"Sovereign Grace & the Glorious Mystery of Election"

Nothing like opening a can of worms on this beautiful Tuesday!

So... I just finished reading a short booklet produced by Sovereign Grace Ministries called, "Sovereign Grace & the Glorious Mystery of Election" by CJ Mahaney. It is one in the "Perspectives" series: "Reflections on Doctrine & Practice in the Local Church." I found it incredibly encouraging & insightful.

First, I don't presume that anyone can understand the full mind of God. I am only offering insight into something that has made a major impact upon me personally; my view of God has drastically increased & my view of self is slowly diminishing.

As CJ states, "as soon as we encounter it (election), we must all acknowledge we that we are in way over our heads." For those unfamiliar with the doctrine of election, the issue that needs clarification is how to reconcile the role of God's sovereignty with human responsibility in salvation.

There are many reasons why this doctrine is important. Without going into too much detail, I will explain how I was brought to my conclusion. For my first several years after conversion, I was convinced that I played a major role in my coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Essentially, I believed that I chose to follow Christ based upon my excellent ability to make the wise choice. The fruit of this was pride & a spirit of superiority in my life. And why not? Clearly, those who are 'saved' are superior & make wise decisions... hmmm. Wrong!

As I have grown in understanding of who God is, I have been humbled by my depravity & lack of discipline to be morally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, & physically perfect. My pride has taken a hit! I now better understand that I am quite insignificant in the grand scheme of things. There is no room for arrogance in the Gospel.

I began to grapple with my role in salvation a few years ago. I wondered to myself, "Christians say we are saved by grace through faith & that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God (see Ephesians 2)." But there is an awfully large amount of emphasis put on 'making a decision,' 'getting right with God,' & etc. I think I realized that many of us would say we are saved through faith but not realize the source of our faith, God. Because, if it were our faith (or our prayer or realization), that too would be a 'work.' Yet, I have heard countless times taught by well-meaning teachers a theology of salvation through works.

And the terminology throughout Scripture clarifies that we are 'dead in sin.' I don't think that dead people can make themselves alive. Further, I don't know of any who can make themselves 'born again.' And we know that no one can come unto the Father except by the Holy Spirit's drawing. As you can see, my view of self in salvation is diminishing. I began to realize that the theological roads I was traveling eventually led to unbiblical thought. For example, I concluded that Christ's atoning work on the cross was sufficient for all mankind, but clearly it wasn't efficient for all man. It is only efficient for those who trust & believe. Otherwise, we would be universalists.

I am quite certain that if Christ had not chosen me, I wouldn't have chosen Him. I am reminded, "there are none who seek God, no not one." I imagine this is tough for those who grew up in the church who have always been around 'the things of God.' But, I need reminding too, in my sin I was "actively & arrogantly hostile & opposed" to God.

All this to say... I had no merit in my salvation.

One of the pastors (Matthew Lindsey) at my church taught on the doctrine of election the other day in a small group. I think his illustration was wise:
Every month, he takes each individual daughter out on a daddy/daughter date. He always knows where the date is going to end... with ice cream! After dinner, he asks his daughter, "What do you want to do now?" Without hesitation she responds as usual, "Let's get ice cream." So... they head over to get ice cream. Without fail, his daughter always gets her favorite flavor & all is well & good. But... what his daughter doesn't know is that he has already made provisions for the entire date night. He planned the restaurant, the ice cream, etc. He worked the job that paid for the date, arranged the child care so they could go out, made sure the restaurant & ice cream shop were open, etc. Yet, the daughter thinks it was her idea to have ice cream! She doesn't realize all of the details that go into arranging for her to have ice cream. All she knows is that she loves the ice cream that her daddy gets her.

Don't you sometimes think that this is how God calls us to faith? I find great assurance that "He chose us in him before the foundation of the world." Friends, I imagine that there is so much behind the scenes that led me to initial faith in Christ; it produces an awe in me! "God intentially designed salvation so that no man could boast of it... he planned it so that boasting would be absolutely excluded," says Mark Webb.

To ask the question, "who is God's elect" is to miss the point. Mahaney states, "Election is an after-the-experience explanation of your conversion." It should produce in us a holy gratefulness & worship to/of God. "Knowing that our salvation was fundamentally accomplished by God rather than ourselves," says Mahaney, "fuels our confidence & builds our faith to see others regenerated."

I would hope that this brief snippet would prove insightful to some. I am not trying to sell my perspective or view but simply testify of what I personally believe the Lord Jesus has taught me. Therefore, I welcome your comments, insight, rebuttal, etc. My high view of self is constantly being challenged & I am thankful. Thank God for His being infinitely more glorious than I imagnine!

The Mentoring Project

Final Father's Day Campaign Video from The Mentoring Project on Vimeo.

Advance '09

This morning has been quite refreshing as I am finishing up on a few design projects, so I went to the Desiring God website & have been listening to the audio from Advance '09. I thought it to benefit you if you went & listened as well.

Here is the link: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/45/

So far, I have been particularly convicted & informed by Mark Driscoll's message, Ministry Idolatry. As well, Bryan Chapell's message on Communicating the Gospel through Preaching was enlightening as he spoke to several common errors when approaching the text. He outlines several purposes of Scripture all pointing to the perfect One, Jesus. It will cause you to reevaluate your study or give you desire to study. And, Matt Chandler's candid message should sober the proud.

Do yourself great service & go listen.

You Don't Know the Half of It

It is well-known that in his writings in table conversation [Martin] Luther would often refer to visits from the Devil, how the Devil would come to him and whisper in his ear, accusing him of all manner of filthy sin: "Martin, you are a liar, greedy, lecherous, a blasphemer, a hypocrite. You cannot stand before God." To which Luther would respond: "Well, yes, I am. And, indeed, Satan, you do not know the half of it. I have done much worse than that and if you care to give me your full list, I can no doubt add to it and help make it more complete. But you know what? My Saviour has died for all my sins - those you mention, those I could add and, indeed, those I have committed but am so wicked that I am unaware of having done so. It does not change the fact that Christ has died for all of them; his blood is sufficient; and on the Day of Judgment I shall be exonerated because he has taken all my sins on himself and clothed me in his own perfect righteousness." (From Carl Trueman in http://www.reformation21.org/counterpoints/wages-of-spin/thank-god-for-bandit-country.php)

via Jim Boling

A Reminder: The Difference b/n Principle & Practice

We were reminded yesterday of the importance of knowing how to distinguish between principle & practice. Thanks to Jeff Hodgson for his insight. I know I have mentioned this before, but it is a great personal reminder.

Principle says, "this is the way it ought to be."
Practice says, "there are a number of ways to carry out the principle."

In our corporate worship service, we are exploring together the letters written to the church at Corinth. Currently we are in Chapter 7:17-ff. Yet this section can be difficult if not taken into perspective. I would like to offer some insight.

In verse 32, Paul begins an argument for celibacy. It is his preference that those who are unmarried would remain single, so that they be "concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord" (v. 32). His motive bursts forth in v. 35, "This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate & to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord."

Here is where we see that the principle of being devoted to the Lord leads Paul to adopt the practice & preference of celibacy. But, we must be reminded that he points out their liberty towards practice, "but if you marry, you have not sinned" (v. 28). Paul attempts to help us avoid overemphasizing practice & reminds us to look at the principle.

A few quotes worth mentioning: (my paraphrase)

• "Jesus has inaugurated an eternal kingdom & it should be at the forefront of our minds."
  
• "Nothing should take precedence over that which is of utmost importance--the gospel."
• "Everything is different because of the gospel; everything should be viewed through the lens of the gospel."
  
• "We shouldn't try to find heaven in anything other than Him" (e.g. marriage, money, success, jobs)
• "This life should not be allowed to be the supreme thing in our lives."

This is another reminder to those of us who are recovering legalists who tend to emphasize the practice over the principle. Whether you homeschool & believe it is the only way to educate your children, or your wife stays at home as the homemaker, or you avoid restaurants that serve alcohol, or you listen only to worship music, or you don't "braid your hair, wear gold jewelry, or put on dresses" (note: men, I hope none of you are putting on dresses!), or you are careful to be present at church on every day that ends in "y" being careful not to "forsake the assembling," or you boycott Disney & reality television................ remember the principle.

And, the guiding principle should always be "to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord."

Ouch!

via Timmy Brister

Questions for the Couples

Last night Joy & I attended our first care group at the church (www.cornerstonechurchofknoxville.com) we've been visiting for the last few months. Mike & Kay Simmons were gracious enough to serve us by keeping our little man, Brennan. David & Emilee Stanley welcomed us into their home along with several other couples who regularly attend the care group. Apparently last night's format was slightly different than normal, but it was very encouraging & quite humorous to say the least. Most of the couples were able to attend the marriage conference led by Gary & Betsy Ricucci, authors of Love that Lasts. Last night's care group was an opportunity to lead us into practice what we learned from the seminar. There was great discussion & I thought I would offer the questions that were discussed. I believe it would benefit any couples out there to consider these questions with your spouse, but do so through the lens of the gospel.

• What is one area of conflict in your marriage that is unresolved and/or continues to come up time and again?
• Where am I harboring bitterness/resentment towards my spouse for past sin/disappointments?
• Where would I be more aware of sin in my spouse than of grace?
• What is one sin that I’ve not asked my spouse for forgiveness? What is keeping me from asking forgiveness right now?
• Ask your spouse—What is one area you would like me to grow in this season of life?
  

It the past I think these questions would've led to anger/bitterness, etc. in our marriage. Yet, last night as we discussed them prior to the care group, it seems that we both have grown significantly as we are learning how to view each other in the light of our sinfulness & the grace extended to us through Christ. He who has been forgiven much, loves much!

A Wonderful Surprise!

When my wife asked what I wanted for Christmas this past year, I gave her a list of several books that I have been wanting. On the list was Dallas Willard's new book, Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge. Well, I didn't receive it for Christmas but just figured it was because we were on such a strict budget. Until... last Wednesday we were headed to lunch with my dad & stopped at the mailbox & to my surprise was a package for Joy. She opened it & it was the book. Apparently it had not been released yet & Amazon shipped it when it came in stock.

So... I have read only 2 chapters but they have been great! I do warn you that this is not a devotional book. Willard states, "it will require considerable mental effort to understand." He was right. May I let you in on a few things that stood out to me during the Introduction.

The thesis of the book is stated in the introduction: "This book is about knowledge & about claims to knowledge in relationship to life & the Christian faith. It is concerned, more precisely, with the trivialization of faith apart from knowledge & with the disastrous effects of a repositioning of faith in Jesus Christ, & of life as his students, outside the category of knowledge" (1).

Willard's argument via my paraphrase is this: Christians have gone to church but left their minds at the door. He states, "This means that Christian teachers are left in the position of trying to coax & wheedle people into professing things & doing things by some means other than providing them knowledge of reality--hoping, perhaps, for "divine lightning" to strick their souls & bring them around" (2).

I especially benefit from Willard's argument that Christianity expresses a coherent philosophical system & intransigent historical claims. "A life of steadfast discipleship to Jesus Christ," Willard states," can be supported only upon assured knowledge of how things are, of the realities in terms of which that life is lived" (7).

He ends his introduction with a wonderfully fitting quote by C.S. Lewis,
"God has room for people with very little sense, but He wants everyone to use what sense they have. The proper motto is not 'Be good, sweet maid, & let who can be clever,' but 'Be good, sweet maid, & don't forget that this involves being as clever as you can.' God is no fonder of intellectual slackers than of any other slackers. If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains & all... One reason why it needs no special education to be a Christian is that Christianity is an education itself" (11).

So far I have been highly encouraged by this book as it calls each of us to a higher level of pursuit of God. Willard seems to well support the Lord's claim in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

Stay tuned as I delve deeper into Knowing Christ Today.