Progressive and Perfect Sanctification

 

Though I do not in any way commend or recommend Joel Hemphill’s doctrines overall (according to my limited understanding of the indictments against him), my how I do love his song that we used to sing in children’s church (which, to me, speaks of “progressive sanctification”).

 

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.

It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,

The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

 

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart,

Don't judge me yet, there's an unfinished part.

But I'll be perfect just according to His plan

Fashioned by the Master's loving hands.

 

In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see

Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.

He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray

Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.

 

Another one went like this: “Read your Bible; pray every day and you’ll grow; grow; grow!”

 

Here is a song with a similar theme.

 

By God's Grace and according to HIS PLAN,

He's changing me into a brand-new man.

Through the power of His Word

And the Spirit of the Lord,

He's changing me into a brand-new man.

 

His love is evident; His patience obvious -

He works so carefully within each one of us.

Through the power of His Word

And the Spirit of the Lord,

He's changing me into a brand-new man.

 

One day, I'll be like Him; will be unrebukable;

I'll stand before His throne, then sit at His table;

In the presence of the Lord

I will worship and adore...

And on that Blessed Day, I'll be a brand-new man!

 

I’m reminded of my wife’s favorite Bible verse.  Phippians 1:6b “…He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…”

 

Our flesh is just as intensely wicked at the end of our Christian journey as it was at the beginning.  Being a child of God does nothing to improve or reform our old sinful nature.  On the other hand, our spirit is as perfect at the moment of salvation as it is at the end of the life of a mature Christian.  The juxtaposition of these two concepts demands Scriptural proof:

Romans 7:18  “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”

1John 3:9  “Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

Paul was clearly talking about his flesh – his old nature.  John was describing his new nature.

 

But consider this – it is our mind that is continually being adjusted.  The renewing of our mind is a process. 

 

Let’s avoid complicating our meditation.  Logically, at this point we could explore the finer arguments about the dichotomy or trichotomy of our existence.  Since I usually get confused with the roles and realities of body, soul, spirit, will, mind, flesh, nature, etc., let’s look instead at a few powerful verses:

2 Peter 3:18 “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:9 “This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment…”

1Thessalonians 4:1  “…ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”

 

Growth; abounding more and more is something that can only be wrought in me by God Himself, however, it is still something that requires my cooperation and concurrence.  Proof text:

Philippians 2:12b-13 “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling… it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

 

We will never escape from the potential to do evil while living in our natural bodies.  That doesn’t mean that we can’t (at any given moment) be in absolute, perfect fellowship with the Father – having nothing between our soul and the Savior.  This is the epitome of the effects of grace.  By the power of the Spirit, with a willing mind – we can be completely yielded and surrendered to God right now.  Will we ever grow to a point (in this life) where all temptations cease?  NO!

 

Here is the best description I have ever heard.

 

1. Innocent Adam was able to sin – it was an option, though not natural.
2. Unregenerate sinners are not able not to sin – sin is the only option and is totally natural.
3. In Christ we are able not to sin (at least potentially, momentarily and hypothetically, though we all do anyway) – sin is an option; but at least we do have a choice now; in Christ we do possess the power to obey God instead of sinning; evil is both natural and unnatural because it is opposed by the spirit; I’m a new creature.
4. In our glorified state, we will not be able to sin – sin will no longer be an option; the nature of Christ will be completely and thoroughly in control of my mind, my will, my memory, my imagination and my new body.  Our “old man” tendencies will be obliterated, destroyed, annihilated and extinct.  When we see Him, we will be like Him in perfect and permanent holiness. 

Then – and not until then – this chunk of ugly black carbon will be a fine, brilliant, perfect diamond grade gem trophy of God’s glorious power, mercy and grace.

________________________

 

FOOTNOTE: This entry is actually an old one from 5/18/2007, resubmitted this week because I will be out-of-town Friday at an ordination service for a local preacher and will therefore not be in the office to write.

Riches and Theology

 

 “Money answers all things” (Ecclesiastes 10:19c).  These are the words of Solomon.  These are the words of Scripture.  Fascinating!  Why such an emphasis on the significance of monetary things in the eternal and spiritual word of God?

 

Consider this statement: “The love of money is the root of all evil…” (First Timothy 6:10).  Wow – every kind of evil can be produced as a result of the foundational corruption of greed?!?!  This is an amazing postulation! 

 

Frequently in my short life I have heard the question, “What would you do if you had a million dollars?”  Well, first of all let me say that you and I do indeed have a million dollars.  Money; our wage is little more (or less) than a representation of our lifework.  An individual making only $30,000 annually will rack up a million dollars in wages in only 33 years of laboring.  The answer to the question is simple really; if you had a million dollars you would take it at once and do with it just what you do with it over the years anyway.  You (and I) would give some away, save some and spend the rest (hopefully in that order) – right?  But, most of us will never have a million at one time, so it’s a frivolous game of imagination.  Or is it?  Perhaps our mindset about that hypothetical million reveals more about us than we would like to admit.

 

What brought on this topic? 

1).  I’ve been reading in the Epistle of James this week and have therein encountered several significant passages about riches. 

2).   I also have been passing out a few $1,000,000 gospel tracts lately (acquired from a visiting missionary). 

3).  Additionally, due to the recent economic woes in our nation, I’ve been paying a little more attention to both my personal microeconomic situation and to the national and international macroeconomic scene. 

These three things have led me to meditate upon this topic today.   Here goes…

 

I begin by stating openly that I’m in no way a model of financial wisdom.  I admit my guilt generally in a whole host of foolish fiscal decisions throughout my life.  This is not to be made light of.  We are all called of God to be good stewards of our possessions.  I’ve no desire to marginalize the significance of the issue, only to point out that I’m exploring, learning and sharing; not instructing piously in some didactic diatribe based on my own experiential authority or exemplary perfection.  Got that?

 

Now, though we may not always be accurate in our self-evaluations, I personally consider the following passages to best represent my outlook concerning the “dollars and cents” aspects of life: “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full, and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain” (Proverbs 30:8).  Moderation!  The balanced life!  The golden Mean!  Not too much; not too little.  Ah, refreshing…

 

I know I should be like Paul was. I should know how to be content in plenty and in poverty – and, I hope I would be content if given those challenges.  He certainly set a high and holy example for the rest of us in Philippians 4:11b-13.  He said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”  While I would argue that godliness is more difficult in prosperity than it is in penury, the apostle had found that high and spiritual transcendent place of reality where he was able to live above the circumstance – whether comforting or oppressive.  To God be the glory!  No wonder he was so bold in writing, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (First Timothy 6:17-19).       

 

As I stated in the first paragraph, the wise man Solomon said that money answers to all things.  Surely there is a monetary solution to every problem.  There is something that money can buy that will make any situation more tolerable, no matter how horrible.  You may argue with me about that, but I’ll stick with ‘ol king Solomon, thanks.  On the other hand, while he knew that money is an answer to every problem, he also knew that it wasn’t the best answer.  He pointed out that “wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it” (Ecclesiastes 7:12).  That is a very reassuring revelation from the same man who said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10).  

 

Surely no amount of money can buy happiness, eternal life or fellowship with the Father.  The Apostle Peter wrote, “You know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ…” (First Peter 1:18).  Money may be of great significance, but it has no value compared to the worth of an eternal soul.  Remember Matthew 16:26, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”  That’s a revealing juxtaposition – Amen?  We came into this life with no possessions and we will definitely be leaving the items we’ve acquired here behind, when we go from this life.  The wisdom to plan for the afterlife is incomparable. 

 

Earlier, I mentioned First Timothy six.  The whole passage begins with a warning concerning false teachers who “suppose that gain is godliness.”  A health and wealth gospel was espoused even in the days of Paul.  He told young Tim to “withdraw himself” from those kind of religious charlatans.  However, he went on expounding, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrow.” (First Timothy 6:5-10).  That passage merits rereading!  What practical applicability!  What cutting reality!  What piercing analysis!  Notice especially how he says that it is not riches themselves that destroy us, it is the wanting; the craving; the ambition.  He said, “They that will be rich fall…”  Those who WANT to be rich, fall!  Just desiring it is enough to destroy us, even if we never ever get there.

 

Last night during our family altar time, we read from Luke 12 in our “Keys for Kids” story.  Look at this passage carefully…

“One of the company said to Jesus, ‘Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.’  Jesus said unto him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?’  And he said unto them, ‘Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.’” 

Jesus went on to tell the story about the man who focused on earthly wealth instead of prosperity of the soul, and how he died as soon as he had achieved his high worldly status.  He said,

“So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.  Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.  The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.”

Jesus then compared us to birds and flowers.  Both the birds and the flowers flourish in God’s care even though they have no knowledge or understanding of worrying about their needs.   He concluded,

“O ye of little faith.  Seek not what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, neither be of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knows that you have need of these things.  But rather seek the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning…”

“Oh, that was just written for the apostles” (someone piously and conveniently proposes).  Hogwash!  I’m convinced that men of faith have been seeking for an eternal, heavenly city rather than any earthly one ever since Genesis.  As Cain killed a sacrificial animal, as Seth began to call upon the name of the Lord, as Noah built an ark and as Abraham (though he was materially wealthy) left Ur; they had their sights set on something much greater than anything money could buy (Hebrews 11:8-10 for Abraham specifically). 

 

Now on to James:

 

In James 1:10-11 James tells the poor Christian to rejoice when he is blessed with tangible prosperity.  But then he makes a peculiar statement, Let “the rich [man rejoice], in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.  For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and the flower thereof falls, and the grace of the fashion of it perishes: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.”  It appears that he admonishes the wealthy person to be happy in the loss of his possessions because James knows that such a loss will allow for a more elevated spiritual perspective for that individual.  Wow!  It’s like he says, “You know what, you were going to lose it all in the end anyway, so be happy that you lost it earlier rather than later so that an eternal reward might be gained in the loss.”  Boy, that’s a different attitude than most of us would have about it, eh?

 

How about James 2:2-6,

“If there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, ‘You sit here in a good place;’ and say to the poor, ‘You stand there, or sit here under my footstool:’ are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?  Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to them that love Him?  But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

And then also James 5:1-6,

“Go to now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. You have heaped treasure together for the last days.  Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.  You have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.  You have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.”

Here in James, wealth is so interconnected with faithlessness that James doesn’t even take the time to differentiate between the righteous wealthy minority and rebellious wealthy majority.  He just lumps all of the wealthy together without bothering to point out the actual existent exceptions.  It appears that he is inadvertently indicating the great rarity of faith-filled aristocrats.  Now, before you jump on me for that statement, remember that Jesus himself laid out the problem rather simply in Matthew 19:21-25.  Speaking to a young rich man, “Jesus said to him, ‘If you will [want to] be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.’  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, ‘Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’  When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’”

 

Naturally their question (“Who then can be saved?”) referenced the idea that everyone is rich – right?  Not!  Obviously not!  Indeed, Jesus himself said that we would always have the poor with us.  The world has never lacked and will never lack of poor folk.  They were admitting the universal hunger for riches.  If money is the great distraction – who can truly have their attention diverted from that idol to worship the lovely Lamb of God?  (Footnote: We do know that it is possible with God to be both wealthy and faithful.  We know of a number of wealthy saints in the Scripture – Job, Solomon, Abe, Levi, etc.  Yet, these are exceptions.) 

 

There are actually several passages that direct our attention to this same model of the human dilemma (which Jesus gave us in Matthew 19).  Consider Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”  Living for God and also for material glory – not possible, God and money; God and riches; God and earthly treasures; it can’t be done.  It is an either/or proposition, never a both/and scheme.  If we seek the kingdom of heaven He (as a rule) adds material blessings along the way, but we must always keep our heart with all diligence lest we become distracted by the blessings away from the One who blesses.  Naturally, if we start with seeking things in hopes of stumbling into God along the way, we err, as is described in Colossians 3:5, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth [including, among other things]… covetousness, which is idolatry…”  Covetousness IS idolatry!?!?!  That’s quite a bond.  One can’t love the world and the Father simultaneously.     

 

All of this may sound a mite aloof from reality, but it shouldn’t.  God has clearly outlined principles of money management for us while we do remain in the world.  I will close with just a few of these (along with some related Scriptures) – only bear in mind that it is not the exercise of these “rules” that means so much, it is the spirit of affection toward Christ.  Love toward the Person; it is this after which He seeks.  Living by these principles only provides avenues of expression for the godly priority that must first be genuinely present.

 

1.       Giving is preeminent; not getting.  The way to have more is to give more.  While “having more isn’t” the objective, it is a very real product of charity, benevolence, philanthropy, alms, tithes and such like.

a.       Luke 6:38, “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 you mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” 

b.      Malachi 3:10, “You bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

c.       Ephesians 4:28, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.”

d.      Proverbs 3:26-27, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.  Say not unto your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give;’ when you have it by you.”

2.       Borrowing is dangerous, if not plain foolish.  Live within your means.  Do you have a something to eat and something to wear?  Then you have enough.  (My how our current economic crisis would not exist if we all lived by this principle.  We can’t spend tomorrow’s money indefinitely).  How can we serve our Lord and Master if we are beholden to men in burdensome debt?  (This is a lesson I’ve learned… or should I say… am learning continuously, the hard way).

a.       Romans 13:7a & 8a, “Render therefore to all their dues… Owe no man anything…”

b.      Proverbs 22:7, “The borrower is servant to the lender.” 

3.       Saving is prudent.  It requires discipline, diligence, sacrifice and intelligence – but it is a godly practice.  Saving for tomorrow, saving for the unknown, saving instead of buying on credit, saving for posterity’s sake. 

a.       Proverbs 13:22a, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children…” 

4.       Work is God’s way of provision.  It’s not doles, welfare, entitlements or forced redistribution of wealth that God has ordained for the income of a family – it is by the means of work.  

a.       Deuteronomy 5:13, “Six days you shall labor, and do all your work…” 

b.      Proverbs 14:23, “In all labor there is profit…”

c.       Second Thessalonians 3:10, “This we command you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

d.      First Timothy 5:8, “If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

 

Well, that’s enough for today.  I’m no stellar example of propriety when it comes to giving, saving, spending, borrowing, paying taxes, planning budgets or investing wisely.  I need as much adjustment as anyone else, maybe more.  But, may I remind you that one man’s failures doesn’t move the next person one iota closer to acceptability with our Maker.  God doesn’t compare you to me or me to you.  We are compared with His perfect standard.  Our authority comes from His infallible Word! 

 

Just make sure you start off with the right priority… “Seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossian 3:1b-2).

 

If I had a million dollars, it wouldn’t compare to the wealth which I already have.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you…” (First Peter 1:3).  If gas goes to $10 a gallon and $200 a barrel, if every bank turns belly up, if we all lose our houses due to foreclosure, if the second Great Depression is worse than the first, if bankruptcy becomes as common as taxes, if the inflation rate reaches 1,000% annually (or worse), if we are slammed back harshly to a subsistence level of living (or worse)… we as believers need to remember that we were going to leave it all behind eventually anyway on the day that we enter the pleasant presence of the Savior and receive our very real mansion in the City of Gold.  Oh, I’m still a capitalist secondarily, but first and foremost I’m a Christian.  They’re definitely two very different things indeed.

 

My Father is rich in houses and lands,

He holds the wealth of the world in His hands!

Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,

His coffers are full, He has riches untold.

 

My Father’s own Son, the Savior of men,

Once wandered on earth as the poorest of them;

But now He is pleading our pardon on high,

That we may be His, when He comes by and by.

 

I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,

An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.

 

A tent or a cottage, why should I care?

They’re building a palace for me over there;

Though exiled from home, yet still may I sing:

All glory to God, I’m a child of the King.

 

With Jesus my Savior,

I’m a child of the King.

-          Harriet E. Buell

 

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,

The wealth in every mine;

He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,

The sun and stars that shine.

 

Wonderful riches, more than tongue can tell -

He is my Father so they're mine as well;

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills -

I know that He will care for me.     

-          Words and Music by John W. Peterson

 

“We Need Another Elijah!”

 

I recently watched (online) the introduction to the interview at Saddleback.  As I recall, Rick Warren commented that the separation of Church and State is not the same as separating faith from politics.  I inferred from his comments that he could see a place for the first, but not for the second.  I tend to agree, depending on how each is defined.

 

However, whether its faith & politics, church & state, religion & government or sacred & secular – no matter how you slice the bacon, you still have a fitting combination of fat and lean pork.  The truth is this: one’s spiritual perspective will (and rightfully should) radically affect his or her social, political and philosophical views on practically every issue in life.  Whether it’s about economic strategy, international diplomacy, social justice, domestic safety, judicial philosophy, ecological stewardship or anything else of relevance to humanity collectively; an individual’s view of transcendent and metaphysical realities must logically sway the direction and judgment of that individual in relation to those matters.

 

My postulation is this: whether or not religion is legally admitted into the public arena (and, in our country, it is absolutely supposed to be included), the fact of the matter is, that religion will be there regardless (in principle, even if not in name).  One’s theistic or antitheist perspective will inevitably govern their rationale… for better or for worse.

 

In my opinion (to put it simplistically):

·         An atheist should make decisions pragmatically (or otherwise) with no (admitted) fear of eternal repercussions, nor with any respect for transcendent revealed moral requisites.  

·         A deist might hardly come any closer to reverence toward the Creator and His desires in the consideration of any affair. 

·         An agnostic ought to waffle and vacillate constantly in indecision, worry and speculation.

·         A pantheist must be trapped into an amoral realm of bewilderment. 

·         A polytheist could become so distracted by the quandary of searching for a superlative deity that he would have no time left for earthly concerns. 

·         Any monotheist would be beholden to the principles laid forth by his particular projected (or, in our case, genuine) deity. 

·         The ignorant may rely on superstitions or blind chance. 

·         The hedonist has it easiest of all, since he just does whatever he feels like doing. 

·         The true heathen shouldn’t care at all. 

Surely the list could go on… 

 

All I’m saying is that one’s world-view is inextricably linked to one’s political perspective, familial philosophy, educational outlook, social policy, etc., etc., etc…  Every political question is by default also a moral question.  A system of moral principles (without which governance is impossible) can’t possibly be devoid of spiritual opinion.  (And, may I say, everyone possesses a moral compass and a metaphysical attitude… be it trained or not; wholesome, inverted or perverted).   In fact, the very concept of some things being “secular” carries with it the notion that those things are somehow outside of God’s jurisdiction.  Well, obviously if a matter could be truly secular, then the moral laws of God should have absolutely no bearing on that matter.  Yet, in that very statement, one can easily see that, in reality, “secular” either means atheistic or antitheistic.  Even the concept of something being classified as “secular” is therefore connected to the whole religious question.  Secularism is based upon an amoral and aspiritual perspective.  The association between secular and sacred is as real as light and dark, hot and cold, up and down, in and out.  Each is understood (in part) because of the other.  To pretend that secularism is superior and unaffected is poppycock. Secularism is actually an attempt to violently extract the preeminence of the Creator from certain areas of our existence.  Can the relevance of Jehovah God, whose name is defined as “The Existent,” possibly be removed from anything that actually exists? 

 

I know that there are “sophisticated” modern atheists who think they can escape this dilemma by claiming that their progressive and enlightened form of atheism is not based on the postulation that “God doesn’t exist.”  They claim that a true atheist has no belief about the matter at all.  While that may appear to be a smooth and docile answer, the typical hostility against theism (and specifically Christianity) demonstrated by those same atheists would suggest otherwise.  Seems to me that an “I dunno and I don’t care” attitude more readily describes the comatose individual, not the atheistic crusader against theism.  But that’s another issue.  (I’m getting distracted a little here).

 

Here is what I’m trying to get at.  There are certain educators, journalists, politicians and other individuals (with public platforms) who clearly treat religion as taboo in the public arena.  Truly, what has happened is that the exemplified order of our forefathers has been overturned.  Amendment # 1 of our wonderful Constitution restricts government, not churches.  Congress (only) is not allowed to single out a particular form (or institution) of religion for special positive treatment, but neither is Congress allowed to “prohibit the free exercise” of religion (particularly or generally).  The imagined “wall of separation between church and state” is plainly not present in Amendment # 1.  Instead, a door with a handle only on one side was installed. That handle is on the side on which the church stands.  Rightfully, this constitutional valve allows churches and religious institutions to interfere, intervene, criticize, commend, decry, instruct, participate, affect and to otherwise be active in the activities of government, but not vice versa.  The government is the one with its hands properly bound (not the churches or religious individuals).  And, may I remind you that it’s easy to understand why our forefathers laid this stipulation down, when one considers the historical context of that from which they had just recently escaped.

 

Now, today the valve has been surgically reversed.  The government and all public figures can freely meddle in religious matters, yet we are forbidden (by some stigma of shame projected by secular elitist) from returning the favor.  Here is the real problem with this.  God has given the church the jurisdiction over spiritual issues.  Since moral matters and faith positions are the Siamese twins sharing the same heart, one can’t do violence to one without mortally injuring the other.

 

 I watched Allen Colmes and Newt Gingrich spar over this a little last night.  Newt got rather aggressive (PTL) in his verbal attack on Allen’s assumptions.  Newt Gingrich displayed an obvious disdain for the ignorance and postulations of those who want God (and his followers) to go hide in a closet.  Of course, Newt’s emphasis is on history.  Certainly, he has enough constitutional and presidential ammunition to shove the God-haters in our nation back into the small and lonely box of bitterness where they were when our country was established, however, my occupation inclines more to a Scriptural foundation.  So let me go there now…

 

Who gave men the right and responsibility to govern one another?  God did!  After the flood, the Creator instituted the second of three great, divine organizations of authority among mankind.  He established human government.  “Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man” (Genesis 9:6).  The very foundation of human government is the reality of our reflection of the Creator’s person.  If there is no Creator, then there is not a person on this planet that has any right to demand even one moment of obedience from me or from anyone else.  Atheist can mumble on and on about pragmatism, culture, reason, common good and a system of morals based upon outcome, but I stand my ground.  If God is irrelevant or nonexistent, then there are no rules, no laws, no purposes and no destination.  Without God in the equation, the meth addict, rapist or serial killer has spent his life as meaningfully as the community organizer, heroic soldier or learned professor.

 

Human authority is totally derived.  It was God’s idea.  It is God that governors will answer to for their stewardship.  It is His position that makes any leaders position significant.  They are His laws that make any law of man relevant.  It is life in eternity that makes life here meaningful.

 

Jesus, Paul, Moses, Daniel (and many others of our favorite biblical characters) had so very much to say about the relationship between God, government and citizens of countries.  It would seem that sincere men would appreciate the high esteem given to government by the Bible.  The joint effort of families, governments and churches (to eradicate overt evil) would certainly be conducive to progress in our nation and in the world.  But, no – there has arisen a great fear that religion might somehow pollute the public mindset. 

 

It’s obvious to me why religion (Christianity specifically) is hated and muted.  Secularist elites want us censored, silenced, quarantined, sequestered, isolated and ignored because we expose the evil of their humanistic errors.  They want to label good things as evil and evil things as good, without the danger of correction.  We are the light of the world, and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.  If they like, they can blame their rejection of us on the charlatans who have paraded under our flag in the past, but I will speak boldly against evil in religious groups too… just as I do against evil in academic institutions, media organizations, governmental offices, and even in my own heart.

 

The standard is set by God and God alone.  His standards are as plain as the black (and red) words on the white pages of my Bible.  Without Him there is no standard.

 

I could spend hours referencing examples and principles that are unequivocally prominent in the Scripture.  Instead, I’ll give one without (much) commentary and then move on to my final and ultimate purpose of this meditation.

Romans 13:1-7

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power?  Do that which is good, and you will have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.  Wherefore you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For for this cause you pay tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” 

What should a legitimate government exercising God-given authority against real crimes and evils have to fear in a Bible that promotes such respect and obedience from its subjects?

 

Now, back to the main topic...

 

Since I am convinced that we are in the last days before the Great Day of the Lord, I find it interesting that the Bible prophesies the 2^nd (or 3^rd) coming of Elijah prior to the final coming of Jesus Christ.  The reason this intrigues me is 3 fold:

1.       Elijah had a prominent role in influencing the public policy of his day in his “meddling” with the affairs of Ahab and Jezebel; monarchs of Samaria (read I Kings).  The issue was idolatry.

2.       John the Baptist (Elijah II according to Matthew 11) died as a result of his attempt to promote holiness in the political leader of his day; Herod.  The issue was immorality.

3.       When Jesus does come again, the government will be upon His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).  The opponent that He will defeat and replace will be the son of perdition; a Devil possessed politician and worldwide governor.  I believe one of the great witnesses that will foretell the last advent will be Elijah himself (Revelation 11).  He too (like the Elijahs before him) will be slain by the current governor (the Antichrist) because of his message.   

 

At this juncture in my thoughts, I’m reminded of the song “Days of Elijah” by Robin Mark.  My land, how we do need an Elijah today!  If John the Baptist and the prophet Elijah were here today, I wonder where they would minister and who they would address.  I wonder what the topics of their sermons might be?

 

Oh, I have no doubt that they would point to revelation, to the Creator, to redemption, the church of the living God… but I’m as equally convinced that they would confront the great immoral issues of our day as well.  The greatest concern that confronts humanity at every level hasn’t changed one iota – our problem is sin.  Sin in an individual, a family, a church, a government, a nation or the world – it’s all the same.  They would surely call abortion, murder.  They would call homosexuality, an abomination and a perversion.  They would call materialism, idolatry.  And, they would call secularism, foolishness.  And, I’m afraid, they would call Christians, cowards.  They would promote humility, repentance and holiness in every jurisdiction.  From the white house, to the Houses of Congress, to the house of God, to your house, evil would be condemned without apology.  There are NO harbors outside of His sovereign domain.

 

When my youngest son was born, we named him Elijah Gabriel.  I knew very well what his names meant.  His names were selected intentionally.  Just as people named their children in Bible times based upon the current circumstances and their personal desires, I did the same.  Gabriel means, “man of God” . . . truly, my prayer is that my youngest will be a man of God.  His first name, Elijah, is a combination of “El” and “Jah” (Jehovah).  The name “Elijah” means “the Lord, He is God”!  I admit readily that in naming him Elijah, I intended to express my desire to my God (the one and only living God of heaven and earth) that my heart cry was for the return of the spirit of Elijah in this generation.  We need a man of power, zeal, holiness, courage, prominence and influence to stand forth and declare the word of the Lord to the secular heathen of our day. 

 

The Lord, He is God!  Let the entire earth bow before Him in reverence and fear.  He is an immovable Rock.  His way is perfect.  Submission to Him is demanded, not suggested.  Shape up, or pay the price!

 

Matthew 21:44, “Whosoever will fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”  Whosoever… that includes pundits, bloggers, commentators, journalists, politicians, educators, activists, judges, lawmakers, governors, mayors, councilmen, soldiers, policemen, executives and citizens.  He is the Maker and Owner of everything and everybody.  You have no option.  You will answer to Him.  His will and His way is the supreme factor in every matter – universally.  A man or woman who leaves God out of any decision is, at that moment, incompetent (Psalm 14:1).

 

If you appreciated this blog, you might enjoy the following video about Rediscovering God in America:  America’s Spiritual Foundation

 

Postscript:

 

Our forefathers believed firmly that “…the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle…” people to justly govern one another.  They even signed their names to their faith filled position, “…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”  From where did they get their authority and to whom did they answer?  None other than the God of the Bible!  They risked their lives for the foundation of our nation “…with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.”  These are quotes from the unanimous Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).  Don’t try to feed me some ridiculous line about me and God needing to refrain from expression when it comes to politics and government.  I won’t hear it!  I won’t be silent!

 

I shout today - “Secularists, stop attempting to hijack our country!”