The Gospel of the Kingdom: Part 13

Just as the message of universal or ultimate reconciliation is a perversion of Scripture, so is the composite message of T.U.L.I.P. (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints). The doctrine, known as the five points of Calvinism (but whose roots go all the way back to Augustine) is very complicated. To try and unravel it would be way beyond the scope of this blog project. In summary it states that because of the fall, man is totally depraved, possessing not one bit of desire or ability to seek God. This seems to make God a liar in that He acknowledged the righteousness of several people (The seed of Seth, Enoch, Abraham, Job, et al), not declaring that they were perfect or sinless, but they were men who sought after God.

The witness of God in the creation (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-23, et al) would be invalidated if there were none capable of responding. Supposedly, out of this total wreck of humanity, God elected some to be saved (conditioned upon nothing - all God's sovereign election), while all others were condemned from birth. This would be the same God who takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11), and who would that all men would repent, come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

Coupled with this is the "LIP" part of the doctrine. Limited atonement would mean that Jesus did not die for everyone, but only for a limited number (the elect). While Isaiah says that Jesus bore the sins of "many" (Isaiah 53:12), he also says that the Lord "has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). John says, "And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world" (1 John 2:2). Irresistible grace would mean that God has overwhelmed the elect with His grace and they have thus responded to the Gospel, with no action on their part since their depravity made them incapable of such action. This flies up in the face of more Scripture than I could quote in a day. There are a number of Old Testament passages containing the conditional word "if" (such as Ezekiel 33:1-9), which are pregnant with the concept of man choosing. Choice is stressed in passages like Deuteronomy 30:19-20, as well as in a myriad of New Testament passages utilizing the inspired words "whosoever", or "whoever" (John 3:16, et al).

Finally, the perseverance of the saints has been capsulized in the statement, "Once saved, always saved." The entire T.U.L.I.P. theology would have to end with this point, because it has always been God from the beginning and will continue to be God forever. Now wait! Don't hang me just yet. I actually believe that last statement myself, but not in the way Calvinists have summarized it. I believe this statement in the context of a plain sense, face value hermeneutic. This approach seeks to discover the author's intended meaning. If the plain sense makes sense, you have the right sense but not necessarily the whole sense. This approach recognizes the importance of context and relies heavily upon Scripture interpreting Scripture. What the "P" in Calvinism ignores are all the warnings in both the Old Testament and the New Testament concerning backsliding and ultimately apostasy and the need to persevere (Matthew 24:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Hebrews 6:4-6, et al).

So, why this little foray into a dangerous, yet popular doctrine? It is because to fall under the influence of such doctrine is to make it extremely difficult to understand the Kingdom of God. The chief parable concerning the Kingdom, referenced in the last installment, is the Parable of the Sower. We saw that the Kingdom has come, but not with irresistible power. Until the Son of Man returns, the wicked and the righteous will live together. The parable of the sower reveals that the Gospel of the kingdom is received by many different soil types (heart conditions). The reception varies from shallow and unfruitful in the face of persecution to deep and fertile, producing various levels of fruit in return. People make decisions in these illustrations. There is no inference that the people represented by the good soil never face persecution or are never tempted by the deceitfulness of riches and the things of the world. (Just look at the church described in 1 Thessalonians and that will be clear).

The two parables of the mustard seed and of the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33) illustrate this unforeseen character of the Kingdom among men in this Age. The parables have nothing to do with the growth of the Kingdom, but rather the fact that it appears small and insignificant. Nevertheless, it is not to be despised. These are parables, and we must be careful not to look for significance in every single detail. A parable is neither a fabricated story, nor is it an allegory. It is a story fashioned form daily experience which necessarily contains details which, while part of the story, don't contain spiritual truth. It's like the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus told this story to answer one question: "Who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:30-37). Another is the parable of the unrighteous steward (Luke 16:1-13). Was Jesus teaching that the end justifies the means? Of course not. He was teaching that we should be wise with our substance, investing it so that it will be of help in the day of our spiritual need. Everything else in the parables is local color.

So, and we will conclude here, the Kingdom of God has come, in insignificant form (such as a mustard seed or leaven) in One who is meek and mild. From the world's point of view, His person and mission could be ignored. But we should not be deceived; someday the whole earth will be filled with the Kingdom of God. The means by which this end is accomplished is not a part of these parables. Even though its form is insignificant, it is the Kingdom of God and is therefore of inestimable value. God's purposes will not be frustrated. And that is the really important point of this installment. It was not to ping on people of the Calvinistic or reformed traditions, although that little detour should serve to show that in these last days, many will come in Christ's name, deceiving many (Matthew 24:15). Jesus' words just before He said that were, "Take heed that no one deceives you." "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 22

AND THE WARNINGS ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS continues, because they will be with us until the very end. Underscoring this point are these comments concerning the worse threesome to ever walk the face of the earth. "Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, 'Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?' The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander His name and His dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." (Revelation 13:5 - 8)

That speaks of Satan and the person known as the Antichrist. The third member of this unholy, false trinity is another beast, known as the false prophet. "Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And he performed great and miraculous signs... " (Revelation 13:11-13) Do you notice here a reference to a false resurrection even? The delusions will be powerful. That is why it is so important, no matter how astounding the signs and wonders, no matter how powerful the rhetoric, to check the walk and the talk with the whole counsel of God. Paul's concern for the Corinthian church is still valid concerning the church today. "I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough." (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

There are two biblical principles that should show up sooner or later (usually sooner) when the Gospel of the Kingdom is being preached: repentance and suffering. The false teachers seldom if ever mention these things. True repentance involves a change of heart, a change of affection, a change of direction. It is evident by the fruit which is produced, according to the forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist. "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8). Jesus confirmed this principle. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:15-16). James puts the lid on the issue with this statement. "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do" (James 2:18).

One of the signs of genuine faith in the Gospel of the Kingdom, is a willingness to suffer. The principle of suffering is so prevalent in the New testament, some have called it the doctrine of sufferology. In the New International Version, the word "suffer" appears 83 times in the New Testament, and the word persecution 14 times. In this post, I am going to mention only 2 or 3. "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41). "Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory" (Romans 8:17) And so that we might end on a note of encouragement: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18)

Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 21

ONE OF THE MOST REPEATED WARNINGS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT is the warning against false teachers/teaching. Last time we mentioned the Acts 20:20 initiative and we looked at Acts, Chapter 20 in some detail. I must correct an error though: the Acts 20:20 initiative is a part of Jerry Robinson Ministries International and the correct website is www.jrmi.org His most recent book is entitled Bankruptcy of Our Nation. That said, we return to Paul's warning against false teachers in Acts 20. This warning was given after Paul had been in ministry for probably 20 years and the Ephesian Church was about 5-6 years old. About 10 years later, Peter wrote his second epistle in which we find these scathing words concerning false teachers: "These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.........Of them the proverbs are true" 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'" (2 Peter 2:17-18, 22)

The warnings have been with us for 1950-1960 years, and they are probably as pertinent in 2010 as they have ever been. Remember Jesus' words concerning these last days. "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ' and will deceive many....At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and false prophets will appear and deceive many people....For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible. I am seeing these things take place right before my eyes. I hear (with my own ears because of the wonder of the Internet, mp3's, downloads, windows media player, etc.) powerful words being spoken about fresh streams of water flowing in and through the church, when at the same time clear mandates of Scripture and the church's own by-laws are being ignored. It brings to mind the words of James: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (James 3:9-10)

I see that the Lord has put me on a roll here, and that the subject of false teachers and false doctrine should be addressed in more detail than has been done here. By His grace, it will be done, but it will require restraint of tongue which only the Holy Spirit can bring. I do not have the ability to tame my tongue in my own strength. James exhorts us to not slander one another by speaking about someone that which we should speak to someone. (James 4:11-12) I pray that I will be able to point out things which are true and things which are false. Sometimes a name will be named as a caution, or as something in particular which should be examined. Then perhaps someone with ears to hear will hear and judge the matter themselves. I make no claim at being another man's judge. However, I leave you now with this exhortation which should help to bring things into balance. "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 20

THE ACTS 20:20 INITIATIVE IS one of the ministries of Jerry Robinson Ministries International (http://www.jrmi.org) and is something about which I will be speaking more about on this site. Paul spoke these word to the Ephesian elders on his way to Jerusalem, where he would ultimately be arrested. "You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house." (Acts 20:20) A few verses later, Paul says "For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God." (Acts 20:27) And then he says, "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from among your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." (Acts 20:29-31)

The Acts 20:20 model includes both public and home gatherings of Christ-followers for the purpose of being taught the "whole will" or "entire counsel" of God. Paul's concern is that soon false teachers (described as "savage wolves") will come in from the outside and arise from the inside. He doesn't say what they will teach but when you read this entire 20th Chapter of Acts, the strong contextual implication is that the false teaching will: 1) disregard the importance of turning to God in repentance, 2) not emphasize faith in the Lord Jesus (not just fire insurance faith, but entering the kingdom where new rules for living, sacrifice and suffering are the order of the day), 3) avoid the whole counsel of God (often emphasizing one particular aspect, such as "Love."), 4) be devoid of warnings accompanied by tears.

Many of the "wolves" that have infiltrated the church today are purveyors of blatantly false doctrine. Two prime examples in the west are where the church has chosen to embrace that which the culture has embraced as legitimate in the areas of abortion and same sex marriage. Entire denominations have either gone on record supporting such blatant violations of the Word of God, or have actually pushed the agenda. Other denominations have chosen to be either "wishy-washy" or silent on the issues. While I am grieved by the huge number of people who have been so deceived, at least the issues are pretty clear; issues which I have addressed often over the years.

My additional observation concerns the false teachers who avoid the four things listed above. These are harder to spot. How do you know what someone has left out of their theology unless: 1) they openly tell you, or 2) you stay around for a considerable time and notice that it never comes up? I wish that I could give you an easy litmus test. You can begin by looking at a church's or ministry organization's statement of faith, purpose, constitution & by-laws, etc. This is only a start, because I have had the unpleasant experience of personally dealing with a faith community which blatantly has disregarded such documents in dealing with such issues as membership, annual meetings and finances. When such things occur, good preaching and teaching may still be the order of the day, hiding from the view of the average church-goer that there are some cracks in the foundation. Paul warned with tears, implying that the warnings were serious, were hard to stomach, and applied to Paul as well as everyone else - no exceptions. I can still remember the parental admonition, "Do as I say, not as I do." Such an admonition should not come from the pulpit.

In the next installment we will take the Acts 20:20 concept a little further, and connect Paul's warnings to those of Jesus' in the Olivet Discourse. But to close on an encouraging note, I leave you with these words of Paul, also in Acts 20. "Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)