"Dia Pistin"

Dr. A.H. Strong wrote (as cited by me here)

because faith, and not repentance or love or hope is the medium or instrument by which we receive Christ and are united to him. Hence we are never said to be justified dia pistin, = on account of faith, but only dia pisteos, = through faith, or ek pisteos, = by faith. Or, to express the same truth in other words, while the grace of God is the efficient cause of justification and the obedience and sufferings of Christ are the meritorious or procuring cause, faith is the mediate or instrumental cause." 

We are not saved or justified by faith in the sense that faith is the ground or reason of it but because it is the means of receiving it.

On My Heart Surgery

As I promised in the preceding post "Another Health Update" I will add these thoughts.

The coronary blocked was the main artery and was 99% blocked. This was the one the surgeons put in the stent. I am sure it is a wonder that I am still alive. I have had chest pains off and on for years. The first time I went to the ER was about ten years ago and was taken to Charlotte's main hospital by ambulance from the hospital here in Monroe. The heart doctors there went into my heart and said they saw no reason for my chest pains from my heart, saying it looked good. I was sent home without knowing the reason for the chest pains. 

Over the years I would have chest pains that would come and go, but they began to increase over the past 1-2 years. About a year ago I was having bad chest pains and went to the ER and again they took pictures of my heart, ran an EKG, etc., and concluded it was not my heart. They thought it was from my GERD and either esophagus or ulcers. They sent me home with medicine for that and without any relief from the pain. 

After that my family doctor and I have been trying to figure out what is causing the chest pains. Well, two weeks leading up to my visit to the ER last Sunday I was having chest pains every day, mostly when I did some light work. But I would take a nitro glycerin and put it in my mouth and it often relieved the pain. Sometimes I would have to wait five minutes, take another. If it didn't relieve the pain, I took a third (as prescribed). If this didn't work I would take a hydrocodone/acetaminophen pill. Most of the time this combination would relieve the pain. But, this past Sunday I was relaxed lying on the bed watching the PGA golf tournament when the pains came on and nothing would relieve it. I finally had my step son take me to the ER. I was in the midst of a heart attack. When the EKG showed this, the ER doctor said "your heart is very unhappy." 

They called for me to be air lifted by helicopter to the hospital in Pineville to the cath lab. I did not like that ride at all. Got to the lab and they began to work on me. They gave me morphine and decided to go into my heart through the major artery in my right wrist although they prepped me to go in through my groin. They put in the dye and the blockages showed up. I was awake the whole time and was told to stay still. I had several blockages and they stented the main blockage. The others they said could be treated with drugs and diet and if that didn't work they could put other stents in later. One place is blocked 70%, one blocked 50%, and one blocked 40%. 

After the surgery I was in ICU for a day and then in a private room for a day before being released to go home. The first night I slept little. The second night I slept well. This was because the nurses took out the IV in my right arm so that I could sleep on my right side (normal for me). During the second night I was feeling low and the nurse who cared for me asked "do you mind if I pray for you? I ask all my patients this." I said "oh yes, please do." Well, that was the best prayer I have ever heard from a sister! After the prayer I told her about my Christian faith and we talked about ten minutes about my writings, etc. She said she would check out my blog writings. I have since thanked God for her and asked God to bless her and her ministry. She was no novice and knew the scriptures, and attended a home church. We talked about Job and several other things.

I feel sad that I will not be able to eat food I used to eat. I have also been diagnosed with having diabetes insipidus, a rare disorder totally different from Diabetes Mellitus.* So, my diet now has to be such that I do not clog my arteries and do not eat food with too much sugar. All this is life changing for me. But, my father went through this and he far outlived the normal years people live after heart surgery. He had four bypasses (before the days when stent procedures became the norm). 

While on the operating table I was saying the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23 over and over. I also breathed out slowly (Vegas nerve exercise to reduce stress).

I believe the Lord kept me alive because he is not finished with me. I have work to do, mainly to care for my wife, but hopefully to keep writing.

Keep me in your prayers if you have a mind.

*Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare condition in which the kidneys are unable to retain water, whereas diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by the inability of the body to produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high.

Is Sovereignty Fatalism?

The above is the title of Dr. Richard Trader's post for today (he is a Southern Baptist pastor). In it he wrote (See here):

"Teaching the sovereignty of God without human responsibility leads to fatalism. On the other hand, teaching human responsibility while neglecting God's sovereignty leads to deism, where God is simply not ruling in our world. Then, God is nothing more than a spectator. Neither can ever be acceptable according to Holy Scripture."

Can I get an amen?

Another Health Update

Just got home today from the hospital. Had a heart attack and a stent put in one of my coronary arteries. It has been an ordeal. Will try to write about it later. God is good. Keep my wife and me in your prayers (she is on oxygen 24 hours). So, in addition to having pulmonary fibrosis I also have heart problems along with other things. 

A Utopian Society?

I'm currently reading a book by C. Gregg Singer entitled 'A Theological Interpretation of American History'. I highly recommend it, though it is very challenging, especially if you're like myself and have a very limited understanding of our nation's history.  

In this work are traced the various ideologies (e.g. puritanism, deism, transcendentalism, social darwinism) which have arisen from colonial times to the present, and have helped shape our society to what it is today.  Yet as I'm reading it one thought keeps coming to mind.  I'm having a tremendous problem trying to reconcile today's radicals/liberals with those from centuries past.  Singer presents the latter as honestly thinking that a golden age of mankind can be achieved in this life via secularism, and that every humanistic ideology which has arisen since our country's inception was working towards this end. Yet when I consider their supposed descendants today, it's hard for me to envision them as similarly well-intentioned.  They do not want a utopian society, but simply want money, power, and control.  Am I wrong, or are today's globalists, the left, etc. really trying to usher in their own version of a golden age?  Or could it be that this is in fact the desired end, and the destruction of our country is simply the means towards that end?

I really would appreciate any thoughts on this matter.

Wise Words About The Devil

We have all likely heard the maxim "Idle hands are the devil's workshop." 

Here are two more worth remembering.

"When the Devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!"

"If you marry a child of the Devil you will have trouble with your father in law." 

The Prophet Job a Type of Christ (ii)

For the first post in this series see here.

Job The Persecuted

"Job" is a Hebrew name meaning "persecuted" or "object of scorn." Is that not interesting and pregnant in meaning? Situational irony? The persecution of Job is a figure of the persecution that Messiah experienced. 

Notice these passages from the dialogues of Job.

“Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, For the hand of God has struck me! Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh?" (Job 19: 21-22)

“I am one mocked by his friends, Who called on God, and He answered him, The just and blameless who is ridiculed." (12: 4)

"But you forgers of lies, You are all worthless physicians. Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!" (13: 4-5)

“Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.” (21: 3)

“My spirit is broken, My days are extinguished, The grave is ready for me. Are not mockers with me? And does not my eye dwell on their provocation?" (17: 1-2)

"Then Job answered and said: “I have heard many such things; Miserable comforters are you all! Shall words of wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? I also could speak as you do, If your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, And shake my head at you." (16: 1-4)

"He tears me in His wrath, and hates me; He gnashes at me with His teeth; My adversary sharpens His gaze on me. They gape at me with their mouth, They strike me reproachfully on the cheek, They gather together against me. God has delivered me to the ungodly, And turned me over to the hands of the wicked." (16: 9-11)

“But He has made me a byword of the people, And I have become one in whose face men spit." (17: 6)

“My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house count me for a stranger.” (Job 19:14–15)

"My friends scorn me: but mine eye pours out tears unto God." (Job 16: 20)

Jesus too, like Job, was persecuted. (John 5: 16) Both Job and Christ, like some of the righteous men and women of faith, had "trial of cruel mockings and scourgings." (Heb. 11: 36; Matt. 20: 19) 

Both Job and Christ were hated men. Both were mocked, scoffed, ridiculed, persecuted, scorned, falsely accused, reviled, provoked, and had all manner of evil said against them. 

Notice the word "trial" in regard to such cruel mocking and scourging. Job's trials, like those of Christ, consisted, to a large degree, in such abuses. In the previous post we showed how Christ was the "tried stone," the tested one (and for this reason can be fully trusted and relied upon). Job too was a "tried stone" and was therefore a type of Christ (as we observed in the previous posting - "when he has tried me I shall come forth as gold"). 

The writer of Hebrews calls upon all to “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12: 3)

The opposition that Job faced from his wife, neighbors, extended family, and his senior friends were a type of that opposition that Christ would face. Focus is upon the fact of Christ endurance, patience, fortitude, perseverance, in the face of such great trials and sufferings. So too is Job known for his patient endurance in suffering and adversity and is therefore a type of Christ.

Many people even "laughed him (Christ) to scorn." (Matt. 9: 24; Mark 5: 40; Luke 8: 53) What insolence against God and the Son of God. Rather than scorning and deriding the Lord they should have "kissed the Son." (Psa. 2: 12) In the well known Messianic Psalm, the Psalmist says: "All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads." (Psa. 22: 7) This happened to Job and to Christ. 

As previously stated, Job suffered opposition and alienation from his kin and his friends. So too did Christ. Notice this text:

"And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for people were saying, “He is beside himself”. And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Be-el′zebul, and by the prince of demons he casts out the demons”. (Mark 3:21–22) 

Both Job and Christ suffered scorn and ridicule by friends, neighbors, and family. Jesus too was a stranger among his own people, of the Jewish nation, and of his own immediate family. So it is written in the gospel of John - “neither did his brethren believe in him.” (John 7:5) John also records: "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." (John 1: 11) 

Judas fulfilled the prophetic words of the Psalmist who wrote: "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me." (Psa. 41: 9) So too could Job say this about his friends. Wrote Zechariah these words applicable to Christ:

“And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’" (Zech. 13: 6)

Job, as we have seen, was spit in the face by his friends. So too Christ. "Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him." (Matt. 26: 67) 

Jesus was hated by the world and loved by only a few. He said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." (John 15: 18) He also said: "it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil." (John 7: 7)

Job was in great pain as a result of his varied trials (Job 2: 13).  So too was Christ. The bodily sufferings of Christ suffered during his trials (before the Sanhedrin and Pilate) were immense. His death by crucifixion was "excruciating." He was bruised and beaten and bleeding like a lamb in slaughter. In the next posting we will conclude this series dealing with how Job and Christ are both innocent men, falsely accused and condemned, and both suffering servants of Yahweh.

Hardshell Description Of Regenerated People

Hardshell Baptists believe that these words of Christ - "You are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Rev. 3: 20) describe regenerated people. How much more absurd can one be, theologically speaking? That is a description of lost people and the church of Laodicea had such as members. There are lots of unregenerate people who are members of churches. Do our Hardshell brothers deny this? 

See my previous posts on Rev. 3: 20

"Hardshells Affirm That They Are Saved!" (here)

"Further Thoughts On Rev. 3:17-22" (here)

"On The Right Track on Rev. 3:20" (here)

To look at the adjectives describing these people (wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked) and say that they describe regenerate people is pure nonsense. It is about as bad as those commentators who say that the six descriptive words of Hebrews 6: 4-5 refer to lost people! Lost people may be "once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come."

What think ye?

Don't Know What Exegesis and Eisegesis Means?

Recently in a text communication with a Hardshell preacher (who has been preaching for years) that preacher said he did not know what those two words mean and would have to look them up. I responded by saying "you have been teaching the bible for years and don't know those terms?" 

Here is what Got Questions web page says in answer to the question - "What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?" (here):

"Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means “to lead out of.” That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text.

The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.

Obviously, only exegesis does justice to the text. Eisegesis is a mishandling of the text and often leads to a misinterpretation. Exegesis is concerned with discovering the true meaning of the text, respecting its grammar, syntax, and setting. Eisegesis is concerned only with making a point, even at the expense of the meaning of words."

Warnings Against Falsely Interpreting 

"...as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures." (II Peter 3: 15-16)

I exercise great care in interpreting the scripture. That is my goal. On some things I am sure that I am interpreting honestly and correctly and can be dogmatic and defend them. On some things I am not so sure and do not speak so dogmatically but offer opinions (some strong). I do not want to suffer destruction and so I try to interpret correctly. I check the commentaries, the views of others, and weigh the arguments. So should we all. It is better to hold no opinion than a false one.

Paul spoke of those who are "handling the word of God deceitfully." (II Cor. 4: 2) There are now, as there have been in the past, many who practice this black art. Paul also said:

"For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ." (II Cor. 2: 17)

See my post "Honesty in Bible Interpretation" (here)

The Hardshells have been very good at eisegesis as regards many texts of scripture. It saddens me to see it. Even the Hardshell historian and leader, Sylvester Hassell, recognized this fact. See my posting "Hassell On Interpretation" (here). 

We see this same type of issue on interpretation of the USA constitution. Liberal justices tend to read things into the Constitution that are not there while others are "strict constructionists." 

1689 Confession Teaches Rebirth Before Faith?

Bob L. Ross

2/25/1935 to 12/13/2020

The following was written by the late Bob. L. Ross, author of several books, in regard to whether the 1689 London Baptist Confession taught the regeneration before faith error. (See here) He attacks Dr. James White on this issue. Ross was the nemesis of White on this issue. White never wanted to debate brother Ross on this question. 

James White & the Baptist Confession

DOES JAMES WHITE BELIEVE THE
1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION?

In James White's recent video, he claims to believe the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith on "Effectual Calling." Unfortunately, he does not give credible evidence that this is the case, nor does he even accurately read what the Confession actually says.

Where, for instance, does the Confession ever affirm that "regeneration must take place first," as James teaches in his writings such as "The Potter's Freedom" (page 84) and in his debate book with Dave Hunt where he defends the heresy that we must be "born again before we can exercise true, saving faith" (Debating Calvinism, page 198)?

While James misunderstands, misapplies, and misinterprets 1 John 5:1 to teach his heresy, where in the Baptist Confession does it teach that 1 John 5:1 is understood to teach that "regeneration" precedes faith? While James claims to "exegete" Scripture, he is more adept at eisegesis -- reading his own ideas into the text.

When and where did James White ever demonstrate that my charge -- that he does not affirm the teaching of the 1689 LBCF -- is false and has been refuted?

Has James repudiated what he presented in the debate with Dave Hunt -- wherein James presented the non-creedal, unscriptural "born again before faith" balderash? Has he repudiated his "exegeet'n" on John's writings wherein he claims that regeneration precedes faith, or as we like to express it, that one is "born again before he believes in Christ"?

Those phantasmagorical ideas, borrowed from the likes of Sproul, Shedd, and Berkhof, and other Pedobaptist (baby baptizer) sources, will as likely be found in the 1689 LBCF as readily as one will find the baptism of babies!

All of that sort of stuff is PEDO-REGENERATIONIST doctrine, not Baptist.

It was hatched by the Pedos and you will find it in their hatcheries. Even pedo-regenerationists Shedd and Berkhof admit that the same vanities which James presents on regeneration are not even in the Westminster Confession (aka LBCF for Baptists). The "Ordo Paludal" had not even been fully fermented to its more "developed" level in 1689, according to the Pedo theologians, Berkhof, Shedd, and Packer.

What James teaches on "regeneration" is about as CLOSE to the teaching of the 1689 London Baptist Confession as the HARDSHELL BAPTIST CHURCH where James was invited to preach this type of doctrine awhile back.

We would be delighted to meet James in an "exegesis" debate on either the Scriptures or the 1689 London Confession of Faith, or both, but the prospects for such a debate are about as prospective as a debate with any of the advocates of the "regeneration precedes faith" delusion.

James prefers much more "easy pickins," like Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Gays, etc. I understand some of these types even get paid and go on free cruises to debate with James, he is so eager to "make a name" for himself as a debater.

I agree that neither the scriptures nor the 1689 confession teaches the born again before faith view.

I also offered to debate with White on this issue but he refused.

I appreciate much of what Dr. White teaches, being a five point Calvinist as he, and an opponent of KJV Onlyism as he. But, I cannot accept his regeneration before faith idea.

Frightened By The Apocalypse

Many bible readers and believers do not like to read, study, and meditate upon the Book of Revelation. The reason they give is that it is too disturbing, foreboding, and fear producing. Yet, the book begins with a special blessing to those who read and follow its teachings. 

It was the Lord's intention that the Apocalypse prophecy should instill fear. In the midst of the Apocalyptic judgments an angel speaks to the whole world and says - 

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” (Rev. 14: 7)

The letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor each have a promise of salvation and protection to those who overcome so that what is fearful to the world becomes a comfort to the faithful. 

Also, there is much hope for believers in the Book of Revelation. Its message is that Christ wins and we win, the wicked lose. It ends with a picture of the New Jerusalem and the new heavens and earth so it is not all bad. Again, I refer to that great question of Amos concerning the coming of Christ's Apocalypse.

"Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?"

Hacking Human Beings Addendum

I recommend listening to this video:

"The Beast System Is Here: Yuval Noah Harari tells us what they plan to do with our Temples" (here)

I have been learning more and more about Harari and I agree with this video author that it is all part of the coming system of the beast (Antichrist). 

Hacking human beings is happening now and will happen more and more as the technology increases. Already Elon Musk's company Neuralink is putting brain implants into animals to control them. You can see the videos of this on Youtube. Harari is on the front lines of this technology. 

Rising Stars

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." (II Peter 1:19) 

On this passage I have previously written. See these:

"The Morning Star Is Rising" (here)

"Morning Star Rising" (here)

My thoughts today are about the term "rising star" as it is used in the secular world. Merriam-Webster defines it as "a person or thing that is growing quickly in popularity or importance in a particular field."

The real "rising stars" are Christians, those who believe in Christ and his word. 

"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (Dan. 12: 2-3)

Shine as stars forever. Stars forever after rising from the grave to life and immortality. Paul also said: "one star differs from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead." (I Cor. 15: 41-42)

Before the coming of the great day of the Lord believers will experience the rising of the morning star in their hearts. Oh for that day! I expect that inner experience will bring us many good things.

On The Heathen Who Never Hear

In a follow up to my previous post about Dr. Flowers and the question on the salvation of the heathen (those who die without knowledge of the bible revelation) I will say that I believe exactly what is stated in the 1689 London Confession. Here is what it says in chapter twenty.

Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

1. The covenant of works being broken by sin, and made unprofitable unto life, God was pleased to give forth the promise of Christ, the seed of the woman, as the means of calling the elect, and begetting in them faith and repentance; in this promise the gospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and [is] therein effectual for the conversion and salvation of sinners. ( Genesis 3:15; Revelation 13:8 )

2. This promise of Christ, and salvation by him, is revealed only by the Word of God; neither do the works of creation or providence, with the light of nature, make discovery of Christ, or of grace by him, so much as in a general or obscure way; much less that men destitute of the revelation of Him by the promise or gospel, should be enabled thereby to attain saving faith or repentance. ( Romans 1:17; Romans 10:14,15,17; Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 25:7; Isaiah 60:2, 3 )

3. The revelation of the gospel unto sinners, made in divers times and by sundry parts, with the addition of promises and precepts for the obedience required therein, as to the nations and persons to whom it is granted, is merely of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God; not being annexed by virtue of any promise to the due improvement of men's natural abilities, by virtue of common light received without it, which none ever did make, or can do so; and therefore in all ages, the preaching of the gospel has been granted unto persons and nations, as to the extent or straitening of it, in great variety, according to the counsel of the will of God. ( Psalms 147:20; Acts 16:7; Romans 1:18-32 )

4. Although the gospel be the only outward means of revealing Christ and saving grace, and is, as such, abundantly sufficient thereunto; yet that men who are dead in trespasses may be born again, quickened or regenerated, there is moreover necessary an effectual insuperable work of the Holy Spirit upon the whole soul, for the producing in them a new spiritual life; without which no other means will effect their conversion unto God. ( Psalms 110:3; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 1:19, 20; John 6:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6 )

Points to Observe

1. The basic message of the gospel is as old as Eden.

2. General revelation (from creation or conscience) is insufficient to produce saving faith.

3. Special revelation (the word of God) is necessary for such.

4. The extent of the gospel to the heathen is "according to the counsel of the will of God."

See these three postings where I deal with this issue.

Oliphant vs Pence

More of Griffin's Logic

Dr Howell on Hardshellism

Couldn't Answer A Simple Question

I have listened to a long video discussion titled "What about those who never hear?" (here) It is hosted by Dr. Flowers and two others, Matt Chisholm and Billy Wendeln. Flowers is a former Calvinist who battles against Calvinists and Predestinarians. I have referred to him before. In this video the three brothers tackle the above question. 

Flowers states at about the 28 minute mark:

Believing in Christ (and his death, burial, and resurrection) is not a necessary condition (though it may be a sufficient condition) for being saved.

This question is a hot potato and if you listen to them ramble on over the question, stumbling as they go, that will become apparent. It has always been a hot potato question with those who oppose Calvinism as well as Hyper Calvinists. 

These brethren did not want to admit that any lived who did not have a chance to be saved, i.e. did not have enough revelation in creation to be saved. The question is not, however, whether all men have sufficient revelation to condemn them, but rather whether they all have sufficient revelation to save them. 

Flowers even brought up the case of infants and OT people among the Gentiles as examples of those who are saved apart from faith in Christ. It sounded like he was a Hardshell Baptist. In fact, all three sounded like Hardshells on this point. They all affirmed that believing in Christ was not essential to salvation. They all taught that general revelation in creation was enough for salvation. That is not old Baptist doctrine. They also taught that people are saved apart from the preaching of the gospel. That is hardshellism.

I believe one must believe in Christ to be saved and in order to believe they must hear about Christ. (Rom. 10) The fact that many have died without knowing the word of God or the gospel is proof that God does not owe everyone a chance (or opportunity) to be saved. If he did he would see to it that all heard the gospel. Nor does he owe everyone equal opportunity to be saved. Some are born with greater advantages towards being saved than others. The fact that some die without any chance of being saved is proof that they were not chosen to salvation.

A Dollar AND Fifty Cents

 

In a debate with an elder with the "Church of Christ" (aka "Campbellite"), my father told me of how the elder said "if I told you that this sack of potatoes requires one dollar AND fifty cents you will not get it with only a dollar. Therefore, when the text says you will be saved if you believe And are baptized, you will not get it with faith alone." 

In response, let me say these things. I do not believe that the latter verses of Mark 16 were originally written by Mark but added later. 

Second, in response to the example given above, let us suppose that the same person later told you that you could have the sack of potatoes for one dollar. Are there not many passages that say it is by faith alone? Why would I say one dollar sometimes and say one dollar and fifty cents another time?  

Addendum on Acts 2: 38

I have written on this question before. See "Exegeting Acts 2: 38" (here). 

I believe that in English we would best translate by using a parenthesis: 

 

"You all repent (and be baptized each one of you in the name of Jesus Christ) for the remission of your sins." 

 

This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches (only Peter there omits the parenthesis). Said Peter: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” 

Says one author (Charles Baker - here):

"Notice that in this verse Peter says nothing about water baptism. If water baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins, why does Peter say nothing of this in Acts 3:19? If water baptism is essential for forgiveness of sins, why does Peter say nothing of this in Acts 10:43 (“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission (forgiveness) of sins”)? If water baptism is an essential part of the preaching of salvation, then why does Luke 24:46-47 mention repentance and the remission (forgiveness) of sins but say nothing about water baptism?"

He then enumerates the strengths behind the parenthetical view of the words "and each of you be baptized," saying: "The strengths of this view are as follows: 

 

1) it is theologically sound and avoids the error of making water baptism a condition for forgiveness; 

 

2) it harmonizes with the other passages which speak about repentance and the forgiveness of sins; 

 

3) it understands the preposition eis in its most natural meaning (though other meanings are possible); 

 

4) it agrees with the parallel passage of Acts 3:19; 

 

5) it best suits the context of Acts 2:38 where Peter is offering forgiveness to Christ-rejecting Jews. Peter was not speaking "with reference to" or "because of" or "on the basis of" a forgiveness which they did not yet have! 

 

6) it employs a figure of speech (chiasmus) that was not uncommon or unusual to the Semitic mind, though in English it may seem somewhat awkward."

He then cites from another author, writing:

 

"Stanley D. Toussaint (The Book of Acts in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 359) gives several reasons why the parenthetical view is the correct view: 

 

"Several factors support this interpretation: (a) The verb makes a distinction between singular and plural verbs and nouns. The verb "repent" is plural ["repent ye"] and so is the pronoun "your" in the clause, "so that your sins may be forgiven" (lit., "unto the remission of your sins," (eis aphesin ton hamartion humon). Therefore the verb "repent" must go with the purpose of forgiveness of sins. On the other hand the imperative "be baptized" is singular, setting it off from the rest of the sentence. (b) This concept fits with Peter's proclamation in Acts 10:43 in which the same expression "sins may be forgiven" (aphesis harmartion) occurs. There it is granted on the basis of faith alone. (c) In Luke 24:47 and Acts 5:31 the same writer, Luke, indicates that repentance results in remission of sins."

Here is an example:

All of you vote (and each one of you signify it by placing an "I voted" sticker on your vest) for your chosen candidate. 

Voting is essential but not placing the sticker.

More On Dr. Piper's Wishy Washiness

I just read today's entry by Dr. Piper titled "Why Dead Men Must Die" (here). In the previous posting on Dr. Piper we showed how he came down firmly on the belief that faith follows rebirth. But, in this entry he says:

"So this union with Christ in his death happens through faith. When we believe in Christ, God counts his death to be our death."

That is the opposite of his view that faith follows rebirth. I wish Dr. Piper would be consistent on this.

The Prophet Job a Type of Christ

"And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

"Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”" (Luke 24: 27, 44)

"The Scriptures testify of me," said the Lord Jesus to those who knew the scriptures (old testament). (John 5: 39) This is one of the rules for judging the canonicity and inspiration of books written in the old testament time period. Is there testimony concerning Christ in the writing? In the above texts we see how all the books of scripture speak "concerning" Christ. Moses and "all the prophets" spoke of the coming Messiah. Job, being a prophet, therefore must have said something about Christ, or prefigured him in some way. Notice these words of the prophet Job:

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19: 25-27)

Not only did "all the prophets" "testify" "concerning" Christ, the Messiah, Savior, and Redeemer by words heard from God or otherwise were inspired to write (i.e. the scriptures), but some of them were particularly chosen to be "figures" of Messiah in their work, status, and character. 

Adam (who was also a prophet) was a "figure of him who was to come" (Rom. 5: 14). Adam knew of "the coming one." He knew that a Redeemer had been promised from the word of God to the Serpent. One of the oldest names for this promised Redeemer was therefore both "the coming one" and "the desired one." He also knew that the promised Savior (from the guilt of transgression) would be of "the seed of the woman." He knew of the virgin birth and that the promised seed would be both human and divine. (Gen. 3: 15) This was written in the constellation of Virgo by Adam, Seth, Enoch, et al. 

So too was Moses a figure of Christ. In Deuteronomy 18:15 Moses said: “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” 

To those who knew the writings of Moses our Lord said: “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me." (John 5: 46)

We could also speak of such figures as Joseph and David whose lives and character prefigured the life and character of Christ. However, let us now consider how the prophet Job is a figure or type of Christ.

Though there are lots of similarities between Job and Christ (one writer sees 22; see footnote below). I will focus on the main similarities. In what way is the book of Job a sign post that points to Jesus Christ?

Job The Prophet

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5: 10-11)

Job was a prophet, though he is not generally thought to be such among the Christian community in general. In the Islamic tradition, however, Job is frequently called "the prophet Job." In my recent postings, and in the series I wrote years ago, I show how the scriptures intimate that he was a prophet. He certainly has all the qualifications of a prophet. Foremost, he heard the oracles of God and reported them. Said one author (here):

"The figure of Job in the Old Testament has commonly been considered a prophet for most of Christian history because of his stalwart preaching to his friends during the afflictions he suffered and because he was thought to be a type–a prefiguration–of Christ because of his patient, innocent endurance." 

Some have rejected Job as a prophet and have instead believed that Elihu is the true prophet of the story. In the series on Elihu it was seen how wrong is this view.

It seems to me that James, in the above words, identifies Job as a prophet who "spoke in the name of the Lord," one who was "an example of suffering affliction and of patience." He then says "you have heard of the patience of Job" in his suffering afflictions. Does he not identify Job as a prophet, as an example of suffering prophets? The prophecy of Job about his coming Redeemer, and the resurrection of his body, show that he was a prophet and spoke concerning Christ. Further, God testified that Job has spoken correctly about God. (Job 42: 7) Job as prophet (God's spokesman) is a type of Christ.

As a prophet who suffered affliction as an innocent victim he is a picture of Christ. But, more on that shortly. For now let us consider that Christ also was a prophet. Wrote Moses long ago:

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him." (Deut. 18: 15; Cited in Acts 3: 22; 7: 37)

Throughout the gospels Christ is constantly referred to as "the prophet" or "that prophet." In the preaching of the apostles after the resurrection of Christ they said to the people: "And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people." (Acts 3: 24)

So, not only was Moses a prophet foreshadowing the greater prophet (Christ), so too was Job.

The Righteous Character of Job

"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil...Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" (Job 1: 1, 8) 

Of Christ, Job's Redeemer, we may superlatively say that there is "none like him on the earth." Christ was without sin, blameless, righteous in every respect. So too the Father says to men through the preaching of the gospel and word of God "have you considered my servant Christ Jesus?" Who shunned evil more than Christ Jesus? Satan could obtain no victory over him though he tempted him with cunning craftiness. 

Job was righteous in his deeds and in his theology (thoughts about God). Lord God said that he had "spoken of me the thing which is right." (Job 42: 7) So too of the Lord Jesus we know that he "went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (Acts 10: 38) He was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens..." (Heb. 7: 26) Testified the apostle Peter of the righteous character of Christ:

“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously..." (I Peter 2: 22-23)

There was no error uttered by the Lord. He knew only truth and spoke only truth. He never transgressed against God. One of the titles of the Messiah is "Jesus Christ the righteous." (I John 2: 1) He is "the LORD our righteousness" (Jer. 23: 6). 

All true prophets are types of Christ the Messiah (Yeshua). Those prophets who suffered the greatest trials, temptations, persecutions, tribulations, etc., however, were even more so like Christ the antitypical prophet, the prophet of prophets (just as he is King of kings, Lord of lords, priests of priests or high priest). 

The trials of the prophet Joseph and the prophet David were prefigures of the trials of Messiah, for example; And, the trials of Job are also likenesses to those of Christ during his time on earth.

Job was tested in his allegiance to God and his moral code. So too was Jesus, as the temptation in the wilderness by the Devil shows. Christ "was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. 4: 15) Upon this let us expand our thoughts.

The Tried and Tested One

"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste." (Isa 28:16 (KJV)

This prophecy speaks of the Messiah as the corner stone in Zion and as a "tried stone." Albert Barnes commented: "A tried stone - The word which is used here is applied commonly to "metals" which are tried in the fire to test their quality (see Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10; Jeremiah 9:6; Zechariah 13:9)." 

John Calvin said (commentary): 

"As to the words, the genitive בחן, ( bōchăn,) of trial, which is used instead of an adjective along with stone, may be taken both in an active and in a passive sense, either for a stone by which the whole building is “tried,” or examined as by a standard, or for a “tried stone.” The former meaning appears to me to be more appropriate, and undoubtedly the usage of the Hebrew language requires us to interpret it rather in an active sense. He calls it therefore a trying stone, or a trier, on account of the effect produced; because by this stone the whole building must be squared and adjusted, otherwise it must unavoidably totter and fall."

Christ is the "tried stone" in two senses. First, he is "tried stone" by the trials he endured, and Second, he is the "tried stone" because he is the one who tries all men. Of the latter sense the prophet wrote:

"Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts. “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the Lord An offering in righteousness." (Mal. 3: 1-3)

Christ is the stone of testing. Speaking of himself as that "tried stone" he said:

“And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” (Matt. 21: 44; Luke 20: 18)

Job was tested by God when he was tempted and tried by the devil (via the ills he brought upon Job and through his emissaries, i.e., Job's wife, three friends, and Elihu). 

Said Job: "But he knows the way that I take: when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23: 10) Job's faithful endurance in his sufferings and sore trial pictured that of Christ. 

Jesus was tested by God when He was tempted by the devil (personally in the wilderness, and via his confrontations with the heretics among the Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.). 

How was Christ tested and tried? How was he refined by the fires of trial and persecution? When the apostle says Christ was in all points "tempted" as we are, the temptations intend not only allurements or enticements to sin, but also denotes trying circumstances. It denotes a test, a trial, a way of proving and improving. The purpose of which is to demonstrate quality, to refine, to purify, to make better.

How could Messiah be purified by fire? If he was of a metal that needed no purification, or improvement, then why experience his crucible? We can understand why sinners, including Job, needed to be "refined" by fiery trial, such as by the heat of persecution or severe affliction. But, Christ was perfect, without sin, so why did he need to be "tried" and "refined" by the crucible of trials (ordeals)? 

First of all, though Christ was "without sin" and any moral imperfection, yet he was still a man, a human being, and therefore knew hunger, thirst, weariness, weakness and limitation. Wrote the apostle Paul:

"For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you." (II Cor. 13: 4)

Here we see how Paul ascribes "weakness" to Christ. This respects his humanity. As a human he was first an infant, then a boy, then a man. In his growth from infancy to manhood he "grew in wisdom and in stature."(Luke 2: 52) Christ growing from infancy to adulthood is called his being "perfected." Wrote Paul:

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Heb. 5: 8-9)

Christ "learned obedience" in all his growing up time, when he was "being made perfect." He also was perfected for his work as a priest, king, and savior by his sufferings. In this way Christ was "tried and tested." He has been proven or demonstrated to be really what he claimed to be. He is therefore trustworthy. 

When we think of the words "the trial of Christ" we might merely focus on the trials he experienced the day before and day of his Crucifixion, when he was tried by both Jewish and Roman courts. But, the trials of Christ included all the temptations, adverse circumstances, hardships, persecutions, etc., that he faced during his life.

Job is a type of Christ in his being a prophet, and in being an innocent sufferer, a righteous endurer, a patient persevering person, a truly righteous servant. Job's trials are pictures of the sufferings of Christ. Both experienced the crucible of trying circumstances. In the next chapter we will continue to compare Job and Christ.

Footnote:

Wrote one writer (see here) 

"My collection continues to grow, but here are some ways to see Jesus in the book of Job. 

1. In the book of Job, the most upright man on earth (Job 1:8) suffers the most of anyone on earth. That definitely reminds me of Christ’s cross. 

2. Trembling with pain, Job cried, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there” (Job 1:21). That statement describes Jesus perfectly, who died naked on a cross. 

3. Job was so disfigured by his sufferings that his friends didn’t recognize him (Job 2:12). Similarly, Jesus’ “visage was marred more than any man” at His execution (Isa 52:14). 

4. Eliphaz taunted Job to call out to God for help (Job 5:1). And they said of Christ at His death, “He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him” (Matt 27:43). 

5. Psalm 22 is a messianic psalm about Christ’s sufferings. Some of the things said by the Messiah in that psalm remind us of Job’s speeches. For example, consider this comparison. “They gape at Me with their mouths, like a raging and roaring lion” (Ps 22:13). “They gape at me with their mouth, they strike me reproachfully on the cheek, they gather together against me (Job 16:10). 

6. Job cried out, “O earth, do not cover my blood” (Job 16:18). We are grateful today that the earth didn’t cover Jesus’ blood, but that it speaks before God on our behalf. 

7. Job bemoaned, “Why do You hide Your face, and regard me as Your enemy?” (13:24). This reminds us of Jesus cry on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Both Job and Jesus asked the why question. 

8. In the hour when Job needed his friends most, they failed him. Same for Jesus. At His arrest, His friends forsook Him. 

9. When you look at the source of Job’s trial, you realize Job was attacked by people, by Satan, and by God. And when you look at the cross, you realize that Jesus was killed by the same trilogy. He was crucified by people (the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders), by Satan (who entered Judas Iscariot, and who filled the Jewish leaders with envy), and by God (who gave His Son for us all). 

10. Job’s best friend, Eliphaz, became so frustrated at Job that he leveled concocted charges at his friend (Job 22:6-9). Similarly, Jesus was falsely accused by false witnesses at His trial before the high priest. 

11. Job was raised up from his sufferings when He interceded for his friends. (Job 42:7-10). And Jesus was raised up as our great Intercessor, Heb. 7:25. 

12. When God accepted Job (42:9) He raised him up; when God accepted Christ’s sacrifice (Rom 4:25) He raised Him up. 

13. In the bitterness of his soul, Job cried, “He destroys the blameless and the wicked” (Job 9:22). And when you look at the three crosses on Golgotha’s hill, you’re looking at the death of both the blameless and the wicked. 

14. Job and Jesus are both cornerstones. As the first book of the Bible put on paper, the book of Job is the cornerstone of the edifice we call Holy Scripture. And Jesus was called the cornerstone of the church (Ps 118:22; Isa 28:16). 

15. In placing the book on Job’s story as the cornerstone of Scripture, the Holy Spirit put in place a foundation stone that was pointing ahead to the cross of Christ. Job was the first signpost of Scripture to the cross. 

16. Job had to endure horrific suffering in order to qualify as the cornerstone of Scripture; and Jesus had to endure an agonizing death in order to qualify as the High Priest of our confession and as the cornerstone of the church. Suffering qualified both of them for a greater rank. 

17. God said this to Satan about Job: “You incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:30). Job did nothing wrong to deserve his suffering. Nor did Christ. He was a blameless sacrifice. 

18. Job spoke of his sufferings as labor, Job 9:29. And Christ was said to labor for our salvation on the cross, Isa. 53:11. 

19. In order for men of all ages to gain consolation from Job’s example, Job had to suffer in every major area of life (family, relationships, finances, livelihood, and physical health). And in order to save sufferers of every generation, Christ had to suffer in every area of life. 

20. Both Job and Jesus suffered in the will of God (1 Pet 4:19). 

21. Job said, “He did not hide deep darkness from my face” (Job 23:17). And Scripture said of the Father that He “did not spare His own Son” (Rom 8:32). 

22. Furthermore, I see Jesus in the book of Job when Job said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). Referring to the Father, John said that “No one has seen God at any time” (John 1:18; 1 Jo 4:12). Therefore, it seems evident that when Job saw God, he saw Christ. It was Jesus Christ Himself who interrogated and exonerated Job in Job 38-42. With the words of Jesus Himself quoted in the last five chapters of Job’s book, His presence in the book seems clear and undeniable.