Doug is still away...so I'll (Ben) be at play on his blog once again.
Did you ever wonder why Jesus made a big deal out of baptism by including it in the great commission? The main command in that passage is to "make disciples." So, why not just include the command to baptize these new disciples in one of the pastoral epistles (not to say that the commands in these epistles are less important; my point is just that Jesus, in his final instructions to his disciples, seems to draw special attention to the importance of baptism). It is because baptism serves the cause of the gospel and of making disciples in a vital way.
It is so important because it marks a person as a follower of Jesus. It visibly portrays the inward realities of the gospel that a believer partakes in when he or she becomes a disciple. The waters of baptism remind the believer, and testify to the non-believer, that salvation is by faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It pictures the reality that the believer is united with Christ in his death and resurrection and that his or her sins have been washed away.
Sometimes we can downplay the importance of baptism because we fear of sounding like we are saying you must do something to be right with God. But the reality is, Jesus saw baptism as a vitally important work in gospel ministry and we should too. It doesn't get us favor with God, but it vividly portrays the work Christ did to earn us favor with God. Therefore, we must not fail to emphasize it's importance.
I hope you see baptism as important for your ministry to your children. Tell them why it is important and what it represents. Take them to baptismal services at Grace Church and talk about it with them afterwards. If you have questions about baptism, check out the booklet, in the church foyer, on "Baptism and Communion" which addresses issues like, "How old must a person be for baptism?".
Lord’s Day 26
69. Q. HOW DOES BAPTISM REMIND YOU AND ASSURE YOU THAT CHRIST’S ONE SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS IS FOR YOU PERSONALLY?
A. In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly His blood and His Spirit wash away my soul’s impurity, in other words, all my sins.
70. Q. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WASHED WITH CHRIST’S BLOOD AND SPIRIT?
A. To be washed with Christ’s blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins because of Christ’s blood poured out for me in His sacrifice on the cross. To be washed with Christ’s Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has renewed me and set me apart to be a member of Christ so that more and more I become dead to sin and increasingly live a holy and blameless life.
71. Q. WHERE DOES CHRIST PROMISE THAT WE ARE WASHED WITH HIS BLOOD AND SPIRIT AS SURELY AS WE ARE WASHED WITH THE WATER OF BAPTISM?
A. In the institution of baptism where He says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
While Doug and the youth are at the D3 conference I (Ben) have highjacked his blog....we'll technically he asked me to fill in for him while he is away.
Have you ever noticed how certain smells or tastes remind you of things from your past. They can even remind you of intangible realities. For example, maybe the smell of pumpkin pie reminds you of Thanksgiving celebrations from when you were a kid. You are caused to remember those events, but also the intangible things like the joy and excitement of the time with family (or the unpleasant feelings of dealing with socially awkward extended family). Our senses are powerful tools that can often stir us to remember and think about things.
In today's catechism questions, we learn about the sacraments1 (I know you are wondering how my introduction fits with this...just stick with me). What are the sacraments? Baptism and communion. And as the answer to question 66 says, "They were instituted by God so that by our use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel...". So, baptism and communion aren't just rituals or a way for us to get a bath and share some crackers and juice at the end of a service. They are visible testimonies to invisible grace. Both of them give a sensory lesson about our new life in union with Christ. God gave us these sacraments so that we might see, touch, smell, and taste gospel truths. What a great way to push the truths of these invisible realities deep into our hearts.
It is also a great way to teach our children the truths of the gospel. The next time there is a communion or baptism at church, take time after the service to ask your children what they saw and to explain the meaning of these visible testimonies to invisible grace. Don't overlook the power of the sacraments in your effort to communicate the gospel to your children or to your own heart for that matter.
I'll be back next week to talk about baptism - D.V. (100 points to anyone who remembers what D.V. stands for- and no it does not stand for cool Christian)
footnote 1 Perhaps the word "sacraments" seems a bit too Roman Catholic to you, but it isn't necessarily a bad word. The Roman Catholics developed a list of seven sacraments including baptism, confirmation, communion, confession/penance, marriage, ordination, and last rites (this official list of seven came around the time of Peter Lombard and Thomas Aquinas in the 11-1200's). In the Roman Catholic view, these were seen as conveying grace to those who received them by the simple act of receiving them (with or without faith). It was like a faucet of God's grace that you could stand under and receive God's favor, even if you didn't know God. Clearly, this is a problem. But, the word sacrament doesn't have to be used this way. The reformers took the word to refer to the two sacraments that could be found in the Bible: baptism and communion (which is what the Heidelberg refers to in these questions and answers). In their view, they did not help the person on towards justification, for we are justified by faith alone. Instead, as Augustine had said centuries prior, they are visible means of an invisible grace. They are a means of grace in that they encourage me in the faith and remind me of the gospel. If the word "sacrament" still bugs you, just call them ordinances (meaning they are ordained by Christ for His church to practice).
Lord’s Day 25
65. Q. IT IS BY FAITH ALONE THAT WE SHARE IN CHRIST AND ALL HIS BLESSING: WHERE THEN DOES THAT FAITH COME FROM?
A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it through our use of the holy sacraments.
66. Q. WHAT ARE SACRAMENTS?
A. Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and might put His seal on that promise. And this is God’s gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ’s one sacrifice finished on the cross.
67. Q. ARE BOTH THE WORD AND HE SACRAMENTS THEN INTENDED TO FOCUS OUR FAITH ON THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS AS THE ONLY GROUND OF OUR SALVATION?
A. Right! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us and through the holy sacraments He assures us that our entire salvation rests on Christ’s one sacrifice for us on the cross.
68. Q. HOW MANY SACRAMENTS DID CHRIST INSTITUTE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?
A. Two: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Have you ever noticed how certain smells or tastes remind you of things from your past. They can even remind you of intangible realities. For example, maybe the smell of pumpkin pie reminds you of Thanksgiving celebrations from when you were a kid. You are caused to remember those events, but also the intangible things like the joy and excitement of the time with family (or the unpleasant feelings of dealing with socially awkward extended family). Our senses are powerful tools that can often stir us to remember and think about things.
In today's catechism questions, we learn about the sacraments1 (I know you are wondering how my introduction fits with this...just stick with me). What are the sacraments? Baptism and communion. And as the answer to question 66 says, "They were instituted by God so that by our use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel...". So, baptism and communion aren't just rituals or a way for us to get a bath and share some crackers and juice at the end of a service. They are visible testimonies to invisible grace. Both of them give a sensory lesson about our new life in union with Christ. God gave us these sacraments so that we might see, touch, smell, and taste gospel truths. What a great way to push the truths of these invisible realities deep into our hearts.
It is also a great way to teach our children the truths of the gospel. The next time there is a communion or baptism at church, take time after the service to ask your children what they saw and to explain the meaning of these visible testimonies to invisible grace. Don't overlook the power of the sacraments in your effort to communicate the gospel to your children or to your own heart for that matter.
I'll be back next week to talk about baptism - D.V. (100 points to anyone who remembers what D.V. stands for- and no it does not stand for cool Christian)
footnote 1 Perhaps the word "sacraments" seems a bit too Roman Catholic to you, but it isn't necessarily a bad word. The Roman Catholics developed a list of seven sacraments including baptism, confirmation, communion, confession/penance, marriage, ordination, and last rites (this official list of seven came around the time of Peter Lombard and Thomas Aquinas in the 11-1200's). In the Roman Catholic view, these were seen as conveying grace to those who received them by the simple act of receiving them (with or without faith). It was like a faucet of God's grace that you could stand under and receive God's favor, even if you didn't know God. Clearly, this is a problem. But, the word sacrament doesn't have to be used this way. The reformers took the word to refer to the two sacraments that could be found in the Bible: baptism and communion (which is what the Heidelberg refers to in these questions and answers). In their view, they did not help the person on towards justification, for we are justified by faith alone. Instead, as Augustine had said centuries prior, they are visible means of an invisible grace. They are a means of grace in that they encourage me in the faith and remind me of the gospel. If the word "sacrament" still bugs you, just call them ordinances (meaning they are ordained by Christ for His church to practice).
Lord’s Day 25
65. Q. IT IS BY FAITH ALONE THAT WE SHARE IN CHRIST AND ALL HIS BLESSING: WHERE THEN DOES THAT FAITH COME FROM?
A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it through our use of the holy sacraments.
66. Q. WHAT ARE SACRAMENTS?
A. Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and might put His seal on that promise. And this is God’s gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ’s one sacrifice finished on the cross.
67. Q. ARE BOTH THE WORD AND HE SACRAMENTS THEN INTENDED TO FOCUS OUR FAITH ON THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS AS THE ONLY GROUND OF OUR SALVATION?
A. Right! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us and through the holy sacraments He assures us that our entire salvation rests on Christ’s one sacrifice for us on the cross.
68. Q. HOW MANY SACRAMENTS DID CHRIST INSTITUTE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?
A. Two: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Fridays with the Heidelberg
“You can do anything if you put your mind to it.”
“Anything is possible, if you believe.”
Hmmm.
Sin has affected our minds. In order to think clearly, we need Christ. We need the wisdom of Christ. We need the Word of God.
As we look into the word of God we are confronted with a worldview that is much different than the two quotes presented at the beginning of this post. The Scriptures communicate to us a very High View of God and an accurate view of man. A view of man that points to our ignorance, our frailty, and our dependence on God. As we begin to see life through the lense of Scripture, we begin to think clearly.
We are confronted with this biblical worldview in today’s reading in the Heidelberg. God’s righteousness is “entirely perfect”. “Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.” This is why we need a Savior. We are unworthy. Our only hope is Christ.
So then the catechism asks, if we are unworthy, unable to earn God’s favor, doesn’t this promote lawlessness? No! For true faith produces good fruit. Salvation is completely a work of God. Those who are “In Christ” will “produce fruits of gratitude.”
Lord’s Day 24
62. Q. WHY CAN’T THE GOOD WE DO MAKE US RIGHT WITH GOD, OR AT LEAST HELP MAKE US RIGHT WITH HIM?
A. Because the righteousness which can pass God’s scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.
63. Q. HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT THE GOOD WE DO DOESN’T EARN ANYTHING WHEN GOD PROMISES TO REWARD IT IN THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT?
A, This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.
64. Q. BUT DOESN’T THIS TEACHING MAKE PEOPLE INDIFFERENT AND WICKED?
A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.
“Anything is possible, if you believe.”
Hmmm.
Sin has affected our minds. In order to think clearly, we need Christ. We need the wisdom of Christ. We need the Word of God.
As we look into the word of God we are confronted with a worldview that is much different than the two quotes presented at the beginning of this post. The Scriptures communicate to us a very High View of God and an accurate view of man. A view of man that points to our ignorance, our frailty, and our dependence on God. As we begin to see life through the lense of Scripture, we begin to think clearly.
We are confronted with this biblical worldview in today’s reading in the Heidelberg. God’s righteousness is “entirely perfect”. “Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.” This is why we need a Savior. We are unworthy. Our only hope is Christ.
So then the catechism asks, if we are unworthy, unable to earn God’s favor, doesn’t this promote lawlessness? No! For true faith produces good fruit. Salvation is completely a work of God. Those who are “In Christ” will “produce fruits of gratitude.”
Lord’s Day 24
62. Q. WHY CAN’T THE GOOD WE DO MAKE US RIGHT WITH GOD, OR AT LEAST HELP MAKE US RIGHT WITH HIM?
A. Because the righteousness which can pass God’s scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.
63. Q. HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT THE GOOD WE DO DOESN’T EARN ANYTHING WHEN GOD PROMISES TO REWARD IT IN THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT?
A, This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.
64. Q. BUT DOESN’T THIS TEACHING MAKE PEOPLE INDIFFERENT AND WICKED?
A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
“The doctrine by which the church stands or falls”. That is what Martin Luther had to say about the importance of justification by faith alone. Because of it’s importance, it is somewhat tragic that many lack a full awareness of the meaning of justification. In fact, while in seminary, I heard a story of a group that attended a Christian publishing convention and polled the various publishers seeking out a definition of justification. Reportedly, only one responded with a cohesive answer, “It means- Just-if-I’d never sinned”. This is catchy but deficient.
Deficient in that it only deals with half of justification. Jerry Bridges suggests that along with, “Just-if-I’d never sinned”, we need to add “AND Just-as-if-I’d always obeyed.” The Great Exchange.
This is what is dealt with in Lord’s Day 23. After spending the past few months dealing with what is necessary for every Christian to believe, we now are reminded of what good comes from belief in Christ. We are now right with God, and are granted eternal life!
Q&A 60 then helpfully deals with “The Great Exchange”. Observe how we are at the same time, both justified and a sinner. Justified in the sight of God because we are credited a righteousness that is not our own. It is the very righteousness of Christ, which we receive by faith alone.
Lord’s Day 23
59. Q. WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO YOU, HOWEVER, TO BELIEVE ALL THIS?
A. In Christ I am right with God and heir to life everlasting.
60. Q. HOW ARE YOU RIGHT WITH GOD?
A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God’s commandments and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.
61. Q. WHY DO YOU SAY THAT BY FAITH ALONE YOU ARE RIGHT WITH GOD?
A. It is not because of any value my faith has that God is pleased with me. Only Christ’s satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness make me right with God. And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.
Deficient in that it only deals with half of justification. Jerry Bridges suggests that along with, “Just-if-I’d never sinned”, we need to add “AND Just-as-if-I’d always obeyed.” The Great Exchange.
This is what is dealt with in Lord’s Day 23. After spending the past few months dealing with what is necessary for every Christian to believe, we now are reminded of what good comes from belief in Christ. We are now right with God, and are granted eternal life!
Q&A 60 then helpfully deals with “The Great Exchange”. Observe how we are at the same time, both justified and a sinner. Justified in the sight of God because we are credited a righteousness that is not our own. It is the very righteousness of Christ, which we receive by faith alone.
Lord’s Day 23
59. Q. WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO YOU, HOWEVER, TO BELIEVE ALL THIS?
A. In Christ I am right with God and heir to life everlasting.
60. Q. HOW ARE YOU RIGHT WITH GOD?
A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God’s commandments and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.
61. Q. WHY DO YOU SAY THAT BY FAITH ALONE YOU ARE RIGHT WITH GOD?
A. It is not because of any value my faith has that God is pleased with me. Only Christ’s satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness make me right with God. And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
Your best life now? Todays reading in the Heidelberg Catechism says no. That is, for the believer of course. The answers to Q. 57 & 58 point to the comforting realities of the best life that awaits every believer.
At death, the believer’s soul goes to be with the Lord Then, we will one day be united with our resurrected bodies where we will remain with Christ for eternity. Savor this reality. I would encourage you to lead your family through these two questions, and then guide them through 1 Cor. 15 and 2 Cor. 5:1-10.
For further study, I would also recommend browsing through the articles at Eternal Perspective Ministries (The ministry of Randy Alcorn).
Lord’s Day 22
57. Q. HOW DOES “THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY” COMFORT YOU?
A. Not only my soul will be taken immediately after this life to Christ its head, but even my very flesh, raised by the power of Christ, will be reunited with my soul and made like Christ’s glorious body.
58. Q. HOW DOES THE ARTICLE CONCERNING “LIFE EVERLASTING” COMFORT YOU?
A. Even as I already now experience in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, so after this life I will have perfect blessedness such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human heart has ever imagined: a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.
At death, the believer’s soul goes to be with the Lord Then, we will one day be united with our resurrected bodies where we will remain with Christ for eternity. Savor this reality. I would encourage you to lead your family through these two questions, and then guide them through 1 Cor. 15 and 2 Cor. 5:1-10.
For further study, I would also recommend browsing through the articles at Eternal Perspective Ministries (The ministry of Randy Alcorn).
Lord’s Day 22
57. Q. HOW DOES “THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY” COMFORT YOU?
A. Not only my soul will be taken immediately after this life to Christ its head, but even my very flesh, raised by the power of Christ, will be reunited with my soul and made like Christ’s glorious body.
58. Q. HOW DOES THE ARTICLE CONCERNING “LIFE EVERLASTING” COMFORT YOU?
A. Even as I already now experience in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, so after this life I will have perfect blessedness such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human heart has ever imagined: a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.
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