-13. This declares how God chose to reveal His plan. No man can know the thoughts of another man unless such is revealed by that man, in some way. Even so, no one can know the mind of God, and His plans, unless He chooses to reveal such (1 Corinthians 2:11). Revelation, not interpretation, is in view. God chose to reveal His plan through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10; Ephesians 3:1-5). God’s plan was revealed to His apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:1-5; 1 Corinthians 2:10, “us” cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:6; 2:10; 2:13; 2:16; 3:5-9; 4:8-13). (3) Verse 14-16. The spiritual man refers to the inspired prophet of God (1 Corinthians 14:37 cf. Hosea 9:7, where used in sarcasm of the false prophet). The natural man is man in his wisdom apart from revelation from God. Franklin Camp commented, “There could be no greater perversion of the truth than to take a passage that is contrasting inspired revelation though chosen men, with uninspired false teachers (natural men) whose teaching was of human origin, and make the passage refer to a sinner that has a completed open Bible before him and insist that he cannot understand what he reads unless the Holy Spirit dwelling in him interprets it for him… The consequences of making the natural man the sinner and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the interpreter of the Scriptures would be infallibility. Does anyone think that the Holy Spirit in one, and interpreting the Scriptures, would ever be guilty of misinterpreting His own revelation?” (Camp, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Redemption, pp. 209-210).

Man can understand the Bible without a direct operation of the Holy Spirit. He did at Jerusalem (Acts 2:36-38). He did at Samaria (Acts 8:5, 12, 14-16). He did at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6).

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The Scars of Sin

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

2 Samuel 12:7-15 , “Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!  Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anoint you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah.  And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more!  Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight?  You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to by your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon.  Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’  Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before you eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.  For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.’  So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’  And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.  However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.’  Then Nathan departed to his house.”

There are often lasting consequences, in this life, for sin.  David was forgiven.  However, his life never again would be the same.  Sin should not be taken lightly.

Consider, the following story which is contained in the book, The Moral Compass (edited by William J. Bennett).

Nails in the Post by M.F. Cowdery

There was once a farmer who had a son named John, a boy very apt to be thoughtless, and careless about doing what he was told to do.

One day his father said to him, “John, you are so careless and forgetful, that every time you do wrong, I shall drive a nail into this post, to remind you how often you are naughty.  And every time you do right I will draw one out”  His father did as he said he would, and every day he had one and sometimes a great many nails to drive in, but very seldom one to draw out.

At last John saw that the post was quite covered with nails, and he began to be ashamed of having so many faults.  He resolved to be a better boy, and the next day he was so good and industrious that several nails came out.  The day after it was the same thing, and so on for a long time, till at length only one nail remained.  His father then called him, and said: “Look, John, here is the very last nail, and now I’m going to draw it out.  Are you not glad?”

John looked at the post, and then, instead of expressing his joy, as his father expected, he burst into tears.  “Why,” said the father, “what is the matter?  I should think you would be delighted; the nails are all gone.”

“Yes,” sobbed John, “the nails are gone, but the scars are there yet”

So dear children, with your faults and bad habits; you may overcome them, you may by degrees cure them, but the scars remain.  Now, take my advice, and whenever you find yourselves doing a wrong thing, or getting into a bad habit, stop at once.  For every time you give in to it, you drive another nail, and that will leave a scar on your soul, even if the nail should be afterwards drawn out.

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Holy Spirit: In Sanctification (Part 2)

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Many in Christendom believe that sanctification, that is man being made holy, is accomplished by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit on the mind of man, the human heart. Calvinists believe that sanctification begins with irresistible grace (which leads to conversion) and continues through life (perseverance of the saints). The church of the Nazarene has another teaching. Influenced by the Wesleys, they teach the doctrine of second grace. This second grace is provided by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit. They teach that there are two types of sin. Actual sin (personal sin) is removed when one (with free will) repents and places his trust in Jesus. Original sin which taints man, affecting his inclinations, is removed following conversion and justification by a second working of grace. Both Calvinism and Wesleyanism teach a direct operation of the Holy Spirit. They simply place the direct operation at different points.

What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit’s role in sanctification? Let us notice the New Testament passages which speak of both the spirit and sanctification.

The Offering of the Gentiles

Romans 15:19, “…I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of these things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient – in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”

Paul had been given grace (Romans 15:15). The reference is to miraculous gifts, even apostleship (f. Ephesians 4:7, 11 cf. 3:7; Romans 1:5; 12:6; cf. 15:15-16).

Paul’s objective was to use this gift to set the Gentiles before God as an acceptable sacrifice. It is highly figurative language. Remember that for a sacrifice to be accepted by God it had to be authorized (cf. Leviticus 10:1-2) and holy (Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 7:1, etc.). Grammatically, it is the “offering” being sanctified. The word translated, “’Gentiles’… is in the neuter gender, plural number, and genitive case and therefore cannot be that which is being sanctified. The only feminine gender, nominative case, and singular number noun in the sentence is the word… translated ‘offering’” (Fox, The Work of the Holy Spirit, Vol. 2, p. 80). The Holy Spirit sanctified the Gentiles as an acceptable offering.

How did the Holy Spirit sanctify the Gentiles? (1) The revelation which came by the Holy Spirit declared the Gentiles acceptable (Acts 10-11, 15; Galatians 2 -3). (2) The signs and wonders Paul did among the Gentiles were done by the power of the spirit of God. Paul did not do these things by his own human power.

Chose for Salvation

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, “We are bound to give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul was thankful for these brethren. Why? The answer is: God had chosen them for salvation (keep in mind that a choice may involve standards – cf. Acts 6:2-6).

How did God choose them in context? Two things are mentioned: (1) “Sanctification of spirit.” This is the literal reading. The definite article is not present. Is this speaking of the Holy Spirit or the human spirit? This is not clear. If we assume that this refers to the Holy Spirit, let us ask how the Holy Spirit sanctifies in context. Man is called by the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:14; Ephesians 2:18, 20 cf. 3:1-3a, 5-6). He is called to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7) and the obtaining of glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14). There is nothing here which demands a direct operation of the Holy Spirit. (2) “Belief in the truth.” The Holy Spirit provided the message. Man believes. Lynn Blair commented, “How did God choose them: Through two parts: God’s part (sanctification of the Spirit) and man’s part, or reaction (belief of the truth). God chose them through their belief of the truth” (Houston College of Bible Lectureship, Calvinism, p. 447).

Obedience

1 Peter 1:1-2, “Peter… to the pilgrims of the dispersion… elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ…”

Peter is writing to those who had been scattered due to persecutions (cf. Acts 8:4; 11:19). Life was difficult.

Yet, Peter reminds them, God had chosen them for salvation. This choice was according to foreknowledge of God. That is, it was according to His forethought and pre-arrangement (Thayer). God chose (planned) to save man (cf. 1 Peter 1:18-20; Ephesians 1:3-4a; 3:11).

God did not choose to save man unconditionally. Peter, in this same book, warned “…the Father… without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourself throughout the time of your stay here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17). Peter, in his second book, continued to exhort saying, “giving all diligence add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love… be ever more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-11).

There is again the  question of whether spirit refers to the Holy Spirit or the human spirit. The definite article is not present. There is no adjunct such as “Holy” or “of God” or “of the Lord.”

Assuming that this does refer to the Holy Spirit, what is the Spirit’s role in sanctification? Contextually, the Holy Spirit revealed the message of salvation (1 Peter 1:10-16). Remember that man is sanctified by the truth (John 17:17, 19).

Jesus’ role? Mentioned is the sprinkling of blood (1 Peter 1:2, 18-22). “Sprinkling” refers to His blood being applied to us (Hebrews 10:22 cf. 9:13, 19, 21; 11:28; 12:24). This is closely linked with baptism (Hebrews 10:22). Baptism is into the death of Christ (Romans 6:3).

Man’s role? The sanctification of the Spirit is for obedience. Again, there is a question of whether the Holy Spirit or the human spirit is in view. Later, in this chapter, Peter wrote, “you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit…” The article is present. Though, the words “through the Spirit” is a textual variant. However, the reason that we can obey the truth is because the Spirit has revealed the truth. It is not necessary to read into this a direct operation of the Holy Spirit.

Complete Sanctification

1 Thessalonians 5:23, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your who Spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God has a sanctifying influence on man. This passage does not explain how God sanctifies. It is not necessary to read into this a direct operation of the Holy Spirit. We have already seen that He sanctifies through His truth (John 17:17, 19).

Remember: (1) One can hear and be converted before receiving the Holy Spirit. This was true at Jerusalem (Acts 2:36-38), at Samaria (Acts 8:4-5, 12, 14-17), and at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6). (2) The Holy Spirit does not sanctify man with irresistible force (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). It is man’s responsibility to present himself a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. This is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1-2).

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