Hardshell Evil Surmisings

"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." (I Tim. 6: 4-5 KJV)

The word "surmisings" is from the Greek word ὑπόνοιαι (hyponoia) which denotes "suspicion, conjecture, guess." It could be viewed or translated as "underthoughts" or evil "suggestions." It may also denote "wicked opinions." This is its only use in the NT. It is appropriately associated by the apostle with being puffed up, doting, strife about words, etc. "Our ‘suspicions;’ this word again is new to N.T. usage. Altogether we have four peculiar words in this verse, puffed up, doting, strifes of words, surmisings..." (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges)

The word is plural being "surmisings," and this in spite of the fact that Spellchecker says it is incorrect! 

Though not all commentators connect "evil surmisings" with doctrinal inventions and novelties, yet some do, such as Dr. John Gill, and I too. Heresies are but "evil inventions" from the minds of "inventors of evil things" (Rom. 1: 30) .

Gill said this in his commentary on our text:

evil surmises; groundless suspicions: or from hence follow, as the words may be rendered, "wicked opinions": concerning the being, perfections, purposes, and providence of God; concerning the person and offices of Christ; concerning the law and Gospel, grace and good works; and so the Syriac version renders it, "an evil opinion of the mind".

Hardshells are inventors of false doctrine, of evil surmisings in doctrine. Just think of the novelties of "Two Seedism" and "Time Salvation"! This blog and my other writings are filled with the evidence that makes this verdict accurate. What think ye?

Amen Dr. Piper

"What Is the Gospel For?" by Dr. John Piper (here) has some interesting comments that I would like to share with you. Piper said:

"The gospel is a free offer of Christ for faith, not works. The gospel is a free offer to all for faith; Christ is offered to you for faith alone."

We are sorry that our Hardshell and Strict Baptist brethren do not agree, but I agree. I would be happy to debate or dialogue with any on this subject. Do the scriptures teach that Christ and salvation are "offered" (made available) in the gospel to all? I say yes. Piper says yes. Our forefathers who wrote the 1689 London Confession would say yes. Only the Hyper Calvinists would disagree with Piper. 

Notice also how Piper connects salvation with faith, the union we have with Christ is a faith union.

Piper said:

"Justification — you weren’t justified when Jesus died; you’re justified when you believe, when it becomes yours. And then the purchase of the justification and the performance of the righteousness two thousand years ago is applied. That’s why I’m using the word application: it’s applied to you."

But, our Hardshell brothers do believe that the elect were either justified in eternity past or when Christ died, and deny that sinners are justified when they believe. Any of our Hardshell brothers want to discuss it?

Piper said:

"Or eternal life — you didn’t have eternal life when Jesus died; you have eternal life when you believe. And then, what he bought out there, what he wrought out there, becomes yours through the connection with Jesus through faith. So, the gospel is the application to believers of all that he purchased and achieved two thousand years ago."

Well, amen to that! It is what even the founding fathers of the Hardshells taught but later their children abandoned it.

Marketers As Persuaders? Sophists?

Many people major in "communication studies" in college. Some even obtain doctoral degrees in this science (or art? or both?). But, how can a person make money learning how to communicate, how to persuade? 

Students of all the various kinds of majors should learn how to communicate in their chosen fields of study. After all, it is affirmed that you have greater chance of success and promotion in your chosen field, and in life, when you are able to speak well, or able to persuade others. This is why every student, in any major, from biology to physics, is required to take some speech and communication courses. 

Those who major in communication and speech are taught the art and science of persuasion. This includes studies in rhetoric, oratory, argumentation, debate, language, linguistics, etc. 

The Sophists

"Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." (Prov. 23: 23)

This verse does not condemn "selling" the truth in every sense. This is evident from the text itself for it is evident that if one "buys" the truth, he must buy it from someone, i.e. a seller. What it condemns is selling the truth in the sense of no longer possessing it yourself. We can keep the truth we buy while at the same time selling the truth to others. 

Those who promote ideas, philosophies, theories, etc., attempt to persuade others to accept them. When someone rejects such, he will often say "I am not buying it." To "buy" in this sense means to accept as true. Also, if we are to "buy the truth," it must be bought from a seller. So, selling the truth, selling instruction, and selling understanding is not forbidden but rather encouraged. The text, after all, speaks of not only buying and selling "truth" but of buying and selling "wisdom," "instruction" (education), and "understanding." 

This is not condemning the charging of tuition for an education. It does condemn ridding ourselves of truth, education, and understanding and also condemns the selling of ideas and facts which we are not worth anything, like selling a bad product. Further, there is often a "price" to be paid for obtaining knowledge and truth which is not monetary, such as hard work. 

Are preachers not compared to salesmen and merchants? Peddlers? Perhaps even "snake oil salesmen"? I wrote on this in "Sophist Preachers" (here). Are not political partisans sellers of their ideas? And, is it not a fact that the most "popular" of such are speakers gifted in Sophistry? Skilled in the art of persuasion? And, just how do the best persuaders "ply their trade"? 

Hitler is considered one of the greatest "orators" of the twentieth century, and most of his persuasion (or selling tactics) were clearly after the manner of the Sophists and of the best "snake oil salesmen." He certainly did "persuade" many to follow his cause! 

But, as great as are the persuasive skills of politicians, religious leaders, educators, lawyers, and of the various "hucksters," and "con men," yet some of the best and highest paid are in "advertising" or "marketing." In fact, people today can go to college and major in business marketing, even getting Phds.  Thus you can read up on "Persuasion Marketing" (here) which is part of what are called "persuasion industries." 

Daily through "commercials" and "advertisements" of every kind efforts are being made by marketers to persuade us to buy a product or service. If one produces a good product, which fulfills the needs of people, certainly he will want to "advertise" that fact (and hopefully not only for financial reasons) and inform the people of all the good about the product (and if honest, all the possible dangers or side effects). He will want to say that the price or cost to acquire the product is far less than the benefit from it, or a "good deal." On the other hand, people with a bad product also try to persuade people to buy their products, and often they do so knowing that they are peddling imperfect wares.  

The point is this, the best persuaders are often those who produce the commercials and advertisements we see every day. By "best" I mean the ones who get the best results (most popular, most sales), which is, of course, the Sophist definition. And, the marketing world is full of skilled Sophistic persuaders. Who hasn't bought a product because of its advertising hype and "puffing"? These professional marketers know all about Aristotle's book on rhetoric and on the emotions. Do not the commercials appeal to our emotions? 

Sad to say, many churches and preachers have sought to imitate the Sophist marketers.

In closing let me cite this text and make a comment upon it:

"Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him." (Acts 17: 17-18a)

In the "market," or "agora," where people were selling all kinds of products, there were the "philosophers" such as named (and no doubt some not named, such as the Sophists). These were peddling or marketing their philosophies, seeking students and followers (people who would pay them for their teaching), just as those that sold products. But, Paul had something to offer them too!

p.s. I was blessed to spend over a week in Greece back in December of 1984 and visited Athens and saw the ancient "agora" and "Parthenon," as well as the hill where Paul stood in Acts 17 (called the Areopagus, vs. 19) and delivered this famous sermon. I also visited Corinth and Delphi. It was a blessing.

Another Old Hymn & Hardshellism

The following hymn has been in "Primitive Baptist" hymnals ever since their beginning. It was sung even by their forefathers of the of the 18th century for the author, Isaac Watts (1674–1748), published it in his lifetime. Thus, we can know something of the views of those old Baptists who sang it in their assemblies, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

First, let us give the words of the hymn.

1. Broad is the road that leads to death, 

And thousands walk together there; 

But wisdom shows a narrow path, 

With here and there a traveler. 

2. Deny thyself and take thy cross, 

Is the Redeemer's great command: 

Nature must count her gold but dross, 

If she would gain that heav'nly land. 

3. The fearful soul that tires and faints, 

And walks the ways of God no more, 

Is but esteemed almost a saint, 

And makes his own destruction sure. 

4. Lord, let not all my hopes be vain, 

Create my heart entirely new, 

Which hypocrites could ne'er attain, 

Which false apostates never knew.

First, note how the context of the hymn deals with eternal destinies and not with mere temporal salvation or temporal punishment. How do we know this from the words of the hymn? Is it not because it speaks of paths leading to either life or death? And, because it speaks of "gaining that heavenly land." 

And, who is excluded from gaining that heavenly land, of obtaining life eternal? Is it not the soul that does not persevere in faith and allegiance to Christ? Does it not exclude the soul that "tires and faints" and that "walks the ways of God no more"? Does it not exclude the "hypocrites" and "false apostates"? 

Further, how many will be led to eternal life? Few. How many say the Hardshells? Nearly all!

Also, what is required for obtaining that heavenly land and eternal life? It is to "deny thyself" and to "take thy cross," which are evangelical phenomena. It is necessary that one be identified with the minority and walking in the narrow way, which is the Christian way, the way of Christ, the way of holiness. 

My Hardshell brothers who deny the necessity of evangelical faith and repentance for salvation, and of the necessity of perseverance in faith and holiness, do not believe what this hymn teaches but their forefathers who sang this hymn believed what it taught. 

It is written in a minor key because there is a sense of pity and gloom over the fact that so many are lost and so few are saved, and grief over lost sinners. Do our modern Hardshell brothers grieve over the lost condition of their neighbors? 

The song has specific lines where the singers are speaking to those on the broad road. The exhortation to deny oneself and take up the cross is a call to evangelical repentance and conversion and it is addressed to those who are lost and on the broad way, to the unbelievers, hypocrites, and apostates. Do Hardshells so exhort lost sinners? Do they warn them of their destiny while they travel the broad road?

Again, what does the believer in the words of this hymn say about his views of salvation?

Here is good sacred harp singing of it. Many churches in old times would have sung it in sacred harp. Some sang it very slowly. Others, a little faster. I don't like to see it dragged out too much.

Christ Speaking Through Preachers?

"Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you." II Cor. 13: 3)

"He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” (Luke 10: 16)

"But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus." (Eph. 4: 20-21)

How do these texts relate to the Hardshell "direct speaking" view of regeneration? When the Hardshells of today read these verses, what do they think they say on the subject?

Hardshells reject the idea that Christ speaks through a preacher, and deny that when one hears a preacher preach the word of God he is hearing Christ. But, why would they reject the idea that Christ speaks through ministers of the word? Because they have said that Christ only speaks directly, apart from human beings and human means, and to admit what is clearly affirmed in the above words would be to destroy all their talk about "direct speaking" of Christ.

Notice what Gill said of the Ephesian text:

"and have been taught by him: not personally, but by his Spirit and ministers; for Christ is not only the subject of the ministry of the word, and whom the Spirit of God teaches and directs souls to for righteousness, pardon, cleansing, and for every supply of grace; but he is the efficient cause of teaching; and there is none who teaches like him: and those who are taught by him, are taught." (Gill's Commentary)

Notice how this Old Baptist spoke of different kinds of "causes" (a thing decried by Elder Beebe).

Questions for Hardshells

1. Is Christ still teaching you? Still speaking to you? And, this directly and apart from teachers?

2. If yes, then why do you need to hear preachers or teachers?

Discussion On I Cor. 4: 15

The following is an e-mail which was part of many that a Hardshell preacher and I exchanged about ten years ago. Back then I asked this preacher if he would discuss things publicly on my blogs or let me make his e-mails public, but he declined. One of the passages we discussed at length was I Cor. 4: 15 and Paul's statement that he had "begotten" the first Christians in Corinth "through the gospel." Here is what I wrote in one e-mail.

Dear ----:

 

Your interpretation makes Paul a "father" because he was an instructor in Christ, but this is not tenable because he does not equate "father" with "instructor."  What is the normal use of "begotten" in scripture?  Is it not a reference to being born again?  Why is I Cor. 4: 15 an exception to the rule?  Is there something in the context that forbids one from believing that the "begetting" is the same begetting mentioned throughout the new testament?  Or, are you just opposed to what Paul said and therefore must give it an abnormal definition? 

 

What did Gill say about this "begetting"?  Did he not say it was regeneration or the divine begetting (being born again)?  Was his view not the view of the true Old Baptists?  If not, who opposed him in it, back in the 18th century?  Did the Philadelphia Association not recommend the commentaries of Dr. Gill to the Baptist ministry?

 

So, Paul was a "father in the ministry" to every Corinthian member?  Does Paul not say he had begotten the Corinthians, all of them, and not just the ministers? 

 

What is there in the context to make one think Paul was not talking about eternal salvation? 

Since then I have looked at many commentators on this passage and all connect it with the new birth that Jesus spoke about in John 3 in talks with Nicodemus. This is seen in the commentary of John Gill. Further, the view of Gill on this passage was the accepted view of the first "primitive" or "old school" or "Hardshell" Baptists. 

It shows very poor exegetical skills for one to make "father" to mean "teacher." The Corinthians had ten thousand teachers but had only one father, and so this fact disproves the Hardshell assertion. Egad. Is that not simple?

Paul was a means in the conversion or new birth of the Corinthians. More properly, it was the gospel that begat, and so the words "through the gospel" are what is to be highlighted. Begotten of Paul, yes, but at the same time begotten by the gospel, or of God.

Elder Gilbert Beebe in one of his earliest writings against this passage and its teaching regarding gospel means decried those of his brethren who argued for how Paul was an "instrumental cause," or means, and that God was the "efficient cause." Some of his brethren argued that this was the historic teaching of their forefathers on this verse and all Beebe could do was ask - "where do we find 'instrumental cause' and 'efficient cause' in the bible?" Such ignorance and blindness!

Wrote Beebe:

2. The second query, if so it may be called, has the form of a reminiscence. Brother S. remembers when Old Baptist preachers talked much about primary and efficient cause, and also of secondary causes, and so do we; but we do not recollect of ever hearing them refer to any scriptural authority for making such distinction; and as we read of no such distinction in the good book, as having been used by the standard writers of the New Testament, we are of the number who “hardly know what such language means.” We know of but one cause adequate to the production of life and salvation, and that cause is both Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and Ending, the Almighty. If our brother knows of another, or a second, he is welcome to it.

Notice a few things about these words of Beebe. First, he admits that his forefathers did not hesitate to talk about instrumental and efficient causes (along with other kinds of causes, like "second causes"). So, does he not by this admission show that his view is novel and new? 

Second, note that he refers to his PB brothers (Brother S) and "Old Baptist preachers" who spoke of the new birth as being effected by the gospel, by gospel preaching or preachers, and that in the sense of being an instrument. His argument against there being different kinds of causes is just stupidity. 

Here are some other things Beebe said in this article titled "Means" (Sept. 15, 1846 in Signs of the Times" - see here):

"He does not claim that be was the instrument which God had used in begetting them, or that his preaching had been an instrumental cause or means of their regeneration, for that would not have constituted them his children, nor him their father."

That is a good point, but it reminds me of that logical maxim - "whatever proves too much proves little (or nothing)." 

Beebe also wrote:

"Those who can believe that even Paul can or could produce the quickening and regeneration of a soul, must be strangers to the work. We once held a public debate with an Arminian Presbyterian preacher, who contended that Paul actually regenerated all the members of the Corinthian church, but we never expected to have lived long enough to hear the absurd and ridiculous assertion made by a professedly Old School Baptist."

I never knew that Beebe ever held any debates, so his reference to it is interesting. 

No orthodox teacher of the word would ever affirm that evangelists actually do the saving, the birthing, the regenerating, or the re-creating. Only God does this. But to insist that it is impossible for God to use a means is ridiculous. In fact, Beebe even acknowledges this when he says - "In the sense in which they were begotten of God, they were not begotten by Paul." Exactly! 

If one looks at all the places in the new testament where the words begotten, begat, and born are used, he will see that they often refer to a physical birth, or to Christ being the only begotten of the Father, or to spiritual birth, or a being "born again." Further, sometimes "birth" is viewed in two senses, one in which the father "begets" (plants seed or sperma), and the other in which the mother produces or brings into the world the fetus. In all those places where this spiritual begetting is mentioned there is no suggestion that this is what teachers do every time they teach, or denotes a teacher/pupil relationship. Begetting does not mean "producing students" or "educating students," but "producing children."

The burden of proof is on Hardshells to show how the Christian world is all wrong on I Cor. 4: 15 and so far not Beebe nor any other Hardshell has been able to show how the birth of that text is not the new birth.

Daily Look Into Scripture

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17: 11 KJV)

How few are they who search or daily look into the holy scriptures! Many do not fail to read their horoscope daily, but do they daily search the scriptures? Which will be of greater profit to them? People read the news reports, e-mails, text messages, daily and regularly. Oh that they were this anxious and habited* to read and meditate upon God's word every day! What a bad choice it is to choose other things to study rather than God's word! It is tragic irony! People would be so much better off to search the scriptures daily than any other daily habit! 

People daily eat and drink. But, taking God's word within our thoughts is our feeding our minds. "The mind is a terrible thing to waste," indeed; And, those who do not search the word of God daily are wasting their minds. The bible is often compared to food, such as meat and milk, bread and honey, etc. It is comparable to a feast of delicious things. Jesus said that his flesh and blood were to be eaten and taken into the mind and spirit. In this regard we may say that with all of us it is either feast or famine. Most are famished when it comes to knowing the word of God. Only a small few daily feast upon holy scripture. This fact reminds us of the word of God in Amos.

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." (Amos 8: 11 KJV)

Thankfully, a few in the world today can identify with this testimony of the weeping prophet:

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." (Jer. 15: 16 KJV)

Daily eating the word! What joy! How delicious to the heart and soul!

People daily look into the mirror, when they first wake and begin to groom themselves. But, how many look daily into the mirror of God's word? The bible is a mirror as James indicated in these words:

"For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing." (Jam. 1: 23-25 RSV)

The scriptures (or "law of liberty") are a mirror. This is the mirror that all need to daily look into! 

Notes:

*"habited" is defined as "A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition: An established disposition of the mind or character."

"more noble" where "noble" means "high born"

Two different Greek words for "noble"

most noble Felix (Acts 24: 3 kratistos)

most noble Festus (Acts 26: 25 kratistos)

kratistos - mightiest, strongest, noblest, most illustrious, best, most excellent - used in addressing men of prominent rank or office

On the other hand, in our text and in I Cor. 1: 26, it refers to "the nobility," or people born into titled families, like royalty, or into the higher class of society. It is from the Greek word "eugenēs" and means "well born, of a noble family."

The truly "high born" or "noble" ones are they who are "born of God"!

Spurgeon On Hardshell Error

Most of those today who call themselves "Primitive Baptists" believe that being convicted of sin is an evidence of a saved or regenerate state. This is no minor error and it has adverse consequences. It is a novel view among Baptists. I have written on this subject many times. Listen to these words of the great C.H. Spurgeon (highlighting mine) on this issue:

"First, then, we will consider certain FALSE REPENTANCES. I will begin with this remark—that trembling beneath the sound of the gospel is not "repentance." There are many men who when they hear a faithful gospel sermon, are exceedingly stirred and moved by it. By a certain power which accompanies the Word, God testifies that it is his own Word, and he causes those who hear it involuntarily to tremble. I have seen some men, while the truths of Scripture have been sounded from this pulpit, whose knees have knocked together, whose eyes have flowed with tears as if they had been fountains of water. I have witnessed the deep dejection of their spirit, when—as some of them have told me—they have been shaken until they knew not how to abide the sound of the voice, for it seemed like the terrible trumpet of Sinai thundering only their destruction. Well, my hearers, you may be very much disturbed under the preaching of the gospel, and yet you shall not have that "repentance unto life." You may know what it is to be very seriously and very solemnly affected when you go to God's house, and yet you may be hardened sinners. Let me confirm the remark by an instance:—Paul stood before Felix with the chains upon his hands, and as he preached of "righteousness, temperance, and of judgment to come," it is written, "Felix trembled," and yet procrastinating Felix is in perdition, among the rest of those who have said, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season I will call for thee." There are many of you who cannot attend the house of God without being alarmed; you know what it is often to stand aghast at the thought that God will punish you; you may often have been moved to sincere emotion under God's minister; but, let me tell you, you may be after all a castaway, because you have not repented of your sins, neither have you turned to God." ("The Repentance Unto Life" - here)

Was Felix giving evidence of regeneration? Hardshells say yes, all others say no.