Does Faith Cause Regeneration?

The above is the title for Dr. John Piper's remarks on the ordo salutis as respects faith and regeneration. In it Piper argues that the new birth precedes faith. (See here)

I have previously said that Dr. Piper has been wishy washy on this topic but in this posting he comes out very plainly. 

He did a poor job defending the born again before faith view in this posting. The scripture asked about by the inquirer (Col. 2: 12) does in fact teach that we are raised through faith. 

Read the article by Piper and then read what I have written on the subject. See my series (back in December and before) titled "Regeneration Before Faith Proof Texts" and before that (November) on "Justification To Life and Regeneration". The entries on I John 5: 1 should also be looked at. Use the search engine to find postings where I have referred to Dr. Piper in regard to this subject.

Urim and Thummim?

I believe the Urim and Thummim were a means of divination, a way to discern the will of God, a means of receiving oracles. There is so much mystery on these stones and how they worked. We do not even know how many stones there were (although many assume two). In a video titled "What is Urim and Thummim?" Dr. Michael Heiser (video here), Old Testament and Hebrew scholar, addresses this subject. It is well worth listening to.

In my mind I have wondered whether "the white stone" promised to believers (Rev. 2: 17) is similar to the Urim and Thummim stones. What think ye? 

Kept Through Great Tribulation

I do not believe in a rapture of Christ before the tribulation, but after it. I believe the rapture of believers occurs at the same time as the resurrection of their bodies. I believe it occurs "at the last trump" (I Cor. 15: 52), after the seven trumpets of the Apocalypse have sounded. I believe that the rapture and resurrection of the just takes place "on the last day," and not seven years before the last day. (John 6: 40) I believe that there is but one additional coming of Christ, a second, and this second coming is singular. There is not a third coming of Christ. Neither can I affirm that the second coming of Christ has two stages, each being called the coming of the Lord. However, I do believe that the coming of Christ a second time, like his first coming, takes in more time than a single twenty four day. 

I believe that the bible gives us signs of his coming, and which would include signs of the coming rapture and resurrection. I believe, as Paul taught, that two things in particular that must occur before the coming again of Christ are "the falling away" and the "revelation or coming of the man of lawlessness," the "son of perdition" (elsewhere called "Antichrist," and "the beast," and "the little horn"). I believe, as Christ taught in his Olivet discourse, that it is "after the tribulation" that Christ gathers together his elect. (II Thess. 2; Matt. 24)

The above words of Revelation 3: 10 speak of "time of great tribulation" that Christ spoke about. This time of great tribulation is alluded to in many prophetic texts. (Dan. 12: 1; Matt. 24: 21; Rev. 2: 22, 7: 14; Amos 5: 18-20) It will come upon all the world and particularly upon the nation of Israel, called the "time of Jacob's trouble." (Jer. 30: 7) It is also called a day of destruction, a day of vengeance and wrath, an evil day. (See my posting on this here) 

This time of testing and trial is for the purpose of revealing who is judged to be wicked and who judged to be righteous. However, in the coming global tribulation the Lord promises that he will "keep from" it those who have persevered as the Lord commanded. To those who believe in a resurrection and rapture of the righteous before the day of great tribulation the words "keep from" means to be removed from the place where those troubles occur. I rather believe that it alludes to being preserved in the midst of those troubles. I believe we have an example of this in the Exodus of the chosen people out of Egyptian bondage. 

The Exodus of the chosen people from slavery in Egypt is a type of the coming Exodus of the elect (from both Jews and Gentiles) from this world (age and condition) to the world to come. Who can deny that the "catching up" (rapture) of believers (in connection with their resurrection) will be a great Exodus? In the story of the Exodus from Egypt God brought a day of evil, a day of wrath and vengeance, a day of great tribulation and judgment, upon the Egyptian people and nation. When did he do this, before or after the departure from Egypt through the Red Sea? Before. The tribulation or day of testing and trial, for both the Egyptians and the Israelites, occurred in the land before Israel's departure. And, what happened? Were the Israelites "kept from" those troubles? Let us see. 

"But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.” (Exo. 3: 19-22)

Notice that the snatching away of the elect from Egypt (the Exodus) occurred in the midst of the land while still occupied by Israelites. It is only "after" the various judgments (tribulations) have come upon the land of Egypt that Israel exits.

"And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh will not heed you, so that I may lay My hand on Egypt and bring My armies and My people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.” (7: 3-5)

The bringing out of the chosen race was preceded by the judgments upon the land. The judgments were against "the land of Egypt," against the Egyptians, and not against Israel. So too in the coming global tribulation, the great tribulation, the evils sent will be against the wicked inhabitants of the world and not against the Lord's people (although many of them will tested and tried too). Said the prophet:

"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." (Dan. 12: 9-10)

The coming time of tribulation that will come upon all the world will serve to purge the visible professing church of all hypocrites and pretenders. 

"And the Lord said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. Or else, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people." (8: 20-23)

I expect this to be the same way it will be in the days of the coming tribulation. God will sever the places where his people live and are gathered together so that they are "kept from" such evils. Notice that the evil of the swarms of flies was intended for the wicked Egyptians, the non elect. 

"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. For if you refuse to let them go, and still hold them, behold, the hand of the Lord will be on your cattle in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the oxen, and on the sheep—a very severe pestilence. And the Lord will make a difference between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt. So nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.” (9: 1-4)

I expect this to be the norm in the tribulation for the genuine believer, although some will be chosen to become martyrs for Christ at that time.

"And the hail struck throughout the whole land of Egypt, all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail struck every herb of the field and broke every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail." (9: 25-26)

"But against none of the children of Israel shall a dog move its tongue, against man or beast, that you may know that the Lord does make a difference between the Egyptians and Israel." (11: 7)

May the Lord make the same difference with regard to us who will live to see the great tribulation!

When the death angel passed through the land of Egypt, he "passed over" the houses of the chosen people, who were in their houses which they had marked with the blood of the Passover lamb. Let us be "holed up" in our houses (booths or tabernacles) when the day of testing comes and let us make sure that we have had the blood of Christ applied to us. 

"Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; 

Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. 

For behold, the LORD comes out of His place 

To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; 

The earth will also disclose her blood, And will no more cover her slain." 

(Isa. 26: 20-21)

The Exodus

 "The Exodus" refers first and foremost to the "exiting" of the chosen people, Israel, the true "seed of Abraham," from their four hundred years in Egyptian bondage by God through the hand of Moses. This Exodus was both a redemption and a deliverance. It also involved the idea of entering into something else. After all, when one exits one place, he moves to another (enter). Israel exited Egypt, then entered the wilderness, and then finally entered the land of promise. The Exodus is referred to in the new testament in this verse:

"By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing (the Exodus in Greek) of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones." (Heb 11:22) 

The Exodus of Israel was a type of other superior exits. 

First, of the exit of Christ from this world after his death and resurrection.

"Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease (Exodus) which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." (Luke 9:31) 

Moses and Elijah appeared in glory on the mount of transfiguration and the topic of their conversation with the glorified Christ pertained to Christ's Exodus, the one "he should accomplish at Jerusalem." It was not merely a statement about his death, the departure of his soul into Sheol, or of his body into the tomb, but also of that deliverance which he should accomplish at Jerusalem by his sacrificial death and resurrection. It would also include his Ascension into heaven. Our exit out of a state of bondage to sin and death is accomplished by the Exodus of Christ. His Exodus is our Exodus. 

Second, of the exit of believers from this world by death or by the translation and resurrection (rapture) of believers at the coming again of Christ the Lord.

"Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease (Exodus) to have these things always in remembrance." (2 Pet. 1: 15) 

In this passage the apostle Peter calls his "decease" an "Exodus." In death the believer exits this world and enters into the heavenly land of promise. He crosses the Jordan river, which, in Christian jargon symbolizes "crossing over" in death. Death is a "departure." So Paul wrote: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." (II Tim. 4: 6)

The Greek word for "departure" is "analysis" and means "an unloosing (as of things woven); a dissolving (into separate parts); departure; a metaphor drawn from loosing from moorings preparatory to setting sail." In this respect death, for the righteous, is also a "passing away." 

The Exodus of the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage is also used by the new testament writers to refer to both initial conversion and to an eschatological entering into the new heavens and new earth, the antitype of Eden and the land of Canaan. (See Jude 1, Hebrews 4, I Cor. 10, etc.)

When a sinner is saved, when he believes in Christ, he exits the world (of which Egypt is a type), exits his slave state to sin, and enters into the community of believers. Many Christian hymns sing about this typology. "I have left the land of bondage" they sing. They now "come to mount Zion, to the church of the living God." (Heb. 12: 22) But, it is only after having first "come out," exited, the fellowship of the world. So says the text:

“Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” (II Cor. 6: 17-18)

If you are on the road to destruction, the road that leads to death, there is an "exit" provided for you, so that you can get on the road to life, eternal life. (Matt. 7: 13)

Not only is Christ our Passover (I Cor. 5: 7), but he is our Exodus, our means of escape.

How Much Do You Love God?

A Sinful Woman Forgiven 

"Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. “And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. “You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. “You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7: 36-50)

How much do you love God and Christ? In the above story, it is those who see themselves as the greatest sinners. They greatly appreciate the forgiveness offered. Saul was a great sinner before the Lord appeared to him and called him to salvation and made him into the apostle Paul. Big sinners often make great saints. If you love little, maybe it is because you have failed to grasp the enormity of your sin and alienation from God. To great sinners the words "your sins are forgiven you for Christ's sake" produce great love, great joy, and peace which passes understanding. 

Exclusive Klaus Schwab Tell All Interview!

In previous entries I have referred to Klaus Schwab and the workings of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and their plan to bring about a new world order where "you will own nothing and be happy." A good video on this is titled "Exclusive Klaus Schwab Tell All interview!" (here)

Friends, we are living in the last of the last days. Judgment will attend the return of the Lord, along with great tribulation. We need to be prepared. We should be ever "on alert" as good soldiers of Christ. 

"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." (Rev. 3: 10 nkjv)

Are you keeping the Lord's word for you to persevere? Don't give up! Keep fighting! Keep holding on! Glorious things are coming for us.

P.S. There are almost 8000 comments on this video! Many are very interesting. Many know what is going on.

Happy Faced Christians

"as sorrowful yet always rejoicing" 

(II Cor. 6: 10)

Christians are admonished to "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4: 4) That does not mean that they have no sorrows nor ever suffer depression or anxiety. They are oftentimes in sorrow, or are sorrowful, but at the same time they are "always rejoicing." 

They sing numerous songs that testify to their continual joy in the Lord. Some of my favorite songs express this in their titles such as "Happy Am I" (listen here) and "Singing As I Go" (listen here) and "Sing And Be Happy" (listen here). To rejoice always in the Lord is to be always blessing or praising God. The Psalmist says "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will be continually in my mouth." (Psa. 34: 1) 

Does this mean that Christians never feel sad or depressed? No. Life is a mixture of joy and sorrow. "For in much wisdom is much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." (Eccl. 1: 18) Jesus was a man of both deep joy and deep sorrow. He was a "man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 53: 3). But, it was also "for the joy set before him" that he "endured the cross." (Heb. 12: 2) 

Too many professing Christians do not live a vibrant life in Christ. 

There can be no real exuberance for living when the soul or spirit is not united to Christ. Christ came into the world, the Son of God became a man, in order that we not only have life, but have an abundant life. (John 10: 10) The early Christians "rejoiced with joy unspeakable (inexpressible) and full of glory." (I Peter 1: 8) True believers are they who "take delight in the LORD." (Psa. 37: 4)

Temporary joy, superficial happiness, is what the mere professing Christian experiences when he becomes a professed believer, and subsequently on rare occasions, but who being not sincere in his faith, being a hypocrite, does not obtain superlative and lasting joy. Jesus described them in the parable of the soils. 

"But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles." (Matt. 13: 20-21)

Even the Pharisees who rejected Jesus found some joy in the preaching of John the Baptist. "He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light," said our Lord to them. (John 5: 35) Is our Christian joy continuous or for short seasons? 

When we are persecuted as Christians we are told to "rejoice exceedingly," knowing that we have a reward in heaven. (Matt. 5: 12) We are also told to "rejoice in tribulations" (Rom. 5: 3), to "count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations" (James 1: 2). This same thought was expressed by the prophet, who said:

"Though the fig tree should not blossom 

And there be no fruit on the vines, 

Though the yield of the olive should fail 

And the fields produce no food, 

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold 

And there be no cattle in the stalls, 

Yet I will exult in the Lord, 

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." (Hab. 3: 17-18)

In the new testament we have these examples of joy even in tribulation, or when persecuted for Christ's sake: 

"So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name." (Acts 5: 41)

"When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." (Acts 16: 23-25)

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation." (I Peter 4: 12-13)

Yes, "keep on rejoicing"! The Christian is able to rejoice even in times of suffering. He can put on a happy face even when fasting or afflicting one's soul. Notice what Jesus said about wearing sad faces.

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward." (Matt. 6: 16)

Christians sing a lot of songs about putting on a happy face, of giving the world a smile. Of course there are times when we all have sad faces, but these ought to be the exception and not the rule. A person who is walking with God, walking in love, walking in the Spirit, pleasing God, must be a happy person no matter what the earthly condition may be.

JOY may be viewed as an acronym for Jesus - Others - You (Jesus first, others second, you (self) last. Or, Jesus first You last, and nothing (O) in between.

Like the chorus line in the famous hymn "Farther Along" I say to those believers who are suffering - "Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine." 

Elihu's Words (XIV)

Here are the closing words of Elihu:

14“Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. 15Do you know when God dispatches them, And causes the light of His cloud to shine? 16Do you know how the clouds are balanced, Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge? 17Why are your garments hot, When He quiets the earth by the south wind? 18With Him, have you spread out the skies, Strong as a cast metal mirror? 19“Teach us what we should say to Him, For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness. 20Should He be told that I wish to speak? If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up. 21Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies, When the wind has passed and cleared them. 22He comes from the north as golden splendor; With God is awesome majesty. 23As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, In judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress. 24Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart.” (14-24)

In these closing words of Elihu, the young whippersnapper again elaborates upon points not directly in dispute, such as that God is the Creator and Preserver of all creation, that he is omnipotent, sovereign of sovereigns, majestic, etc. None of these theological principles were denied by Job. Job had said the very same things. Further, Job never confessed to having perfect understanding of God and his works. To call upon Job to explain how God controls the weather, so as to prove his innocence, is unreasonable. It implies that Job is guilty of sin (causing his sufferings) if he cannot explain in detail the workings of God. In reply, we might ask Elihu "do you comprehend God and his works?" If he says yes, he would then show his arrogance, conceit, and pride. If he says no, then one may, using Elihu's argumentation, affirm that Elihu is thereby indicted. Further, Job never thought of himself as God's equal, and his calling upon God for an answer implied no such thing. Job knew that he was inferior to God as he called upon God.

Again, notice how he is still speaking derogatorily of Job the elder by calling him by name, and again says to Job "listen." Further, his various interrogatives serve to insult Job's knowledge of God and his works. 

One of the things that commentators on Job have called attention to in regard to Elihu's theology is how he speaks of God as distant from his creation (even though he controls it). God is transcendent and unapproachable. He infers that God cannot be directly addressed or approached. He also says that God cannot be found. "As for the Almighty, we cannot find him," he said. 

Job however did acknowledge God's transcendence. But, he also believed in God's immanence. God is in some ways far from his creatures, being infinitely superior to them. But, he is also in scripture shown to be immanent. 

Concerning God's transcendence Paul said that God "alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen." (I Tim. 6: 16)

Wrote one commentary (here) on these words of the apostle:

"That light is unapproachable to creatures, except in so far as they are admitted by Him, and as He goes forth to them [BENGEL]. It is unapproachable on account of its exceeding brightness [THEOPHYLACT]. If one cannot gaze steadfastly at the sun, which is but a small part of creation, by reason of its exceeding heat and power, how much less can mortal man gaze at the inexpressible glory of God [THEOPHYLACT, To Autolycus] (Ps 104:2; 1Jo 1:5). (1 Timothy 6)"

Habakkuk gives us an overwhelming description of God - "His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand, and there is the hiding of His power." (Hab 3:4+)

God cannot be comprehended but he may be apprehended. It is only by Christ and the work of God that anyone can approach God. God is inscrutable. Said the Psalmist:

"Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple." (Psa. 65: 4)
 

The elect are they who the Lord makes to approach him who is unapproachable. 

Again, the transcendence of God is declared in this oracle:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa. 55: 8-9)

God does show up at the end of the story of Job and thereby shows that he is not transcendent but immanent. Elihu had suggested that God would not answer Job, or show up, because Job was not worth the time or attention of God. Notice how the apostle Paul speaks of God as being both transcendent and immanent in these words to the ancient citizens of Athens.

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." (Acts 17: 24-28)

God is above all and yet he is "not far from any." 

In an article titled "The Gentle Voice of God in Job 38,"  T. C. HAM (pdf here) wrote (emphasis mine):

"First, it does not seem likely that these rhetorical questions intend to show Job's ignorance of creation theology, since the questions are quite easy to answer. Westermann correctly asserts that "nothing was said in this speech of which Job did not already know the content."47 Second, the questions are not mere assertions of God's transcendence and omnipotence as new information for Job, since Job already believes and expresses such concepts of God.48 Although Job repeatedly asks for a fair hearing from God, he seems well aware of God's supreme power and wisdom. Third, the content of Yhwh's speech does not callously humiliate Job. After all, Job has already heard from his friends much of what Yhwh has to say without having been humiliated (though deeply discouraged). Fourth, there is nothing in the content of God's speech that constitutes a condemnation or rejection of Job. Though von Rad asserts, "It is, of course, clear that the speech contains a rejection of Job," he must acknowledge the scarcity of passages that assign blame to Job.49 Finally, the divine speech does not demonstrate that human beings are insignificant creatures who dare not question God.50 So, what then might be the purpose of these rhetorical questions from Yhwh?" (pg. 9-10)