Victor Scott - Jeremiah's Vow

The Reformed Wesleyan, Part 1

Enjoying the Journey

Last year (2010) I was invited by a friend to attend a minister’s meeting in another town. It was an interesting assortment of folks. This group was made up of pastors in our local area. I was the only participant from the Wesleyan tradition. All the others were senior pastors of their churches and I the sole youth pastor. Did I mention that they were all Baptists? The name on the front of a church has never really mattered to me, but it is amazing how these distinctions can create boundaries between people.

I felt (and still do feel) a strong affinity to those guys because I grew up the eldest son of a Baptist minister. He was also a military chaplain which imprinted in my mind an informal concept of church structure that has always remained. I may talk about this in later posts, but for me the hierarchical nature of the military appealed to me as I was growing up. This led to me feeling very comfortable and “at home” within the Methodist church when God opened that door in the fall of 2006. While the structure of the Methodist church appeals to me, its principles and theological history has also been instructive over the last few years. (Which is why I bring it up and why I see myself as a Methodist.) John Wesley was an amazing individual. I will definitely be writing about him and what he had and has to teach the Church of today.

I think, that to a large extent, we all are the products of our experiences. We should not be governed by them because some of them may not have been healthy, but they do inform what we believe. The hard part of this is that there are events, circumstances and experiences that color our perspective and our perception that may need to be amended. By this I am thinking of both positive and negative experiences. What we should do is to take the time to consider and evaluate the impact these experiences have on our choices and beliefs. Being raised Baptist there are certain “Baptist” traits that I carry with me, i.e., preaching a certain way, primacy of the Bible for faith development, generally more conservative, etc. But, with each new experience new opportunities for growth happen. This is the case for me as I have moved out of the Baptist tradition into the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition.

This change has brought some interesting and needed changes to what I believe. I have realized that I was not as accepting as I once thought. I jokingly told a friend that, “I used to be judgmental.” That is just a silly thing to say, but I was trying to describe how my capacity to receive people as they are before I decided how to feel about them has changed. Another area is in the practical application of Gospel convictions. While I am not saying that Methodists get it right and others don’t, I have found a “structural and organic” approach to living out what one believes in the Methodist church. This is part of the DNA of the church, even if not lived out perfectly everywhere and at all times. One critique that I have is that there is a lot of emotion, but not enough affection in this work, but that is another subject for another day.

The Worst Methodist Ever!

This brings me back to the conversation that I had with my group of brothers. We were talking about something and one of them looks me straight in the face and says, “You are the worst Methodist ever!” Now, how do I take that? I said, “Thank you.” Every opportunity that you have to break through someone else’s perception of you is a good opportunity. I am thoroughly Wesleyan. I, however, do not take that as a whole-sale endorsement of everything that may be considered “Wesleyan” and yet may not fit what I have come to understand in the Bible. There are overarching principles and assumptions that the Wesleyan tradition has made and makes that, for me, accurately represent what I find in the Bible and in my faith journey.

Does that make them right, perfect or prescriptive for others? No. It does however provide me with a framework to work within so that as I engage the world, others and God I am not just randomly putting together belief’s and doctrines to suit me. These principles and assumptions do point in a particular direction. They do lead somewhere. It is one way of arranging the facts of the Scriptures. While for some there is a definite order for all the facts, that assumes too much (as far as I’m concerned) about my ability to discern and know what was going through God’s mind when He did what He did (I think that’s a third subject for another day).

If this makes me “the worst Methodist ever,” I am really not sure. As I strive to live my life in light of God’s word and in his presence I have come to the conclusion and conviction that God’s word must be the standard for anything and everything that I do in my life. The main reason we as Christian’s talk about the canon of scripture is because the word “canon” speaks of a measurement or standard that had to be met in order for a book of the bible to “make it.” Why should we hold each other to any less a standard.

I am a follower of Christ first. I have chosen to make my home within the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition because I believe that it helps me to organize my thoughts and beliefs in a consistent way. I have not thought everything through, but I am working on it.

So in good Methodist tradition: Join the Journey!

Next Time:
Where did the idea of The Reformed Wesleyan come from?

Where to Begin…

If I had to summarize what is different today from one year ago I would say that I no longer see my faith as something to be serious about. Being a disciple of Christ is something serious and if it is serious then there must be an equal sign between my life and my talk. Faith = Life = Speech.

A Year for the Ages

I guess that the best place to start any story is in the beginning.

The year 2010 was for me one of the most spiritually vibrant, challenging and devastating of my entire life. It was vibrant because I experienced so many points of growth that I am not sure that I can count them all (or even remember them). I am not talking about major moments of radical transformation, even though a couple of these took place. I am talking about my ever increasing awareness of God’s moving in and around me. The ever increasing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading has grown in ways that I cannot explain. Have I perfectly walked in all of this… Not even close! But I have found myself growing in areas I have long wanted to see it in.

This period has also been challenging and devastating. I have seen that I still have areas of my life that I have not fully surrendered to God. When you see this, as I have, you come away from these confrontations of conscience and, if you are honest, you know that you will never be the same. I attended a spiritual retreat in February 2010 that, as far as I am concerned, broke the dam of God’s renewing purpose for my life. I would not realize what God did that weekend until the year had come to an end. But, as I look back that was the point that I can identify where God broke through to me.

An Unexpected Friend

Connected to this event was the convergence of two lives. God brought a man into my life that would become my brother. He gently demonstrated the love of Christ to me and prayed with me and for me. He discipled me and taught me what discipleship could be and should be. The lessons that I learned at home from my father specifically, and my family in general served as the underlying foundation that God has used to bring me to where I am right now. This is a process. In no way am I trying to say that I have arrived at anything. If anything I have come to realize that any talk of arriving is to miss the point all together.

A New Desire

Basically, what I believe has to find expression somewhere in my life. Otherwise I am only playing lip service to what I read in the Bible. This has been the cumulative effect of what God has brought to my attention this past year. As a result, I hope to share some of those lessons here. These are not the perfected statements of an academic. At times they may resemble the ramblings of a searching soul. In the end, I just want to put what I am learning in a place that I can come back, reflect, pray, correct and try again.

Faith, like a fire, must be fed properly and stoked to keep the winds of doubt, fear and error from siphoning the life God has promised away from us. I am tired of being frustrated at God, when the truth is, many times, I am the source and root of my anemic and feeble faith.

Father, I ask that you would be with me, as you always have been. But, now allow me the strength to not see the circumstances of my life as coincidences or happenstances. Father, you hear your children. What I ask is that I might pray in such a way that your name would be foremost in my mind and in my heart.

Remove distractions that would hinder me from seeing you. Renew desires that are pleasing to you and replace the ones that I have lifted up out of selfish and fleshly motives. You alone are worthy of attention and affections. May it be true of me. Father, help me to practice this each day, leaving the future in your sovereign plan.

Father, may anybody that reads these and future words be challenged to turn to you. For you are supremely, uniquely and solely worthy of our praise, worship and honoring. May we all seek to lift your name up higher above all others. Amen.

Romans Series (Pt. 25) – Romans 5:18-21

Christ’s Obedience Brings Righteousness (5:18-21)
Paul returns to the thought that he began in verse 12 about the source of humanity’s sinful nature. Let’s look at the complete thought here.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—…Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 5:12, 18-21, KJV)

Here is Paul’s full theological statement about the relationship between Adam and Jesus, between sin and redemption. In Adam all were found guilty of falling short of God perfect standard, God’s glory (Romans 3:23). It cannot be stated too often, that the nature of sin’s offense must be measured against the perfect nature of God’s character. Paul then gives us the opposite reality found in Christ. In Jesus, all who believe will be restored into right relationship with God. God will no longer require payment for the offense of sin, but will rather count the righteousness of Christ to the account of all who place their trust in Jesus. What we often fail to realize is that what Adam did in the Garden was to place his faith in himself. This is the ultimate reality. Pride is the springhead of all sin. When Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they withdrew their trust from God and placed it on their own understanding and wisdom. Did the devil play a role in this? Absolutely. But the responsibility for falling into sin rested at the feet of Adam and Eve who committed the sin. The devil has his own sins to answer for, but the fall is not one of them.

In Jesus God is reestablishing the proper object of faith. This is why faith is the required means for salvation. When we do not believe in God we are believe in something else to be the source of our lives, and this is the sin that cast humanity from the Garden of Eden. When we come to grips with the fact that the universe is guided by the principle of faith we will understand why Adam’s sin affected all of his descendants. Verses 20 and 21 help us to make sense of the parenthetical statement found in verses 13-17. The law came to let all know why God was upset with our actions. The law is what provides man with accountability to God. Culpability is found in the act of sin. We sin because we are sinners. And it is also true that we are sinners because of sin. Just look at what happens in Genesis, specifically the generation of Noah and during the time of the building of the tower of Babel (Genesis 6, 11).

This is why Paul says that where sin abounds, grace abounds much more (v.20). When we understand the terrible offense of our sin (through the law’s revelation); we can see why grace is so much more powerful and wonderful. When sin looks as if it has had its final victory, grace comes and reveals the true weakness and impotence of sin. God loves to show that He can lift us up from the most desperate of places if we would jut trust in Him. But the power of God’s salvific work in found in the work and person of Jesus Christ (v. 21). To turn to any other place is to place our faith in the wrong object, i.e., ourselves.

Chrysalis Journey #15 | The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 2)

In this second part we will look further into who are those that do the will of the Father. Jesus himself identified these as his family. We should follow Jesus’ example and associate with those who have an earnest desire to obey the Word of God. To spend too much time with those that are not pushing forward in not just doing God’s will, but setting their minds to accomplishing that will have to be encouraged to return to what Jesus has said we must be about if we are to be obedient disciples.

¹⁹Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. ²⁰And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” ²¹But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 (ESV)

Who are members of the family of Christ? Who are the ones that do the will of God? It is those who hear the word of God and put it into practice. This is the key that has unlocked God’s will for my life. God’s will is not something specific in the sense that I will have one job rather than another. Or that I will marry one person rather than another. God’s will in not in the specifics of my individual life, but in the specifics of God’s purposes being worked out in my particular life. Will God provide direction and insight for the circumstances of my life? Yes, He will. What I must not do is expect God to provide the answer to every situation that comes up in life. That is not God’s desire. Faith is a “now” reality. To expect, and in some instances, demand that God provide this kind of direction is to make God our servant rather than remain His servant. The word of God provides for us the parameters by which we should live and the expectations for anyone that calls themselves a follower of Jesus. If we aren’t doing what it says, God is not under any obligation to provide further insight. Paul said as much to Timothy:

“¹⁶All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).

Proximity does not automatically guarantee provision. This is the heart of what Jesus said to his flesh-and-blood family. If we are not capable of complying with God’s word how ca we be trusted to obey anything else God would give for us to do?

¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Here were begin to understand what it is that God desires for us to do. In this verse we find a three-fold description of what God desires for us to do. We are to rejoice always. The reality of what God has done should put the worries of the world into perspective. Paul makes some incredible statements in his letters, but the one that leaves the mind and heart wondering is found in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Paul details the treasure that God has placed in “earthen vessels” in 1 Corinthians 4:7-16. But after outlining the real troubles that will come he ends by saying that these “light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (4:17-18, ESV). Then in Romans 8:18 Paul tells us that “for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (ESV). Not only this, but we are to pray without ceasing. The necessity of constant connection with our heavenly Father should provide motivation to commune with God. We cannot build or strengthen our relationship with God if we do not spend time with Him. This is the challenge and the reward of prayer. If we desire to have relationship, then we must take the time and devote it to God. Finally, we must give thanks at all times. We are don’t have to give thanks for everything, but in everything. God doesn’t desire evil or wrong to happen to His children, but it does. Life is not fair, but God is just and He “will work for good” even the events of life that are contrary to God’s purposes (Romans 8:28).

¹⁴And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 (ESV)

This is one of the most astounding truths in the bible. God not only desires for us to communicate with Him, but God also tells us that He wants to give us what we ask for! But here is the catch, what we ask for has to be in line with what God wants for us to be doing. When we are obedient to God’s will, as it is revealed in the Word of God, we are given boldness to ask and not just wish we received it. John says that we will have a renewed confidence in God’s ability to provide what we ask for. The answer will be as good as given because what we have asked for is not only something we desire, but it is something that pleases God. At its most fundamental level these are the prayers that God answers: those that please Him. I have heard it said that God responds to prayer in three ways: Yes, No and Wait. I think two of these are not right. God desires to answer, “Yes,” to everything we ask for. But not everything we ask for is worthy of a “Yes.” But that doesn’t mean that God has answered “no” or “wait.” It just means that God is the one waiting for us to get in line with His program. God is not telling us no or wait, He is the one waiting for us to catch up to His will as it is written down in His word. Look at what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:20:

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. (NLT)

If we are to take this verse for what it says then we have to change our theology of prayer and make it conform to God’s. God has all the time in the world. So he is not telling us wait. That would imply that what we are asking for is something God would desire to say yes to. This may not be true. And if God answers “no” then we have a problem because then God is going against His word that He will hear and that we will have whatever we ask. The key here is how well do our prayers conform to God’s will. That is what will determine if we hear God’s resounding “Yes!”

³⁴A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)

These are probably the most damning couple of verses in the New Testament. The evidence that we are doing the will of God; the proof that the fruit of the Spirit are being reproduced in us; the sign that the new life that Jesus has purchased for us has been deposited in good soil is given here. My love for my brother in Christ, which is the person doing the will of God (Luke 8:19-21), is the greatest demonstration that God has broken through the stony exterior of my sinner’s heart and has remade it into a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). When I look at the world and I wonder why it doesn’t take the church seriously I only have to remember these words and know the answer. I can’t say that I love God when I don’t have a rich and abiding love for my brother, whom I can see (1 John 4:20). So much strife and division in the church has tarnished the witness of the church to the world. I am not saying that there shouldn’t be denominations. What I am saying is that this should not be enough reason to not love one another.

Taken together all of these verse help to solidify the foundation of what God is looking for in His children here on earth. Any deviation from this is to miss the point that our brothers, sisters, father and mothers are those that have surrendered their everything to God purposes.

Two Parts:
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 1)
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 2)

Chrysalis Journey #15 | The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 1)

It would almost seem contradictory to talk of patient persistence, but this is exactly what prayer is. One of the most amazing aspects of Chrysalis is the amount of prayer that goes into the preparation of these weekends and the amount of prayer that happens during the weekend. I almost say this to my shame, but prayer is not as powerful a reality in my life as it should be. I don’t know why I don’t pray more often, more consistently, more intentionally. I think that part of it is that I don’t know if what I am saying is me wanting my will to be done or God’s. This is the struggle that I face.

Over the last couple of months I have discovered several scriptures that have helped me to focus in on what praying in God’s will actually is. I know that I have tended to pray hoping that what I was praying for was what God wanted me to be praying for. What I have discovered is that God’s will more readily available than we think. God has put His will within the Scriptures so that we can have a place to begin with. The age old question of what God’s will is for each of our lives has become such a distraction to what God has actually said that we fail to live out what God has already said, and we fail to live into the fullness that God has purposed for His children. Let’s just look at a few of these scriptures.

³For this is the will of God, your sanctification… 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (ESV)

Paul writes to the Thessalonians and tells them that one of God’s purposes for them is that they grow in sanctification, or holiness. What this means is that God is interested in the transformation of the heart and our lifestyles. Sanctification begins on the inside, but inevitable manifests itself in daily living. This is unavoidable. Therefore a sign of our compliance with and submission to God’s will should be seen in our increased sanctification. Are you different? Have you changed in the time that you have come to know Jesus?

¹⁵For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15 (ESV)

Peter provides for us the reason that our sanctification is so important to God. God desires that our lives serve as proof that there are no other gods except Him. Only the true God could change a life so that it reflects the love, grace and power of God. God desires that all men come the realization that there is no other being in the created universe worthy of worship. But the only way to do this is through the effect of the love of God as it is experienced and passed on through the believer.

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40 (ESV)

Jesus leaves no doubt in the mind of those that were listening to him when he says this. God’s will is that whoever looks, i.e., believes in, Jesus will have eternal life. Not only that, but Jesus makes a promise to those that do believe in him. Jesus promises to also raise them from the dead in the last day.

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17 (ESV)

The will of the Father is waiting to be done! The world is wasting away because it has failed to see and do what it is that God desires. But for those that find it, there is the promise of abiding forever with Jesus. This verse does raise the question: What is will of God? If we are supposed to be doing this will how to we find it so that we can do it?

In the second part of this post we will look a little closer at who are the ones that we should connect with. It is important that we associate and fellowship with those that are in agreement with the Word of God. If our desire is to pray in God’s will we must remain connected to others that have the same desire.

Two Parts:
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 1)
The Power of Patient Persistence (Pt. 2)

Chrysalis Journey #15 | Just when you thought you knew…

Just when you thought you knew what God was up to He demonstrates that you have no idea whatsoever. One of the most amazing things about this weekend was that God is not in a hurry. We might be, but not God. God is able to work out His plan on His time without any help on our part. On the first night with this group I began to “size up” several of the participants. In general there are two types of people that end up at these kinds of retreats: Those who think they need it and those who think they don’t. The first will find the weekend to be refreshing and memorable. These are the ones that are hungry for something more than than the stale bread of religion. They will be fed by the living bread of Jesus. These who are thirsty for the living waters to spring forth and will be satisfied beyond measure. I am continually surprised at how God is able to do this over and over again.

The second group, however, can sometimes fail to see the point in everything that happens. These are the ones that one wonders about. These are the ones that one looks to God and says, “God, I don’t know how you are going to get through, but I hope that you do.” The weekend is drawing to a close and you find yourself just standing in awe of how God subtly and softly moves in, on and through people. And then all of a sudden, the wave of God’s power crests and the dam of stubbornness is broken. In the end this is what it is. “I don’t need this,” or “I know what’s missing. And this isn’t it,” attitudes are just ripped right out and you begin to feel God’s presence for the first time.

You see I was among the second group. I was a “professional Christian.” How was this weekend going to be any different than all the others? What was I going to find that I didn’t already know about God? You see, that’s the problem. This weekend wasn’t about getting to know or learn something else about God. No, it was about knowing God as He is. We all who are a part of this journey of faith must battle the attitude of Job within us. It is not enough to have heard of God. For when we see God for the first time, that moment will imprint itself within your mind, heart and body. You will yearn for it. You will seek it, for you will understand that only in the presence of your maker is life to be found.

The beauty of God’s hand stripping away every conception that is not in line with His character, purpose or plan is freedom. That is what Paul said to the Galatians, “For freedom Christ has set you free” (5:1). God sets us free so that we can enjoy the freedom that He provides! For it is only then that we are able to truly enjoy God.

Just when you thought you knew… God shows up!

Romans Series (Pt. 24) – Romans 5:15-17

The Nature of Christ’s Gift (5:15-17)
Paul is bridging the gap between verses 14 and 15 when he goes on to explain that the effect of Adam’s sin was so damaging that it sent the whole of humanity into condemnation. Paul makes the inference that it took just one sin to send humanity into the tailspin of sin. Why just one? The problem of sin must be viewed in its proper light if we are to understand the seriousness of it.
An individual’s view of God will affect in kind that same individual’s view of sin and vice versa. Millard Erickson provides a framework for how this basic argument should be understood. If the view of God is high, so that He is seen as a God who is holy and perfect and worthy of worship, then any deviation from that reality will demonstrate the gravity of sin. If the view of God however is not high, then what is the problem in offending him? Millard Erickson’s discussion is quite good because it helps us to understand that the seriousness of the offense is based not on the offense itself, but on the virtue and worth of the one offended. (See Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 580). When you see sin this light we begin to understand that the value of God, as the offended one, was what necessitated the imputation of Adam’s sin on the whole race. But Erickson provides two alternative views to that of Federal and Natural headship.

The first alternative is where the sin of Adam is ratified when an individual sins for the first time (See Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 656). Erickson sees this as a legitimate alternative, but posits the second as more in line with the testimony of scripture regarding what happens to the human race in both Adam and Christ. The second alternative, the one that Erickson appears to prefer, is that:

“we become responsible and guilty when we accept or approve of our corrupt nature. There is a time in the life of each one of us when we become aware of our own tendency toward sin. At that point we may abhor the sinful nature that has been there all the time…But if we acquiesce in that sinful nature, we are in effect saying that it is good. By placing our tacit approval upon the corruption, we are also approving our concurring in the action in the Garden of Eden so long ago. We become guilty of that sin without having committed any sin of our own” (See Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 656).

When one sees that Paul places the discussion of sin within the framework of idolatry, the reason for God’s contempt toward sin can be better understood (Colossians 3:5, c.f., Exodus 20:3-6). Even John in his first epistle ends with this simple admonition, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:1). God is holy and perfect and to therefore exchange His glory for anything else is to replace God from God’s proper place in the universe. This is the very definition of idolatry.

Paul contrasts the trespass of Adam with the free gift of Jesus Christ which is able to cover a multitude of trespasses. This is why the “gift is not like the trespass.” The grace of God is so powerful that it is able to cover, not just multiple screw ups, but the eternal offense of human sin against His very nature. This is why the free gift is not like the result of one man’s sin. The grace of God is able to withstand the continuous assault of multiple trespasses. The fall of Adam could be understood as an act of “unfaith”. If Adam and Eve had continued to trust in the God’s provision in the Garden they would have remained under God’s care. But, by succumbing to the temptation of the serpent they were cast out. That is why faith is the necessary condition of salvation because it is an attempt at restoring the order that was disrupted in Eden. When we place our faith in Jesus we are returning to the intended order of relationship that God desired to exist between Father and Child.

Romans Series (Pt. 23) – Romans 5:12-14

Guilty in Adam (5:12)
Paul’s language here sounds like a doctor’s description of the spread of a disease. Adam was the first to have the problem and as he interacted with others he kept infecting others with the illness. This is one of the great debates that exists about in what way are we guilty of Adam’s sin. This is known as the doctrine of Original Sin. There basically two ways of looking at this. So while we don’t share in the same sin as Adam we share in the sin of Adam in that we are contaminated by him.

One of the great questions in theology is to what extent did the sin of Adam affect his progeny. Larry Hurt gives two commonly held positions that help in understanding this issue. “One approach is to see Adam as our federal head. Because he is our divinely designated representative, what Adam did implicates us all…Since this precise formulation is nowhere explicitly stated in Scripture, another approach is to see Adam simply as our natural (Ryrie: Seminal view)^[1] head…Nevertheless, both his sin and his guilt are viewed as being imparted to us through heredity (Augustine).”^[2]

The second major view is that of natural headship. In this view all of humanity was in some way present in Adam and are therefore just as guilty of Adam’s sin.^[3] This view falls in line with the Ten Commandments warning that the sins of the father will go down from one generation to the next (Exodus 20:5) Erickson cites that are two alternative positions that seem to be a hybrid of the two positions just stated. The first alternative is where the sin of Adam is ratified when an individual sins for the first time.^[4] Erickson sees this as a legitimate alternative, but posits the second as more in line with the testimony of scripture regarding what happens to the human race in both Adam and Christ. The second alternative, the one that Erickson appears to prefer, is that:

Erickson in his Christian Theology provides some further explanation of this affinity with Adam in regard to original sin by describing three theological system’s attempt to explain the connection.^[6] Erickson states that Pelagianism does not see original sin having affected all of humanity. Therefore, Adam’s actions do not trickle down to the rest of humanity. Humanity is born without any congenital spiritual fault based on its underlying assumption that each individual soul is created by God at birth as described below in the systems section.^[7] Arminians do hold that all humanity receives a corrupted nature at birth, but it is not guilty of Adam’s sin specifically. Because of the corrupted nature all men inevitably sin and are thereby held accountable for their own sins.^[8] Finally, Erickson states that Calvinism provides several views of headship as sighted by Hurt above. The federal head perspective takes the view that in the same way that God will impute the righteousness of Christ upon those who believe, God is within God’s right to impute the guilt of Adam’s sin upon all men because Adam was the representative of humanity before God. This view teaches that the statement “all sinned” in Romans 5:12 suggests that all humanity was a participant in Adam’s sin.^[9]

In verses 13-17 we have another parenthetical statement. We will break it up to make sense of the implications of this passage.

Death is the Evidence of Sin (5:13-14)
This section is so confusing as to be frustrating. In simple terms what Paul is arguing here is that even though the law was not present sin was. That is what he is getting at when he says that that sin is not counted where there is no law. Paul appears to imply that this makes no sense. If Adam sinned then there was sin even though there was no law. Paul “proves” this by highlighting that the sign of sin is death and there was death between the time of Adam and the time of Moses, so that even without the law sin was running its course within the lives of men.

Paul is basically saying that the law was not the reason that sin entered. Rather the law was what made sin known and also made men accountable (Paul will address this further in chapter 7). Before the law there was not a standard of accountability other than the effect of sin which was death. People died because of sin, but, according to Paul’s reasoning here people did not have an understanding that sin was the reason that death reigned in the world. Humanity did not have a point of reference that helped to identify that sin was an affront to God’s character and holiness. Paul also tells us that “death reigned” in other men because of what he said in verse 12. Adam’s sin plunged the human race into death, but the reason for all humanity’s sins cannot be laid at the feet of Adam alone. The essence of what Paul is saying is that we are all contaminated, or corrupted, by Adams actions in the garden and yet we are all still culpable for our own sin. Because of Adam we start life at a disadvantage. We all fall pathetically short of God’s standards of fellowship.

[1] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Basic Theology (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1999), 258.

[2] Larry Hurt, Truth Aflame, 228.

[3] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 651-652

[4] Ibid., 656.

[5] Ibid., 656.

[6] This is the doctrine that addresses how all of humanity is culpable in the sin of Adam.

[7] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 649

[8] Ibid., 650

[9] Paul P. Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology (Chicago, Ill.: Moody Press, 1997, c1989), 312.

Chrysalis Journey #15 | Exposure is the Key

The power of God to change the life of men is found in exposing those very same hearts to the love of God in the form of renewed believers. Any heart that encounters service that emerges out of an awakened life, a life that has been touched by the love of God manifested in the body of Christ, doesn’t stand a chance. Over the course of three days, the body of Christ in the form of the Heart of Georgia Emmaus Community served with one purpose in mind – to let Christ shine! This is the only reason that serving God makes sense. The love of God broke through into the hearts of his chosen sons. Sixteen young men encountered God this weekend (July 15-18, 2010). If they failed to see God is was their fault, for He was in our midst.

One of the dangers that comes with retreats like Chrysalis is that we may think that God now desires for us to do good works. God is not interested in our works. They do nothing to make His glory, love and grace known. Look at what Paul says in Ephesians 2:10:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

There are three things Paul reveals in this verse.

We are God’s workmanship
What we are and what God desires for us to be is not something that we can make happen. We are clay in the hand of the divine Potter. Whatever it is that God would have for us to be is His to determine! The goal of every follower of Jesus is to practice yielded obedience. As the Holy Spirit moves we are moved by His influence. We do not fight; we do not grumble; we do not challenge God’s authority in the matter. We are God’s workmanship and He puts us on display or hides us in the cupboard as He chooses.

Created in Christ for good works
The ground for any of our “good works” is found in Christ. We are new creatures because of Jesus, and because of this new state of existence we are now put in a position where we can do something that pleases our Father in heaven. If it were not for Jesus whatever we put our hands to would fail and be counted as nothing (Philippians 3:7). Every follower of Jesus must surrender their desires to please God on their own terms, for they are unable to do so apart from the life and righteousness of Jesus.

The Works are God’s
This is potentially the most liberating truth in the bible. Everything that we do, under the power of the Spirit’s enabling and because of our position in Christ are God’s works and we just get to walk in them (Colossians 1:29). What this means is that God’s work will never fail, as long as we are surrendered to the power of God in our lives. Any deficiency, any failure, any shortfall, any angst reveals the point or points of disconnect that we have with the Father. Success or failure in any task is not measured by results. This is man’s standard. God judges success by the length and breadth and depth of our faithfulness and devotion to Him. So, to the extent that we live in intimate relationship with the Father do we see the fruit of God’s presence.

The unmistakable reality of this weekend is that exposure to God’s love in the form of His redeemed people allows God to do His work.

Thanks be to God who is still at work in our day! He is to be forever praised. Amen.

The work of God is not something that we initiate or even imitate. No, the work of God is God’s work that we get to witness. These feeble hands are not capable for carrying the train of God’s glory, we simple bring other pilgrims to God’s presence and wait for God to do what even we thought would never happen.

There were several of those young men I thought would never get it. But our God is rich in mercy, even breaking the heart of the most obstinate hearts. I told those young men, whether they new it or not, this past weekend was a set-up. God had something to show them and He did.

Oh, God you are more amazing than even the heavens can declare. Amen.

+Victor

The Love of Christ

This was the “Thought of the Day” this morning that my father sent out to his church and friends.

This morning Iris and I drove our Costa Rica Missions Team to the airport. It was an exciting event as they picked up their suitcases and headed for the terminal. The church has prayed for them. We have encouraged them. And today we sent them. Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, provided a great reason to go into the mission field.

When Hudson Taylor was director of the China Inland Mission, he often interviewed candidates for the mission field. On one occasion, he met with a group of applicants to determine their motivations for service. “And why do you wish to go as a foreign missionary?” he asked one. “I want to go because Christ has commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” was the reply. Another said, “I want to go because millions are perishing without Christ.” Others gave different answers. Then Hudson Taylor said, “All of these motives, however good, will fail you in times of testings, trials, tribulations, and possible death. There is but one motive that will sustain you in trial and testing; namely, the love of Christ”.