Salvation: Objective and Subjective

PEACE WITH GOD BEFORE PEACE OF GOD

The salvation of God in Jesus Christ has an objective and a subjective side that are inseparably linked and yet clearly distinguished. Not distinguishing between these aspects of salvation can lead to confusion and unnecessary emotional turmoil regarding one’s own testimony of faith in Christ.

Objectively, our justification before God depends completely upon the Lord Jesus Christ. This is clearly expressed in Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The wrath of God against you and me (sinners), is removed because of what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross. We are set free from the just condemnation of our sin on the basis of Jesus giving Himself a ransom for us on the cross.

Subjectively, we have the peace of God within us as we understand all that was accomplished for us and realize the relationship we now have with God in Christ. This is the peace of God, that passes all understanding that Paul refers to in Philippians 4:7.

Peace with God does not depend upon the peace of God. In other words, God's just condemnation against you the sinner is not removed by your sense of peace. Jesus Christ alone is the reason for peace with God. Faith in Him alone satisfies the sinner’s need for righteousness. This same faith in the same Christ leads the justified sinner to live in the grace of Christ and experience the peace and joy that comes through Him.

Peace of God is the experiential side of our salvation. Peace with God is the foundation of the peace of God. The first is conditioned on Christ alone. The latter is conditioned on our response to Him, including looking to and thinking upon Him.

This distinction is important lest your confidence before God be turned away from Jesus Christ unto yourself, which will surely disturb your peace. Keeping your mind fixed upon the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ, the only Savior of sinners, will encourage your sense of peace in relation to God. But your sense of peace is not the determining factor of your peace with God. You must believe with the faith that is from God and placed in Jesus Christ. The sense of peace that follows this faith is the peace of God.

Resting in Our Sovereign Christ

WHEN YOUR SHIP IS FULL

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Mark 4:35-41

Here Jesus especially exhibits His sovereign rule.

He was not shocked by the storm.

He was not controlled by the storm.

He was sovereign over that which seemed to be overwhelming and about to destroy.

The disciples exhibit fear in the face of uncontrollable circumstances. Jesus acted in a way that demonstrated to His disciples that He was more than a mere man. The very elements of nature were subject to His word, and still are!

Are you in the midst of a storm? Is your ship filling up? What will you do? What are you doing? Are you afraid? Jesus calls you to trust Him.

He is not shaken by the events of your life.

He is not shocked. He is not overpowered. He is not defeated.

He is asleep – calm, resting, in full control!

There is no better sense in the soul than the sense of confidence that Jesus is present.

Don’t you know that the latest wave filling your boat is under His rule?

Don’t you know that He is just as able to calm the sea as He is to stir it up?

Look to Him! Trust Him! Lay down on His pillow and rest!

One great problem that faces every Christian is truly believing and resting in our sovereign Christ. We are more interested in selective sovereignty: Christ doing our will for what we consider our greatest comfort and best interest. We want His sovereign rule to be at our beckoned command.

When we embrace by faith the absolute sovereignty of Christ we demonstrate our greatest concern to be His interest and glory. Living by faith, we really do trust Him and really do believe that He will do what is best, and we are satisfied.

Be clear on this: Christ never presents His sovereignty in order to excuse our irresponsibility. But, as we fulfill His revealed will and make choices in life that demonstrate submission to Him, He calls us to find comfort and encouragement in His sovereignty. What manner of man is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him? With Him in our midst and on our side, what have we to fear?

So, fill up the ship with the waves of life’s trials, discouragements, unexplained or explained difficulties…so long as He is with us, we can be assured that the ship will not sink! He knows how much our ship can take, and will not permit one wave more than we can bear!

DO I REALLY HAVE TO TITHE?

Tithing is simply a tangible way in which God’s people are able to express worship. God has given us all that we have. We respond by returning a portion (Deut. 16:17; 2 Cor. 9:6,7). I recently heard a message from 1 Corinthians 16:2, that developed three points that were helpful.

1. Giving should be regular (first day of the week),

2. There is no exception (every [each] one of you)

3. Give proportionately (as God has prospered)

Paul could have issued an exception clause, but he didn’t. Surely there are exceptions, right? Well, not according to God’s Word. Tithing is not restricted to any particular economic class. It is expected from every class. It is interesting that several times in Scripture God chooses to illustrate giving by way of the poorest of His people: the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17), the widow in the gospels (Mark 12:42,43), and the poor churches in Macedonia (2Cor. 8:1,2). If the poorest can give with the expectation of God continuing to provide, there is really no good excuse for any.

I don’t think a child of God needs to be convinced that it is honoring to the Lord to give proportionately and consistently from all that God enables him to gain. This is not a form of bargaining with God by which we expect big returns on each dollar given. We give to honor the One who has first given to us. We give to participate in the work He has ordained for our generation. We give that we might fellowship with others in providing for gospel laborers and needs of others.

While those who make more are generally able to give more, assuming they order their finances well and keep their lusts in check, every believer is expected to lay aside regularly a portion from that with which God blesses them. To not do so is to ignore a primary way in which honor can be tangibly shown to Jehovah-jireh. One must ask: if you ignore the Lord in this area of your life, what about other areas? Where your treasure is, there your heart will be found. Where is your heart?   

The Second Coming of Christ

EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS!

Is it true, as someone recently indicated to me, that John wrote Revelation, including 22:20, before 70 a.d., having in mind the coming of Jesus to destroy Jerusalem? After all, Jesus said, Surely I come quickly. And wasn’t the Apostle Paul expecting the same when he wrote to churches encouraging them with the hope of the Lord’s coming? And isn’t it most natural to understand Jesus’ words in the gospels (ex. Matthew 24), watch...for you know not the hour, to be primarily referring to His coming in the generation to whom He was addressing?

The point of this short article is not to answer all the questions relating to Jesus’ prophesy of the destruction of Jerusalem and how the statements of His coming fit in. The point here is simply to respond to the proposition that when Jesus or the Apostles spoke of the coming of Christ they were thinking of His coming in their generation to destroy Jerusalem and the temple. Those who think this way tend to read most, if not all, references to the coming of Christ in the Epistles and Revelation as history.  And if not all history, they certainly do not think references to the future coming of Christ to be intended for us.

It is a grave error of interpretation to teach that references to Christ’s coming again primarily refer to 70 a.d.. Such teaching should be rejected. Here are three reasons, among others, that may help dispel this error:

1. Quickly refers to suddenness, not time frame. It fits Paul’s description (and Jesus) of Jesus’ coming as a thief in the night (1Thess. 5:2).

2. Peter concurs with Paul regarding the nature of His coming, as a thief in the night (2Pet. 3:10). Peter is answering the objection of those who see the delay in the promise of His coming to be an indicator that He is not coming. Peter dispels that notion and concludes that we look for new heavens and a new earth, following fiery renovation of the present, which happens at His coming. His “delay” is intentional so that all those He does not intend to perish will come to repentance.

3. Finally, John’s reference to Christ’s coming and appearing in 1 John 2:28 and 3:2,3, are intended for all of the sons of God in these last days following the resurrection of Christ. This is OUR hope, not merely those present at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 a.d..

Any teaching that distracts our faith and hope from the coming Christ and that would discourage us from praying, Even so, come, Lord Jesus, must be rejected.

Your Treasure and Your Heart

YOUR BUDGET SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR HEART

What does your budget, or use of money, say about you? Have you looked over your expenses recently? Is it even fair to evaluate one’s heart, or placement of priorities, by looking at one’s budget?

When Jesus was asked a question by someone who was concerned about getting his fair share of the family inheritance, He responded in Luke 12:15, ...Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. What do your expenditures say of what you believe life consists? Jesus’ warning is still valid today!

After speaking about life priorities and exhorting His disciples to live with a different value system than the world around them, He gave this well-known dogma in vs. 34, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Jesus certainly seems to make the connection between what you treasure and your treasure. What you treasure (your heart) will always be revealed by where your treasure is going. You support what you believe to be valuable. What you give yourself to and what you give to is really what you treasure. 

While the applications are many, and it would do you good to evaluate other areas of your life objectively, I’m especially thinking here about financial resources. That takes us back to the budget. What do you see about yourself when you consider where your money goes? Is there evidence that your treasure is somewhere other than this world and this life? Do you see significant resources going toward support of things that have eternal value?

Don’t misunderstand. Using your resources to provide for your family in every way that is proper is godly and reveals a right heart. There is no need to think that you need to starve your children in order to support a missionary. God is not calling you to abandon personal and family care and responsibility to build up His kingdom with all of your finances. He doesn’t really even need your finances to build His kingdom! But if He has your heart, your finances will reflect that.  

While it is possible to tithe and your heart be far from God (Pharisees), it is not possible for your heart to be after God and your budget not reflect that. The ministry of the gospel is the primary mission of Christ’s church. Are you contributing generously and cheerfully to the support of the ministries of your church? Where is your heart?

If you don’t see how your budget can handle giving unto the Lord, then it is time you evaluate the priorities of your heart. ...seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you (Luke 12:31)

Strength in Weakness

MANAGING SEVERE INFIRMITIES

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Whatever this thing was in the Apostle Paul, he calls it an infirmity. The word is typically used to refer to a physical sickness, or some form of weakness in the physical frame. This seems to be the way Paul intends it in this context. The word is translated weakness in verse 9.

It is certainly proper to pray fervently for the removal of one’s infirmity. This requires identifying and naming it. It is not out of order to investigate one’s infirmity as one seeks to determine the cause, and perhaps a solution from the Lord. If the Lord grants healing, those who know about His intervention will join together in giving Him praise.

But, God may have other plans for us in regard to infirmities. They certainly affect us. We are weakened by them. We are challenged physically, emotionally and mentally. We need help! 

God gave Paul as an example to us that we might know how to best respond to continuing and severe infirmities. If through prayer God is not pleased to bless means or directly intervene to grant us healing, we must assume that He will grant us grace. This includes a special measure of the power of Christ resting upon us. 

It seems that this special grace comes when one resigns to glory in the infirmities as that which God has ordained. To glory, in this case, is not incessantly focusing upon it and talking about it. This glorying is to recognize the infirmities to be from our Father’s hand so that in the context of our recognized weakness we might be instruments that manifest the power of Christ. 

This is really an amazing response to infirmities that only makes sense to one who is a recipient of the grace of God. It is a response of self-denial. It is an attitude of repose, deflecting attention from one’s infirmities to the sustaining grace of God which overshadows with the power of Christ, which reaches into dimensions of life unknown in times of strength.While we should be concerned for and care about the infirmities of others, sometimes our God chooses to manifest Himself most in the midst of infirmities. So, while it is right to seek to be delivered from infirmities, it is better to know the power of Christ in the midst of them. He is glorified as we reflect His strength in our weakness.

Christianity Not Business As Usual

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY NOT MARKETABLE

For a long time I have been disturbed with what seems to me to be marketing of Christianity by churches and religious organizations. Surveys are taken and strategies are developed based upon techniques that would fit any worldly based organization. The gospel is mentioned, prayer is acknowledged, and God is given lip service. But there seems to be little deep conviction of soul that impacts lives unto holiness.

If our goal is to produce a culture that merely practices Christian principles in public, then marketing and multi-media packages may work. Excitement will generate human participation. Multi-level marketing businesses thrive in this way. Charismatic leaders are able to package a positive message that stirs the emotions and multitudes rally around, feeding off the positive energy of this environment. Many churches in our day have long used this approach and are satisfied by the results measured by money,  men and methods.

But is our goal under Christ to be the creation of a positive "Christian" environment? Should we be satisfied as a church if we are seeing additions, increased bank account, new ministries and better facilities? Jesus said that the goal of eternal life is to know God (John 17:3). It is possible to have all of the form or trappings of religious appearances and not know the God of Scripture and the power of His life in us.

True Biblical Christianity cannot depend upon man's marketing skills and new programs. Biblical Christianity is dependent upon God. We must know Him. He must make Himself known. That cannot be accomplished through marketing and multi-media, or any human production. God makes Himself known by the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the Word. If we are not dependent upon His ordained means, why should we reasonably expect Him to bless in life changing ways?

As a church, we must not be swayed by the influences of our day that tell us we must be more relative and must become like the culture to influence it. We must remain true to the call of God upon our lives to make Him known through our lives and His message. His life must be lived through us. His message must be ours. We must be determined with the Apostle Paul to glory in nothing else except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world (Gal. 6:14).

Why Satan?

FUTILITY OF REBELLION AGAINST YOUR CREATOR

Have you ever wondered why God created a being called Lucifer, the chief of the angelic realm? Scripture indicates there was none in all God’s creation above him (Ezekiel 28:13-15) . But he was created. God made him.

The Scripture reveals him as the chief rebel of God’s creation. He is described as being full of pride (Isaiah 14:13,14; 1 Tim. 3:7). His fall, along with a great number of angels, was great (Luke 10:18; Rev. 12:3-9).

Jesus calls him a murderer and a liar (John 8:44). Hebrews 2:14, refers to him as having power over death. His goal has always been to destroy life and separate mankind, who is lower than angels, from God. He has done all that he could to derail the purpose of God in creation. 

But we know that Satan will not win. He knows he will not win (Rev. 12:12). From the beginning it was prophesied by God that a seed would come from the woman, without the aid of a man, that would crush the head of that old serpent, the Devil (Gen. 3:15). That seed which came was the Son of God...that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). We know that this Prince of darkness was judged at the Cross. His place, along with the angels who fell with him, is reserved in everlasting chains under darkness (Jude 6).

Yet, his rebellion continues as he seeks to keep unbelieving ones in darkness, blind to the only hope for sinful man (2 Cor. 4:3,4). And so all who continue to follow him in his rebellion against God will be cast into the same place of eternal judgment prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41).

Satan is not God’s equal. God is not competing with Satan. Satan is going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is targeting as many as he is able, seeking to do as much damage as possible. But God is not threatened by Satan. God is not trying to defeat the Devil. His doom is sure.

Why then has God permitted him to operate so freely and with so much power in His world? There are other answers, but I would suggest that Satan represents to us the futility of rebelling against our Creator. Though he is the most powerful of created beings, his destruction is certain.  He will be bound and confined to a place of absolute misery forever.

What do you hope to accomplish in the end by continuing in your rebellion against God? Learn from Satan! He is held forth by God as the ultimate example of rebellion against Him. He will not succeed. Nor will you! Continue in love with your self and sin, controlled by the pride of your heart, and you will receive the same judgment as the devil.

This is not a cosmic game. Satan was not made so that God would have competition in His universe. God has put before us a clear example of the futility of rebellion against Him. Repent and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ.  

DON'T BE AN ACHAN

Do you remember the judgment that fell upon the children of Israel because Achan took of the accursed thing? God had instructed Israel not to take of anything from Jericho for personal use. The gold, silver, brass, etc. were to be deposited into the treasury of the LORD (6:19). Achan took some for himself. The consequence was felt by the nation as they were defeated in their attack against Ai. The anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel on account of the sin of Achan in the accursed thing (7:1).

God spoke to Joshua and the nation as if they all were accountable. Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled (deceived) also, and they have put it even among their own stuff…neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you (7:11,12). The sin of one affected the whole. The whole was held accountable.

It is very difficult for our individualistic mindset in the Western world to process how the sin of one can be in any way linked to anyone beyond that one. But God obviously sees the link. As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive is a basic theological truth revealed by God. But I don’t see that to be the truth to be gleaned from the account of Achan.

At every level of life there are relationships which are affected by our actions. No person is an island unto himself. Whether speaking of family, society, workplace, nation or church, the sin of one affects the whole in some way, small or great. Achan’s sin, called Israel’s sin, is given to us in part to remind us how significant our individual choices are before God in relation to others. Sin committed and tolerated in one life will affect more than just that life. God is calling our attention to the significance of the sin of the individual in relation to the whole.

Paul recognized this as he spoke of the church as a body. Each member affects the whole. He compared the sin tolerated by the Corinthian church in one member to a little leaven leavening the whole lump (1Cor 5:6). The church is affected by and is responsible to deal with sin in the camp.

Shouldn’t this thought produce personal carefulness and lives of obedience? To make decisions in life as an autonomous, unaffiliated human being is to miss a bigger picture that is important before God. Your actions are not just about you. In relation to the church, sin in your life (secret immorality, idolatry, unbelief, etc.) could be a reason for God’s judgment or withholding blessing. The church must not tolerate it if known. You need to confess it and repent. May each of us take seriously the impact that our individual lives and choices has upon the church.  Don’t be an Achan!       

Should Church Members Be Concerned?

 SOURCE OF JOY OR GRIEF?

According to Romans 14:12, we will all one day give an account of our lives to God. This is a serious motivation for living life carefully. While the believer is not under condemnation because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, there isindication in Scripture that our life choices will still have some impact upon us on judgment day.

The word account in Romans 14:12, is also used in Hebrews 13:17. God is exhorting saints toward obedience and submission in relation to those whom He has appointed to watch over their souls. Considering other Scripture that uses similar language, it is almost certain that He is specifically referring here to the relationship of saints and elders in the church. Have you placed yourself under the leadership of elders in a church who are committed to watch for your souls? Saints will give account to God for their attitudes and responses to those whom God has placed over their care in the church.

Yet, in Hebrews 13:17, elders are specifically singled out as the ones who must give account. This knowledge governs the nature of their care. This accounting is presumably before the Lord. It may be in prayer, implied in the word watch, used with prayer by Jesus in Mark 13:33. Or, it may be a final day accounting. In either case, there are two possible emotions the elders might have as they give account of the believers under their care: joy or grief.

Your attitude and relationship toward your elders in your church affect your elders in one way or another. One is good and the other is unprofitable for you. When your elders experience joy in their care for you because you are responding with obedience and submission, God is pleased. When your elders experience grief because you are resistant to their leadership or are making choices that ignore their spiritual oversight, God is not pleased. You are responsible to manifest your submission to God by bringing joy, not grief, to your elders. Obeying and submitting to the ones you see are tangible expressions of your surrendered attitude to the One you cannot see.

It is true, elders may sin in lording over church members. Such attitudes and actions of elders will be dealt with by the chief Shepherd. Trust that matter to Him, and if necessary humbly address this sin with your elders.

If you have a heart to please the Lord you must be concerned about the affect of your attitude and actions upon your elders. When you obey and submit there is joy, both in the elders and you. However you flesh out the meaning of unprofitable, it is obviously not desirable for you, and is dishonoring to Christ. Avoiding this conclusion is simple, though it may not be easy: obey and submit to those who have the rule over you. This is Christ’s order for His churches.

Humble yourself before the Lord and purpose to bring joy and not grief to your elders. If you must err, err on the side of obedience and submission, trusting the Lord as you pray for those appointed to lead.