CRAFTED BY GRACE

Have you ever remembered something you learned years ago that in your present circumstances spoke to your heart in such a way that it moved you to a new level of understanding and appreciation for that knowledge?

This happened to me recently as I was reading a book by Jerry Bridges called Disciplines of Grace. In this book Bridges asks his readers to think about a sculpture of a man, who physically appears perfect in every way. The sculpture's physical features are perfect, but from his thighs downward he is unfinished, a mound of unsculpted bronze. In his hands the artist crafted a chisel and a hammer. The message seems clear, the artist wanted us to understand something along the lines of we choose our own destiny, or I can fix myself, I am in control.

The subjects hands are battered from misplaced strokes of the hammer, constant reminders of his own mistakes. Not knowing if the next strike of the chisel will cut himself off at the knee or allow him to move further toward his goal, he continues pridefully thinking I can do this. Bridges notes:

"I marveled at how [the statue] did depict so well the way many Christians try to live the Christian life."

Is there anything wrong with this thinking? Aren't we according to scripture supposed to pursue godliness? Doesn't 1 Timothy 4:7 say "...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness"?

And what about Philippians 3:12-14 "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Doesn't this mean that I am responsible for pursuing my perfection?

If we are understanding scripture correctly we must answer these questions in light of the statement "...for which I was laid hold of." Who laid hold of me? Jesus. Why? So I could pursue perfection. Perfection supposes change. We also know from scripture that the Holy Spirit is the agent of change. We actively pursue this change because we are taught in Hebrews 12:14 that without it no one will see God. 12:15 adds "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God..."

We can change, but not on our own, it must be anchored to the work of the Holy Spirit through the grace of God. This is such good, and freeing news. Why? Grace is God's unmerited favor toward those who deserve only His wrath. Although we are sinners deserving of punishment, and discipline God, through the death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ has graciously chosen to forgive us.

When we admit that we are hopelessly lost sinners doomed for punishment, and in need of a savior, God points us to the work of Jesus. By accepting the atoning work of the cross and resurrection we are united with Christ and in a sense covered by Him. The favor of the Father toward His Son becomes ours. We are clothed in favor. The Father no longer looks on us as sinners, but as complete in Christ. Totally accepted, totally forgive, totally free. It's His grace that frees us. There is nothing we can do on our own to be accepted.

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."

My daughter has my acceptance. She is completely loved. Her position with me is set regardless of her obedience. I love her. Certainly she faces consequences when she does wrong, but she is never unloved, even in correction. Her position is not based upon performance. We are Saved by God's grace and our position of accepted in Christ does not change based upon our performance since we cannot earn God's blessings (see Ephesians 2:8-9).

The reminder of this lesson was so meaningful to me because many times I have fallen into the trap of misunderstanding Gods grace. Reviewing this truth has reminded me that on my worst spiritual days, the days I completely give in to sin, live for my pleasures, and just completely fail my God that I am still accepted, because my position is not based on my performance. There was nothing I could do to earn God's favor, it was a gift of grace, there is nothing I can do to lose it. On the other hand when I live out the best spiritual day, a day when I really connect with God, read my Bible, pray, and love others more than me I am still desperate for God's grace. Why? Because my position is not based upon my performance. I am a child of God, saved, accepted not by my good works, but only by His grace.

DON'T YOU SENSE THE FREEDOM IN THIS TEACHING?

Praise you Father for loving us so much that you sent your Son to free us from the bonds of sin, not according to our worthless works, but according to your amazing grace!

Come, let us reason together. Conclusion.

In this series of postings we have explored together an argument which defends the belief in a theistic God, specifically the God of the Bible. This final post on the subject will summarize briefly in bullet point fashion the argument, and conclude with one final thought on the subject.

My inspiration for such arguments comes from many devoted followers of Christ in the past starting with the Apostles. Above is a picture of Mars Hill. This is a modern day picture of the place where the Apostle Paul stood and argued for Christ with the men of Athens as recorded in Acts 17:22-32. At the conclusion of his speaking the Bible records the response of the people:

Acts 17:32-33 "Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, 'We shall hear you again concerning this.' So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed."

Some rejected the message (atheistic), some wanted to hear more (agnostic), and some joined Paul, (believers). Certainly these are the results I can expect. My hope is that all would come to believe in Christ, but if the teaching on this blog leads one to want to learn more then my joy will be made complete.

This argument has been based on the teachings of Norman Geisler, and follows a logical progression to prove the probability of a theistic God. One step builds upon another, and I recommend before reading this post you read through the previous ones in this series.

The argument summarized:

1. Truth about reality is knowable.
2. Opposites cannot both be true.
3. The theistic God exists.
4. Miracles are possible.
5. Miracles performed in connection with a truth claim are acts of God to confirm the truth of God through a messenger of God.
6. The New Testament documents are reliable.
7. Jesus claimed to be God in the New Testament.
8. Jesus' claim to divinity was proven by miracles.
9. Therefore, Jesus was God in human form.
10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) affirms as true, is true.
11. Jesus affirmed that the Bible is the Word of God.

Which leads us to our concluding thought. Since Jesus affirmed the Bible as the Word of God, and we have shown that Jesus is God, we must conclude that the Bible is in fact the Word of God. Whatever is opposed to the Bible and the truth it contains is false. Some will read this post and argue against me claiming that I am using circular reasoning. Again, I encourage you to begin with the first posting in this series. If I began at step 6 then I would agree that the reasoning is circular, but when this argument begins at step one it builds upon itself. If a theistic God exists then there is the possibility of miracles. If Jesus is God, and proved it by a miraculous life, then he has all the attributes of God. God does not lie. If Jesus claims that the Bible is the word of God, and He is God, then we must believe Him. If the Bible is the Word of God we must conclude that Christianity is true as well. Since opposites cannot be true then all opposing world religions are simply false religions. Finally, we conclude that only Christianity is the true religion.

You have heard what I believe. Now what about you. What do you believe?

Come, let us reason together. Part 5

Building on the foundation laid in parts 1-4 this post will argue that whatever Jesus (who is God) affirms as true, is true. This includes His affirmation that the Bible is the Word of God.

God cannot make mistakes. One of His attributes is His immutability, or put another way, His unchangeable nature. Whatever changes acquires something new. God cannot acquire something new because if He did He would by definition not be God. Our idea of God is perfection. Perfection requires nothing more. God lacks no perfection. He needs nothing more. He cannot be more perfect or complete.

God cannot change. If He did He could not be God for this would mean He lacked some perfection.

God is an all-knowing, timeless being. He knows all of time in one eternal now, including the future. If this were not true He could not be immutable because He would need the ability to gain new knowledge, and therefore, would not be God. He is omniscient. He knows everything, He cannot be wrong.

Since God cannot err in His knowledge, whatever He knows is infallible. We have already argued that Jesus is God. Therefore, Jesus cannot be wrong. What He affirms as true, is true.

Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God. He had a high view of scripture. He taught that it was authoritative, imperishable, infallible, inerrant, historically reliable, scientifically accurate, and that it held ultimate supremacy. (At this point I must thank Dr. Normal Geisler again for his excellent work, and teaching from which I am going to borrow).

1. Authoritative.

Matthew 4:4, 7, 10

Jesus speaking"It is written 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"

"On the other hand, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 are three examples of the 92 times in the gospels where Jesus uses the words, "It is written" in reference to the Old Testament. When He uses this statement its like He is saying "This is the final word on the subject." He believes the scriptures are the inspired word of God and He quotes them as having authority.

2. Imperishable.

Matthew 5:17-18

Jesus speaking"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

When Jesus uses the phrase "The Law and the Prophets" He is always referring to the whole Old Testament (See Luke 24:27). Nothing from these sacred writings will disappear until all has been fulfilled according to Jesus.

3. Infallible.

John 10:35

Jesus speaking"...and the scripture cannot be broken."

If you read this verse in context with 10:34-36 you find that Jesus uses three strong words to describe scripture, "Law", "word of God", and "unbreakable". Jesus thought of scripture as the unbreakable Law of God. It is the word "unbreakable" which carries the same meaning as infallible. God's word cannot be broken according to Jesus.

4. Inerrant.

Matthew 22:29, John 17:17

Jesus speaking in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."

Matthew 22:29

"Jesus answered and said to them, 'You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God."

God's word is not scattered truth, His word is true in whole. This is why we cannot pick and choose what we believe. This is why we cannot quickly claim a portion of scripture to be cultural. When we make these mistakes we begin to fashion our own god, the very essence of idolatry. Instead Jesus teaches us that God's word is without errors.

How many errors can God make? None, if He is omniscient. Whatever God decides to write would have the same nature of inerrancy as He does. We argue:

1. The Bible is the Word of God.
2. God cannot err.
3. Therefore, the Bible is inerrant.

If there is an error we must conclude that either God makes errors, and He is not God, or the Bible is not His word. If you deny that the Bible is the word of God you must deny what Jesus said about the Bible. If Jesus is the son of God, then the Bible is the word of God.

5. Historically reliable.

Matthew 12:40, 24:37-39

Jesus speaking, "Just as Jonah was tree days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

"For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be."

The manner in which Jesus is speaking of these two disputed accounts from the Old Testament shows that he understood them to be historical events. Jesus sites them and gives them authority. He uses the words, "Just as..." He bases his first coming on the Jonah account, and His second coming on the Noah account. Why would He compare myth with history? He would not. Jesus used the words, "So it will be..." He believed he was comparing true events with true events.

6. Scientifically accurate.

Matthew 19:4-5

Jesus Speaking "And He answered them and said, 'Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh'".

The most scientifically disputed chapters of the Bible are the first eleven chapters of Genesis, but Jesus affirms these accounts. He bases His teachings on marriage on the teachings of Genesis without shame. According to Jesus the creator made male and female, and marriage cannot be separated from creation. To the scientific question, "How did we get here?" Jesus answers from marriage instituted by God. Either Darwin and Evolution are correct, or Jesus is, but both cannot be correct at the same time. Jesus will not allow us to "spiritualize" away the literal male and female in the Genesis account.

Jesus said in John 3:12, "I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?".

Basically Jesus is saying to us if we cannot believe Him when he speaks of empirical scientific matters, then why would we believe Him when He speaks of spiritual matters. Jesus considered them inseparable. Yes, we have a choice to make!

7. Ultimate supremacy.

Matthew 15:3-6

Jesus speaking, "And He answered and said to them, 'Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.' But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, 'Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,' he is not to honor his father or his mother.' and by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition."

Jesus taught that the Bible alone holds supreme authority even in the face of conflict with the most revered human teaching. Scripture is God's supreme written authority.

"Jesus confessed the very things many modern critics deny about the Old Testament. If Jesus was right, then the critics are wrong, despite the pretense of having scholarship on their side. For if Jesus is the Son of God, then it is a matter of Lordship, not a matter of scholarship" --Norman Geisler

Which is what we have been arguing in this series of posts.

"Many critics assert that the first human beings evolved by natural processes. But...Jesus insisted that Adam and Eve were created by God. If Jesus is the Son of God, then the choice is between Charles Darwin and the divine; between a nineteenth-century creature, and the eternal creator."---Norman Geisler

This series of post has pointed to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.

"Most negative critics of the Bible believe that the Jonah story is mythology. Indeed, with strong emphasis Jesus asserted that "just as" Jonah was in the great fish three days and nights, "even so" he would be in the grave for three days and nights. Surely, Jesus would not have based the historicity of his death and resurrection on mythology about Jonah."---Norman Geisler

The same is true of the Noah account. Jesus affirmed there was a flood. He would not want to combine the truthfulness of His second coming with a myth fueling doubt in the minds of his followers.

We come to a dilemma. Either Jesus is the Son of God, and the Bible is the Word of God, or not. If the Bible is not the Word of God, then Jesus cannot be the son of God. Why? Because He would have been teaching false doctrine.

"Many critics believe He was only accommodating Himself to the false beliefs of the Jews of his day about the Old Testament. But this hypothesis is clearly contrary to the facts. Others believe that since Jesus was only a human being that he made mistakes, some of which were about the origin and nature of Scripture. But his speculation too is not rooted in the facts of the matter. Jesus neither accommodated false beliefs nor was He limited in His authority to teach the truth of God."---Norman Geisler.

Jesus affirmed that the Bible is the Word of God. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God, and whatever stands in opposition to biblical truth is false.