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Faith—the incontestable engine of the Christian doctrine. Faith is what drives Christians to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. So what is this faith? What is faith about? This article is all about faith.

What is faith

For starters, what is faith? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: a strong belief or trust in someone or something. Every human being exercises faith. For example, when we are ready to travel to a destination, we approach our cars with the belief that the motor will start and they are going to take us to our destination. There’s no evidence of this, we just believe it to be so. Most of the time it is but sometimes we’re disappointed. But for the most part we believe this is going to happen before it happens—that’s faith. When we go to a restaurant, we order food by faith with the assured belief that the food will arrive, that it will taste good, and that it won’t poison us. We have no evidence of this; we believe that it’s going to happen before it happens—that’s faith. I could go on and on, but the point is, in our everyday lives we operate on faith. It is “trust in someone or something.”

So what Christian faith about? Well. Let’s look at what Christian faith is.

What is Christian Faith

The Christian definition of faith tells us what the Christian faith is about.  According to the Nelson’s Bible dictionary, faith is: A belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to His will for one’s life. Faith is the instrument by which the gift of salvation is received. Eph. 2:8-9 reads:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Faith is therefore distinct from the basis of salvation, which is grace, and from the consequence of salvation, which is good works.

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The apostle Paul declared that salvation is through faith, not through keeping the works of the law.

The basis of salvation is grace from God. Christians accept this grace by faith, putting their trust in the atoning sacrifice of God’s Son Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. By confessing and repenting of their sins, the Christians accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This is the beginning of a Christian’s walk of faith. However, make no mistake, faith is part of the Christian life from beginning to end.

Scripture defines faith this way in Heb 11:1:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

This chapter in Hebrews is known as the chapter/hall of faith and it begins

with a description of faith. Faith is the “substance” meaning the foundation, assurance, and guarantee of things hoped for. Christians base their hopes on the foundation of faith. Faith is a verb, a word of action and is being described as an act, an act of the mind and heart.

Biblical hope is confident expectancy. Genuine hope is not wishful thinking, but an unyielding assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future. In the Bible, the word hope stands for both the act of hoping (Rom 4:18; 1 Cor 9:10) and the thing hoped for (Col 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3). Hope does not arise from the individual’s desires or wishes but from God, who is Himself the Christian’s hope. Rom 8:24-25 reads:

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

When Christians put their faith in Christ as Savior, they receive this hope: that they will be redeemed. However, the full redemption hasn’t occurred; it will happen when Christ returns. That is why it is still a hope—an expectation. We expect what we hope for to come.

While we can be confident of our salvation, we still look ahead with hope and trust toward that complete redemption that lies beyond this earthly life.

Back to Heb. 11:1, It goes on to say “the evidence of things not seen.” Scripture seems to be saying that faith is the actual possession of reality. It is believing that God exists and what He promises; He will deliver—even though we can’t see the fulfillment it at the moment.

A life of faith

So how important is faith in the life of a Christian?

According to the Scriptures, faith is of the upmost importance. In Heb 11:6 it reads:

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

God desires to have a relationship with His people. This pleases Him. But it is impossible to have a relationship with Him without faith in Him; faith that He exists in the first place.

God assures us that all who “earnestly seek him” will be rewarded. To earnestly seek means to act in faith on the knowledge of God. Then, subsequently determine to devote oneself to him.

Another passage of Scripture that addresses living by faith is Hebrews 10:38-39:

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Faith preserves the soul; it is the only thing that can save the soul. The only way a person will ever be accepted by God and escape the judgment of God is to…

• believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

• believe that He is the perfect sacrifice for sins—that Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself and bore the guilt and punishment of them for us—that Jesus Christ has thereby freed us from sin and made us acceptable to God.

The person who believes this is “just” before God; he is counted righteous before God. The just person—all Christians—shall live by faith and by faith alone.

Drawing back from Christ displeases God. God is never pleased with a person…

• who professes Christ and draws back into sin.

• who has known the truth and draws back into sin.

• who plays the hypocrite.

• who has a form of religion but draws back from the sacrificial blood of His Son.

God has no pleasure in this person, no pleasure whatsoever. This means that He will judge the person who draws back.

Drawing back is not the way of the Christian—not the dedicated Christian. As the Scripture reads: “We are not of those who draw back unto perdition.”

Some are; some professed faith in Christ and have now drawn back. But others are not of that number they “…believe to the saving of the soul.”

The bottom line

The point: Christian believers are to walk by faith, not by feelings and emotions. The tendency of people, even of Christians, is to live by their feelings and emotions. They act according to their feelings. They experience some emotion, so they behave according to that emotion. If they feel bad, they act irresponsibly: grumbling, complaining, and reacting. If they feel good, they act happy. Their behavior is determined by how they feel and react to emotional experiences. This is simply—fleshly.

Living by one’s feelings is contrary to God’s will. “The just shall live by faith”—this is God’s will. The Christian is to let faith control him. He is to let faith control his life and the particular problems that confront him every so often.

How does a Christian live by faith? What does it mean to live by faith? It means to do four things—consistently.

1. The Christian is to commit his life and his problems to God—all day long—throughout all his waking hours. He is to take the experiences and the problems of his day and commit them to God once-for-all. He is to believe that God hears his commitment and gives the strength to walk triumphantly throughout the day. He is to know that God does not like a whining, whimpering child begging and begging for strength when all he is doing is wallowing around in self-pity. This holds true no matter what is going on in and around the Christian’s life, as the scripture reads in 2 Cor. 5:7: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) Walk in the Scriptures signifies living…we live by faith, not by what we see; not by our circumstances in our lives or what’s on the news.

2. The Christian is to deny self. The feelings, emotions, and selfishness of his flesh are to be rejected, even ignored if necessary.

3. The Christian is to act as though he has made a commitment to God. He has made a commitment, so he is to act like it. His feelings are immaterial. He is to act responsibly. He is to go ahead and do what he should be doing. He is to behave as he should.

4. Then while the Christian is doing what he ought to be doing, he is to be asking God for His grace and strength. He is to be acknowledging God in all His ways throughout the whole day. [Prov. 3:5] He is to walk in prayer all day long, asking forgiveness as he comes short and slips and falls, and praising and thanking God for His eternal mercy and grace.

God does not direct the Christian’s path and then he feels good and goes about doing right. It is while the Christian is going about his affairs in a responsible way that God directs his paths. This is the life of the new and living faith wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and follow Him.

This is what faith is about!

The Christian walk of faith is a not easy one; especially when life isn’t so rosy. It is a lot more serious than many professing Christians acknowledge. But being empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can maintain our faith in spite of what’s happening (what we see) around us.

Time is marching on and we need to get ourselves in line with the will of God and take heed to what the Scripture says in Rev 2:26, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” This takes faith!

Our faith can start out small but it is to grow and it what helps us to over come until the end. Jesus said in Matt 17:20 in response to His disciples:
…”I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” NIV
A mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, yet it can move mountains and and it grows into a large tree (Matt. 13:31).

When Jesus seems distant or our problems threaten to overcome us, let us keep walking by faith. Trusting during a trial means waiting to see what good Jesus can bring out of what may seem like complete turmoil. We must remember that Christ uses trials to strengthen us for even greater service.

Amen.

Other Scriptures that address living by faith are: Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11.

Blessings!

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

Repentance and Sin: two of the most foundational words in the Christian faith. Both of these words
come into play at the inception of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior.
However, often, as time goes on, the former word becomes the hardest to
implement. The purpose of this article is to shed a little light on
these two words: repentance and sin.

All about sin

What is sin – “Sin is lawlessness.” Sin is the breaking of the Law of God. 1 John 3:4 reads:

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. KJV

Sin is a transgression, an iniquity, an unrighteous act. It is a
deviation from God’s will. Sin is a form of evildoing since it is in
opposition to God’s decrees and desires. It is an open rebellion and
disobedience to what God has declared is right and all sin is unholy.
Sin can only be properly understood in relationship to God since God is
the holy one. God’s standard of moral perfection is what we are all
obligated to obey and when we do not, we have sinned. [1 Peter 1:16]

We all sin – Every person who’s ever lived, except for Jesus, commits sin (1 Pet. 2:22, 1 Jn. 1:8).

Rom 3:23 Reads:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; KJV

This is because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden and we inherited
his sinful nature. This is why the Scripture says that sin entered the
world through one man, Adam (Rom. 5:12).

Scripture further says that we are by nature children of wrath (Eph.
2:3). In other words, because we are fallen in our sin natures we
deserve damnation. But God is merciful in that he sent Jesus to cleanse
us of our sins.

Sin is doing what is contrary to the revealed will of God. That is
the long and the short of it. If God says “Do not lie” and we lie, then
we have broken His law and sinned. Sin goes against the holy character
of God. How do we know? Because it goes against Law. One of the purposes of the law is to make us aware of sin and we need to be saved. The second, is to lead us to Chris.

The Law – The Law, then, is the standard of moral
purity. The Old Testament contains the Law of God. Sin is a perfect
standard because it is God’s standard. When we fail to keep the law, we
have sinned. When we sin, we offend God. This offense against God

results in a judgment. When laws are broken, they have penalties.
Therefore, there is no law without a penalty. Therefore, breaking God’s
law brings judgment which is separation from God. Romans 6:23 reads:
“the wages of sin is death . . .” Therefore, to sin, to break God’s
law, results in judgment. If God did not judge the sinner, then He
would not be upholding His holiness; and he would be allowing sinners to
go unpunished. This is a pretty dismal picture—right?

The good news!

There is more to the story! The balance of Rom 6:23 reads: …”but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV
God, in His love, mercy and grace made a way for man to be redeemed; a
way for us to be reconciled with God. But it took the shedding
of blood. Heb 9:22 reads: And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

But God loves us so much that as it reads in John 3:16:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus came to take our place and die for our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 reads:
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.

This means that Jesus bore our sin in His body on the cross and paid
for them. He took the judgment upon himself. Further, it means that
anyone who trusts and believes in what Jesus did on the cross will have
his sins removed; he will be saved from God’s future judgment.

So, in response to the question “What is sin?” Sin is best answered by
saying that it is breaking God’s law. All of us have sinned.
Therefore, everyone is under God’s judgment – except for those who have
trusted in God’s provision to escape that judgment. We must also repent
of our sins.

What is biblical repentance

To repent means to turn from sin. The Greek word translated as
repent is metanoeoo, which means to change one’s mind. Repentance is a
heartfelt conviction to turn from wrong doing and do what is right.
Scripture says in Rom 6:15-18

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but
under grace? By no means! 16 Don’t you know that when you offer
yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one
whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or
to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God
that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the
form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free
from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. NIV

Before we accept Christ, we are slaves to sin, but afterwards, we are to become slaves to righteousness.

This is part of what it means to be a Christian. We are not called to
continue in wrongdoing. We are called to repent, to stop sinning, to do
what is right—live righteous lives and honor God. Though we are not
saved by our repenting alone, our repentance is something that we do
when we forsake sin because we are trusting in Christ who died to
cleanse us from our sins. 1 John 1:9 Reads: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This is a Scripture we Christians hold onto dearly—confession and
forgiveness. We hold onto this principal for dear life. But there’s
more to the story. There’s more to forgiveness than confession.

Let’s look at what confession is. Confession is an admission of
sins; an agreement with God that we have sinned against Him for which we
seek forgiveness.

When we first accept Christ, we are required to confess our sins as step one.

But we are also required to repent
of our sins as well. Matt 3:1-2 quotes John the Baptist as saying:

1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

To repent is to turn away from sin; to make a radical change, to
change our minds about sin. This is what regeneration is all about.
Biblically, repentance means to turn from sin with a heartfelt desire to
change and not commit it again. This is what we are required to do.

Afterward we are still required to repent. Prov. 28:13 reads: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

Notice what the Scripture says: confess and forsake. To forsake is to give up or leave entirely.

But often, as we move on in Christianity, we forget about step 2. We
confess, but not repent. We must constantly live in repentance; to
consciously reject sin. This power is given to us by the Holy Spirit
but we must exercise it—constantly. Sin is not forced upon us, but is
available.

This does not mean that we will never sin again. But remember the previous Scripture passage, Rom 6:15-18, we are no longer “slaves to sin.” This
means that we are not led by sin to purposely live sinful lives. We
are slaves to righteousness to purposely live righteous lives. Sin
should be an accident in a Christian’s life and we should be remorseful
about it. Therefore, when we do sin, we must acknowledge them and confess
them to God and ask for forgiveness through Christ.

But let us not forget step 2! Repent! To turn away from it with hopes to never repeat it again.

So when we confess…we must repent as well to “have mercy.”

Blessings!

Please feel free to leave any question or comment below. You may
also suggest any Biblical topic you would like covered on this site.

 

 

 

 

Introduction:

Arminianism vs. Calvinism—a controversy that has been in existence for centuries on the issue of salvation.  One teaches free will to choose God, the other teaches man has limited free will and is incapable of choosing God.  One teaches free will to choose God, the other teaches man has limited free will and is incapable of choosing God.  One believes salvation is conditional, one believes it’s unconditional.  Which one is correct?  My response is below.

My response  

I really don’t consider myself a Calvinist or Arminian, but simply a Christian living by the Word of God as best I can.  I will however express my thoughts on the issues. 

FREE WILL – I do believe that man has free will—total free will.  Since God created man (Adam) and placed him in the Garden, man has had free will.  [Gen 2:16-17]  Adam had total free will to obey or disobey God; to live or die.  When Adam chose to disobey God man ultimately became depraved and wicked [Gen 6:5].

However with the advent of Christ, the way was paved for righteousness to be imputed to all.  Scripture reads in Rom 5:18: Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. NIV

Throughout the Bible, Old and New Testaments, man has perpetually had free will to choose. [e.g. Deut. 30:19, John 3:16]

This is especially true in the New Testament where it is made clear that believing is a prerequisite to salvation.  There are seventeen (17) Scriptures in the NIV translation containing the conditional phrase, “who believe.”  They are: Matt 18:6, Mark 9:42, Mark 16:17, Acts 22:19, Rom 3:22, Rom 4:11, Rom 4:24, 1 Cor. 1:21, Gal 3:7, Gal 3:22, Eph 1:19, 1 Thess. 2:13, 1 Tim 4:3, 1 Tim 4:10, Heb 10:39, 1 Peter 2:7, 1 John 5:13 NIV

In the King James translation, twenty one (21) Scriptures contain the conditional phrase, “that believe.”  They are: Mark 9:42, Mark 16:17, John 1:12, John 6:64, John 7:39, Acts 13:39, Rom 3:22, Rom 4:11, 1 Cor 1:21, 1 Cor 10:27, 1 Cor 14:22, Gal 3:22, 1 Thess 1:7, 1 Thess 2:10, 1 Thess 2:13, 2 Thess 1:10, 1 Tim 4:10, Heb 10:39, 1 John 5:13  KJV

It appears to me that believing is a pretty prevalent requirement in the life of a Christian.  It’s about faith from the beginning of salvation to the end.  Scripture reads in Rev 2:26: 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Those that believe, overcome and obey to the end will rule over Christ’s enemies and reign with Him as He judges evil.

Those that believe and those who believe is plural…anyone that believes and continues are saved.  The choice is ours, everybody’s.

There is a passage of Scripture that clearly indicates freewill to choose, Rom 6:16-18

16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. NIV

Notice the word “offer.”  King James uses “yield.” These are verbs; words of action.

Life is filled with choices about whom and what we will obey and we are slaves to whomever or whatever we commit ourselves to obey.  We can be slaves to sin which leads to death or to obedience which leads to righteousness—life.  There are only two ultimate choices and no middle ground.

Therefore my question to the Calvinists is: when did man lose his free will or when did his free will become limited?  Because I haven’t found a Scripture indicating that he has.

CONDITIONAL ELECTION

God is omniscient and in his foreknowledge He knows that a person will choose to be saved. In His wide scope God can see those who will choose Christ and in response to this act of human free will, God in turn chooses them and calls them the elect. [Rom 8:29, 11:12, 1 Pet 1:1-2] We see that election is conditional upon free will because God has to see that a person will make a free will decision in the future before He is able to impart salvation to that person. The decision to be saved, then, is ultimately a human decision prompted by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit convicts of sin prompting one to realize that they need a savior and makes a decision to act or not.  According to Calvinism, if God doesn’t choose a person beforehand, there are simply lost. [scripture please?]

Truth is God’s forgiveness is unconditional.  There is no Scripture which states God won’t forgive.  Scripture says in Acts 2:38 “…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  KJV

UNIVERSAL ATONEMENT

When Christ died he took upon Himself all sin for every human being. This does not mean that all humans are saved. Therefore, Christ’s sacrifice does not actually save individuals but only provides the potential for every individual to be saved. Christ’s death will only provide salvation when it is completed by a free will decision made by an individual.  [John 3:16, 1 Tim. 4:10, etc]

The important point is salvation is open to all.  Scripture reads in Rom 5:18:

18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.     KJV

IMPEDEABLE  GRACE

Grace is open to everyone, but God never forces salvation upon anyone.  He didn’t force Adam in the garden and He’s not forcing anyone in the world today.

Though the Holy Spirit is instrumental in salvation, He is a gentleman and does not force anyone into repentance. The Spirit merely prompts people who are then free to choose for or against the gift of salvation. The process of salvation is this: The Spirit prompts people. Man in his free will chooses to believe in Christ. Having believed, he then begins to exercise faith. It’s all about faith.  Faith is the cause of regeneration. Faith is what allows the Holy Spirit to do His regenerative work in the new believer. So again we see that free will is fundamental.  We can refuse grace [Matt. 23:37, John 5:40, Acts 7:51]

LOOSING GRACE

Because man has free will and in the process of salvation has the ability to choose for or against God, it stands to reason that it is possible to fall away from this grace. God can never impose His will upon us so that we lose our free will. It follows, then, that we must be free to accept or reject this grace at any time. This is a necessary conclusion since man must be as free to reject God’s grace and leave God’s kingdom, as he is free to accept God’s grace and enter the kingdom. Again, we see that this belief is entirely dependent on free will.

Life is serious.  Being a Christian is even more serious.  It is a serious responsibility.  It is more serious than a large amount of professing believers take note of.  We are not to accept Christ, set back, live the way we want (worldly or otherwise) and cruise into eternal life.

With regeneration a change takes place and puts us on a path to live for God.  We are to grow in godliness, working out our own salvation (Phil. 2:12), making our calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).  Scripture indicates that when we fail to grow ahead, we fall behind and can fall away from God’s grace.    2 Peter 1:3-10

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.     KJV

When we accept Christ and put our faith in Him, God through the power of the Holy Spirit gives us what we need live a godly life (to keep us from sin and to help us live for him).  This puts us on the path to eternal life and away from the path of eternal death (vs. 3).

God through Christ has given us great promises and through these promises we can participate in the divine nature that involves fellowship and unity in our relationship with God. This divine nature also enables Christians to, as the Scripture reads: escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (vs.4).

Now this is God’s part; the promises we receive as the result of having faith in His Son Jesus.

But we have a part also in addition to faith. (Vss. 5-7).  These qualities equate to Spiritual growth.  We have a responsibility to grow.

If we increase in these qualities, if we continue our spiritual growth, our knowledge will increase and will affect the way we live.  These qualities will equip us to live a godly life (vs. 8).

However, as I mentioned earlier: when we fail to grow ahead, we fall behind and can fall away from God’s grace.  If we fail to engage these qualities or refuse to grow, we become shortsighted leaving us blind to the big picture,  possibly causing us to forget that we were removed from our past, sinful state (vs. 9).  If we forget that we were removed from our past we are subject to return to it.  Jesus warns about salt loosing it’s saltiness in Matt. 5:13.

The good news is if we engage these qualities, we make our calling and election sure and are guaranteed an entrance into God’s kingdom (vss. 10-11).

Other Scriptures to review include: Heb. 6:4-6, 2 Pet 2:20-22, Rom. 11:22.  These Scriptures address the issue of a believer discontinuing in growth and backsliding.

OSAS (once saved always saved)

Calvinists believe that a believer is saved whether they grow or not; that the elect will never fall away from God.  If they don’t grow, they’ll have a lower position in the kingdom than if they had grown.  I haven’t found that in Scripture.

Further, Calvinists believe that even a backslider is saved because it’s only for a while.  However the last set of Scriptures [Heb. 6:4-6, 2 Pet 2:20-22, Rom. 11:22] doesn’t indicate that thought.  If there is one that does, I’m willing to observe it.

Perhaps backsliders know exactly how long they will live!  Therefore, they can live the way they want until there time to depart earth is near.

Calvinists also say that in this instance, an individual was never really saved.  I urge a study of the passage in Hebrews 6:4-6.

There is another passage of Scripture that makes it clear that remaining in God’s grace is a choice. John 15:1-10, 16:

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

In this passage, Jesus represents Himself as the Vine and God as the gardener.  The gardener cuts off the branch that bears no fruit.  This is an illustration that if we don’t bear fruit (grow), that’s a problem!  People who won’t bear fruit for God will be cut off from his life-giving power.

For the branches that do bear fruit (grow), He prunes so that they bear even more fruit (grow even more). 

Verse 3 acknowledges the acceptance of the Word-the truth; the call to salvation and are clean as a result. Presently, we received this Word through the acceptance of it being preached to us.  [1 Cor. 15:2, Rom 10:17] But notice what He says in verse 4: “remain in me.”  This clearly indicates a choice.  If we remain in Him (grow and bear fruit-grow), He will remain in us.  ”No branch can bear fruit on its own.”  We cannot grow on our own but only do so if we remain in Him: “unless you remain in me.”

We are to hold fast to the Word.  Otherwise, we “have believed in vain.” [1 Cor. 15:2]

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Verse 5 contains a divine promise from Christ that if we remain in Him, we will bear much fruit (grow mightily).  Verse 6 makes it abundantly clear that if we do not remain in Him we become useless to the kingdom and ourselves spiritually.  Again—when we fail to grow ahead, we fall backwards.  Verse 7 contains another promise for remaining in the Lord.  Verse 9 expresses the love shown to us by the Father and the Son and verse 10 expresses our part as a result.  IF we obey His commands, we will remain in His love just as Christ has obeyed and remained in His Father’s love.

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. NIV

Jesus chose those that believe and remain in Him to bear fruit (grow and increase the Kingdom).

Jesus made the first choice — to love and to die for us, to invite us to live with him forever. We are to make the next choice — to accept or reject his offer.  

Unless he first chose us, we would have no choice to make. [cf. I John 4:9-10, 19]  Remember verse 5 of the text:”apart from me you can do nothing.” 

This passage is about choice…the words “if you remain,” “remain in me” “remain in my love” carries the point.  To remain means to stay…if you stay, stay in me, stay in my love.  Is there a pattern here?!!  The point, the central theme of this passage…if we want to be saved, if we want the blessings of God, we need to accept Christ and stay in his love by obeying His commands (vs.10).

One cannot lose salvation because it’s a gift from God and is always available to mankind until Christ returns.  If one should fall away, that one is free to return (as the prodigal son did). Therefore Salvation is not lost.  But one can certainly lose the merits of salvation by not remaining in Christ and His love by obeying Him.

Scripture alerts us in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 of the kinds of behaviors of people that will not enter the kingdom.  While He does save people who are engaged in these behaviors and repent, there is a price to pay for one who returns to them. [2 Pet: 19-22] God does not reward bad-sinful behavior.

I have one final question for Calvinists: if it is true that the elect can never fall away from God, then why do we have Spiritual warfare?  Why does the enemy continue to temp and taunt the elect?  If all one had to do was profess Christ and remain saved, unable to be lost, no matter how they lived, the enemy would be out of business!  In that case, the whole world is saved!  But we really know better than that!  Don’t we?

Let’s look at one more passage: Eph 6:10-24:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;   KJV

For starters, Paul is writing to Christian believers in Ephesus.  Second, he is warning them against the powers of evil; that they must stand strong in the Lord and His power against spiritual attacks.

Third, since they are saved and will always be saved, why the warning, why should there be a concern?

Fact is the millisecond we accept Christ, a war, a spiritual war commences with our spirits for a battle for our souls.  Further, understand there is no Christian that cannot fall (1 Cor. 10:12)

Folks, this is serious!  There is a battle for souls and there’s no time to be complacent in our salvation.  We have to “work out” our …”own salvation with fear and trembling.” [Phil. 2:12]

There are no shortcuts with the gospel!  We will be held accountable and must be responsible!

Closing remarks

I would rather be defined as a follower of Christ than a follower of the teachings of Calvin or Arminius. However, having said that, I do believe that one of their teachings is correct and the other is not.

The issue of eternal security versus conditional security is, in some respects, an antinomy. The definition of an antinomy is that it is two truths that are both true yet apparently opposite. We must all return to the Scriptures and take the whole teaching of the Word, instead of relying on these doctrinal systems. Following the Word in truth is the only way to true doctrine.  We must be careful of the doctrines of men.

Warnings of the doctrines of men go back to the early church where Paul wrote: “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?  For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe — as the Lord has assigned to each his task.  I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ” 1 Cor 3:3-7 NIV

Bottom line:  stick to the Word of God; only God gives the increase! Not John calvin or Jacob Arminus.

Amen!

For further reading on this topic, Amazon has a vast selection of books on this and other spiritual topics.  You may click here [paid link] to observe and purchase.

Please feel free to leave any question or comment below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 There are two systems of theology that has been dividing the church for centuries: Calvinism and Arminianism. They are opposing doctrines of salvation.

These two systems of theology diverge at the foundational issue of human depravity.

How could there be such a divide on a fundamentally imperative tenant of Christianity? After all, salvation is what it’s all about. It is the very derivation—the root of being a Christian. So, which one is correct? In this article, we are going to take a look at Arminianism vs. Calvinism.

What is Calvinism

Calvinism is the theology that was a product of the Protestant Reformation and was largely defined by John Calvin (1509-1564). He was born in France, but lived most of his life in Geneva Switzerland. Though a contemporary of Martin Luther, he was a generation removed and the two never met. Calvin, like Martin Luther, formed theology that was based on an understanding of the errors of Roman Catholicism, in particular the belief in a works-based salvation. Calvin’s “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” which laid the foundation for his system of theology, was first published in 1536. This doctrine emphasizes God’s omnipotence, man’s depravity and the salvation of God’s elect by grace alone.

A proper understanding of Calvinism is fully dependent on understanding Calvin’s view of man’s depravity. He taught that man, (Adam), who once enjoyed perfect fellowship and communion with God, had his very nature changed through the fall into sin. This not only destroyed the communion between God and man, but also removed the ability of man to have communion with God. Man’s nature became so utterly corrupt as to leave him unable to choose against his nature. A fallen man is able to choose to do what he wants, but is unable to want God. There seems to be a misconception that Calvinists do not believe in man’s free will, but this is not the case. Calvinism teaches that free will exists, but is bound by a man’s nature. Man is a slave not to God, but to his own nature. Because man does not want God, he can never choose Him. [Refer to Rom 6:16- 18] Only God, in His Sovereign free will, can change man’s nature and make him capable of repentance.

The five points of Calvinism are often summarized in the acronym T.U.L.I.P. which stands for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.

Below is a brief discussion of each of those points. For each I have provided the Bible passages from which they are drawn. I have added a brief comment to each which explains how that passage is interpreted as verification according to Calvinists doctrine.

Total Depravity

Man’s will is held in captive to his nature. Man is free to choose according to the way his nature dictates, but his nature is so totally corrupt that he could never choose for good. He is free to choose, but he cannot go against his nature. With a sinful nature it is impossible to take an action that would be anything other than sinful and rebellious. It is impossible to choose a righteous or pleasing work capable of pleasing a holy God.

In the same way, God is able to choose according to His free will, but cannot contradict his nature, which is perfect. Therefore, God could never take an action that was anything but perfect and holy.

Genesis 6:5 – God saw that the intent of every heart was only repeated evil.
Genesis 8:21 – The intent of every heart is evil from childhood.
Isaiah 64:6-7 –Because of uncleanliness no one calls on God’s name or is stirred to take hold of God.
Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked and beyond cure.
John 3:19 – Even though light has arrived, men loved darkness rather than light because their hearts are evil.
Romans 3:10-18 – There is none righteous. There is none who seeks God. They all have turned away.
Romans 8:8 – Those that are controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 – The worldly man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God and cannot know them because they are spiritually discerned.
Ephesians 2:1-3 – God in His mercy made us alive when we were dead in our sin. We once walked in sin and were children of wrath.
2 Timothy 2:25,26 – We have been taken captive by the devil to do his will and if we are granted repentance God will bring us to our senses and help us escape.

Unconditional Election

Calvinists believe that God’s election is entirely unconditional and it is He who makes the ultimate choice for salvation. God foreknows who will be His elect and this is based on His decree, plan and purpose. He chooses people for His good pleasure and in His will. God brings His chosen people, through the Spirit, to a willing acceptance of Christ. His choice has nothing to do with man’s free will. God the Father chooses people for reasons we do not know or understand. God does not choose people because they would choose Him. He doesn’t choose them on that basis.

The Scriptural basis is as follows with interpretational verification:

Matthew 11:27 – No one knows the Father except the Son and the ones to whom the Son chooses to reveal.
Matthew 13:11 – To some it has been given to know God, but to others it has not.
Matthew 15:13 – God is the one who does the planting.
Matthew 20:23 – God has ordained who will sit at His right and His left.
Mark 13:20 – God chooses the elect.
Luke 10:21, 22 – God chooses to whom He will reveal the plan of salvation based on what seems good in His sight.
Luke 12:32 – It is God’s pleasure to give some the kingdom.
Luke 13:24 – Some will seek the kingdom but may not enter.
John 5:21 – The Son gives life to whom He pleases.
John 6:44 – No one can come to the Son except those who are drawn first by the Father.
John 6:65 – No one can come to the Son unless it has been decided by the Father.
John 8:43-47 – The children of the devil cannot comprehend Christ’s teaching.
John 10:26-30 – Christ’s sheep know His voice. Those who are not His sheep cannot follow Him.
John 12:37-40 – The people were kept from believing in order to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy.
John 13:18 – Christ knew who He had chosen. He did not choose Judas.
John 15:16 – Christ does the choosing.
John 17:6 – Some were given to Christ by the Father for eternal life.
Acts 13:48 – As many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Romans 8:28-30 – Those who were predestined were called, glorified and justified.
Romans 9:11-13 – God chose Jacob before his birth, not based on his works.
Galatians 1:15 – Paul was set apart by God while in his mother’s womb.
Ephesians 1:3-5 – He chose us before the foundation of the world, having predestined us to adoption according to His will.
Ephesians 1:11 – We have been predestined according to His will to receive an inheritance.
Ephesians 2:4-7 – God made us alive while we were still dead in sin.
Colossians 1:26, 27 – It was God’s will to make Christ known to the saints.
Colossians 3:12 –God’s chosen people.
1 Thessalonians 1:4 – Knowing the election of God.
2 Thessalonians 13, 14 – From the beginning God chose some for salvation.
2 Timothy 1:9 – God saved us and called us according to His own purpose.
Hebrews 9:15 – Only those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
1 Peter 1:1, 2 – We are elected according to God’s foreknowledge and will.
1 Peter 2:7, 8 – Some have been predestined to hell.
Jude 4 – Some were predestined for condemnation.

Irresistible Grace

With Calvinism, there are two ways God calls people to repentance. The first is the outer call which is extended to anyone who hears the gospel. This can be and often is rejected. The second is the internal call which is extended only to the elect and can never be rejected. In the natural state an individual is spiritually dead and as dead men are incapable of responding to anything. Therefore, he or she must be brought to life before they can respond to God. The Holy Spirit, in cooperation with the electing will of the Father, in the fullness of time, gives the gift of salvation to the elect who are powerless to resist God’s grace. God then bestows to the recipients the faith which Christ secured for us at the cross. Finally, the Spirit leads them to cooperate with God and repent. The order of salvation is regeneration, followed by faith and finally repentance. The Spirit’s work of regeneration must precede both faith and repentance lest they be acts of man.

The Scriptural basis is as follows with interpretational verification:

John 6:37-39 – God has sent the elect to Christ.
John 6:44 – No one can come unless the Father draws him.
Ephesians 2:1-10 – While we were still dead in sin and trespasses, God made us alive.

Philippians 2:12-13 – God works in us the desire to do good for His good pleasure.
John 1:12-13 – We are born not of our own will but born of God.
Romans 8:8 – Those that are in the flesh cannot please God (which confirms that regeneration must precede faith and repentance).
Romans 9:19 – No one can resist God’s will.
1 Corinthians 15:10 – It is only by God’s grace that Paul was a believer.

Perseverance of the Saints (OSAS)

According to Calvinists, because God authors and finishes our faith, we cannot fall away from salvation. Having been born again, we cannot be unborn. The elect, then, will persevere in righteousness and will never fall away from God. If someone who once professed Christ no longer appears to, one of two things must be true. Either he is still a believer and has fallen away from following God for a time (though not from salvation), or he was never saved.

The Scriptural basis is a follows with interpretational verification:

Matthew 24:24 – It is impossible to deceive the elect to nullify their salvation. (See also Mark 13:22)
Luke 15:11-32 – The prodigal son falls away for a time, but not eternally.
John 3:36 – He who believes in the Son has everlasting life
John 4:14 – Whoever receives, drinks the water of Christ will never thirst again.
John 6:39 – It is God’s will that of all He gives to Christ, none should perish.
John 10:28 – Jesus gives believers eternal life and they shall never perish.
Romans 8:28-30 – Those whom God calls He also justifies and glorifies.
Romans 11:29 – The calling and gifts of God are irrevocable.
1 Corinthians 1:8 – Christ will confirm us to the end.
Philippians 1:6 – He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 – God, who calls us, is faithful and will preserve us until Christ comes.
2 Thessalonians 3:4 – Paul has confidence that God will preserve them.
2 Timothy 4:18 – The Lord will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.
Hebrews 10:14 – By His offering Christ has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
1 John 2:19 – If they were of us they would have remained with us.
Revelation 3:5 – Names cannot be blotted from the book of life.

One thing to note regarding the Scriptures in the gospels: the timing was before the Holy Spirit was administered.

What is Arminianism

Arminianism is the theology of Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) and Arminianism arose as a rejection of Calvinism and its doctrines of predestination and election. Arminius taught that God has given human individuals free will, and they are able to freely choose or reject salvation.

Jacobus Arminius (1559 – 1609) was born in The Netherlands and spent the majority of his life as a pastor in that country. His followers were known as the Remonstrants. From the beginning of his pastorate he came under fire for teaching theology that was contrary to Calvinism, which was already a well-established system of theology. He taught that individual free will and God’s sovereignty could be reconciled and also denied the doctrine of Irresistible Grace.

As Calvinism cannot be understood without a proper understanding of man’s depravity, so Arminianism is dependent on understanding individual free will. Armenians’ believe that God has given individuals free will in all areas. Although the term “free will” is widely used, there are different understandings of it. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as follows:

1. Voluntary choice or decision. 2. Freedom of individuals to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or by divine intervention.

These definitions, though correct, do not expose the full meaning as it pertains to theology. For theological purposes the definition must be expanded. For a will to be truly free there must be must an alternative to what the person in question actually chose. A person who is presented with only one option does not truly have free will. Calvin taught that man is free to choose but only within the bounds of his nature (limited free will).However, Arminius believed that this was not true free will. For free will to exist man must be able to of his own accord choose or reject God.

The five points of Arminianism are: Free Will, Conditional Election, Universal Atonement, Obstructable Grace and Falling from Grace.

Below is a brief discussion of each of these points. For each I have provided the Bible passages from which they are drawn. I have added a brief comment to each which explains how that passage is interpreted as verification.

Free Will

Arminius taught that man’s fall into sin has not completely removed his ability to make a choice for or against God. Rather, man’s will is in a neutral state and is not able to choose only evil. The will is free to make a choice for either good or evil. In terms of salvation, the Holy Spirit draws people sufficiently and enlightens them enough that they can, of their own free will, choose salvation. However, He does not draw or enlighten them enough to force them into a decision.

Matthew 18:12, 13 – He rejoices if he finds one of the lost sheep.
Matthew 23:37 – Jesus desires to gather the people to Him but they are not willing.
Luke 15:11-32 – The prodigal son came to the realization of his depravity by himself.
John 3:16 – “whosoever believes in Him” would seem to indicate we choose to believe in Him.
John 5:40 – You are not willing to come to Me so you may have life; this involves choice.
John 7:17 – “If anyone chooses (wills) to do God’s will.” Indicative of choice.
Acts 2:37-38 – after asking what they should do, if they chose to repent and be baptized they would receive the Holy Spirit and be saved.
Acts 16:31 – Paul and Silas told the jailer that if he were to repent and baptized he would be saved, seemingly indicating that he was given the choice of repentance.
Romans 10:9 – Free will is indicated in that we are told that if we believe with our hearts and confess with our lips we will be saved.

Conditional Election

Arminians believe and teach that God’s election is based upon his foreknowledge that a person would choose to be saved. In the broad scope of eternity God can see those who would choose Christ and in response to this act of individual free will, God in turn chose them and called them the elect. We see that election is conditional upon free will because God has to see that a person will make a free will decision in the future before He is able to impart salvation to that person. The decision to be saved, then, is ultimately an individual’s decision initially and not an act of God. God ultimately responds to that decision.

Romans 8:29 – Those who He foreknew, He predestined.
Romans 11:2 – God foreknew His people.
1 Peter 1:1, 2 – Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father; “through the sanctifying work of the spirit through the obedience of Christ.” This is by the choice of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Universal Atonement

When Christ died he took upon Himself every sin for every individual being throughout time. This is not to say, however, that all individuals are saved. Therefore, Christ’s sacrifice does not actually save individuals but only provides the potential for every individual to be saved. Christ’s death will only provide salvation when it is completed by a free will decision made by an individual. A simple formula to express this would be, Christ’s sacrifice + man’s free will choice = salvation. Salvation cannot be completed without both of the pieces being in place. Again we see that atonement is conditional upon free will, as individuals are able to freely choose or reject atonement.

John 1:12 – Those who received him were given the right to become the children of God.
John 1:29 – John calls Jesus the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” not solely the sin of the elect.
John 3:16 – God so loved the world, not only the elect.
John 12:32 – I will draw all peoples too myself. He draws, we accept (or not).
Matthew 18:14 – It is not God’s will that any of His sheep should perish.
Romans 11:32 – So God might have mercy on all.
1 Corinthians 15:22 – As all fell in Adam so all are saved in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:14, 15 – One died for all.
1 Timothy 2:3-6 – God desires all to be saved and gave His Son as a ransom for all.
1 Timothy 4:10 – God is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe.
Hebrews 2:9 – Christ tasted death for everyone.
2 Peter 2:1 – Jesus “bought” even the false prophets.
2 Peter 3:9 – God does not will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and be saved.
1 John 2:2 – Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world.

Obstructable Grace

The fourth foundation of Arminian teaching is that God never forces salvation upon anyone. Though the Holy Spirit is instrumental in salvation, He does not force anyone into repentance. The Spirit merely encourages people who are then free to choose for or against the gift of salvation.

The process of salvation is this: The Spirit encourages people. Man in his free will chooses to believe in Christ accepting Him as Lord and Savior. Having believed, he then begins to exercise faith. As a result of these actions, the Holy Spirit regenerates him. Faith, therefore, precedes regeneration and is actually the cause of regeneration. Faith is what allows the Holy Spirit to do His regenerative work in the new believer. As with the other points, we see that free will is fundamental.

Matthew 23:37 – Christ longed to gather Jerusalem, but they were not willing.
Luke 7:30 – The Pharisees and lawyers chose to reject God’s will for themselves.
John 1:12 – To those who received Him who already believed in His name, He then gave the right to become children of God.
John 3:18-21 – Man has to choose between light and darkness.
John 5:40 – We can refuse to go to God and receive life.
Acts 7:51 – We can resist the Spirit as our fathers did.
2 Corinthian 6:1 – Do not receive the grace of God in vain.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Do not quench the Spirit. We can even choose to put out the Spirit‘s fire.

Fall from Grace

Because man has free will and in the process of salvation can choose for or against God, it must then be possible to fall away from this grace. God can never impose His will upon us so that we lose our free will. It follows, then, that we must be free to accept or reject this grace at any time. This is a necessary conclusion since man must be as free to reject God’s grace and leave God’s kingdom, as he was to accept God’s grace and enter the kingdom. Again, we see that this belief is entirely dependent on free will.

Matthew 5:13 – Salt can lose its saltiness (also Mark 9:50).
John 15:1-7 – Vines can be cut off and burned if they don’t bear fruit.
Romans 11:22 – If we don’t continue to grow in goodness we will be cut off.
2 Corinthians 11:4 – The people had fallen away but Paul attempted to bring them back.
Galatians 5:4 – Paul says that those who have tried to be justified by the law had fallen from grace.
Hebrews 6:4-6 – The passage discusses how it is possible, after accepting, to fall away from God.
2 Peter 1:8-10 – It is possible to forget our salvation. We can choose to close our eyes to the truth (vs. 9).
2 Peter 2:20-22 – It is better to have not ever known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn away from it.
Revelation 2:5 – God threatens to remove the church’s lampstand, indicating judgment, if they do not repent.

For further information on this topic, Amazon has an excellent selection of Christian books on this topic and other topics as well.                                      Click here [paid link]to select and purchase.

My response

So which one is correct? My response would make this post too lengthy. Therefore, my response can be found in the next post entitled: Arminianism vs. Calvinism: my response

Please feel free to leave any questions or remarks below. It will be greatly appreciated.

Blessings!

 

Since the mid 20th century (1950-60’s), a system that denies absolutes and

objectivity has emerged into our society. It has brought every established tradition and metanarrative into subject. It has cast doubt on everything that has been believed as solid foundational truth, and every institutional belief, including the church. This system is known as postmodernism.

In this article I will address postmodernism and the church.

What is Postmodernism

Postmodernism is a relativistic system of observation and thought that denies absolutes and objectivity. Postmodernism has become an influence across the board: theology, art, culture, architecture, society, film, technology, and economics. Traditional, social, art, and cultural beliefs are discarded and reinterpreted in relativistic terms. Unfortunately this includes the traditional teachings of the church based on Scripture.

Now I mentioned relativistic terms. This means that everything is relative and there are no absolutes.  This practice is called relativism.

Relativism is the philosophical position that all points of view are valid equally and that all truth is relative to the individual. This means that all moral positions, all religious systems, all art forms, all political movements, etc., are truths that are relative to the individual. Under the umbrella of relativism, whole groups of perspectives are categorized. In obvious terms, some are:

• Cognitive relativism (truth)- Cognitive relativism   affirms that all truth is relative. This would mean that no system  of truth is more valid than another one, and that there is no objective  standard of truth. It would, naturally, deny that there is a God of  absolute truth.
• Moral/ethical relativism – All morals are relative to  the social group within which they are constructed.
• Situational relativism – Ethics (right and wrong) are  dependent upon the situation.

Some typical expressions that reveal an underlying presupposition of relativism are comments such as: It is true for you, but not for me; That is your truth, not mine; and There are no absolute truths.

Unfortunately, the philosophy of relativism is pervasive in our culture today. With the rejection of God, and Christianity in particular, absolute truth is being abandoned.

An example of postmodern thought would be the validation of homosexuality as an equally legitimate sexual expression over and against the Judeo-Christian ethic of heterosexuality. Also, that gay marriage is an equally legitimate union over and against the Judeo-Christian ethic of marriage between a man and woman. In other words, practices and beliefs that were previously taboo are given equal validity to traditional values and norms often to the point of superseding the latter. This equalization and displacement is not restricted to religious realms but affect all circles of human interaction.

This is a worldwide movement but predominantly here in America where pluralism and relativism are rampant. The only thing by the postmodernist not tolerated is intolerance. Tolerance is king to the postmodernist who says,My truth is different from your truth so don’t judge me with your outdated morals. Such thought process by the spiritually dead is all too common.

We in America live in an increasingly pluralistic society. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We are a nation of diverse people and we all need to get along and some
tolerance is necessary—even healthy. But, as I like to say, too much of a good thing, is a bad thing and the tearing down of our moral fiber to get along is a detriment rather than a benefit to society. Therefore, there should be borders to our tolerance.

Our increasingly tolerant society wants to avoid the idea that there really is a right and wrong. This is evidenced in our deteriorating judicial system that has more and more trouble punishing criminals (e.g. decriminalization), in our entertainment media which continues to push the envelope of immorality and indecency, in our schools which teach evolution and social tolerance, etc. In addition, the plague of moral relativism is encouraging everyone to accept, pornography, fornication, homosexuality and a host of other sins that were once considered wrong but are now being accepted and even promoted in society. It is becoming so pervasive that if we speak out against moral relativism and its anything goes philosophy, you’re labeled as an intolerant bigot. Of course, this is incredibly hypocritical of those who profess that all points of view are true, but reject those who profess absolutes in morality. It seems that what is really meant by the moral relativists is that all points of view are true except for the views that teach moral absolutes, an absolute God, or absolute right and wrong.

Postmodernism in the Church

I’m sure it is clear to see by now that the church hasn’t escaped from postmodernism. In America, apostasy has reared its ugly head in the church.  The church is under attack and one of the enemy’s weapons is postmodernism.  The worldly thinking of the postmodernists has infiltrated the church making it more and more worldlier. Church leaders should be led by the Holy Spirit.  But He (the Holy Spirit) is slowly being replaced by a different spirit.

Understanding the influence of postmodernism in the church may be easier if we view it as an extension of or a reaction to some of the key ideas held during the period of modernism that began in the 1600s.

The chart below illustrates the breakdown of the modernism periods.

Premodernism (up to 1650)	Modernism (1650-1950s	Postmodernism (1960s – present)
God/the supernatural realm furnishes the basis for morality, human dignity, truth, and reason.	Morality, human dignity, truth, and reason rest on foundations other than God (reason, science, race, etc.).	All metanarratives (systems or grand stories) are suspect-whether religious or not. No universal foundation for truth, morality, human dignity exists.
French Revolution (1789)	Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)

As you can see, modernists attempted to create metanarratives or grand stories without reference to God-to ground human dignity, freedom, morality, and progress. But at the least, modernism held high regard for reason, rationalism, and authority. However, postmodernism carried the ball even further by responding with subjectivity, relativism, and assertions that absolute truth is not knowable. You see, once we allow the enemy to gain a toehold, it gains a foothold.

Generally speaking, we are experiencing postmodernism’s influence in our local churches when we see church attendees wrestling with issues related to relativism, truth and authority. Many members and people attending our churches have grown up and been influenced by a postmodern culture. So the question becomes: how do relativism, views concerning truth, and views concerning authority influence our churches, and what are the implications of those realities? Well …read on.

A main area of focus goes back to the postmodern concept of relativism. In a day when debates are raging over sexual orientation, the definition of marriage, abortion, and many other moral and ethical issues, we see our church attendees influenced by postmodernism when they tend to base views more upon personal preferences and experiences rather than on absolute truths taught in God’s Word. Modernism was characterized by a majority of people holding firmly to a foundational Judeo-Christian worldview — but in a pluralistic and relative postmodern period, morality is driven by a desire to let individuals determine right and wrong based on personal preferences and a spirit of freedom for individual choices. In open discussions, we may see trends where issues regarding right and wrong are no longer determined to be black and white but instead are left as some shade of gray. The so-called gray areas have increased dramatically. Sadly it may not be uncommon to witness a group of church attendees coming to the conclusion that although a matter is clearly addressed in Scripture, it should simply be left up to the individual to determine what was right and wrong. This is a way of gently kicking the Bible to the curb. This is an illustration of how a postmodern culture has influenced church attendees toward a relativistic mindset. But the fact of the matter is, when it comes to God and His Word, personal feelings—simply doesn’t count.

It simply astounds me that the church; including church leaders no less, can be divided on issues of homosexuality and gay marriage—issues that are clearly addressed in the Scriptures. There is no gray there. [Lev.18:22,20:13,1 Cor.6:9,1 Tim 1:10] Gay priests…? Churches performing gay marriages…? They say: It doesn’t matter; God is a God of love. Really? Where is the Scriptural justification of that?

Another important consideration that involves the influence of the postmodern movement in the church is the denial of authority. This is evident in churches when members are more concerned with tradition and personal preferences than with being guided by the authoritative Word of God (e.g. marriage, authority) and the Spirit of God. In other words, they are being led by their feelings. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard in response to Scripture: Yes, but I just feel… But feelings by themselves are led by the flesh and can carry us down a path we shouldn’t travel. God’s Word says:thou shall and Thou shall not It is not conditional and it never mentions: according to your feelings.

Postmodernism says that language and words are always open to various interpretations and that coming to an authoritative conclusion about the meaning of teachings in an ancient text such as the Bible is not possible. But the discarded difference is the Bible is inspired by God.  In my article https://thechristianadvocate.org/thehistoryofourbible I mention the argument that the Bible was written by men.  This is one of the excuses postmodernists to discredit the Bible.

This type of thinking has resulted in the devaluation of the authority of the Bible. The basic tenets of accurate biblical interpretation are pushed aside, and the meaning of a text is left up to the individual. Failure to turn to the Scriptures to determine a path that should be taken or blatant disregard for clear teachings in the Scriptures are examples of denial of biblical authority in the local church.

How Should the Church Respond

How should a church respond to these postmodern influences? One way is to teach, model and equip families to instill a biblical worldview in the lives of their children. Parents, children and church members in general must promote a healthy respect for the authority of the Scriptures. The regular reading and application of God’s Word in everyday life will help tremendously in countering the postmodern denial of authority.

Unfortunately, some leaders of the church have fallen victim to postmodernism. However, for church leaders to focus on the reality of truth and hold a high regard for the authority of God’s Word is a key element in helping church attendees battle the relativistic view. Christians must stand firm on doctrinal truths that are truly objective based on an accurate understanding of the Scriptures.

Messages spread through media have blurred the lines for some individuals, and they may no longer be willing to stand firm on biblical objective truth. Effective ministry will teach and model the idea that the Bible is full of objective truth, and that by not compromising in areas of truth, Christians will be equipped for faithful service in kingdom work. With this in mind, we return to Paul’s encouragement to Timothy:Preach the Word[2 Tim 4:2]

Postmodernism continues to have a strong influence on the family, individuals and churches. Leaders in local churches will make great strides in combating this negative influence by faithfully applying Paul’s exhortation to again,Preach the Word. Whether it is relativism, denying the knowable truths of the Bible, or denying the authority of the Scriptures, we must remember that All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.(2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV). A commitment with prayer to faithfully preach this Word in our homes and our churches can minimize the negative influence of the postmodern culture in the lives of individuals as well as in the corporate life of the local church. We must stand firm.

The Danger of Postmodernism

As world history has shown, superpowers are destroyed from within, not without. The danger of postmodernism and the resulting relativism is overall weakness. It tears away at the foundation of civilization.

Relativism is invading our society, our homes, our economy, and our schools. Society cannot flourish nor survive in an environment where everyone does what is right in his own eyes, where the situation determines moral truth, and that lying and cheating are okay as long as you don’t get caught. Without a common foundation of truth and absolutes, our culture will become weak and fragmented leading to overall decline.

Fragmented is almost an understatement. These days we have numerous segments of our population contending for their own
rights (i.e. women, homosexuals, animals [with the help of humans], transgenders, illegal immigrants, gun owners, etc.). These are sub-movements under the umbrella of postmodernism and in the long haul, fragment the population. It comes to the point where one group’s rights interfere with another resulting in utter confusion. The founding fathers laid the foundation, the absolutes—the objectives. There were, for the most part, enough laws to cover everybody’s rights and if that foundation was adhered to there would be no need for segmental rights. By the way, that foundation is Biblically
based—government is Biblically based. Man did not devise it on his own volition.

As we tear away at this foundation, ultimately the dwelling-the-building-the nation, will crumble. As our nation becomes less religious and more secular, the more our dependency shifts to the government. Needless to say, this is a sad state of affairs. Notice that the government is in constant gridlock and extremely inefficient for the citizens? Where are we headed? Corruption from within.

Need an example? We’re the most powerful nation on earth. Yet, we’re killing each other in record massive numbers with guns and the government is incapable to do anything about it! So our dependency is leaning on an inefficient, gridlocked government? The Scriptures sums this up in one verse: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools [Rom 1:22]

Early on, I mentioned the bringing of metanarratives into subject. One major metanarrative is the Bible. Contained in the Old Testament is the history of Biblical Israel—the rise and fall of it. One time a glorious nation, led by God, rebelled and turned away from Him and was ultimately annihilated by Him. When we don’t learn from history, we repeat it. Instead of learning from the Bible, postmodernism is discarding it. As a result, we are following the pattern of Biblical Israel. But doesn’t this confirm Scripture? Ecclesiastes 1:9 reads: The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. In other words, history merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. The postmodernists think they’re doing something new. But they’re not! They’re only confirming Scripture! More on this irony to follow.

This abandonment from God’s law by Israel led to corruption from within, which led to oppression from without
(Israel repeated this cycle 7 times in the book of Judges).

We ourselves are returning to the days of the judges when … every man did that which was right in his own eyes [Judg.17:6,21:25] and Israel set aside God’s law and substituted it with their own, fulfilling their desires. Referring back to the chart above, prior to 1650, God was the prime basis to be followed. Over time God has been moved aside and we’re doing our own thing; just as Israel did. New Testament Scripture further confirms what happens when God is removed from the equation.[Romans 1:21-32]

The Ultimate Outcome

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could create our own world? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to create our own reality…that we can be whatever we identified ourselves to be…? Wouldn’t it be great if the world was just what we wanted it to be individually— based on what we think it should be? Wouldn’t it be terrific to be able to do exactly what we wanted to, individually? Yes, it would be wonderful! But God didn’t create it that way and we can’t recreate the world. God is a God of order—not confusion [2 Tim.1:7,1 Cor.14:40] and the modernists and postmodernists are moving things out of divine order. And one day, ultimately, no matter what kind of reality we create for ourselves, the absolute, objective reality will ultimately come forth. We can only delay reality for so long.[2 Peter 3:9]

As John Adams, a founding father and the second President of the United States said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

The Irony of the Matter

The postmodern movement is full of irony. How? The absolute truth that the postmodernists refute, which is the Scriptures, they confirm.

2 Tim 4:3-4 reads:

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. NLT

This is what they confirm—absolute, objective truth. Since this is the case, we can anticipate the need to focus on preaching the Word in order to promote a biblical worldview in the individual and corporate lives of our church family. We need to hold fast to the Word of God!

Please feel free to leave any question or comment below. Also, suggestions for future topics are welcomed.

Blessings!

 

Introduction:

In my about me page, www.thechristianadvocate.org/about me, I mentioned that I am a born again Christian. But what does it mean to be born again? In this article I will explain exactly what it means to be a born again Christian.

What Does it Mean to be Born Again?

To fully understand what this means, as with all things, we must turn to the Word of God. The phase “born again” is mentioned in the Scriptures three times. John 3:3, John 3:7, 1 Peter 1:23.

The first, involved a conversation between a Jewish Pharisee named Nicodemus and Jesus. It reads in John 3:1-11:

3: 1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. KJV

In verse 4, Nicodemus asked: “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” This was a natural common sense question. If an individual is already born and existing, how can he or she be born again? Jesus’ answer was in verses 5-6: “ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6)That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Being born again is a spiritual re-birth as opposed to a fleshly or natural birth. When we become born again, we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit enters our being (Eph 1:13). It is a time when we are revived spiritually and are no longer led by our fleshly (worldly) desires. There is a distinction between the fleshly birth and the spiritual one. Therefore a change takes place in our lives.

Jesus made this distinction clear in verse 6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Therefore there is a distinct difference. We are all born (natural birth) into sin with a sinful nature and led by that nature. Spiritual re-birth results in regeneration (a change in the sinful nature), transformation (a radical change in inner character, condition, or nature), consecration (separated unto God). Being a Born-again Christian means that you are changed on the inside–not controlled from the outside.

Jesus also made it clear that spiritual birth is a perquisite to enter into the kingdom of God in verses 3, 5 and 7: (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. There are no exceptions to this in the Scriptures.

This was in direct contrast to what Nicodemus was taught to believe. Nicodemus came up under Old Testament laws and tradition; the teachings that being Jewish and doing good works would allow him into heaven. He was also a teacher who taught the same.

Nicodemus was a wealthy, educated and powerful man-well respected by his people and a descendant of the patriarch Abraham. Yet Jesus said to him, “…You must be born again.“ Imagine thinking that you are guaranteed an entrance into heaven and being told this contrasting truth.

Even presently, people believe doing good deeds provides an entrance to God’s kingdom. There are many folks today who have the mistaken idea that they are good enough to go to heaven because they attend church, give their tithes and offerings, and may have even been baptized. However, they have never truly been born again. Some even defend themselves by reckoning that God will surely accept them because they’ve tried to live a good life and haven’t committed any crimes. But the fact of the matter is they aren’t good enough simply because everyone is born a sinner and needs to be born again spiritually. Works alone won’t cut it. This is further confirmed in Scripture, Titus 3:5-6: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Therefore we are not saved by our righteous acts but by God’s mercy and the regeneration of the Spirit through the born again experience.

Jesus is the only one who can make us fit for heaven with a new birth. As it states in John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten so, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (17) For God sent not his Son into the world not to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. KJV

What Happens after we are Born Again?

There is a change in our behavior – Being born again changes us forever, but it doesn’t mean that we will be perfect. Our old sinful nature is still present in us and one will sin from time to time (hopefully accidentally). But as we confess and repent of our sins, Jesus’ blood continually cleanses us. We are now called to a life of holiness, obedience, surrender, and love for God. There must be clear, external evidence that proves there’s been an inner transformation.

In order to be born again, we must  be “dead to sin.” There is a transition from the dominion of power from sin to the power of the Spirit.

There’s a change in our relationship with God – Until Jesus becomes our Savior, we are enemies of God. We enter this world on a path headed for condemnation.  Although we may be quick to deny that we are against Him, there is no neutral ground. We have either been reconciled to God through His Son, or we are at odds with Him.  As the Scripture reads in Rom 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.“

When we are born again, the separation and enmity between God and us has been removed. We then become a part of His kingdom and members of His family. Our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

There is a change in our way of thinking – As the Holy Spirit works in us, sealing us as God’s children and transforming our hearts, we live as Disciples of Christ. He gives us wisdom, reveals truth, and guides us throughout our lives. We become less self-centered and more Christ-centered for we are no longer led by the flesh, but by the Spirit.

There is resulting peace

Living life in Christ is a peaceful existence. It is a peace that the world cannot yield. It is a peace that worldly people cannot experience or understand. As Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This verse speaks in effect, of the salvation that Christ’s redemptive work will achieve for those who follow Him—total well-being and inner rest of spirit, in fellowship with God. True peace is His gift. It doesn’t mean that we will live a perfect life. There will always be trials and tribulations. However they won’t affect us as they otherwise would. There is no reason to be “troubled” or “afraid” because we know who’s ultimately in control.

Another encouraging Scripture reads in Phil 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This is not merely a psychological state of mind, but an inner tranquility based on peace with God—the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven. It is the tranquility that comes when one commits all of their cares to God in prayer and worries about them no more. “Passeth all understanding” This represents the full dimensions of God’s love and care which are beyond human comprehension. Even when the world is crumbling around us, we can remain in peace. Something the worldly folks simply can’t comprehend.

There is a change in our eternal destination – Scripture reads in John 5:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Belief and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior guarantees our acceptance in God’s kingdom saving us from eternal damnation into eternal life.

This is what it means to be a Christian: A born again Christian.  Not merely a professing one.

Being a born again Christian means that you are changed on the inside–not controlled from the outside. It means that your heart has been changed by the presence of God. It does not mean that you are required to go to church, required to pay tithes, required to be good, required to do anything in order to stay a Christian. People do these things and still aren’t Christian.  It means you desire to do these things because you’ve been changed.

Our desire grows (aka spiritual growth) as we read and absorb the Word of God.

How to become born again

We become born again by accepting Jesus as our Lord and savior. It begins with this simple but sincere prayer: Dear Lord, I admit that I am a sinner. I am in need of a savior; I repent of my sins seeking forgiveness and I ask that you come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. It’s that easy!

After that prayer, it is imperative to get into the Word of God through a Bible based church. One that preachers and teaches it! This provides fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to work in us. Study often: a good place to start is in the book of John. If you need a good Bible commentary that explains every written Scripture in a concise and clear way, I recommend the Believer’s Bible Commentary. It is available at Amazon by clicking this link. [paid link] Amazon has available a huge range of Bibles to chose from as well.

Please feel free to leave any Biblically based question on this topic or any other Bible topic below. I also welcome suggestions for future Biblical articles.

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction:

Since this is a Bible based website, I deemed it appropriate that the first article posted would be The History of our Bible.

What is the Bible about

Unlike any other book ever written, the Holy Bible is compiled of writings that cover a span of about 1400 years and include some 40 writers. In spite of this, it is in perfect harmony. Within its pages are 66 books, yet it is considered one book, The Book, The Holy Scriptures, The Word of God. The

time period recorded during those 1400 years covers nearly 4000 years of human history and God’s revelation of Himself to and through man. The history of the Holy Bible is the history of God’s involvement with mankind.

When does the Bible begin

This 1400-year-period begins with the writings of Moses, the first five books of the Holy Bible. These writings include a time recorded prior to Moses’ lifespan. It started out at the actual creation of the cosmos. By the time Moses completes the teachings found in Deuteronomy, we learn about the very beginning of mankind. The final writer was probably John when he was on the Isle of Patmos and wrote the book of Revelations. Also, known as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Between the days of Moses and John, a time period of about 14 centuries come to light, yet the Bible covers over 4000 years of history. It has been nearly 2000 years since the last of the writers lived.

Was the Bible written by God

Those that contend the Bible will say: “I don’t follow the Bible because it was written by man.” To that I’m somewhat amused. It is interesting that practically everything we’ve learned was through books written by man—especially history. We read materials written by man everyday through one medium or another and for the most part are considered authentic. This very article was written by a man! Yet when it comes to the Bible, it’s not relevant or believable enough to follow. The fact is man writes what he is inspired to write.

So, how could Moses have written about things that occurred before Adam? The same way the prophets could write about things that would occur hundreds and thousands of years later (e.g. the birth of Christ). The writers were penning God’s Word under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God revealed things to them that would have been otherwise unknowable.

Bible specifics

The Bible is divided into two sections. All that was recorded prior to the birth of Jesus Christ is referred to as the Old Testament. A testament is a written account, proof, evidence, a record of events that took place. More accurately, biblically speaking, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant (2 Cor 3:14). Thus, testament is generally used to refer to the spiritual COVENANT between God and His people.

The Old Testament covers 39 books. About four hundred years passed from the writing of the last book in the Old Testament and the birth of Christ. These are referred to as the silent years. Four hundred years in which God did not speak through prophets. Some of the historical events that occurred during that period are recording in the Catholic Douay version of the Bible. These books are known as the Apocrypha. They fill in some of the 400-year period between the official catalog of the Old Testament and the New Testament. It was the time of the Maccabees.

Then, the silence was broken. The New Testament begins with the coming of Christ into the world as the prophesied Emmanuel (God with us) in the form of the baby Jesus through the Virgin Mary. God took on a body of human flesh. The New Testament is composed of 27 books and ushers in the church age. From the writings of Moses through the prophets and other Old Testament books, God worked exclusively through the children of Israel. Today they are referred to as the Jewish people. But with the arrival and departure of Jesus, the church opened up God’s grace to whosoever would come. This includes non-Jews. It includes Gentiles of all nations and races.

The Old Testament points to the coming of the Promised Messiah. Woven through the Old Testament are prophesies concerning Him. The tenth chapter of Hebrews gives a good explanation for how the Old Testament and New Testament are woven from the same cloth. Both are about Christ. One testament looks toward His coming and the other records the fact of His coming into this world, fulfilling every Old Testament prophecy concerning His earthly ministry.

The Old Testament remained in the Hebrew language until c.280-150 B.C. when it was translated into Greek at Alexandria, Egypt. This was known as the Septuagint. The next language change occurred when Jerome (c. 383-405 AD) translated it into the Latin Vulgate. This was used by the clergy for nearly 1000 years.

The first English translation was completed by John Wycliffe and soon after, King James authorized the English version that has come to be known as the King James Version. This was in 1611.

Summary

God has preserved the Bible from the first book of Genesis to the final book of Revelation. There are many translations but God has maintained His word faithfully through all the generations of scribes and translators. Jesus made this clear as recorded in Matthew 5:18: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (KJV). When He spoke this, the New Testament had not begun to be written and the Old Testament was all that existed. He declared that not so much as a stroke of the pen will be altered until all is fulfilled. He was referring to all prophecies recorded in the Old Testament.

The Bible is the only complete history book. All other history books record only the past. The history of the Holy Bible records the history of mankind from the beginning until the day this earth will pass away and a new heaven and a new earth will appear. It covers humanity from beginning to end. No other history book records future events. Only God possesses such knowledge. He is the Alpha and Omega. The “I AM of eternity.” The Bible is written in “time” from an eternal perspective. Only the Divine could have created this masterpiece.

Scripture Reads in 2 Tim 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness KJV.

There are people in every corner of the globe who turn to the Bible to find satisfying answers to life’s questions and problems. But the Bible is more than an answer book to turn to when the pressures of life com upon us. It is really a library of books that are filled with inspiring people-stories, majestic poems and songs, direct messages and prophesies. But most clearly of all, is the account of God visiting the earth in the person of Jesus Christ.

What Scripture provides for us is a solution for mankind’s greatest need: rescue from sin and the  eternal separation from God .  From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible makes clear that God has an eternal plan for rescuing us from our sins and allowing us to enjoy fellowship with Him.  The Scriptures points us to the One who can solve our biggest problem—Jesus.

If you need a good Bible commentary that explains every written Scripture in a concise and clear way, I recommend the Believer’s Bible Commentary. It is available at Amazon by clicking this link. (paid link)

I pray that you’ll join me in the exploration of the Bible and its principals and the everyday application of them in our lives.

Please feel free to leave a comment or question.

Blessings!