"Predestined"...MAN or CHRIST?

Predestination IS in the Bible. It is also a popular doctrine, set forth in Calvinism, being "L" (limited atonement) of the T-U-L-I-P theory. In short, this point sets forth that God pre-determined that a limited number would be saved, thus a certain number of humans were pre-determined to be saved by God. This article seeks to address this. Does the Bible teach that God purposed to save only a certain number of people? 

Acts 4:27-28 - For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.

Rom. 8:29-30 - For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

1 Cor. 2:7 - but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

Eph. 1:5 - He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

Eph. 1:11 - also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

From Acts 2:23-24, we find two things relative to the church:

1] There was preparation and,

2] there was a plan.

This article will focus upon what the Bible declares about: 
~ WHEN did preparations for the church begin?  
~ WHAT WAS THE PLAN for bringing it into existence? 

The answer to both questions is stated in the text above. It is a part of Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. It reads:

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.”

Notice that Peter mentions Jesus as being delivered up according to a DEFINITE PLAN, and according to GOD'S FOREKNOWLEDGE. This "delivering" of Jesus, of course refers to His death which was for man's sins. The connection to the church is seen from the apostle Paul, when he explained that Christ's blood "purchased the church" (Acts 20:28).
If Christ's dying was according to a definite plan, and in accordance with God's foreknowledge, then so was the church. To be "in Christ", is one and the same as being a member of His body, the church, for redemption is in Christ  and the church is made up of the redeemed (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14). This then, explains the connection of Christ being "delivered up" to the establishment of the church (Matt. 16:18).

Peter would again mention this 'foreknowledge' in one of his epistles, 1 Peter 1:18-20. He explained as follows: “…you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you…”

The phrase ‘foreknown before the foundation of the world’ tells us WHEN the preparation for the church began:

IT WAS IN THE MIND OF GOD BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD!

The church was purposed by GOD, for God purposed to save man through His Son (Eph. 1:3-5). His Son came to "seek and save" that which was lost (Luke 19:10); and yet, to "build" His church (Matt. 16:18). This is the story of salvation and redemption, and it was purposed from eternity and gradually developed according to a definite plan (Acts 2:23). 

This gradual development of God's eternal purpose to create a spiritual seed through Christ, (the church), is seen in that God ALWAYS acted in accordance with His eternal purpose:

~ Psa. 57:2 - I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

~ Psa. 138:8 - The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.

~ Prov. 16:4 - The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

~ Prov. 19:21 - Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

~ Isa. 46:9-10 - I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose; '

~ Isa. 55:11 - so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

From these, we see that God’s ETERNAL purpose was set forth as GOING TO BE FULFILLED...i.e., it was yet in the future. Both good and wicked men would be utilized in the fulfilling of this plan. We see this from the apostle Paul's pen:

"What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory" (Rom. 9:22-23).

Notice in regard to this plan ~ the order within the plan. It was in accordance with God’s purpose:

-- Eph. 1:5 - "...he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will...

-- Eph. 3:9-10 - "...making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will..."

-- Eph. 3:11 - "This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord..."

 -- 2 Tim. 1:9 - "...who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began..."

Accordingly, we find Jesus saying in John 12:27, "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”

To Pilate, Jesus replied in John 18:37, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world— to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

The preparation for Christ’s coming into the world is seen in God’s dealing with Abraham:

Rom. 4:11- He (Abraham) received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,

[Rom. 9:30; 10:6; Phil. 3:9; Heb. 11:17 ~ righteousness which is by faith...]

Heb. 6:17- So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, (to Abraham)

The benefactors?

Rom. 8:28- "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

God CHOSE and CALLED us through Christ. That was what HE purposed to do. Preaching makes this known. For all who have responded to the "call" of the gospel, the apostle Peter reminded them of a grave responsibility in regard to God's calling and choosing: ""Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you" (2 Peter 1:10-11).

Those who are “called according to His purpose” are those who make up Christ’s body, the church.

2/21/2019

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"Expertise" Evangelism

Jesus once told the Pharisees and scribes, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God..." (Mark 7:9). The bottom line was, they were setting aside a command of God. This is a much repeated behavior. It reminds me of how some people will work harder at not working, than they would ever work, if they simply did the work. God gave a command in connection with the preaching of the gospel: GO AND DO IT! (Mark 16:15)

This command to "go" is for a specific purpose. But the "going" must be done. The means of travel is not specified, they could walk, ride, travel on land or by sea, but they must GO! Could you imagine getting so wrapped up in "fine-tuning" the method of going that you never actually went and preached the gospel? Consider the following story about fishing that makes this point:

"Now it came to pass that a group existed that called themselves fishermen and there were many fish in the waters about them. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes and the fish were hungry. Week after week and month after month and year after year the group that called themselves 'fishermen' met in meetings and talked about those called to fish, the abundance of fish, and how we might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing meant, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing be the primary talk of fishermen. These fishermen built large beautiful buildings for local fishing headquarters and their plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and that everyone should fish. However, the one thing they did not do, THEY DID NOT FISH!

In addition to meeting regularly these men determined to send out fishermen to places where there were many fish. This sending committee was headed by those who had great vision and had courage to speak about fishing and to promote the idea of fishing in faraway streams and lakes. They held meetings to define fishing, to defend fishing, and to decide what new streams should be thought about. But the one thing the staff and the committee members did not do, THEY DID NOT FISH!

Large, elaborate training centers were built whose original and primary purpose was to teach fishermen how to fish. Over the years courses were offered on the needs of the fish, the nature of the fish, how to find fish, and the psychological effects of fishing. Those who taught had doctorates in 'Fisheology'! But the teachers DID NOT FISH! They only taught about fishing.

Further, the fishermen built large printing houses to publish fishing guides. Presses were kept busy day and night to produce material solely devoted to fishing methods. A speakers' bureau was also organized to schedule special speakers on fishing. After one stirring meeting entitled 'The Necessity Of Fishing,' two young men left the meeting and actually went fishing and one of them actually caught two fish! He was honored for his great catch and was scheduled to appear at all the big meetings to tell how he did it. So he quit fishing in order to have time to tell his experiences to the other fishermen!

Now it is true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and had to put up with the smell of dead fish. Some had to endure the ridicule of some who made fun of these fishermen's clubs because they claimed to be fishermen, but THEY DID NOT FISH!

And they wondered about those who thought it was of little use to attend meetings and talk about fishing. I mean, after all, were they not following the Master who said, "Come and I will make you fishers of men"? Imagine their dismay when someone actually suggested that they were not really 'fishermen.' Yet it did make sense. Can we rightfully call a person a fisherman if year after year he never fishes? Can a person really be following Jesus if he is not fishing?”

Jesus told His disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). Evangelism relates to our stewardship as disciples. The gospel is God’s. He has given it to us handle faithfully.  We have responsibility both individually and collectively. Our fellowship in the gospel is seen from Philippians 4:15…giving and receiving. Our fellowship in the gospel is active, not passive. Evangelism is to be “done”, not just talked about. We need to follow through, not on our intentions, but on our responsibility. Laborers are needed. Let each of us examine our hearts that we are never found trying to evade the task of evangelism. An old hymn makes the point:

“When in the better land,

before the bar we stand;

how deeply grieved our souls may be.

If any lost one there,

should cry in deep despair,

‘YOU NEVER MENTIONED HIM TO ME’!

We cannot ‘outsource’ our responsibilities in evangelism. The individual disciple and the local church are God’s authorized agents to do the work of evangelism. To ‘outsource’ our evangelism amounts to nothing more than working hard at avoiding our work. As the apostle Paul said on another matter, "Now therefore perform the doing of it..." (2 Corinthians 8:11).

February 7, 2020

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Abolishing the Stumbling Block

That the apostles suffered persecution is without dispute. Peter and John were imprisoned (Acts 5) and repeatedly threatened. James was put to death (Acts 12). The apostle Paul was a prisoner (Acts 20). Others, such as Silas and Stephen, were persecuted and/or killed (Acts 7:16). Yet, all these were “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10). Have you ever given thought as to why persecution was directed toward them? 

On the part of those who suffered persecution, it was a result of preaching salvation through Christ. One the part of those who did the persecuting, it was because salvation through Christ was preached. At first glance, you might say, “Well, it was the same reason for both.” I submit that such was not the case at all. The reason I know this is true is because not all who heard of salvation through Christ reacted by persecuting those who preached. In fact, many readily accepted the same message that others rejected. It was this difference in the reaction to the message (i.e., the gospel) that relates to the title of this article: “Abolishing the Stumbling Block.” 

Christ was prophesied to be a “stumbling block” and a “rock of offense”, not in the sense that God intended for people to “stumble” over Him and thereby eternally lost (1 Timothy 2:4), but in the sense that, in their rejection of him as a savior - as the only means of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), He would be the cause of stumbling and offense. It is here that a most important Bible truth be understood. There are many texts that relate to this, but one will suffice: 1 Peter 2:6-8: “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in him will not be disappointed.’ This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,’ and ‘A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense’; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the Word, and to this doom they were also appointed.” 

Notice the phrase “disobedient to the Word.” This explains how Jesus would be a “rock of offense” and a “stone of stumbling” - His Word! This is a simple, yet most important truth that is missed, as it relates to why some react in disobedience to the Word, whereas others obey the same Word. The Word is what is disobeyed. This Word refers to Jesus’ teachings. This is crucial, because the Word is that which instructs man how to respond to God’s offer of salvation through Jesus. This Word also explains and reveals what sin is: Disobedience to God’s Word. Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s Word, and all who disobey God disobey his Word. Disobedience is what “stumbling” at the Word means.

Why do some “stumble” whereas others do not?

The apostle John explained why in John 15:18-25. Notice especially what is said in vv. 22 & 24. It relates to the Word and explains why some “stumble” and are “offended.” Jesus’ word (i.e., his teaching) brought an awareness and a conviction of sin, as well as its “wages” (Romans 6:23). To avoid these consequences, according to this Word, one must repent and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. However, to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God means acknowledgement of God’s Word, which Jesus taught (John 12:48-50). 

Those who didn’t want to acknowledge this Word persecuted Jesus. In John 15, Jesus informed those who were commissioned to preach this same message that they would also receive persecution for the same reasons. Jesus had told Nicodemus in John 3:19-21, “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” 

This explains why some react with persecution. Their “stumbling” is their disobedience to the Word. The Word is the “stumbling block.” The abolishing of the stumbling block can be done in one of two ways. One way is by persecuting the teacher of the Word because of hatred of the Word. Another way to “abolish” the stumbling block is to accept the Word by obeying it. It is a simple concept. If “stumbling” is by disobedience to the Word, then the “stumbling” is removed by obedience to the Word. The response to the Word reveals the nature of the heart. A good heart obeys. An evil heart disobeys (1 Peter 1:22-23).  

Our attitudes toward God’s Word reveals our hearts. Attitudes govern actions. If you consider yourself “born again,” it was by the message that Christ and the apostles delivered. If you believed the message, you obeyed something that the message commanded. If you were “born again” apart from obedience, then the message was not what Christ and the apostles delivered. The apostle Paul said, “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.” (Romans 6:17-18). 

February 4, 2020

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Lydia's Conversion

We find the conversion of Lydia in Acts 16:13-15.

“And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshiped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, if ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”

As we examine her conversion, we find the same pattern as in all previous cases. Her conversion involved her “calling upon the name of the Lord.” She had to do this in order for her to be saved as the prophecy made by Joel, and quoted by the apostle Peter in Acts 2:21 is in effect. All who come the Lord must call upon His name.

"Calling upon the name of the Lord” has never been by praying the sinners’ prayer or by praying to God, asking Him to pardon sins. Previously, in the book of Acts we have found people who were religious, devout, and praying individuals prior to hearing of salvation through Jesus, but upon hearing this good news, they responded in the following manner:

They believed what was proclaimed about Jesus, i.e., that He had been made both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

They were told to repent of their past sins, because Jesus commanded repentance to be proclaimed "in His name" (Luke 24: 47).

They confessed their faith in Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10).

They were also immersed in water, for Jesus had commanded everyone to be buried in the likeness of His death (Rom. 6:4-5).

This is the “form of doctrine” that was preached and obeyed (Rom. 6:17-18). This was the pattern of "calling upon His name” as recorded in Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; and Luke 24:44-49.

Notice the facts provided in the story of Lydia’s conversion: First, what description of her is given prior to her hearing of Jesus. It is said that she “worshiped God”. This tells us that she was a religious person. Yet even though she was religious, she lived AFTER Christ’s resurrection from the dead and needed to “call upon the name of the Lord” in order to be forgiven of her sins.

[Remember the Hebrew writer in Heb. 9:15-17 explained that the old covenant (i.e., the Law of Moses) was no longer in effect, being replaced by a new covenant. What the Law could not do, Jesus did by the shedding of His blood. We must now look to Jesus for salvation, as “...there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”-Acts 4:12]

Notice also that the news of salvation through Jesus is preached to Lydia. This is seen from these statements, “...they spake unto the women...”; and “...whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” It is said that her heart was “opened” by the Lord. The result of this ‘opening’ was that Lydia “...attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” We are then told that she and her household were baptized. All of these statements help us to understand how she “called upon the name of the Lord”.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS:

In "opening her heart", did the Lord overpower Lydia’s will and force her to submit to what was spoken by Paul? Is this what God does in conversion? Some teach this very thing today, but observe what the facts reveal.

Again, notice the effects of her heart being opened. She “...attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” What did Paul speak to her of? How can we know? We can know from what is recorded of Lydia after hearing Paul speak.

What is recorded of Lydia? Notice it says, “And when she was baptized, and her household...”. We can accurately conclude that Paul commanded her to be baptized when he ‘spake’ to her. We can also accurately conclude that this in part, was how she “attended to” the things spoken of Paul. Why else would she be baptized? Why did she desire to be baptized? If we reject the possibility that the apostle Paul spoke to her of her need to be baptized, how then do we answer why she desired to be baptized?

How did she learn of it? Who else would have told her of baptism? The text demands that we conclude but one thing. The apostle preached baptism to her. They “spake” to her; she “heard”, for faith cometh by hearing (Rom. 10:17), and hearing by the word of God. She repented, and was immersed for we read that she “...attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”

We might ask also in regard to her baptism. For what PURPOSE was she (and her household) baptized? The New Testament is consistent and clear as to the PURPOSE of baptism. However, modern day preaching varies from the New Testament as to WHY one is baptized. Notice some passages that state the PURPOSE of baptism:

Romans 6:3-5 – baptism is for the PURPOSE of an unsaved person undergoing a burial in the likeness of Christ’s death; one cannot be raised up to walk in newness of life without this planting in the likeness of Christ’s death. It is a thus a part of the new birth (John 3:3-5).

Gal. 3:27 – in baptism, one “puts on” Christ. Christ is not “put on” before and without baptism. (No other act of obedience is said to put a sinner “into” Christ.)

Acts 22:16 – sins are said to be “washed away” by baptism in water.

1 Peter 3:21 – water baptism is said to be a “like figure” of salvation as was the water that saved eight souls in the days of Noah. Water, in some way ‘saved’ Noah’s family. In whatever way it ‘saved’ them, it ‘saves’ all today in a ‘like-figure’.

Having shown these passages, let us now notice what the Bible does NOT say about the PURPOSE of baptism.

The Bible does NOT say that baptism is to be performed on an “already saved” person. Baptism is never said to be a church “ordinance” to be performed upon some who was saved at the point of their faith, for no one is saved by faith alone (James 2:17-26).

Justification involves man being obedient to Jesus’ commands. Man does not “call upon the name of the Lord” before and without obedience, for Jesus commanded all to submit to His authority.

Matthew 28:18 records Jesus telling His apostles, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus commanded the apostles, “...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

In Luke 24:47, Jesus commanded that “...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations...”

These passages are clear that remission of sins follows baptism, rather than precedes it. Add to that, Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, when asked about how to be forgiven. He said, “Repent and be baptized...”. In Acts 3:19, Peter again answered, “Repent and be converted...”.

Lydia was immersed in water, BECAUSE PAUL COMMANDED HER TO BE IMMERSED IN WATER. That is the only conclusion any honest inquirer can come to. She was not baptized to “outwardly show” what had already taken place “inwardly”. She was not baptized to be added to a denominational body, for none existed. She was not “in Christ” before her immersion, even though she was a worshiper of God. Paul preached the same message to her that Peter preached to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost. She obeyed from her heart that ‘form of doctrine’ delivered to her, as did the Romans (Rom. 6:17-18).

Let us not be divided or misled by uninspired denominational creed wording that teach contrary to the scriptures on ‘how’ one calls upon Jesus’ name. The Lord ‘opened her heart’ in the same way that everyone’s heart is ‘opened’.

12/7/2019

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God Answers Prayers!

Have you ever prayed repeatedly to God about a matter dear to your heart; something over which you suffered much anxiety for a prolonged period of time until you made a decision about it? Such is the case with any matter that immensely impacts your life. Perhaps it is entering a marital relationship, a move to a different locality, or a job change. The uncertainty causes this anxiety, stress, and fear. We want it, but we want it to be a “good” want, not a selfish desire. So we “take it to the Lord in prayer.”

How will God answer our prayer? Consider a parallel example. One may earnestly desire and pray about a job. God may grant that request in that an offer for employment with that company may forth come. But does the prayer make you an employee of that company? Do you begin to receive any benefits from that company, any compensation? While I may possess many of the requirements for that job (CDL license, drive a standard shift), I could not drive their vehicle until I was hired by the company. My prayer did not entitle me to drive their vehicle, or to any other company benefits. There is a hiring process to go through. Once hired, you are accountable, and compensated, per the company.

The answer to the prayer involves God and you. You must accept the offer. You must meet any requirements beforehand (i.e., obtain a CDL). Are you an employee before or after you meet the requirements? Understanding how the answer came explains when the answer came. God answers prayer, but there is a process.

Similarly, one who desires to be a child of Go may pray fervently for it and God may grant that prayer, but the prayer for a relationship does not put you in that relationship any more than it would make you an employee of a company. There is a process by which God answers prayer. 

A blind man, healed by Jesus, recognized that Jesus could not have healed him unless it was doing the will of God. The reason? “God hearth not sinners” (John 9:31). Jesus was a worshiper of God, and was doing God’s will, thus God “heard” him.

Prayer is essential to the salvation of those lost in sin. “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). 

A lost person may pray fervently about his sins, but the process involves learning God’s will for him or her, and doing it. God provides circumstances whereby the petitioner can respond. A sinner must have something in which to believe or trust…What will that be? It is God’s Word (Romans 10:17). How will man respond if he has faith in God’s word? He will do as God spoke. 

Cornelius (Acts 10) and Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9; 22; 26) were two honest, sincere men who prayed fervently, and who lived with good consciences prior to learning of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. However, the prayer of both men did not put them into Christ. They were given instructions and had to comply as instructed in regard to entering into fellowship with Christ. Once they obeyed the commands given them, they were in a covenant relationship with the Lord. Their salvation rests not on the prayer, bu tin their faith and obedience to the God who offered his Son for their sins. In this way, God answers prayer!

Notice from 1 Timothy 2:1-4 who was to pray, who was to be prayed for, and why. The reason for prayers on behalf of those in authority was so that God’s people might “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” God’s people are the “we.” These prayers are “good and acceptable” because God desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth. In this way, prayer is essential to salvation. Those in need of salvation need prayers! Even those in need of salvation, upon recognizing their need, with pray. Realizing their lost condition, they too may suffer from anxiety, stress, and fear until they make their decision to receive God’s pardoning. However, it is important that we understand how God answers prayers for those in need of salvation. 

Every example of conversion to Jesus in the New Testament parallels this pattern.

The conversion of the 3,000 (Acts 2), the Samaritans and the eunuch (Acts 8), Lydia and the jailer (Acts 16), and the Corinthians (Acts 18) were identical. They were all lost in sin, they learned of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and accepted the terms of forgiveness offered by God in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Luke 24:47; John 17:8). After they accepted these terms, they were forgiven of their sins. This exact point at which they entered into a relationship with Christ can be identified, for it was determined as Jesus taught the twelve.

God’s answer to any prayer for salvation is in a risen Savior who grants us repentance and forgiveness of sins according to his word (Acts 5:31). Let us worship and do his will.

December 1, 2019
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BIBLE AUTHORITY What exactly is 'Necessary Inference'?

“Can necessary inference be established as a scriptural means of determining authority from the New Testament, or is it a longstanding tradition”? This question was posed by a brother who seems willing to recognize authority derived from commands and approved examples, but has difficulty seeing necessary inference as legitimate.

While I will agree that determining authority by way of necessary inference is “trickier,” and should be approached with great care, I believe it is legitimate. I believe it is more than simply longstanding tradition.

First, we need to make sure we understand the word, “inference.” To “infer’ is ‘to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises’ (Meriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dict.). Therefore: Infer = judge, conclude, perceive.

Unlike the words, “command” and “example”, this word is not used in scripture, which may be why our brother is suspicious of it as a means of authority. However, “conclude”, “perceive” and ‘judge”, [synonyms of the word], can be found in scripture.

Within the definition, the dictionary advises, “see Imply”. That is because an inference can never stand alone. There must be an implication in order for there to be a necessary inference. There can be no necessary inference unless it is based on information from statements, commands, approved examples, or some combination thereof.

In order for an inference to be authoritative, it must be a necessary conclusion. There are many possible inferences we might make based on sketchy information, but unless we can determine that the Holy Spirit has implied something, we cannot draw a necessary inference. When one draws a conclusion with out an implication he is merely surmising.

Let me cite three approved apostolic examples of the use of necessary inference:

Notice that when the time came for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles that GOD never directly told Peter that salvation was available to the un-circumicised, He gave him a vision, sent messengers to where he was staying and sent the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household so that they spoke in tongues. From these events Peter was able to perceive the truth that men of “every nation’ could be accepted if they would work righteousness (Acts 10:34-35). That was the only conclusion he could reach from what GOD had revealed. That’s a necessary inference.

The apostle Paul was able to conclude that GOD is the GOD of the Gentiles as well as the Jews (Rom. 3:28ff). His conclusion was based on Abraham being justified by faith apart from the law (Rom. 4:1-3).

Perhaps the clearest example of the use of a necessary inference is provided by James during the debate over circumcision. In this situation we have the apostles recognizing the use of a statement, an example, and a necessary inference all in one context. In establishing authority for conversion of the uncircumcised, Peter makes a statement that GOD “chose” that “the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe” (Acts 15:7); Paul and Barnabas then cited an example of GOD working signs among uncircumcised Gentiles (15:12); and finally James draws the conclusion by saying, “Therefore, I judge that we should not trouble those from necessary inference among the Gentiles who are turning to GOD” (15:19).

Yes! Necessary inference has been established as a scriptural means of determining authority from the New Testament. It is not merely tradition.

October 21, 2019

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"Unaccustomed" to the Bible

HEBREWS 5

8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.

9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation,

10 being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.

14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

Notice from v. 12, that in stating that they HAD BECOME dull of hearing, it is necessarily implied that they were not always that way.

HOW had they become "dull" in their hearing?

The answer lies in what was stated in v. 14, about their "powers of discernment". To be able to "discern", it takes "practice"...constant practice. In all that is involved in this, the simple idea, is that of constant bible study.

When your "powers of discernment" aren't "trained", the result is inevitable that you will BECOME "dull of hearing"; and as the writer said, when you become dull of hearing, distinguishing right from wrong is difficult.

The one area wherein that is most affected by "dullness" is in regard to understanding the significance of man's obedience in his salvation.

This significance is seen in mentioning the example of Jesus and His obedience.

Re-read vss. 8-9. Obedience was "learned" through suffering, and is related to, and necessary to "perfection".

Having been "trained", they could now understand the significance of Christ's obedience and of how His 'perfection' came through His sufferings. More importantly, they could understand how/why obedience is connected to the sinner's salvation from His sin.

However, when one's "powers of discernment" aren't "trained", the connection of obedience to salvation is hard to explain...

What about YOU; do you have difficulty seeing the connection of obedience to salvation?

Give prayerful thought and study to what is said in verse 9 of Jesus, AND of obeying Him, "...having been made perfect, He became to all those who OBEY Him the source of eternal salvation...".

copyright 2019

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