“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.
Friday, June 17, 2011
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.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
I love the church! Sadly, there are others who are not as fond of this divine institution. Even within Christian circles, it has become trendy to point out the flaws in the church and suggest newer, trendier contexts for serving the kingdom. Such revolutionary thinkers would benefit from some reflection on the Apostle’s creed (and this section of the Heidelberg Catechism, which comments on the Creed). The creed speaks of belief in “the holy catholic church”, “the communion of saints”, and “the forgiveness of sins.”
The “holy catholic church” need not scare off us protestant evangelicals. We are simply referring to the “universal” church. The bride of Christ that has been “gathered”, “protected”, and “preserved” by Christ for His own glory. Put simply, Christ loves the church, He died for the church and He will build His church. Do you love the church? Are you a member within this community of believers? Are you actively serving the other members of Christ’s body?
In 1 John we read that genuine love for Christ is evidenced by genuine love for the church. As you seek to raise your children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, teach them of the importance of the church.
Lord’s Day 21
54. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING “THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH”?
A. I believe that the Son of God through His Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for Himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.
55. Q. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY “THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS”?
A. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all His treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.
56. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING”THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS”?
A. I believe that God, because of Christ’s atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, in His grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgment.
The “holy catholic church” need not scare off us protestant evangelicals. We are simply referring to the “universal” church. The bride of Christ that has been “gathered”, “protected”, and “preserved” by Christ for His own glory. Put simply, Christ loves the church, He died for the church and He will build His church. Do you love the church? Are you a member within this community of believers? Are you actively serving the other members of Christ’s body?
In 1 John we read that genuine love for Christ is evidenced by genuine love for the church. As you seek to raise your children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord, teach them of the importance of the church.
Lord’s Day 21
54. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING “THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH”?
A. I believe that the Son of God through His Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for Himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.
55. Q. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY “THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS”?
A. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all His treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.
56. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING”THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS”?
A. I believe that God, because of Christ’s atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, in His grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgment.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
Put simply, Christianity is about Christ. The focus in the Scriptures is on Christ, and so it is appropriate that our church’s focus is on Christ and not the Spirit. Many churches drift into error as they focus their attention on the Spirit rather than Christ. Conversely, there are many in our conservative, evangelical camp that de-emphasize the work of the Spirit within the life of the believer. Both perspectives are misguided.
While the Heidelberg’s focus is on Christ, this week’s reading is particularly interested in the Holy Spirit. Even still, you will notice that much is said about Christ. Perhaps, as Kevin DeYoung reminds us in The Good News We Almost Forgot, it is the Spirit’s role to glorify Christ (Jn. 16:14). (pg. 103)
Q. 53 points to the Deity and the work of the Holy Spirit. As the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer. Those who have the Spirit have Christ; they are God’s people. God comforts His people by the Holy Spirit, and He will remain with them forever.
Lord’s Day 20
53. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING “THE HOLY SPIRIT”?
A. First, He, as well as the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, He has been given to me personally, so that, by true faith, He makes me share in Christ and all His blessings, comforts me, and remains with me forever.
While the Heidelberg’s focus is on Christ, this week’s reading is particularly interested in the Holy Spirit. Even still, you will notice that much is said about Christ. Perhaps, as Kevin DeYoung reminds us in The Good News We Almost Forgot, it is the Spirit’s role to glorify Christ (Jn. 16:14). (pg. 103)
Q. 53 points to the Deity and the work of the Holy Spirit. As the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer. Those who have the Spirit have Christ; they are God’s people. God comforts His people by the Holy Spirit, and He will remain with them forever.
Lord’s Day 20
53. Q. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE CONCERNING “THE HOLY SPIRIT”?
A. First, He, as well as the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, He has been given to me personally, so that, by true faith, He makes me share in Christ and all His blessings, comforts me, and remains with me forever.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
This morning at the gym, the group I was with was asked to do my least favorite exercise. This particular drill only takes one minute, but it is amazing how something so short in time can affect (think ruin) the rest of my day. After I completed aforementioned torture, I sat down for a breather. It was quite a discouraging rest though because I was looking up at the dry-erase board that listed at least 15 more exercises that remained. While I ended up skipping over a lot that was written, I did finally “complete” the workout and then sat down again. It is interesting how much better being seated felt in light of the reality that my task was over.
Though there are a variety of appropriate settings for sitting down (travel, occupation, lectures, portions of the worship service, etc.), it is often representative of completion. We are told in Hebrews 1 that Christ is seated for this very reason. Jesus is seated because all that we needed for salvation has been completed through his life, death, burial and resurrection. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. How wonderful it is to dwell on the fact that Christ is seated “at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb. 1:3b, ESV) because He accomplished what He came to do.
Read through Lord’s Day 19 below and spend some time dwelling on what Christ has accomplished for His glory and our good. Observe how the glory of Christ benefits us and why we “confidently await” His Second coming.
Lord’s Day 19
50. Q. WHY THE NEXT WORDS: “AND IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD”?
A. Christ ascended to heaven, there to show that He is head of His church, and that the Father rules all things through Him.
51. Q. HOW DOES THIS GLORY OF CHRIST OUR HEAD BENEFIT US?
A. First, through His Holy Spirit He pours out His gifts from heaven upon us His members. Second, by His power He defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.
52. Q. HOW DOES CHRIST’S RETURN “TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD” COMFORT YOU?
A. In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very One who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me. All His enemies and mine He will condemn to everlasting punishment: but me and all His chosen ones He will take along with Him into the joy and the glory of heaven.
Though there are a variety of appropriate settings for sitting down (travel, occupation, lectures, portions of the worship service, etc.), it is often representative of completion. We are told in Hebrews 1 that Christ is seated for this very reason. Jesus is seated because all that we needed for salvation has been completed through his life, death, burial and resurrection. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. How wonderful it is to dwell on the fact that Christ is seated “at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb. 1:3b, ESV) because He accomplished what He came to do.
Read through Lord’s Day 19 below and spend some time dwelling on what Christ has accomplished for His glory and our good. Observe how the glory of Christ benefits us and why we “confidently await” His Second coming.
Lord’s Day 19
50. Q. WHY THE NEXT WORDS: “AND IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD”?
A. Christ ascended to heaven, there to show that He is head of His church, and that the Father rules all things through Him.
51. Q. HOW DOES THIS GLORY OF CHRIST OUR HEAD BENEFIT US?
A. First, through His Holy Spirit He pours out His gifts from heaven upon us His members. Second, by His power He defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.
52. Q. HOW DOES CHRIST’S RETURN “TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD” COMFORT YOU?
A. In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very One who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me. All His enemies and mine He will condemn to everlasting punishment: but me and all His chosen ones He will take along with Him into the joy and the glory of heaven.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
So there I was, sitting in a room with 4 pastors present as well as 1 in Indiana tapped in via speakerphone. The occasion was my ordination examination. If I were to list my top 5 most nervous moments, this day would surely make the cut. Overall, the 2 hours (which seemed like 7) were relatively painless. However, there was one question that I was asked where I was literally unable to provide an answer.
The question dealt with the two natures of Christ. Is He presently in human form? If so, how is He present with us in Spirit?
...Silence ensued
...Crickets began to chirp
...Heart rate increased
I could have prevented this if I would have taken better notes on “the hypostatic union” in Systematic II (I knew that 8 am Monday morning schedule was a bad idea!), or I could have read through Lord’s Day 18 in the HC.
Today’s section reveals to us in a clear and helpful way the two natures (divinity and humanity) in the one person Jesus Christ, the God-Man.
Christ ascended into heaven, and He is presently at the right hand of the Father interceding as our Mediator. Moreover, Romans 8:9 teaches us that as believers we have the Spirit of Christ. Kevin DeYoung explains, “The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, proceeding from the Father and the Son. So where the Spirit is, there the Son is also.” So Christ ascended into heaven and is with us until the end of the age.
Observe;
Lord’s Day 18
46. Q. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY SAYING, “HE ASCENDED TO HEAVEN”?
A. That Christ, while His disciples watched, was lifted up from the earth to heaven and will be there for our good until He comes again to judge the living and the dead.
47. Q. BUT ISN’T CHRIST WITH US UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD AS HE PROMISED US?
A. Christ is truly human and truly God. In His human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in His divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit He is not absent from us for a moment.
48. Q. IF HIS HUMANITY IS NOT PRESENT WHEREVER HIS DIVINITY IS, THEN AREN’T THE TWO NATURES OF CHRIST SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER?
A. Certainly not. Since divinity is not limited and is present everywhere, it is evident that Christ’s divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity He has taken on, but at the same time His divinity is in and remains personally united to His humanity.
49. Q. HOW DOES CHRIST’S ASCENSION TO HEAVEN BENEFIT US?
A. First, He pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of His Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, His members, to Himself in heaven. Third, He sends His Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit’s power we make the goal of our lives, not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand.
The question dealt with the two natures of Christ. Is He presently in human form? If so, how is He present with us in Spirit?
...Silence ensued
...Crickets began to chirp
...Heart rate increased
I could have prevented this if I would have taken better notes on “the hypostatic union” in Systematic II (I knew that 8 am Monday morning schedule was a bad idea!), or I could have read through Lord’s Day 18 in the HC.
Today’s section reveals to us in a clear and helpful way the two natures (divinity and humanity) in the one person Jesus Christ, the God-Man.
Christ ascended into heaven, and He is presently at the right hand of the Father interceding as our Mediator. Moreover, Romans 8:9 teaches us that as believers we have the Spirit of Christ. Kevin DeYoung explains, “The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, proceeding from the Father and the Son. So where the Spirit is, there the Son is also.” So Christ ascended into heaven and is with us until the end of the age.
Observe;
Lord’s Day 18
46. Q. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY SAYING, “HE ASCENDED TO HEAVEN”?
A. That Christ, while His disciples watched, was lifted up from the earth to heaven and will be there for our good until He comes again to judge the living and the dead.
47. Q. BUT ISN’T CHRIST WITH US UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD AS HE PROMISED US?
A. Christ is truly human and truly God. In His human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in His divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit He is not absent from us for a moment.
48. Q. IF HIS HUMANITY IS NOT PRESENT WHEREVER HIS DIVINITY IS, THEN AREN’T THE TWO NATURES OF CHRIST SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER?
A. Certainly not. Since divinity is not limited and is present everywhere, it is evident that Christ’s divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity He has taken on, but at the same time His divinity is in and remains personally united to His humanity.
49. Q. HOW DOES CHRIST’S ASCENSION TO HEAVEN BENEFIT US?
A. First, He pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of His Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, His members, to Himself in heaven. Third, He sends His Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit’s power we make the goal of our lives, not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)