Thoughts of Francis Turretin

Manhattan Declaration - Partial Roundup

2009-11-29T14:52:00.008Z

Much has been said on the 'net regarding the Manhattan Declaration. This is a partial roundup, with my brief thoughts on the thoughts of others, in no particular order (though, perhaps, there is a generally newest-to-oldest bias):

1. William Watson Birch (Arminian) Birch unsurprisingly signed. He oddly wrote:

By holding hands with other followers of Christ in this endeavor, I am only committing myself to do what is right, not forming an alliance on doctrinal issues or of the proper understanding of the Gospel with others with whom I may disagree. We all may debate doctrinal issues with one another. But the one thing that is not up for debate is to "promote justice, to be faithful, and to live obediently before your God" (Micah 6:8 NET Bible).

Apparently for Birch the gospel is debatable, while the sense of Micah 6:8 is not.

2. Ronald di Giacomo (Reformed and Presbyterian) Mr. di Giacomo won't sign, but he's willing to respect the liberty of others to sign.

3. Daniel J. Phillips (Calvinistic Baptist) Mr. Philips won't sign because signing appears to compromise the gospel.

4. Alistair Begg (Calvinistic Baptist) Pastor Begg refuses to sign saying (among other things), "Are we wise to lay aside crucial historical differences of eternal significance so as to secure temporal advantages? George Smeaton, in his classic work on the atonement observes, “To convert one sinner from his way is an event of greater importance than the deliverance of a whole kingdom from temporal evil.”"

5. John MacArthur (Calvinistic Baptist) Pastor MacArthur refuses to sign, noting (among other things): "the document falls far short of identifying the one true and ultimate remedy for all of humanity’s moral ills: the gospel."

6. Brian Maclaren (Emergent) He doesn't particularly like the document because it's signed by old white males and it minimizes the things that are important to him. The word "gospel" naturally does not appear in his article.

7. Steve Camp (Calvinistic Baptist) He won't sign it because "It is nothing more than ECT (Evangelicals and Catholics Together) and Justice Sunday revisited."

8. Dr. James White (Reformed Baptist) He won't sign it, noting (among other interesting things): "Great damage has been done to the cause of Christ by those who have sought to promote the Kingdom by compromising the gospel, the only power given to the church that can change hearts, and hence change societies. "

9. Tim Challies (Calvinist Baptist) Challies won't sign, noting (in addition to large quotations from others): "It is good to speak of the gospel, but what does the term mean if used by Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox? Each has their own understanding of the term—the term that stands at the very heart of the faith. I just cannot see past this issue."

10. Albert Mohler (Calvinistic Baptist) He signed the declaration because he "believe[s] we are facing an inevitable and culture-determining decision on the three issues centrally identified in this statement." However, he insists:

My beliefs concerning the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox churches have not changed. The Roman Catholic Church teaches doctrines that I find both unbiblical and abhorrent -- and these doctrines define nothing less than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But The Manhattan Declaration does not attempt to establish common ground on these doctrines. We remain who we are, and we concede no doctrinal ground.

11. Mark aka johnMark (Reformed and Southern Baptist) Mark will not sign and explains, "If these “ecclesial” lines can line up together in the Gospel without confusion then this statement and the others make sense. If not, where does the real agreement lie? My vote based on the way the MD is written brings confusion rather than clarity."

12. T at First Word (Reformed and Presbyterian) He opposes the declaration and adds: "I would only add, that if the particular points of this manifesto are all they could come up with, then why not become even more ecumenical and invite like-minded Unitarians and atheists? True, they sign it “as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” but that comes at the end of the short statement, there is no attempt to show implication, and they are not signing it as authorized agents of the representative church of any of their branches."

13. L P Cruz (Lutheran) He mischaracterize's Dr. White's and Pastor Macarthur's reasons for not signing, but would prefer not to sign because it would label him an "Evangelical."

14. Kevin DeYoung (RCA) Mr. DeYoung wishes he hadn't signed it, but still abides by his decision. He thinks: "The debate is about whether The Manhattan Declaration implies that there are no essential core-gospel differences among us. After reading the criticisms that have come out I understand how the Declaration could be seen as minimizing our differences. I have great respect for those who read the document in that way. But I still think the Declaration can be read as a statement that simply says “We all as individuals stand in the tradition of Nicene Christianity and we speak together on these three crucial issues of our day.”"

15. Doug Wilson (CREC) Says he applauds the document, but cannot sign it. He does not cite doctrinal reasons, but strategic reasons:

The second strategic concern has to do with the actual deployment of the gospel (if I may speak that way), as distinct from mere abstract definitions of it. The only way our nation is going to be saved is if preachers of the gospel get out there and start preaching it in a way that calls this nation to true repentance and sincere faith in Jesus Christ. In order for that to happen, the gospel that we train young men to preach must be studied, lived, taught, defined, and preached. If we want the Word to cut between joint and marrow, then our task should be one of sharpening, not dulling and blunting. Please note that the concern here is not how accurate a man must be in his understanding of the gospel to be saved (an interesting doctrinal question), but rather how much anointed precision must come upon the preaching of the gospel such that a preacher becomes an effective servant in a day such as ours. This is the strategic question.

16. Jason Engwer (Reformed, I think) He thinks it is "a mostly good document that probably will do more good than harm."

17. Steve Hays (Reformed) He thinks: "The basic problem with the Manhattan Declaration is that it has more than one target audience. As the document itself says, the framers are speaking both “to and from” their respective faith “communities.”"

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 29

2009-11-29T12:00:00.001Z

This segment provides the references to thanksgiving in Revelation. There are three such references. It is interesting to note that in each case the twenty-four elders are involved in giving thanks to God.

In the first passage the elders give the thanks together with glory and honour - they also ascribe power to God. Technically, the four beasts are explicitly described as giving thanks, but it should be clear from the context that the elders are joining in with the beasts. In the second passage the elders give not only thanks, glory, and honour to God but also ascribe wisdom, and power, and might to him. In the third passage the elders give thanks to God for having power and reigning.

These passages should remind us that our thanksgiving should never cease - not only in this life, but in the life to come as well.

Revelation 4:6-11
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 7:9-12
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 11:15-17
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

Regeneration - Baptism - Circumcision

2009-11-28T21:12:00.004Z

In a recent post responding to some comments from R. Scott Clark, Dr. White states:

In the same way, once we see that fulfillment of circumcision in the New Covenant is regeneration, not baptism, the consistency of the biblical revelation is seen.

(source)

I have heard Dr. White make this claim repeatedly, but it seems odd to me for two reasons:

1) The claim from his Presbyterian brethren is not that baptism is the fulfillment of circumcision, but that it is the replacement. The unbloody sign of baptism replaces the bloody sign of circumcision (just as the unbloody Lord's Supper replaces the bloody Passover).

2) Regeneration is the the thing symbolized by both Circumcision and Baptism. I guess one could call it the "fulfillment" of the sign, but it is properly speaking the antitype of which both circumcision and baptism are the type. Both the type and the antitype coexisted in the Old Testament, and there was an incomplete overlap then as now. For example, Abraham believed (demonstrating regeneration) before he was circumcised, whereas we can question whether Ishmael ever believed - yet he was circumcised.

So, I find Dr. White's claim puzzling. It doesn't make sense to me to say that "fulfillment of circumcision in the New Covenant is regeneration" because on the one hand it would be more appropriate to say "fulfillment of circumcision in the Old Covenant was regeneration" or on the other hand "fulfillment of baptism in the New Covenant is regeneration."

-TurretinFan

Is Jesus' Divinity Clearly Revealed in Scripture?

2009-11-28T19:45:00.003Z

Over in the ever-growing comment box at Called to Communion (a Roman Catholic blog), there is at least one man, Mr. Ciatoris, who is trying to argue that the Scriptures do not clearly teach that Jesus is God. (link to the comment box in question)

John Cassian (lived about A.D. 360 – 435) thought differently:

As we have finished three books with the most certain and the most valuable witnesses, whose truth is substantiated not only by human but also by Divine evidences, they would abundantly suffice to prove our case by Divine authority, especially as the Divine authority of the case itself would be enough for this. But still as the whole mass of the sacred Scriptures is full of these evidences, and where there are so many witnesses, there are so many opinions to be urged— nay where Holy Scripture itself gives its witness so to speak with one Divine mouth— we have thought it well to add some others still, not from any need of confirmation, but because of the supply of material at our disposal; so that anything which might be unnecessary for purposes of defense, might be useful by way of ornamentation. Therefore since in the earlier books we proved the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ while He was in the flesh by the evidence not only of prophets and apostles, but of evangelists and angels as well, let us now show that He who was born in the flesh was God even before His Incarnation; that you may understand by the harmony and concord of the evidences from the sacred Scriptures, that you ought to believe that at His birth in the body He was both God and man, who before His birth was only God, and that He who after He had been brought forth by the Virgin in the body was God, was before His birth from the Virgin, God the Word.

- John Cassian, On the Incarnation, Book IV, Chapter 1

John Cassian goes on to give this as his first example:

Learn then first of all from the Apostle the teacher of the whole world, that He who is without beginning, God, the Son of God, became the Son of man at the end of the world, i.e., in the fullness of the times. For he says: "But when the fullness of the times had come, God sent His Son, made of a woman, made under the law." [Galatians 4:4] Tell me then, before the Lord Jesus Christ was born of His mother Mary, had God a Son or had He not? You cannot deny that He had, for never yet was there either a son without a father, or a father without a son: because as a son is so called with reference to a father, so is a father so named with reference to a son.

- John Cassian, On the Incarnation, Book IV, Chapter 1

After some discussion of the text, John Cassian states:

And so as it is clear from the above testimony that God sent His own Son, and that He who was ever the Son of God became the Son of man, let us see whether the same Apostle gives any other testimony of the same sort elsewhere, that the truth which is already clear enough in itself, may be rendered still more clear by the light of a twofold testimony. So then the same Apostle says: "God sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh." [Romans 8:3] You see that the Apostle certainly did not use these words by chance or at random, as he repeated what he had already said once— for indeed there could not be found in him chance or want of consideration as the fullness of Divine counsel and speech had taken up its abode in him.

- John Cassian, On the Incarnation, Book IV, Chapter 3

But even leaving aside the fact that Mr. Ciatoris has a different view of Scripture than the fathers did, one has to wonder how Mr. Ciatoris cannot clearly see the divinity of Christ in this verse:

John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Or in the comparison of Jesus' teachings here:

Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

With the practices here:

Mark 5:6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Scriptures do clearly teach the divinity of Christ, which is why they are sometimes accused of corruption by our Muslim opponents, who refuse to accept Jesus' claim to be the "I AM."

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

-TurretinFan

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 28

2009-11-28T12:00:00.001Z

This segment deals with thanksgiving in the catholic epistles, so called because they are universally directed. The only time some version of the English word "thank" shows up in these epistles is in 1 Peter 2.

In this passage, Peter is commanding servants (slaves, he means, of course) to obey not only their good masters but also their evil masters. He points out that what is worthy of thanks is when a slave suffers wrongfully because of his obedience of God in his conscience.

Peter mentions the example of Christ who suffered for wrong that he did not commit. It should be noted that Peter mentions that Christ bore in his body our sins. This is one of the many verses that help to establish the doctrine of the penal substitutionary atonement.

If servants who put up with bad masters are thankworthy, how much more Christ who bore the punishment due to our sins! Let us thank and praise Him!

1 Peter 2:17-24
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 27

2009-11-27T12:00:00.002Z

This post addresses the remaining mentions of thanks and thanksgiving in Paul's epistles. In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul comes close to one of those introductory thanksgivings we saw before. Paul essentially indirectly gives thanks for their salvation, attributing it solely to grace.

In 2 Corinthians 4, there is related mention of thanksgiving. Here, however, we note that Paul connects us giving thanks and God being glorified. Furthermore, the thanksgiving is motivated by the grace of God - his unmerited favor of us.

In the final passage, in 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul asks how enough thanks can be given to God for the Thessalonians - and that is even despite their imperfect faith! All of these relate to the same theme as the introductory passage: Paul's thanksgiving to God for the salvation of those to whom he preached.

2 Corinthians 1:8-12
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: but we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Corinthians 4:13-16
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10
But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 26

2009-11-26T15:00:00.001Z

This set of passages are focused on Paul's (counting Hebrews' as Paul's for simplicity's sake) commands explicit or implicit to give thanks.

The first passage is from Romans 14. This passage mentions that we are to give thanks when we eat. It does so implicitly by assuming that that those who eat give thanks.

The second passage, from 1 Timothy 4, makes the matter more specific. It explains that God has created food to be received with thanks. Furthermore, we are told that the thanksgiving sanctifies the food to us. This provides something of a rationale for the giving of thanks, which we would still do without a reason being provided, but much more so seeing the reason. When you eat, give thanks for the food and thereby render it appropriate for your consumption.

The next passage turns to another topic, namely the salvation of men. We have seen that Paul gives thanks to God for everyone's salvation in a previous segment. In 1 Timothy 2, Paul commands that we not only offer "supplications, prayers, [and] intercessions," but also "giving of thanks," for all men. This reinforces to us the fact that we have a duty to thank God when He answers our prayers of salvation for men. He is the one who changes the heart, and he deserves the thanks when men are saved.

The passage from Colossians 1 has a similar theme. We are to thank God not only for the salvation of others, but for our own salvation as well.

The remaining passages generally commend thanksgiving to us: we are to thank God "always for all things" (Ephesians 5); "in every thing" (Philippians 4; accompanying "whatsoever ye do in word or deed" (Colossians 3); and 1 Thessalonians 5); and "continually" (Hebrews 13). Lastly, two passages in Colossians similarly commend thanksgiving in general without more specific qualification.

Nevertheless, we can still learn additional information about thanksgiving from these passages. In the first of the Colossians passages, we see that thanksgiving abounds out of the root of Christ. Thanksgiving is the fruit of the root of Jesus. We are thankful because of Him.

Finally, the second of the Colossians passages links thanksgiving integrally with prayer. While, of course, there are other ways that we can give thanks (such as by singing psalms), our prayers should not omit thanksgiving. It is an important aspect of prayer to thank God. If possible, we should do so naturally, out of the root of gratitude in us. However, one may train this in oneself by making it a practice never to end one's prayer without thanking God for something, no matter how dire the situation. In this way, one will become accustomed to giving thanks to God unceasingly and it will become more natural.

Romans 14:1-9
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

1 Timothy 4:1-5
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 2:1-4
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Colossians 1:9-17
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Ephesians 5:1-21
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15-17
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Hebrew 13:12-16
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Colossians 2:6-7
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2-3
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

-TurretinFan

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 25

2009-11-25T15:00:00.001Z

Today's passages commend thanksgiving to us by way of negative example, namely the unthankfulness of the ungodly.

The first passage, from Romans, is a condemnation of men who do not worship God. They, in some sense, knew God, but they did not give him thanks. Instead, they worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator.

The second passage is similar. It describes certain men whom we should avoid as being, among many other things, unthankful. These are men who "hav[e] a form of godliness but deny[] the power thereof."

If we understand the power of God we should give thanks to Him. We should thank Him for his works of Creation and Providence and general, for his salvation of his elect, and for his mercies to us in particular. Such thanksgiving is a proper recognition of the power of God.

Romans 1:18-25
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

-TurretinFan

Unity vs. Disunity - Round 2

2009-11-25T14:27:00.003Z

Dr. White has responded (link to Dr. White's response) to some comments found at a Roman Catholic blog (link to source of comments).

Dr. White points out that Reformed Baptists worldwide are far more unified than Roman Catholics. He's right, of course. But he could have taken the matter further.

He's being far too fair to the Roman Catholics.

After all, the Roman Catholic approach is to contrast the unity within their sect to the unity among either "all other groups" or "all other groups of some particular category." They are not willing to compare themselves to Reformed Baptists (where they would lose the unity battle) but instead they try to compare themselves to a bundle of many different groups.

The Roman Catholic argument works for every group. Eastern Orthodoxy is far more unified than the collection of all groups that are not Eastern Orthodox. Anglicans are far more unified than the collection of all groups that are non-Anglican - or even all Protestants that are non-Anglican. And so on, and so forth. Reformed Baptists are more unified than all non-Reformed Baptists.

-TurretinFan

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 24

2009-11-24T15:00:00.001Z

In this segment we see the thanks given by Paul in his epistles. There are a few subcategories here.

Introduction Passages

The first subcategory is the largest group: the group of thanksgiving statements provided by Paul at the start of his epistles. Most of Paul's epistles have this form of introduction. Hebrews does not, which is one reason we might conclude that Hebrews is not one of Paul's epistles.

The introductory passages of thanksgiving themselves have an interesting theme. Paul is thanking God for the people to whom Paul is writing. Thus, for example, in the introduction to Romans, Paul thanks God for the Romans and for their faith. Paul thanking God for this is Paul giving God the credit for the faith of the Romans.

The same thing transpires in the introduction to 1 Corinthians. Paul thanks God for the Corinthians and for the things that they have received, especially the gifts of utterance and knowledge, by the grace of God.

Similarly, in the introduction to Ephesians, Paul says that he thanks God because he heard of the faith and love of the Ephesians. Likewise, Paul thanks God for the fellowship in the gospel that the Philippians had, in the introduction to that epistle. The introduction to Colossians is, on this point, almost identical to that to the Ephesians. Philemon's introduction similarly mentions, as the ground for giving God thanks, the believer's faith and love. Paul's introduction to 2 Timothy mentions the thanks Paul gives for Timothy's faith. In the first epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul expands the faith and love couplet seen in many of the other introductions to include hope as well. The introduction to the second epistle to the Thessalonians mentions faith and love again. Furthermore, in the fist Thessalonian epistle's introduction, Paul makes explicit mention of their election.

It is frequent in connection with these mentions of thanksgiving for the faith and love of the believers to mention the grace of God, the calling of God, and - as we've just seen, the election of God. The result is a completely monergistic view of salvation. Whatever good thing in the people, Paul thanks God for it. He effectively gives God the full credit for the faith, hope, and love of the believers, ascribing it to the work of God in them, as opposed to being the product of their good use of grace.

Another theme in the introductory passages is prayer. Generally, Paul connects giving thanks to God for the people with mentioning them in prayer. We too ought to do the same. When we hear of fellow believers, and of the work God has done in their lives, we ought to give thanks to God for this work of His. It God who brings men to faith and love, and we should thank and glorify God (not man) for this.

Notice as well the emphasis on Christ in these introductory passages. It is easy to miss this emphasis, because we tend to take it for granted that Paul is a Christian. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the thanks that Paul gives is connected with Christ: "in the gospel of his Son" (Romans); "the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians); "the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ" (Ephesians); "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians); "we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus" (Colossians); "thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus" (Philemon); "patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians); "the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians). It is a pervasive theme - it is always about Christ. The only exceptional passage is the introduction to 2 Timothy, but you would only have to look a verse or two before or a verse or two after to find Christ in the context.

Paul Thanking God for Grace to Believers

After the introductory passages, as the second sub-category, we have a group of passages in which Paul thanks God for grace to believers. In the passage from Romans 6, for example, Paul thanks God for taking the Romans who were servants of sin and making them servants of God by His grace. In the passage from 2 Corinthians 8, Paul thanks God for putting care in the heart of Titus.

The passages in 2 Corinthians 9 is a two-for-one. Not only does Paul give thanks for God's grace, but specifically the grace that gives good works and leads to bounty, which causes thanksgiving to God. Thus, not only is this an example of Paul giving thanks, but also a reminder that we ought to give thanks God for the good things we have received.

The 2 Thessalonians 2 passage is similar to the introductory passages. Paul gives thanks not simply that the Thessalonians believed, but that they were chosen to salvation through the gospel. If I may speak frankly, I am baffled how someone could read this passage and conclude that Paul is giving thanks either (1) that God chose them based on foreseen faith or (other?) merit; or (2) that God chose a way of salvation. It seems abundantly clear from the context that Paul is thanking God that the Thessalonians are differentiable from others, he ascribes that to the grace and election of God.

Finally, the 1 Thessalonians 2 passage shows Paul giving thanks to God for the way in which the Thessalonians received the gospel: namely as the word of God, not of man. If the distinction between believing and not were in the hands of man, it would seem to be odd for Paul to thank God for this. However, when we recognize that it is God who, by His Spirit, opens the eyes of the mind to see the divine nature of the message, Paul's thanksgiving makes sense.

Paul Thanking God for Blessings on Himself and Others

A third subcategory is Paul giving thanks to God for blessings on himself and others. In some sense this category is broad enough to encompass the first two sub-categories as well, but we will treat here those examples of such thanksgiving that do not fit neatly within the first two sub-categories.

The Romans 7 passage in this subcategory shows Paul giving thanks to God for deliverance from the body of death. I think that those Arminians and others who would seek some way around the plain sense of the thanksgiving in the previous two categories would have no problem (at first) reading this passage in its plain sense. They are willing to give God thanks for deliverance. But actually, one should note that this a freedom from bondage of the will. Paul is thanking God for delivering his will from bondage, something that then forces the Arminian to try to find some explanation (such as universal prevenient grace) to get around the fact that man is naturally unable to come to God. It is hard to get around, however, the plain statement that "in me ... there is no good thing."

In the 2 Corinthians 15 passage, Paul gives thanks to God for giving us the victory over death. This passage, acceptable to Arminians, defeats the Pelagian position in which men merit victory over death.

The 2 Corinthians 2 passage, however, returns us to a specifically monergistic view. Paul thanks God for causing us to triumph and for making our testimony a savour (or smell) of life to some and of death to others. It is God, not man, in Paul's view, that sets one man apart from another even though the same message is preached to all.

Finally, in 1 Timothy 1, Paul thanks God for giving him the ministry. While this example is less explicitly monergistic than some of the others, notice how Paul writes: "the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." As we've seen in the other examples, what Paul is doing is saying that his faith and love come from God who shows favor to him and gives him these good things.

Miscellaneous Thanksgiving

There are a few additional miscellaneous passages where Paul gives thanks. The first such passage is in Romans 6. There Paul gives thanks for Priscilla and Aquila. It may be ambiguous (in the Greek) as to whether Paul is giving thanks to them or to God. Assuming that (as it states in the English) Paul is giving thanks to them, it would seem to be about the only place where Paul gives thanks to men rather than to God.

The remaining three examples of Paul giving thanks come from 1 Corinthians. In the first chapter, Paul gives thanks to God that he did not baptize many of the Corinthians. This is an implicit reference to God's Providence. After all, it is by God's Providence that Paul only baptized a small number of the Corinthians. Notice as well, that Paul here mentions household baptism (I'll resist the urge to turn this into a paedobaptism argument). It is interesting to note, however, that Paul makes a distinction between being called to preach the gospel and being called to baptize. Many folks, focusing on the so-called "Great Commission" seem to view evangelism and baptizing as inextricably interconnected. Those of us evangelizing by the Internet are thankful that they are separable.

In the tenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions giving thanks, this time for food. We've seen that Jesus provided an example of giving thanks for food, and we will see this theme again in a later section as well. Here Paul notes that he should not be judged for the food for which he gives thanks to the true God, simply because someone else has used the food in sacrifice to a false god. However, for the sake of the conscience of the other person, if the food is identified as part of the communion of a false god, we should abstain from it.

The same principle applies to partaking in communion at an apostate church. Although we are permitted to eat bread and wine, if we are told that this is part of their worship we ought not to partake, for their conscience's sake, lest they believe that we willing take part in their idolatry.

In the final passage, Paul gives thanks for tongues. He thanks God that he speaks in tongues more than all the Corinthians. However, Paul also says he would rather speak five words that people can understand than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. The gift of speaking in foreign tongues was one of the most remarkable gifts of the Spirit that was given during the apostolic age: one that enabled the spread of the gospel to many lands. It is good to note that Paul does not attribute this gift in any way to himself or his own ability or faithfulness to God, but rather gives God thanks.

This passage also makes mention of thanksgiving as being a part of prayer. Note how Paul assumes that these languages will be used to give God thanks on the part of the person praying, which assumes that they contain rational content. Notice as well, the same theme that we noted above, namely that thanksgiving and prayer are interconnected.

Introduction Passages

Romans 1:7-10
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

1 Corinthians 1:1-8
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:15-23
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Philippians 1:3-7
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Colossians 1:3-8
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Philemon 1:4-6
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:3-5
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-10
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Paul Thanking God for Grace to Believers

Romans 6:14-23
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Corinthians 8:16-21
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; and not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

2 Corinthians 9:8-15
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-14
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:10-13
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: as ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Paul Thanking God for Blessings on Himself and Others

Romans 7:14-25
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

1 Timothy 1:12-14
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Miscellaneous Thanksgiving

Romans 16:3-4
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 1:9-17
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1 Corinthians 10:25-33
Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 14:13-19
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

-TurretinFan

Mark Shea on Me on Hitchens and Fry

2009-11-23T22:55:00.005Z

Mark Shea seems unhappy (link to his post). He states:

Speaking of weird partisanship, here's yet another Calvinist sitting in the peanut gallery and cheering on the atheists because they happen to be quarreling with Catholics. Better that God be blasphemed than that any slight pettiness of the 16th Century quarrel be abandoned for one second. We must have our priorities!

He's complaining because I posted a link to a debate in which a Roman Catholic archbishop and a Roman Catholic member of the British parliament got trounced in a debate with Hitchens and Fry (link to my previous post).

He didn't make the same complaint when I posted a link to a debate between Hitchens and Dinesh D'Souza (link to my previous post).

Perhaps that's because I had positive things to say about Dinesh's performance and negative things to say about the performance of Archbishop Onaiyekan. That is a bit odd, though, because I didn't see Shea complain when Patrick Madrid posted this same debate and said negative things about Archbishop Onaiyekan's performance (link to Madrid's post).

Shea mentions something about cheering from the peanut gallery, but frankly if you read my post, there isn't actually any "cheering" going on there. In fact, there was more cheering in the Dinesh post than in the Onaiyekan post.

What makes Shea's botched potshot more amusing is that so far no atheists have complained about "weird partisanship" because of my comments about Dinesh. Although, in fairness, Roman Catholic Dave Armstrong did mock me for my post saying something nice about Dinesh's performance (link to Dave Armstrong's mockery).

So, when I post a debate that went poorly for Rome, I get targeted by Shea while he leaves Madrid alone; meanwhile when I post a debate that goes well by a Roman Catholic debater I get targeted by Armstrong.

The moral of the story: you can't make folks with double standards happy.

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 23

2009-11-23T15:00:00.001Z

This segment addresses thanks in Acts. We've already looked at one passage in Acts where Paul thanks God for the food that he's about to eat. There are two other examples of thanks in Acts as well.

The first example is Tertullus' thanks of Felix - an attempt to flatter Felix and win him over so that Paul could be attacked. The second example is Paul giving thanks to God for the brethren who joined them on the journey to Rome.

The first example illustrates for us the fact that kings liked to be thanks for doing a good job governing. We are not to try to flatter God, but we ought to glorify and give him praise for his excellent governance of this world. While we may not always fully appreciate it, God governs the world well.

The second example further reminds us to give thanks to God for his providences, even those involving the "free" acts of men. Notice that Paul does not simply thank the brethren for joining him, but thanks God. This kind of thanks to God makes sense if we adopt a Calvinistic viewpoint of the free will of men, but not if we adopt a Libertarian view of freedom. If man is under God's providence, it makes sense to thank God for the actions of men. If man is autonomous, thanking God for men's actions makes no more sense than thanking your fellow man for a third man's actions.

Acts 24:1-9
And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying,

Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Acts 28:11-16
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

-TurretinFan

Response to the Manhattan Declaration

2009-11-23T14:11:00.007Z

Frank Turk has an interesting response to the Manhattan Declaration (link)(link to declaration). Unfortunately, for a few reasons, there a few points where I'd take a somewhat different tack. His biggest point is correct:

The declaration should be opposed because it obscures the gospel. The wording of the document is ecumenical. It uses expressions like "We, as Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Christians ..." and "It was Christians who combated the evil of slavery: Papal edicts in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries decried the practice of slavery and first excommunicated anyone involved in the slave trade ... ."

I should point out that the section on Religious Liberty is remarkably less objectionable than one might expect. The statement, "No one should be compelled to embrace any religion against his will, nor should persons of faith be forbidden to worship God according to the dictates of conscience or to express freely and publicly their deeply held religious convictions," for example, arguably does not leave room for Muslims, Jews, Oneness Pentecostals, or pagans to be covered.

In fact, however, I suspect that the understanding of the document by the other is broader and more relativistic than a strict reading of the document might suggest. As I've pointed out before, I'm not a pluralist.

But that's a minor objection. Much of the "main point" of the declaration is not objectionable:

1) Abortion, Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia are evils

2) Marriage between Man and Man or Woman and Woman is a perversion

3) Atheist Attempts to Persecute Christians for holding (1) and (2) are improper.

It is sad to see that a few prominent "evangelical" names have been attached to this gospel-obscuring document:

Dr. Wayne Grudem Research Professor of Theological and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary (Phoenix, AZ)

Rev. Tim Keller Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church (New York, NY)

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY)

Ravi Zacharias Founder and Chairman of the board, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (Norcross, GA)

Dr. Daniel Akin President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake Forest, NC)

Dr. Bryan Chapell President, Covenant Theological Seminary (St. Louis, MO)

Jim Daly President and CEO, Focus on the Family (Colorado Springs, CO)

Dr. James Dobson Founder, Focus on the Family (Colorado Springs, CO)

Dr. Michael Easley President Emeritus, Moody Bible Institute (Chicago, IL)

Rev. Jonathan Falwell Senior Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church (Lynchburg, VA)

-TurretinFan

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 22

2009-11-22T15:00:00.002Z

The final passage regarding thanksgiving from the gospels is from John's gospel on the occasion of the raising of Lazarus. Only John's gospel mentions the raising of Lazarus.

In this passage, Jesus thanks the Father for hearing Him. Jesus clarifies that He already knew that the Father had heard him, but said this for those standing by (and ultimately for those of us reading).

Lazarus was someone who Jesus loved as friend. Therefore, Jesus raised him from the dead. The Father heard the Son's request to raise Lazarus, because the Father loves the Son. This is an illustration for us of Jesus' mediatorial role.

Jesus loves his people and will raise them from the dead. He does this by sacrificing himself on their behalf. The Father accepts the Son's sacrifice, not because He must, but because he loves the Son. Thus, it is appropriate for Jesus to thank the Father for raising Lazarus.

We too, of course, should thank God for our regeneration, which is accomplished by the work of the Spirit on account of the merits of Christ, by the mercy of the Father to whom be the glory, now and forever.

John 11:39-44

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.

Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.

And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin.

Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 21

2009-11-21T15:00:00.002Z

In today's passage, there are two aspects of thanks. They are both, interestingly enough, about the thanks that it is not given.

The passage is a particularly famous passage, because it speaks about loving our enemies and about being merciful in judgment ("judge not"). Leaving aside the abuses of this text, let's consider its discussion of thanks.

The first example is if you "do good to them which do good to you." There is no thanks for this, because you are simply returning the favor that you are given. Similarly, if you "lend to them of whom ye hope to receive" you don't deserve thanks, because you're basically doing business, not helping someone out. Loving your enemies is the way to obtain their thanks, since you do not owe them your kindness.

The same is true, and more so, of us. We were the enemies of God and he showed favor (grace) to us. We ought to be thankful, because we did not deserve that favor. This is not (despite what some Arminians seem to think) a situation where God was kind toward those who were kind toward him. God is not returning a favor to us, nor is God hoping to get something back in return for the kindness he shows to us. He's not our lender, he's our Redeemer. Thus, we ought to be thankful.

The passage brings this out, because it says "ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." This is actually the second mention of thanks in the text. God is kind to those who are not thankful and who are evil. We ought to act likewise. Children act like their parents. We may deserve thanks from our enemies to whom we are kind, but we should not expect to receive thanks. When God blesses a wicked man with riches and a long life and he does not thank God, we realize this is commonplace. So, we should not be surprised when our own kindnesses to others are not thanked by our enemies.

I've also included a similar passage in Matthew. You will notice that in the Matthew account the more general word "reward" is used in place of "thanks," but the general teaching is the same. Notice how the kindness of God is illustrated in Matthew in giving rain (to water crops) both to God-fearers and God-haters.

Notice as well (by seeing the comparison of these passages) that this mercy of God is part of being "perfect" as the Father is "perfect." True love of our neighbor requires that be kind to our enemies - and in this way we imitate our Father, showing ourselves to be His children.

The final passage shown below, drives home the point that we are unable to deserve the thanks of God. Jesus uses the example of a servant that does what his master tells him to do. Such a servant is not deserving of the master's thanks, because he has simply done his duty. The same goes for us - even when we are at our most righteous, we are simply doing what God has required, and consequently cannot claim any merit in our actions. God doesn't need to thank us.

Luke 6:27-38
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Matthew 5:43-48
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Luke 17:7-10
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Unity or Disunity?

2009-11-21T11:52:00.004Z

I recently came across the following comment:

Protestant epistemology has lead to the creation of thousands upon thousands of divided Protestant sects that cannot come together and agree on a single point of doctrine. What is the source of that Protestant doctrinal chaos if it is not the doctrine of sola scriptura? Does the Baptist man I mentioned really believe anything different than the tens of millions of Protestants that also claim to believe that the Protestant Bible is the ONLY source of infallible authority for a Christian?

(source)

Did you notice something interesting? The claim is that all these "sects" (meaning denominations) cannot agree "on a single point of doctrine." But then we are essentially given two points of alleged agreement:

1) The Protestant Canon

2) Sola Scriptura

We could probably add other things as well, such as theism and a rejection of the fictions of the papacy and purgatory. In fact, there are a huge number of beliefs that are characteristic of virtually all (if not absolutely all) of this mass of supposedly dis-unified brethren.

The critic wants to have it both ways: he wants to claim that this huge mass of denominations can't agree on anything, and that they do agree on a couple things that the critic himself rejects. It's really not a fair criticism, but it is remarkable in how blatantly unfair it is!

-TurretinFan

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 20

2009-11-20T15:00:00.001Z

The following set of passages are some remaining examples of people giving thanks in the gospels. We've already seen Jesus giving thanks, but now we turn to others.

The first passage is the account of Anna the prophetess. She had been a widow for eighty-four years, after having been married for seven years. This extremely elderly lady had been fasting and praying in the temple. When Jesus was brought to her, she gave thanks to the Lord and testified of Jesus to all those in Jerusalem who were seeking redemption. We too should give thanks that Jesus has come, especially since we have been privileged to see this from our earliest years, rather than having to wait until we are over a century old to see the Messiah arrive.

The second passage records Jesus' healing of ten lepers. They all cried out for mercy from Jesus, and Jesus healed them, not immediately but as they were going to the priest as he had instructed. One of them noticed on the way that he had been healed and returned and thanked Jesus, and he was a Samaritan. We too should be thankful to God for the healing that we receive from our sins. It is important to ask God for mercy, as the lepers did, but it is also important to thank God for the good things He does.

The final passage is a parable that Jesus spoke. This is a parable against those who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous." Sadly, we see this sort of thing today in Roman Catholicism. The person trusting in himself is the Pharisee in this parable. He is not a Pelagian, for he thanks God that he is not like other men, but he is a semi-pelagian in that he views himself as actually and personally righteous in God's sight. This sort of thanks is an empty thanks. It is good to thank God, but the thanks of the person who trusts in himself that he is righteous is not praised by Jesus but condemned. Instead, the justified man is the one who says "God be merciful to me a sinner," recognizing his actual sinfulness before God and begging for mercy. That is what "Kyrie Eleison" ("Lord have mercy") embedded in so many old liturgies, is designed to remind one of - even in churches that have lost track of its meaning. Humble yourself, recognize your actual sinfulness, and trust in Christ alone for salvation, and God will impute Christ's righteousness to you.

Luke 2:36-38

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 17:11-19

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Luke 18:9-14
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

New American Bible on 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

2009-11-20T14:16:00.003Z

The text of 1 Cor 3:15 has sometimes been used to support the notion of purgatory, though it does not envisage this.

- New American Bible, 1 Corinthians 3, Footnote 8, at 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, Vatican's On-Line Edition (link)(same note at USCCB site)

The New American Bible is a Roman Catholic translation, published under the authority of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 19

2009-11-19T15:00:00.001Z

Today's segment addresses the many verses in which Jesus and Paul give thanks before eating. We, Jesus' disciples as Paul was, do the same when we eat.

The first account below is the feeding of the 4,000 (together with a synoptic account of this feeding). The second account is the feeding of the 5,000 (with a verse referring back to the occasion of the feeding of the 5,000 serving as the fourth passage in this group). These two feedings are similar in many ways, and it would be easy for someone to imagine that they were the same event, except that there are some differences in the details (a different number of people, a different source of food, and a different amount of leftover fragments). In point of fact, we are assuming that the synoptic account of the feeding of the 4,000 is simply a synoptic account, though it could possibly be a third feeding. I think practically all commentators would agree that Matthew and Mark are talking about the same account, but the feeding of the 5,000 should remind us of the fact that Jesus did many things, and it is possible for Jesus to perform quite similar miracles on more than one occasion.

The next group of passages are accounts of the last supper. The giving of thanks at the last supper is the etymological basis for calling the Lord's Supper the "Eucharist," namely because it involves giving thanks to God.

The account of the Lord's supper is found in the three synoptic gospels, but not in John's gospel (which may be surprising to those who would expect John to continue a theme that they thought he was developing in John 6). It is, however, also found in the first epistle to the Corinthians. I have included all four accounts.

The final two passages are examples of Paul either giving thanks for a meal himself (as in the first instance) or presuming that others will do the same (in the second instance).

The force of these passages does not provide an explicit command that we thank God for our food before we eat, but it does provide a strong argument for such a practice. It is right and proper for us to be thankful for our daily bread, and we are provided with admonition to request our daily bread from God (in the so-called Lord's Prayer). This is why we Christians thank God for our food with prayer to Him at the breaking of bread or whenever we eat a meal. It is also why we especially give thanks when we eat the memorial feast of the sacrifice of Christ. Thus, for us, every meal should involve some thanksgiving, with special thanksgiving feasts, and most of all the Lord's Supper, being times of exceeding thanks.

Matthew 15:29-39
And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye?

And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

Mark 8:1-10
In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: and if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away. And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

John 6:1-17
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

John 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

Matthew 26:26-30

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Mark 14:22-26
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Luke 22:14-20
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Acts 27:33-38
And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Navarre Bible on 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

2009-11-19T01:14:00.002Z

We cannot be sure that St Paul is here referring to purgatory; but it is quite in order to interpret “he will be saved, but only as through fire” in that sense.

- Navarre Bible, Saint Paul's letters to the Corinthians, p. 47 (2005)

The Navarre Bible is a production of Opus Dei and features commentary compiled by the faculty of the University of Navarre. It's not necessarily more or less official than some of the competing study bibles.

Bellarmine on 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

2009-11-19T00:25:00.004Z

The following are some thoughts of Robert Francis Romulus Bellarmine (Robert Bellarmine was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930, and declared a Doctor of the Universal Church in 1931.) on 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. I don't present this as though it is the only thing that Roman Catholics have ever said about this, nor as something I would endorse (I don't endorse it). Instead, this is presented as an example of Roman Catholic scholarship that rejects the typical "pop apologetics" arguments for Purgatory.

The translation below is by Charles Hastings Collette and is taken from Bellarmine, On Purgatory (volume 2 - of his works, I believe), Book 1, Chapter 4 (and following?).

The difficulties of this passage are five in number.

1. What is understood by the builders?
2. What is understood by gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and stubble?
3. What is understood by the day of the Lord?
4. What is understood by the fire, of which it is said that in the day of the Lord it shall prove every one’s work?
5. What is understood by the fire, of which it is said, he shall be saved, yet so as by fire?

When these things are explained the passage will be clear.

The first difficulty, therefore, is, who are the architects who build upon the foundation? Augustine, in his book on faith and works, chapter 16th and elsewhere, thinks that all Christians are here called by the apostle architects, and that all build upon the foundation of the faith either good or bad works. Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact, and Œcumenius, appear to me to teach the same upon this passage. Many others teach that only the doctors and preachers of the Gospel are here called architects by the apostle. Jerome insinuates this in his second book against Jovinianus. The blessed Anselm and the blessed Thomas hold the same opinion on this passage, although they do not reject the former opinion. Many more modern think the same, as Dionysius the Carthusian, Lyra, Cajetan, and others.

The other difficulty is rather more serious. For there are six opinions. Some by the name of foundation understand, a true but an ill-digested faith; by the names of gold, silver, and precious stones, good works. By the names of wood, hay, and stubble, mortal sins. Thus Chrysostom upon this place, who is followed by Theophylact. The second opinion is, that Christ or the preaching of the faith is understood by the name of foundation; that by the names of gold, silver, and precious stones, are understood Catholic expositions; by the name of wood, hay, and stubble, are understood heretical doctrines, as the commentary of Ambrose and even Jerome seem to teach. The third opinion by the name of foundation understands living faith, and by the name of gold, silver, and precious stones, understands works of supererogation, &c. Thus the blessed Augustine in his book on faith and works. The fourth opinion is that which is held by those who explain by gold, silver, &c., to be meant good works, by hay and stubble, &c., venial sins. Thus the blessed Gregory in the fourth book of his dialogues, chapter 39th, and others. The fifth is of those who understand by gold, silver, &c., good hearers, and by stubble bad hearers, &c. Thus Theodoret and Œcumenius. The sixth opinion, which we prefer to all, is, that by the name of foundation is to be understood Christ, as preached by the first preachers. By the name of gold, silver, &c., is to be understood the useful doctrine of the other preachers, who teach those who have now received the faith. But by the name of wood, hay, &c., is to be understood the doctrine, not heretical or bad, but the singular doctrine of those preachers who preach catholically to the catholic people, but without that fruit and profit which God requires.

The third difficulty regards the day of the Lord. Some understand by the name of day the present life, or the time of tribulation. Thus Augustine in his book on faith and works, c. 16, and Gregory in his 4th book of dialogues, c. 39. . . . But all the ancients seem to have understood by that day, the day of the last judgment, as Theodoret, Theophylact, Anselm, and others.

The fourth difficulty is, what is the fire which, in the day of the Lord, shall prove every one’s work? Some understand the tribulations of this life, as Augustine and Gregory in the places noted, but these we have already rejected. Some understand eternal fire, but that cannot be, for that fire shall not try the building of gold and silver. . . . Some understand it to be the pains of Purgatory, but that cannot be truly said.

- First, because the fire of Purgatory does not prove the works of those who build gold and silver. But that fire of which we speak shall prove every one’s work what it is.

- Secondly, the apostle clearly makes a distinction between the works and the workmen, and says concerning that fire, that it shall burn the works but not the workers: for he says, if any one’s work shall remain, and if any work shall burn: but the fire of Purgatory, which is a true and real fire, cannot burn works, which are transitory actions, and have already passed.

- Lastly, it would follow, that all men, even the most holy, would pass through the fire of Purgatory, and be saved by fire, for all are to pass through the fire of which we are speaking. But that all are to pass through the fire of Purgatory and to be saved by fire is clearly false: for the apostle here openly says, that only those who build wood and hay are to be saved as by fire: the Church, also, has always been persuaded that holy martyrs and infants dying after baptism are presently received into heaven, without any passage through fire, as the Council of Florence teaches in its last Session. It remains, therefore, that we should say that the apostle here speaks of the fire of the severe and just judgment of God, which is not a purging or punishing fire, but one that probes and examines. Thus Ambrose explains it on Psalm 118, and also Sedulius.

The fifth and last difficulty is, what is understood by the fire, when he says, but he shall be saved, yet so as by fire? Some understand the tribulations of this life, but this cannot properly be said, because then even he who built gold and silver would be saved by fire. Wherefore Augustine and Gregory, who are the authors of this opinion, when they were not satisfied with it, proposed another, of which we shall speak by-and-by. Some understand it to be eternal fire, as Chrysostom and Theophylact. But this we have already refuted. Others understand the fire of the conflagration of the world. It is, therefore, the common opinion of theologians, that by the name of this fire is understood some purgatorial and temporal fire, to which after death they are adjudged, who are found in their trial to have built wood, hay, or stubble.

Kadhafi Making Stuff Up?

2009-11-18T17:14:00.002Z

I came across a reaction to what Kadhafi had said (link to reaction) (link to my own previous post on what Kadhafi had said).

Swordbearer writes:

Kadhafi, in a one hour lesson on Islam, to a paid audience, stated in regard to Jesus' crucifixion: "They crucified someone who looked like him." And his evidence is?????

This is just another example of an uneducated madman speaking about historical events he knows nothing about in order to deceive people into buying into more of his lies. ... But hey, if he either doesn't comprehend Islam which he professes or believes (in regard to women) he can make up his own rules, then why should we believe he wouldn't make up stuff about other religions?

This is kind of an ironic criticism. Kadhafi's evidence is the Koran. It's not good evidence, I agree - but Kadhafi is a Mulsim: he believes what the Koran says, and the Koran says that Jesus was not crucified:

Surat al Nisa 4:157-158. "And because of their saying: 'we slew the messiah Jesus son of Mary.' Allah's messenger-they slew him not nor crucified, but it appeared unto them, and Lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain. But Allah took him up to himself."

The Koran is wrong, but that is standard Islamic belief. Some say that "it appeared to them" because there was a replacement who was crucified, and some say that "it appeared to them" because Jesus survived the crucifixion without dying. Both are views within Islam.

I don't know whether Swordbearer means to call Mohammed "an uneducated madman" pr whether he means to call Kadhafi that. I suspect the latter, but actually in this instance Kadhafi appears to be more familiar with Islam than Swordbearer is.

-TurretinFan

Thanksgiving Verses - Part 18

2009-11-18T15:00:00.001Z

Today's segment is the first mention of thanksgiving, as such, in the gospels. The passage is an account of Jesus praying to the Father. Jesus is thanking God for a very interesting thing: for hiding from the wise, and revealing to "babes." The reason given is that "it seemed good in thy [the Father's] sight."

This view of God provided in the gospels shows a very different picture of God from that which we typically see from certain non-Calvinist preachers. They would like to suggest that God is out there trying to reveal himself to as many as possible, but Jesus thanks God for hiding himself from the wise and revealing himself to babes. Jesus is even more explicit in his teaching of monergism, saying that no one knows the Father except those to whom the Son reveals the Father.

But Jesus' prayer is also useful simply as a model of a prayer of thanks: (1) Jesus prays to the Father, (2) Jesus thanks the father, (3) Jesus praises and adores the Father ascribing (a) Kingdom and (b) Providence to Him, and (4) Jesus submits himself to the will of the Father. This is similar to portions of the so-called "Lord's Prayer" which is a more complete model of prayer for us, the disciples of Christ.

I've included both of the synoptic accounts, and you will see that they differ inconsequentially from one another.

Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Luke 10:21-22

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

The World's Worst Evangelist

2009-11-18T14:08:00.003Z

He enters the city, spends the first day just getting himself deeper into the city, and then preaches his message: Yet forty days, and the city shall be overthrown. He doesn't have any particular care for the people of the city, and you can see it on his face. He's just going through the motions. Yes, he's warning the city of judgment, but he actually hopes they won't notice him.

But some do. Some laugh at him. "Everything is fine," they tell him. "We're a huge city, and no one and nothing could destroy us."

The preacher just laughs back. "Go ahead and believe that. I don't care."

"You stink," someone yells out. The preacher just ignores it and continues with his warning of judgment.

"Why do you stink so bad," they continue asking him. Finally, the preacher explains.

"It was a sailing accident," he tells them.

"A sailing accident? That can't be it, you're not just wet, you're covered in sulferous slime."

"I was swallowed by a great fish. It's really nothing. This city is going to be destroyed in --"

"Wait, you were swallowed by a great fish and survived?"

"Yes, but you're missing the important point. In forty days, this place will be smoldering ruins."

"How did that happen? Tell us!"

"Fine, I was told by God to come here and warn you about this destruction. I didn't want to do so, so I tried to sail off in another direction. God sent a storm and finally the sailors had to throw me off the boat to satisfy God's wrath, so the storm would stop. I got swallowed by the fish and brought by the fish to the shores of this city. Now I'm here preaching the message that God wanted me to preach in the first place, which is that you're going to be destroyed in forty days."

"But why didn't you want to come here and tell us? Why did you run away from your God's command?"

"Because I hate you guys. I want God to destroy you - and he will, in forty days."

"Why not just tell us this straight away?"

"Oh - no special reason."

"Come on, tell us. Why did you try to run away from giving us this message of destruction? We can see that you're happy God is going to destroy us."

The preacher just stands silently for a bit and then continues: "Yet forty days, and Ninevah shall be overthrown."

"Oh please tell us," the people beg him, "Why didn't you want to warn us?"

"Because I know God. He is a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents of the evil that he would do to those who deserve judgment when he sees repentance from sin."

Finally, the people who had only recently mocked this preacher, began to see what needed to be done. They sent to the king of the city and the king proclaimed repentance, fasting, and mourning for their sin in order to avert the judgment of God.

Jonah, our preacher, was not pleased by this result. He left the city and went to the east, setting up a small booth for himself to watch to see what would happen to the city. Perhaps God would destroy it as He did Sodom with fire from heaven.

But no judgment came. Jonah had been right about God: God was merciful to those who repent. Jonah was then even more unhappy and wished for death.

This is what I would call the world's worst evangelist. He had no desire for the good of those to whom he preached. He wanted them to be destroyed, and he only preached to them because God forced him to do so, at fish-point.

He was a cold-hearted man. He was more unhappy about a leafy gourd dying than he would have been about 120,000 children ("sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand") dying, not to mention the enormous amount of cattle in the city that would have perished as well.

But God used him powerfully. He brought a massive city - a city so big that it was a three days' journey across the city - to repentance and saved them from immanent judgment. It just goes to show what a great God our Lord is. He can use the world's worst evangelist to bring a wicked, pagan city to repentance.

Perhaps God is also calling you to preach the gospel to the lost. If so, do so knowing that God can use you. He can use you despite the worst failings you have - so don't be afraid to answer his call and preach.

Gaddafi Party and Islam 101

2009-11-17T17:47:00.006Z

Reformed Chicks Blabbing recently brought to my attention an article about a party that Gaddafi held in Italy to try to convert young women to Islam (link). Gaddafi put out a call for "500 attractive girls between 18 and 35 years old, at least 1.70 meters (5 foot, 7 inches) tall," which was answered by about 200 Roman women.

The party turned out to be an attempt to proselytize the women. They were told about various teachings of Islam, given a Koran, and encouraged to convert. It does not seem that the women got quite what they expected. I found the following comment of note:

Others said they were offended by what they considered anti-Christian aspects of his lesson, including a claim that Jesus was not crucified but that "someone who looked like him" was put to death in his place.

Yes, this is Islam 101, the idea that Jesus was not put to death by crucifixion. There is a split of views within Islam, but the "replacement theory" is one of the more popular ways in which Jesus' crucifixion is denied.

You cannot be both Muslim and Christian. Some of our most fundamental views of Christ are denied by Islam, including both his divinity (which should be more offensive) and his crucifixion.

-TurretinFan