Road Signs Religion

I like to look for God in everything.  By that I mean I like to use the events, the occurrences, the circumstances and the visual images that I see throughout my day, and allow those things to bring my attention back to God.  Let me give you an example.  While traveling down the road one day, and meditating on a sermon I had been working on, it occurred to me that signs along the road were actually preaching their own sermon.  You may think that is odd but consider what some of these signs say:

“One Way” = Likewise there is only “one way” to be saved (Jn. 14:6; Matt. 7:21-23)

“Keep Right” = Those in Christ must remain faithful (Rev. 2:10; cf. Matt. 25:21, 23)

“Rough Road Ahead” = Jesus said the way to heaven would be difficult (Matt. 7:13-14)

“Weigh Station” =  We shall all be “weighed in the balance” (cf. Dan. 5:27) and give an account for how we lived (Rom. 14:12;  2 Cor. 5:10)

“Dead End” = ”There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12; 16:25).  Also, consider this: Those who do not obey the gospel of Christ, will die eternally (2 Thess. 1:8-9; cf. Rev. 20:14-15)

“Rest Area Ahead” = Those found faithful to Christ will have everlasting life (Rev. 13:14; 1 Thess. 4:13-18)

There are many other signs we could consider but you get the idea.  So, friends, let me encourage you to keep your eyes on the road and be sure to follow the signs.

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Humanism and Authority

Autonomous Man Holds No Authority

In 1973 the American Humanist Association came out with Humanist Manifesto II.  In this document, among other things, is found this statement: “We believe in maximum individual autonomy consonant with social responsibility.”  The document goes on to associate “social responsibility” as not harming others.  That premise, however, is a relative one.  It is left up to the individual to decide what is or is not harmful.  This places the emphasis upon “maximum individual autonomy.”  The manifesto rejects strictures on the individual in the forms of religious injunctions and sexual constraints.  It is the personal autonomy of the individual that is left to make such decisions for himself ultimately using his own judgment and reason.  It is the humanist contention, then, that no one individual, as an individual, has a right to tell any other individual, as an individual, what not to do.  This is the essence of “maximum individual autonomy.”

But have not the humanists just told individuals what to do?  That is, in making the statement “no one individual, as an individual, has a right to tell any other individual, as an individual, what not to do” hasn’t the one affirming that statement to another just told another what he may not do?  Wherein is the authority for affirming such a statement, if it is not with the individual?  Is it with groups of individuals?  Is it with the majority?  Is it simply might makes right?

The bottom line is that man, as man, holds no intrinsic authority within himself.  The notion of autonomous man is a myth, a hoax, a lie, because any autonomy I claim for myself necessitates a claim upon another individual’s autonomy over me.  Take the example of prayer in school.  One student wishes to pray out loud.  Another student objects, and ends up forcing silence on all.  Has not the defense of one student’s personal autonomy resulted in the subjugation of the autonomy of the other students?  Many similar examples could be presented.  Autonomous man really holds no authority.  Jeremiah declared such to be the case when he said, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

If there is no autonomous authority intrinsic to the individual, from whence does one’s authority for living one’s life derive?  Surely it does not derive from one’s sheer arbitrary will, for then one could do what one pleased regardless the consequences to others.  Does it lie with the government?  Many would answer that governments of the past have gone horribly awry in directing the lives of their citizens, and many still do.  Do the wealthy/powerful (the aristocracy) hold authority?  Certainly abuses have been documented by these also.  There is only one source upon which men may call for authority in all matters: God.  I do not know anyone that would dispute the point that if God exists, He holds all authority.  What is equally true is that if God does not exist, no man holds any intrinsic authority.

We confidently affirm that God exists and that He has all authority to direct and guide the affairs of man.  Moreover, it is our affirmation that God does this through His inspired word, the Bible.  This issue of the Christian Worker explores these various aspects of God’s authority over man, and how that authority is expressed.  Today, God has given all authority to His Son, Jesus the Christ (Matthew 28:18).  It is incumbent upon us to seek Christ’s authority, respect Christ’s authority, and submit to Christ’s authority.  May God so help us to do.

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Predestination

Calvin’s False Doctrine of Predestination

John Calvin was a French protestant reformer. His doctrine on predestination teaches that there are two classes of people in the world. Those who have been predestined by God before the foundation of the earth to eternal damnation and those that have been predestined to eternal life. Calvin taught that there is nothing one can do to be saved because God has already decided who is going to be saved and who is not going to be saved.

John Calvin twisted the meaning of Ephesians 1:4-5. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

His interpretation of these two verses caused him to ask, “Does this passage teach that our salvation is strictly a matter of God’s arbitrary election before the world was made, irrespective of any choice that we might exercise in the matter?”  According to John Calvin, this passage teaches exactly that. “The Presbyterian Westminster Confession of Faith stated: “By decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death” (Article III).

Thus, we have the damnable heresy of predestination. This doctrine is at the core of Calvinism and its influence is widely felt throughout much of “christendom.” Calvin’s theology is summed up in the acrostic,”TULIP.” The “T” stands for “Total Depravity”. This doctrine teaches that all men have inherited the sin of Adam and as such, they are fallen to such a degree that they cannot read the Bible and respond in a positive way. So therefore, God has to act directly in order to bring man to His truth. This goes directly against what is written in Ezekiel 18:20 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”

The “U” stands for “Unconditional Election”. A doctrine teaches that there is nothing one of the elect can do to prevent himself from becoming a Christian – he simply has no choice. If one has been predestined to eternal life, there is nothing a person can do to prevent it.

The “L” stands for “Limited Atonement”, which teaches that not all men can be saved. Some have been predestined to for salvation; the rest have not. Yet, the Bible teaches that God’s grace has been made available to all men. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11)

The “I” stands for “Irresistible Grace.” This takes away man’s free moral agency. Man has no choice but to respond to God’s grace.  This is false because we know that the Holy Spirit can be resisted as indicated by Stephen’s words to the Jewish council, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51).

The “P” stands for the Perseverance of the Saints, or simply stated “Once saved, always saved .” This teaches that one who is of God’s elect can do nothing that would cause him to fall from grace. Here again, Calvin directly contradicts the Scriptures.

There are at least 55 passages in the New Testament that teach that a Christian can fall from grace. In this brief article, we will observe two of these passages.

Galatians 5:4 “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Galatians was written to the churches of in the region of Galatia (Galatians 1:2). Paul told those in Galatia who were perverting the gospel (by teaching that one had to be circumcised under the Law of Moses in order to be saved – See Acts 15:1) that in trying to keep to parts of the Old Law they had fallen from grace.

James 5:19-20 “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” The book of James was written to the Christians who were scattered abroad (James 1:1). In these verses, James teaches that a Christian who has “erred from the truth” is a soul that has become a “sinner” and needs to be saved from death. James has to be speaking of Christians here because in order for one to “err from” (out of) the truth, one must have been IN the truth – i.e. a saved Christian. There is perseverance of the saints if a Christian persists in his faith. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9).

Calvin’s doctrine of predestination does not originate with God. It is not supported in the scriptures. It is false to its core.

The predestination of Ephesians 1:4-5 is not on an individual basis. God at the foundation of the earth set forth a class of people who would be saved. This class of people would be those who met God’s foreordained demand of obedience to His will according to His Son. They would be those who obeyed the Gospel of Christ. “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” (Hebrews 5:8-9). “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)

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Service to God

Service to God:  What Can I do for God?

1. Always be faithful to God – Rev 2:10b

2. The Love of God is exemplified in Christians by obedience – John 14:15; 14:24

3. God wants Christians to teach others – 2 Timothy 2:2

4. God wants Christians to worship Him – John 4:23-24

5. God wants Christians to give – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

6. God wants Christians to Grow – 2 Peter 3:18

7. God wants Christians to love each other – 1 John 4:20-21

8. God wants Christians to care for needy Christians – Galatians 6:10; James 1:27

9. God wants all Christians to assemble regularly – Hebrews 10:24-25; Col 1:9-14

10. God wants all Christians to let their light shine – Matt 5:14-16 “14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (KJV)

There are many things that God does for the faithful Christian each day; some of them are listed above. Even though we do not consider the invisible things that God does for us continually there are man such events in our lives. Some of the unseen and unnoticed events by many people are:

1.         God gives us breath.

2.         God causes our heart to continue beating every day.

3.         God allows us to shed tears from our eyes at times of sadness.

4.         God gives us the ability to see near and far with our eyes.

5.         God allows us to close our eyes at night and at other times and sleep.

6.         God gives us understanding of basic things in life as we grow from infant child to full grown and developed adult.

7.         God provides us with a perfect spiritual guide through life (i.e. the Bible); Jeremiah 10:23, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”

And so much more: Psalms 119:73-77, “73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.” (KJV)

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Manasseh

Manasseh!

Throughout our lives, we come across all kinds of people. Some leave a very positive impact on us, while others affect us in a negative way. It’s kind of like the sign I once saw in an office that said (I paraphrase): “Everyone blesses this place: some by staying, others by leaving.” How true! We especially remember those who left a positive impact. Maybe, they were consistently helpful, kind, and encouraging. Or, it could have been their bright, cheerful attitude or their uplifting sense of humor. They just made our days better!

We also remember those who affected us more negatively. It could have been their sour, cynical manner. Or, maybe, it was their constant use of foul, inappropriate language or their consistent dishonesty – they just didn’t keep their promises! We may even, in our frustration and/or concern, have confronted and talked with them about their evident character flaws. They may then have ignored what we thought was good counsel and advice and continued on in their destructive ways. In our frustration and “righteous indignation,” we then said (or thought): “What a horrible person! They will never change. They are too far gone.”

Yet, how do we know a person “can’t change?” Do we have the power of prophecy that makes us privy to that information? Are we their final judge that gives us the right to come to that conclusion and make that condemning statement? Let’s get even more personal. What if someone said or thought that about us? Do they have the right to say that? Or, have you ever thought that about yourself? We may have said (or thought): “My habits are too ingrained and my personal problems are too big. I can’t change my ways!”

The problem is that we can be impatient and too short-sighted in dealing with ourselves and others. People can change! In II Chronicles 33: 1 – 20, we read of a king named Manasseh. He reigned for 55 years, from 696 – 642 B.C., longer than any other king of Judah. (1) He is also known to be the most or one of the most wicked of all of their kings. Although he was the son of Hezekiah, who had been a very righteous, pious king, Manasseh was an extremely evil, bloodthirsty individual. He openly practiced idolatry and encouraged his subjects to do the same. He was also involved in witchcraft, the occult and human sacrifice. According to II Kings 21:16, he “…shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another.” His rule saw the spiritual and moral decline of the kingdom of Judah to a level lower than the pagan nations that had once inhabited the land of Canaan!

If we stopped reading at v. 10 of II Chronicles 33, it would be easy for us to say (to assume) that Manasseh’s record clearly showed that he would not or could not change. This fellow was really, really wicked! Yet, if you continue reading the following verses, you will see that he truly repented, turned to God, and changed his ways. The Assyrians came and seized Manasseh, placed him in chains, and forcibly took him to Babylon. Humiliated and held in captivity, he was miserable. Like the prodigal son of Luke 15:11 – 32, he had hit rock-bottom. Pushing aside his pride, arrogance, and self-imposed spiritual blindness, he turned to his Creator. He finally realized he had been wrong and it says in II Chronicles 33:12 that he: “…humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.” The rest of the passage describes how God blessed Manasseh by restoring him to his throne in Judah and how this once-wicked king, now a reformed, repentant man, dedicated himself to serving God and ridding his land of idolatry.

From the example of Manasseh, we see that all people, even ourselves, can change if we so desire. We are so blessed that God in His unwavering love and patience waits for us to make this change and truly repent. As the apostle Peter said in II Peter 3:15: “…and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation.” Thus, let us be patient with those around us. If they will not listen to our admonitions or counsel, we can at least pray for them or direct other individuals to speak to them. We do not know the time, place, circumstances, or person who may inspire them to change. And if we need to do the changing, let us turn to the Lord with a repentant attitude, ready to humble ourselves like Manasseh did so long ago.

References:
(1) Samuel J. Schultz, The Old Testament Speaks (New York, N.Y.: Harper & Row Publishers, 1960), 215.

Posted by Erik Smith at http://www.thatchristianwebsite.com/articles/manasseh.html

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