Blessed are the Peacemakers

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Are you acquainted with the name Benjamin Rush?  If so, you are an exception to the rule.  He is not so well-known today.  But, Benjamin Rush was a great man in many respects.  In fact, Encyclopedia Britannica says of him, “after the death of his friend Benjamin Franklin (he) was recognized as the leading citizen of Philadelphia.”

He was born January 4, 1746 in the area of Philadelphia.  He graduated from the college of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1760.  He spent the next six years in medical apprenticeship.  Then, he received a medical degree in 1768 from the University of Edinburgh.

His career was well colored.  In 1769 he was appointed professor of Chemistry in the College of Philadelphia Medical School.  In April 1777, he was appointed Surgeon General and in July 1777 he was made Physician General of the Continental Army.  He wrote 65 books on medicine and numerous articles.  He was a pioneer in the study of mental illness.  He was among the first to recognize mental illness as a disease which was in some cases treatable.  He taught over 3,000 medical students.  He wrote much against tobacco and alcohol use.

Politically, he was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence He was a member of the Pennsylvania state convention which ratified the Constitution.  He spoke out against slavery.  He was the treasurer of the U.S. Mint from 1797 until his death on April 19. 1813.

But one of this man’s greatest accomplishments was that of a peacemaker.  Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were the best of friends until the two became political opponents for the office of the Presidency.  During that time some words and actions occurred that caused a rift between these two friends.  The damage was great, for eleven years the two did not speak to one another or exchange any correspondence.  Benjamin Rush was mutual friends to both.  And so from 1809 to 1812 (over two years!) Rush corresponded with the two and urged reconciliation.  Eventually such did occur in the year 1812. Jefferson and Adams would remain friends until both died on July 4, 1826 (the 50th anniversary of the nation). It may be that such would not have occurred without Benjamin Rush.

Are you a peacemaker?  We, as Christians, should be striving to bring about peace between man and man, and most of all we should seek to help bring man back to God, thereby bringing true peace. Matthew 5:9 says “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

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Our Sacred Honor

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

When the 56 founding fathers signed their name to the Declaration of Independence, they were basically signing their own death warrants.  John Hancock reportedly said, “There must be no pulling of different ways… we must hang together.”  Ben Franklin reportedly replied, “Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”  These men made no small decision.  A dozen, at least, would have their homes burned, looted, or seized.  Five were captured by the British.  Richard Stockton never recovered from being tortured.  He died in 1781.  Thomas McKean described he and his family as, “hunted like a fox.”  Thomas Nelson was financially ruined.

I want to consider their words, the words of The Declaration of Independence.  I want to do this, not as a civics exercise, but to consider some spiritual matters and make certain applications from these words.

1.  All men are created equal.  The word ‘created’ implies a Creator.  There are four references to God in this document.  Paragraph one mentions, “The Laws of Nature and… Nature’s God”.   Paragraph two mentions, “they are endowed by their Creator”.  The last paragraph reads, “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World,” and again, “with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence.”

“Created equal,” in what respect?  Not all are born with the same physical, intellectual, or even spiritual potential.  The answer to this is in respect to the rule of law, and value of personhood.

True, they were not always consistent in practice with these word.  However, such is the meaning.  Martin Luther King, Jr., “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence – They were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.”

Application – (1) God’s judgment is without partiality (1 Peter 1:17; Acts 10:34-35).  (2) Equality of spiritual value exists in Christ (Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 3:11).  (3) Christians are warned not to hold the faith with partiality (James 2:1).

2.  They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Notice the wording.  ‘Inalienable’ would mean rights which are not capable of being surrendered.  ‘Unalienable’ means rights which are incapable of being sold or transferred to another.

God has endowed us with Life.  It is up to us how we use it.  Robert Orben said, “Time flies.  It is up to you to be the navigator.”  How are you using your life?  Are you redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5)?  Remember, life is but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

God has endowed us with liberty, freedom to choose our own course.  What choices are you making?  He stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20).  He will not break the door down and force Himself into your heart.  He pleads, “come unto me” (Matthew 11:28).  He calls, but does not force.  Joshua said, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Next, is mentioned the pursuit of Happiness.  John Locke spoke of Life, Liberty and Estate (property rights).  The Virginia Declaration of Rights (adopted June 12, 1776) spoke of “Life, Liberty, and the means of acquiring and possessing  property and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.”  “Happiness” may be a figure of speech for wealth and property. Ben Franklin remarked, “The American people have the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.”

Application – You have the right to pursue eternal happiness.  Are you?  Are you seeking things above (Colossians 3:1-2)?  Are you hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6)?

 3.  We… with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.

 They were committed to, and invested in the cause.  Abraham Clark had his two sons captured and confined to a prison ship.  The British offered to free them if he would renounce the cause.  He refused.  Robert Morris lost 150 of his own ships.  Thomas Nelson Jr. lost over two million dollars of property he used as collateral for the cause.  He even ordered a cannon to fire upon Cornwallis who had taken over his own house.  John Hancock contributed over $100,000 of his own money.

  Application – what about us?  How committed are we to the cause of Christ and the work of the church?  (1) Our lives should be dedicated (Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1).  Not even family should come before Christ (Luke 14:26).  Paul said to his brethren, “I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15).  (2) Our fortunes should be used for the cause.  This naturally flows from giving yourself to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).  (3) Our sacred honor should be in it.  We need to conduct ourselves with honor before God (2 Corinthians 5:9) and man (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).  Moreover, we should render honor to those who should be honored (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17).

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Pray, Sing, Call

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (James 5:13a).

The term suffer could literally be rendered “to suffer evil.” “It is . . . sufficiently comprehensive to embrace every type of affliction, whether of outward bodily character or of inward mental anguish” (Guy Woods, A Commentary on The Epistle of James, p. 295 ). There certainly are external trials which bring suffering in this life (James 2:18-23; 3:13-18; 4:1-2; 4:12-16, 19; 5:1, 10 cf. 1:2-3). However, since the term is set in contrast with being “cheerful,” especially in view may be one’s inward anguish.

Let him pray. The literal language is “let him keep on praying” (Present middle imperative). Prayer is mentioned five times in this book (James 1:1-7; 4:1-3; 5:13; 5:14-15; 5:17-18). God’s people are to be people of prayer (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). When one is facing trials, and is having trouble seeing how any good can come from such, such is especially a time that one should pray (James 1:2-5).

“Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13b).

The term “cheerful” could literally be rendered “well (or good) passion (or spirit).” It refers to one in “good mood”.

Let him sing psalms. The literal language is “let him keep on singing” (present active imperative). Just as one can and should pray outside the church assembly (Matthew 6:6; Acts 10:9; 16:25, etc.), even so, one can and should sing outside of the assembly (Acts 16:25). It is good to express praise and adoration to God by song.

Brother Guy Woods set forth the following suggestion. “It is not improbable that the ‘suffering’ one and the ‘cheerful’ one of this passage are the same person. That is, he who is suffering is to pray to the Father to lift his burden; and when it is gone, to be cheerful, and to express such in praise and worship” (ibid, p. 297).

 “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven (James 5:14-15).

The word sick means “to be weak, feeble” (Vine’s). The most literal meaning is “without strength” (“a” = negative; “sthenos” = strength).

First issue: How is the term “sick” being used? Does it refer to physical sickness? (See – Mattew 10:8; Mark 6:56; Luke 4:40; 7:10; John 7:7; Acts 9:37; 19:12; Philippians 2:26-27). Or, does it refer to spiritual sickness? (See – Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6). It seems most natural to understand this as physical sickness, because: (a) This is the primary or general usage of the term, and words should be thus understood unless there is evidence that such is not how the word is being used; (b) There is nothing in the context which will not allow the primary meaning.

Second Issue: What role does the oil play? Here are some common views.

(1) Some have suggested that the oil has reference to a substance used in miraculous healings. (a) Oil was used by the twelve in miraculous healings (Mark 3:13-15 cf. Mark 6:7, 12-13). (b) Other materials were also used [spit (Mark 8:23), clay/water (John 9:6-7), water (2 Kings 5; John 9)]. Brother Guy Woods, “Evidently, for a limited time, and for special purposes, God ordained that the foregoing instructions should be followed, and in every case the promise was realized. That it was not widely followed, or intended to be a universal practice during the apostolic age, follows from the fact that not infrequently saints were sick and often died (Acts 9:32-43; Philippians 2:19-30; 1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 4:1-8) … It seems quite clear … that the elders contemplated here were miraculously endowed … and were thus able to participate in miraculous acts of healing in the manner described” (ibid).

(2) Others have suggested that the anointing was done to refresh the ill. Brother Marion Fox, “The Jews would refrain from anointing themselves when they mourned or were fasting (2 Samuel 12:20; Matthew 6:16-17). This is probably the reason for the anointing in Jam. 5:14” (Fox, The Work of the Holy Spirit, vol. 1, p. 280). This view holds that the healing, whether miraculous or providential, came by prayer. The anointing was for refreshing (cf. Lk. 7:44-46). Note: “The phrase ‘anointing him’ is past tense, and stresses the fact that prayer follows anointing” (J.J. turner, The Book of James, p. 159).

(3) Oil was at times used as a common “home remedy” or medicine (Luke 10:34; Isaiah 1:6; Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11). Brother Goebel Music writes, “prayers of righteous men with the anointing with medical purpose . . . The medical properties of oil are extolled by Philo, Pliny, the great ancient natural historian, and Galen, one of the great ancient physicians. This word represents, as A.T. Robertson says in his word pictures, simply God and medicine” (Goebel Music, Book of James, Class Study Notes 1984). What about the universal sounding language? Brother Music replies, “As brother Lipscomb says on this, ‘I think he only meant to say that if the sick would send for the elders, and they would pray for them and anoint them with oil, those who could be cured at all would be cured in this way.’ Not all will be cured regardless of prayer or medical treatment. Yet prayer plus medical treatment may cure many as then” (ibid). Rubel Shelly writes, “Is this passage applicable today? Certainly. Elders in the Lord’s church are to pray over (I.E. in behalf of) the sick and do what they can in administering to the patient’s needs” (Shelly, What Christian Living is All About: Studies in James, p. 114).  This view understands the anointing to refer to medicine or physical care, and the prayer to refer to providential reliance on God. I, personally, lean toward this view.

Looking again at verse 15b. Not all sickness is a result of personal sins. However, if there be sin in one’s life this is a great time to deal with such. One brother wrote, “In times of sickness one may be led to reflect on the fact that he has rejected God in his healthier times, and cause him to confess those sins and seek forgiveness” (Rubel Shelly, What Christian Living is All About: Studies in James, p. 114).

Application

In life we should not forget to —

1. Pray to God.

2. Sing to God.

3. Let your brethren know you need help.

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The Providence Of God

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The Providence of God refers to God’s working in this world through natural laws. It should be viewed as distinct from a miracle which is God’s super-natural working.

Here are some examples of the difference: (1) Mary’s virgin conception (Matthew 1:23-25) and Sarah’s conceiving post-menopause (cf. Genesis 18:11) are examples of miracles. Hannah’s conception is an example of God’s providence (1 Samuel 1:19-20). (2) Jesus’ feeding the 5000 with five barley loaves and two small fish is an example of a miracle (Jn. 6). Praying for food (Matthew 6:11) and working (2 Thessalonians 3:10) would be trusting in God’s providence. (3) The ram in the thicket (Genesis 22:13-14) is an example of God’s providence. If God had made such appear out of the dust of the ground such would have been a miracle.

 God’s providence may be divided into two categories. (1) God’s general providence for all of humanity (Matthew 5:45; Colossians 1:17). (2) God’s special providence in caring for His people (Matthew 6:31, 33) and answering prayer (James 5:17-18; 3 John 2).

There is a difficulty in identifying God’s providence. Providence is of such a nature that all one can say is “perhaps”, or “who knows” (Philemon 15-16; Esther 4:14). One can never know for sure, unless God has revealed such.

Fortunately, God has revealed in scripture some of His providential involvement in the affairs of men. Let us notice ….

Some Examples

1. Joseph.

 The record should be familiar to Bible students. Joseph saved the Israelites during a great famine (Genesis 37-50).

How is it that Joseph was able to do this? (1) Joseph was able to do this because of his high position in Egypt. (a) How did he come to this high position? Pharaoh appointed him. (b) Why did Pharaoh appoint him? He was appointed because in him was the spirit of God. (c) How did Pharaoh know the spirit of God was in him? Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream. (d) How did Pharaoh know of Joseph? Joseph had met the Pharaoh’s butler in prison. The butler was released. The butler told Pharaoh that Joseph could interpret dreams. (e) How did Joseph meet the butler? Both were in prison. Joseph was in prison due to a false charge of attempted rape of Potiphar’s wife (Potiphar was Joseph’s master). Moreover, Joseph was a trustee in the prison. (f) How did Joseph come to be owned by Potiphar? Potiphar bought Joseph from some Ishmaelite traders. Thus Joseph came to Egypt. (2) Joseph was able to save his brethren, because he was in Egypt. (a) Why was he in Egypt? Some Ishmaelite traders took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar. (b) How did the Ishmaelite traders come to possess him? Joseph’s own brothers sold him to them. (b) Why did they do this? They were jealous of him. Moreover, there were those dreams he had.

Make no mistake, God was providentially at work. Joseph credited God saying to his brothers “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order … to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

Brother Roy Deaver correctly said, “Only twice in the entire story was there direct, miraculous involvement of God: (1) When God gave Joseph power to interpret the dreams of the butler and the baker, and (2) When God gave Joseph power to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh” (Power Lectures: The Providence of God, p. 123).

2. Feast Days.

“Three times in the year all your men shall appear before the Lord, The Lord God of Israel. For I will cast out the nations before you … neither will any man covet your land when you go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in a year” (Exodus 34:23-24).

This would be the perfect occasion for an enemy nation to invade, when all the men are removed from the land on a religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem. However, consider the words of Thomas H. Horne—“It is a well-known fact, that the Jews constantly attended these ceremonies without any fear of danger, and their most vigilant enemies never invaded them during the sacred season” (Wayne Jackson, A Study of the Providences of God, p. 10). Adam Clark wrote, “What a manifest proof of the power and particular providence of God. How easy would it have been for the surrounding nations to have taken possession of the whole Israelitish land, … when there was none to protect them but women and children! (ibid).

3. Paul.

Paul desired and prayed to be able to go to Rome (Romans 1:9-10). He did make it to Rome, years later (Acts 28:16).

What a journey he had! (1) He was taken into custody for his own good (Acts 21). (2) A plot to kill him failed (Acts 23). (3) He could have been released but, Felix’s greed and politics (Acts 24), and Festus’ naivety caused him to appeal to Caesar (Acts 26). He was preserved through a fierce storm (Acts 27).

God’s providence was what brought him to Rome (Acts 23:11; 27:23-25). Paul was not alone in all of this. God was with him.

4. Us.

It is important for us to remember that God is in control. He has promised us His providence in meeting our earthly needs (Mt. 6:31, 33). He has assured us His providence in the spiritual realm (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Though, we cannot always see the bigger picture, we should trust in him. His providence extends even to the nations (Acts 17:24-26; Daniel 4:17).

Furthermore, even seemingly bad experiences in life, He could be using for good. (1) Joseph’s brothers meant evil, but God used their deeds to accomplish good (Genesis 50:20). (2) God used the injustice against Paul to bring him to Rome and provide opportunity to influence many (Philippians 1:13; 4:22). He was set in place to defend the gospel (Philippians 1:17).

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Forgive and Forget

Posted on July 6, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“Forgive and forget,” we are told. These words are repeated as if they are a direct quotation from the Bible.

More than once, I have heard someone say, “I forgive but sometimes I have a difficult time forgetting.” Willie Nelson sings “Forgiving you was easy/But forgetting seems to take the longest time.” Should one feel guilty if he has not forgotten? Are forgiving and forgetting things which necessarily go together? Is one commanded to forget? What does the Bible say?

First of all, let us not confuse the idea of forgiving and forgetting (in an absolute sense). (a) There is a sense in which God does not remember sins (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17). The context concerns the forgiveness offered through the blood of Christ. No yearly sacrifice is required (Hebrews 10:1-4). Sin is fully removed. Guilt is gone before God. One has pardon. (b) However, God does not in the absolute sense forget. David’s sin with Bathsheba is mentioned after he was forgiven (1 Kings 15:5 cf. 2 Samuel 12:13-14). Peter’s sins and Paul’s also are pointed out after they were forgiven (Matthew 27:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27; Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-2; Galatians 2:11-ff). These sins are recorded by inspiration to teach, warn and encourage (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11-12; 1 Timothy 1:15).

Second, the brains capacity to remember is amazing. The memory capacity is estimated at “2.5 petabytes (or million-gigabytes). For comparison if the brain worked like a digital video recorder in a television, 2.5 petabytes would be enough to hold three million hours of T.V. shows. You would have to leave the T.V. running continuously for 300 years to use up the storage” (scientificamerican.com/articlecfm?id=what-is-the-memory-capacity). “It has been argued that we have enough space in our LTM (Long Term Memory) to memorize every phone number in the U.S. and still function normally in terms of remembering what we do now” (allpsych.com/psychology.101/memory). Unlike a computer, one cannot simply hit delete. “There are many reasons we forget … some information never makes it to the LTM … other reasons include decay, which means that information that is not used for an extended period of time decays or fades … it is possible that we are physiologically programmed to eventually erase data that no longer appears pertinent to us … failing to remember something doesn’t mean the information is gone forever though. This could be caused by distractions going on around us or possibly due to error of association. There is the phenomenon of repression which means we purposely (albeit subconsciously) push a memory out of reach because we do not want to remember the associated feelings. This is often cited where adults ‘forget’ incidences of sexual abuse when they were children. And finally, amnesia, which can be psychological or physiological in origin” (ibid). Note: I do not know whether the above statements are entirely accurate. However, I do know that in a normal healthy brain forgetting is not as easy as some might think. It is not as easy as pressing a delete button (though, even in doing this, such is not really gone).

Third, forgiveness does not necessarily remove consequences (cf. 2 Samuel 12:10-14; Acts 26:11; Philemon). A drunk, a fornicator, a drug addict, a thief, a murderer, etc.—may be forgiven and yet still face health issues or criminal punishment.

A child molester may be forgiven. Yet, it would be foolish to entrust him with a class of children by himself. Think of the appearance (2 Corinthians 8:21). Think of the potential temptation you would be placing that man (Matthew 6:13; Romans 14:21).

An embezzler (such as Bernie Madoff or Charles Ponzi) could repent and be forgiven. However, would you make them the church treasurer? I wouldn’t for the very reasons provided in the previous paragraph.

The Bible does not teach that we are required to forget. In some cases it would be foolish to completely forget. I do not think one should feel guilty for remembering.

The Bible does require that we forgive (Matthew 6:12, 14-15; atthew 18:21-35; Luke 17:3-4; Ephesians 4:32; Col. 3:13). When someone says, “I will forgive, but I won’t forget,” it is possible that what he means is “I will say, ‘I forgive’ – but will not really forgive.” Here is a test to help see if one has truly forgiven— (1) Do I fellowship the one who has repented? (2) Do I avoid them, seeing only when I must? (3) Do I meditate upon the wrongdoing? (4) Does it eat at me? (5) Do I secretly enjoy hearing about their misfortunes? (Note: This should not be the case, even when one has not repented (cf. Proverbs 24:17-18; 1 Corinthians 13).

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Drawing Power

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Meister Eckhart (1260-1327) was an influential preacher in Germany. He once preached a sermon on the three things which should draw one to Christ. Let us notice his three points….

1. His fellow likeness to us.

He experienced life, its joys, and its hardships and sorrows. “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He went through all that we do. He did such for us. He grew hungry (Matthew 4:2), thirsty (John 4:6-7, 19-28), weary (John 4:6), and even needed sleep (Mark 4:38).

2. He emptied himself.

“Who being in the form of God … made himself of no reputation (emptied himself – ASV, NASB), taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:6-8). The original word translated “no reputation” or “emptied,” means “to empty, to make empty, … to make void, i.e., deprive of force, … to make void, i.e., to cause to be seen as empty” (Thayer). He humbled himself for our sakes.

3. The glowing heat of his love.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this, Than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Again he said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to myself” (John 12:32). The lifting up refers to his death on the cross. He draws all men to himself by means of the cross. His death was for all (Hebrews 2:9).

If these three things do not draw you to Christ, then nothing else will. True followers are drawn by these things. It is not about being entertained at the assembly. It is not about eating and socializing. It is about being taught and convicted by the facts of the Gospel. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him … it is written in the prophets, ‘And they all shall be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me” (John 6:44-45). There is not a drawing to Christ, without teaching. The facts of the Gospel taught is the drawing power.

 

 

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Two Women

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The book of Proverbs describes two women.  One is the immoral woman, the temptress, the seductress (Proverbs 2:16; 5:3; 5:20; 6:24; 7:5; 20:16; 22:14; 23:27; 27:13).  Her lips drip with honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood” (Proverbs 5:3-4).  “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids” (Proverbs 6:25).  “Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths” (Proverbs 7:25).  “The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there” (Proverbs 22:14).  “She lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men” (Proverbs 23:28).

 The other is wisdom (notice how wisdom is depicted as a female – Proverbs 1:20-27; 2:1-5; 8:1-6; 9:1-6; etc.).  She cries out, ‘Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things.  For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.  All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them” (Proverbs 8:6-8).   “…Receive my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold” (Proverbs 8:10).  “…Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.  My fruit is better than gold, yes than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver” (Proverbs 8:18-19).  “… Whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 8:35).  She is said to be “better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her” (Proverbs 8:11).  Robert Morey has commented, “Wisdom in Proverbs is ‘seeing life from God’s perspective’” (How to Answer a Jehovah’s Witness, p. 20).

The two women represent two manners of life, both vying for affection.  One represents a life contrary to God.  The other represents a life which fears and follows the LORD (cf. Proverbs 1:7; 3:7; 9:10; 15:33).  Which will you choose?

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Foreknowledge, Predestination, and Election

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

In earlier lessons, we defined these words, and individually considered these words from New Testament passages that use these words.  However, for simplicity sake, we did not consider those passages in which more than one of these words appear.

In this lesson, we will consider those passages in which more than one of these words appear.  Since we will not restate all that has been previously said, reviewing the previous three lessons may be helpful.

Romans 8:29-30

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to conform to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (v. 29).

The word “for” takes one back to the previous verse.  Those “who He foreknew” are “those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (v. 28).  God’s purpose is to call man to salvation by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).  Those who love God obey Him (John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 1 John 5:2-3).

The word “foreknew” simply means “before knew”.  The term “know” frequently means “to approve of” or “fellowship” (1 John 1:6 cf. 2:4; 1 John 1:7 cf. 2:3; Matthew 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 8:3).  Roy Deaver commented, “‘Foreknow’ signifies that in His purpose (in His mind) God looked down through the ages and considered those characters (the kind of persons) He would approve” (Deaver, Romans, God’s Plan For Man’s Righteousness, p. 297).

Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified (v. 30).

Roy Deaver commented, “God planned to extend the invitation (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15)… To those who would accept the invitation, God purposed to grant justification – complete forgiveness of sins… to those… God purposed (in His mind, in Eternity) to grant ultimately the glorification – the glory that shall be revealed” (ibid, p. 299).

He predestined such to conform to the image of His Son.  “The image of His Son” is a reference to the Son’s glorified existence (cf. Romans 8:17:30; 1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:20-21).  Roy Deaver commented, “God foreordained (appointed) that certain ones would ultimately share the glory of His Son.  Which ones?  Those whom He would approve.  All this took place in the mind of God – in His purpose (ibid, p. 299).

Note: J.W. McGarvey understood the word “foreknew” differently, commenting – “Before man was created God foresaw his fall, and designed the gospel for his redemption; this fact is well attested by scripture (Romans 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:8; 3:9; Colossians 1:25-26).  In those times eternal, man, the gospel, justification, etc., existed only in the purpose of God; and it is of these times and conditions that the apostle speaks, showing how God foreknew that a certain class yet to be born would accept of a salvation yet to be provided through the terms of the gospel yet to be made actual.  As to this class he foreordained, or foredecreed that they should after the resurrection bear the image or likeness of his Son” (Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, pp. 366-367).

Ephesians 1:4-5, 11

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (v. 4).

God’s selection is “in Him”.  Such is where He has chosen to locate “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3), “redemption” (Ephesians 1:7), “an inheritance” (Ephesians 1:11), “grace” (2 Timothy 2:1), “salvation” (2 Timothy 2:10), and “eternal life” (1 John 5:11).  Man gets into Christ by baptism (Galatians 3:26-29).

This plan is no afterthought.  It is no late coming plan.  It goes back before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4 cf. Luke 11:50-51; John 17:5, 24).  It is according to His “eternal purpose” (Ephesians 3:11).

The aim is that we should be holy and without blame before Him (Ephesians 1:4 cf. 5:25-27).  Moreover, He wants us to conduct ourselves in love (Ephesians 1:4; 1:15; 3:17; 4:1-2; 4:15-16; 5:2; 5:25; 5:28; 6:23-24).  Note: Remember, it is up to us to make our call and election sure (2 Peter 1:5-7, 10-11).

“having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will” (v. 5).

Even though, man through sin had become “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3), God preplanned a way for us to be His sons, through Jesus Christ.  Note: The term translated “adoption” (huiothesia) literally refers to “a standing as son”.  Vine’s commented, “God does not ‘adopt’ believers as children; they are begotten…”  It refers to sonship with all of its privileges (cf. Ephesians 1:11).  T. Pierce Brown has written, “The point I am making is that huiothesia NEVER refers, as far as we can tell, to COMING INTO THE FAMILY… IT ALWAYS refers to the standing or position of a son who has the rights and privileges (of such B.H.)” – (Brown, article Born or Adopted?”).  John exclaimed, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

“In He also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him, who works all things according to the counsel of His will that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory” (v. 11-12). 

God marked out before that the inheritance  would be in Christ.  In truth, that is where “ever spiritual blessing” is located (Ephesians 1:3).  This is where sonship, and its benefits are (Galatians 3:26-29).

1 Peter 1:2

“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (v. 2).

God chose them.  Keep in mind that man, according to Peter, has much to do with his election (2 Peter 1:5-7, 10-11).  Marshall Keeble used to say: (1) God voted for you.  He wants to save you.  (2) Satan voted against you.  (3) It is up to you to cast the deciding vote in your election.   While this isn’t exactly how the term is used, it does express a Biblical truth.  Note: They had purified their souls by obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:22).

It seems to me there is a reason that the term “elect” was used in this verse.  They were being called the Israel of God (1 Peter 2:9 cf. Deuteronomy 14:2).  There was a promised land awaiting (2 Peter 1:10-11).

This election was according to the foreknowledge of God.  A form of the same word is translated “foreordained” by many translations in 1 Peter 1:20.  Connect these two passages.  The point is God’s selection was according to His preplanning (1 Peter 1:10-11; 1:18-20).  (1) The Father planned it (1 Peter 1:2 cf. 1:3-5).  (2) The Spirit revealed the plan for our sanctification (1 Peter 1:2 cf. 1:10-12).  (3) Jesus gave His blood for our salvation (1 Peter 1:2 cf. 1:6-9; 1:18-21).

We close with these words – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

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Election

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The word “elect” (chosen) is used, in some form, nearly thirty times, to refer to the saved or God’s saving man (Matthew 20:16; 22:14; 24:22; 24:24; 24:31; Mark 13:20; 13:20; 13:22; 13:27; Luke 18:7; Romans 8:33; 11:5; 11:7; 11:28; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1; James 2:5; 1 Peter 1:2; 2:9; 5:11; 2 Peter 1:10; 2 John 1:1; 1:13; Revelation 17:14).  At times,  the word is connected with other words addressed in this series: “predestined” (Ephesians 1:4-5, 11); “foreknowledge” (1 Peter 1:2).  However, for simplicity sake, at this time we will consider some of the passages where the word is not joined with the other words (we will look at the passages where they appear together at a later time).

Definition

The most common word is eklego “to pick out” or eklektos “picked out”.

Another word is haireo “to take”.  Only one passage that we will consider is of this original word, and that passage is 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

2 Timothy 2:10

“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

The Calvinist assumes that election was entirely of God, arbitrary and without standards.  However, if this is so, why did Paul endure the things he did “that they also may obtain salvation”?

This passage is saying that Paul endure the things he did, so that man may be saved and receive eternal glory.  The term elect is either being used of: (1) Those who had been forgiven, but had not entered into heaven at this point, and thus needed to remain faithful, or (2) it is being used of those who will ultimately make it to heaven in the end.  Either way, Paul did what he did “that they…  may obtain salvation.”

A choice may be based on standards.  F. Furman Kearley illustrates: “Prospective parents who are in negotiation with an adoption agency for adopting a child often predetermine the characteristics that the child should meet.  Likewise, the adoption agency predetermines the characteristics the parents should meet.  Prospective parents can discuss these matters with the adoption agency and learn what their criteria are, and even work to develop their situation so as to meet those criteria.  Similarly, especially for older children, since good behavior is usually a desirable characteristic the adoption agency attempts to teach the children how to behave in a becoming manner” (Kearley, The Biblical Doctrine of Predestination, Foreordination, and Election, p. 9).  Another illustration: “A young Christian man or woman who is seeking a mate will likely predetermine that their mate should have certain characteristics and meet certain qualifications, especially in the spiritual realm” (ibid, p. 8).  One more illustration: The church at Jerusalem chose seven men to care for the daily distribution to the widows (Acts 6:5).  Yet, this choice was standard based (Acts 6:3).

2 Peter 1:10-11

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

This is a key verse in understanding election.  This was written to brethren (v. 10).  They had been cleansed from their old or former sins (v. 9).  Yet, they were instructed to “be diligent” (to exert one’s self, endeavor – Thayer) “to make your call and election sure” (v. 10 cf. v. 5).  They were told “if” (a conditional conjunction) “you do these things,” then you will make it into the everlasting kingdom (v. 10-11).  What things?  Watch the context, “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” (v. 5-7).  God’s election is standard based.  We have something to do with whether we are elected or not.  It is not entirely, and arbitrarily of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

“We are bound to give thanks to God always 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.”

Lynn Blair commented, “Paul was thankful for these brethren because they had been chosen to salvation.  How did God choose them?  Through two parts: God’s part (sanctification on 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).  Remember that sanctification comes through the truth of God`s word(John 17:17).  The Holy Spirit reveals this truth.  it is up to man to receive it (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).  Paul rejoiced that God chose to save these Gentiles.  His decision to do so was “from the beginning” (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:4; 3:5-6, 11).

There is another possibility.  Some manuscripts read “firstfruits” instead of “from the beginning.”  The English Standard Version reads, “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved…” If this be allowed, Kearley says, “The passage simply means that God chose, in His providence,  that the Thessalonians should be (among) the first to have opportunity to hear the Gospel in that area” (The Biblical Doctrine of Predestination, Foreordination, and Election, p. 11).

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Predestination

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The word “predestination” (foreordination ASV) appears in some form eight times, in reference to God’s dealings with man (Acts 4:27-28; Romans 8: 29; 8:30-9:23; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:5; 1:11; 2:10).  At times, the word is connected with other words, which we will also define at some point in this series: “foreknow” (Romans 8:29-30); “chosen” (Ephesians 1:4-5, 11).  However, for simplicity sake, now we will only consider those passages where the word is not joined with these other words.

Definition

The most common wording is proorizo, which literally means “to mark out beforehand.”  Thus, “to predetermine, or decide beforehand.”

The word in Romans 9:23 and Ephesians 2:10 is proetoimazo, which literally means “to prepare beforehand.”

Let us add the word tasso, which  refers to being “decided”, “appointed”, or “ordained”.  This word appears in Acts 13:48.  I did not include it in the list of words associated with God’s dealings with man.  However, we will consider it.

Acts 4:27-28

“Both Herod and Pontius Pilate,  with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.”

Prophecy (Acts 4:25-26 cf. Psalms 2:1-2), marked out before what the people would do with the Christ.  These things were according to God’s determined purpose to save man (Acts 2:23; 4:27-28; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Revelation 13:8).  Wayne Jackson commented, “one must remember this: Jehovah respects human free will.  He never forces men to do wicked things.  When they are so inclined, however, God can manipulate the circumstances and bring about His ultimate will” (Acts, p. 50).

Illustration: Joseph’s brethren sold him into slavery (Genesis 37).  God used this to put Joseph in place to accomplish good (Genesis 50:19-20).  Even so, it is in the case of Christ – God used man’s evil to accomplish salvation.

Illustration: God used Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon to punish Judah (Jeremiah 25:9).  Yet, His use of them did not mean that their conduct was approved(Jeremiah 25:12).  Even so, it is the case with Jesus’ death – God did not approve of the behavior of the people (Acts 2:36-38; 3:14-15, 19), but He did use such for salvation.

Acts 13:48

“Now when the gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.  And as many as had been appointed (NKJV/ordained KJV) to eternal life believed.”

The wording “had been appointed” is not the usual word rendered “predestined.”  The original word can carry the idea of “to dispose… to settle, decide” (The New Analytical Greek Lexicon, p. 402), or “to make disposition, to fix, to turn one’s gaze, to set one’s heart” (The Theological Dictionary of The New Testament, p. 1157).  The same original word appears in Acts 15:2 (determined) and 1 Corinthians 16:15 (devoted).

The context is essential to understanding this passage compare Acts 13:45 with 13:48

     Jews                                                                                                     Gentiles

Filled with envy                                                                                          Glad

Contradicting and  Blaspheming                                                               Glorified God

Judged themselves unworthy                                                                Appointed to  eternal life

Adam Clark commented, “(The world) carries no idea of pre-ordination or pre-destination of any kind.  What does the word mean?  The disposition of readiness of mind of several persons in the congregation, who possessed the reverse of the disposition of those Jews who spoke against those things” (p. 790).

Wayne Jackson commented, “The term ‘ordained’ means to arrange or, to set in order, to determine.  Here the word may be either passive form ‘were ordained,’ or middle form ‘determined themselves’ (Lenski, p. 552).  The context indicates that the latter is the case, because the Gentiles are set in contrast to the Jews who trust from themselves the message of salvation.  Knowling says, ‘there is no countenance here for the absolutum decretum of the Calvinist, since verse 46 had already shown that the Jews had acted through their own choice’ (p. 300)” (Jackson, The Acts of the Apostles, Wayne Jackson, pp. 161-162).

Note: We did not include this passage in our list in paragraph one, because this does not refer to God’s preordaining, but to man’s ordaining himself.

1 Corinthians 2 :7 

“We speak the wisdom of God… which God ordained before the ages for our glory.”

God, long ago, before time itself (Ephesians 3:11; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8), marked out a plan for our glory.  Glory refers to that blessed state to come (Phil. 3:20-21 cf. 1 John 3:1-2; Colossians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:14).

This plan of God had been hidden.  It was in time past a mystery (1 Corinthians 2:7; Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 3:3-6; Colossians 1:24-27).  The term “mystery” refers to God’s plan which could not be understood without revelation, and which in times past was not clearly revealed, but now has been revealed by the apostles and prophets (Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 3:3-6; Colossians 1:24-27).  The mystery of the ages is no longer a mystery.

Ephesians 2:10

“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we should walk in them.”

The words “prepared before” refer to the standard.  Foy Wallace Jr. commented, “prepared for Jews and Gentiles… one course of conduct” (Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians, p. 152).  David Lipscomb commented, “God prepared works in which his children should walk before he created them in Christ Jesus.  He who fails to live that life fails to fulfill the ends for which he was created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, p. 44).

Romans 9:23

“That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory.”

There are two ways to understand predestination.  F. Furman Kearley explains – “One model for understanding the concept of foreordination, predestination, and election may be called the ‘particularistic’ or ‘individual’ model.  In this model one predetermines… that he will bestow certain blessings upon some and certain curses upon others, regardless of what they do, determined solely upon arbitrary… factors (of which the individual knows nothing).  For example, a teacher might predetermine that all the students who enroll in a class will receive grades on a random basis having nothing to do with their performance in the class.  The teacher designates in his own mind that all who sit in the front row will receive A’s, all who sit in the second row will receive B’s, all who sit in the third and fourth rows C’s, all who sit in the fifth row will receive D’s, and all who sit in the sixth row will receive F’s.  The students, they know nothing of the teacher’s plan… anyone with a sense of fairness would immediately conclude the teacher’s system of grading was unfair.  This model would be still more limited if one envisions the teacher as having a list of students beforehand and simply, on the basis of going down the list, decided in advance what grade he would give each student.

“A second model… would be the ‘general’ model or ‘criteria’ model.  Under this model, which is basically the model all teachers use, one would determine what knowledge and what skills should be expected on the part of students.  It would be predetermined those who achieved this knowledge or these skills to better than 90% would receive an A, while those who develop them to better than 80% would receive a B, etc…  Then, when the students come to class, this teacher would attempt to communicate what the students were expected to know and the skills they were expected to develop, and would assist in growing and developing.  This latter model we recognize as a fair and just one” (Kearley, The Biblical Doctrine of Predestination, Foreordination and Election, pp. 7-9).

Certainly, this last model is the way God deals with man’s salvation.  He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  He “desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Note: The destiny of the vessel is determined by the quality of the clay.  Moreover, we have control over the quality (Romans 9 cf. Jeremiah 18:1-11, especially vv 8, 10, 11).  There is no implication of Calvinistic predestination found in this passage.

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