Packer on the Centrality of the Cross
March 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Joe,
Here’s another good quote from Living the Cross-Centered Life, this one from J.I. Packer:
“The traveler through the Bible landscape misses his way as soon as he loses sight of the hill called Calvary.”
The whole of God’s Word is intended to lead us to marvel at and cherish the Cross. If we do not understand the Cross, we can understand nothing that the Bible speaks of.
Larry
Short Articles
March 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Erin,
Lest we miss a day, here is a short article that is probably worth referring to in the future. His opening line is a good one to say the least! Also, here is another one that is worth reading. If nothing else, as parents, we need to be reminded of the same truths over and over. And naturally, this is a lesson for all of life. I am thankful that the Bible serves to do that every single day!
Seeking Him with you,
Joe
Mahaney and the Atonement
March 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Joe,
I’m not sure if you plan to get back to me on that Christianity Today article I posted yesterday. In the meantime, I hope I don’t lay too much on you but I thought I would send some recent musings of mine your way.
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I just finished re-reading C.J. Mahaney’s Living the Cross-Centered Life. What a great book! This is actually the third time I have read it, and upon this reading I decided to make this book a quarterly read. I don’t mean to elevate the book too highly, so as to exalt it above Scripture by any means. But the book’s length, readability, vividness and practicality make this book’s message one that I believe I need to be inundated with on a regular basis. Even in the Church, we are not Gospel-saturated, and that is a great shame. So I’ve already written in my day planner for July 1st, ‘Read Living the Cross Centered Life’.
That said, I thought I would post a couple of quotes from a chapter in the book that I was confused by. Either I am confused, or Mahaney did not choose his words carefully enough, or I may just disagree with him. I thought it would be good for the two of us to kick around these two quotes so I can try to come to a better understanding of what Mahaney is saying. They relate to his understanding of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross.
On page 91, Mahaney writes, “[On the Cross, Jesus] is being made to experience the full fury of the wrath of God — the intense, righteous hatred of God for sin, a wrath that has been stored up beginning with Adam’s sin and extending to all of your sin and mine, and to all the sin to the end of this world’s history.”
Here’s what I am questioning: is Mahaney saying that on the Cross Jesus bore God’s wrath against all the sin that has ever been committed in the world’s history? If so, then it seems like he is including the sins of unbelievers as well. But if Jesus bore the wrath of all the sin in the history of the world (for both believers and unbelievers), then it’s my understanding that no one would go to hell. Because the only thing that will send them to hell is unforgiven sin. What do you think? Am I mis-reading Mahaney, or does he seem to be suggesting that all of God’s wrath against human sin was absorbed by Jesus on the Cross?
Had it just been this one quote, I may have suspected that I simply was not tracking with Mahaney’s thought process. But on the next page Mahaney says something else that I’m unclear about: “[Jesus is] experiencing on the Cross what no one in human history ever has or ever will experience. He’s receiving what you and I should be receiving — His Father’s full and furious wrath.”
Again, I am unclear of what Mahaney means when he says that on the Cross Jesus experienced what no one in human history ever has or ever will experience. Jesus bore God’s wrath on the Cross to rescue people from the pouring out of that wrath on them in hell. So my understanding from this quote is that Mahaney is saying that no one in history (believer or unbeliever) will ever receive God’s full and furious wrath. But isn’t that exactly what all unbelievers will receive in hell?
Obviously I know that C.J. Mahaney is not a universalist, believing that all people go to heaven. He believes in hell and knows that all who do not receive Christ will go there. So help me, brother, to understand what he may mean by these quotes. What am I not understanding? Or do you thinking that I am understanding him, and I simply disagree with him on what Jesus accomplished on the Cross. Because I do not believe that Jesus bore the punishment for all the sins committed in the history of the world; rather, I believe that He bore the punishment of all the sins of those who believe on the Cross…leaving the unbelieving to justly bear God’s wrath against their sin in hell.
These are incredibly weighty matters, ones that need more engagement than mere intellectual understanding. But I am writing this first to try to come to a correct understanding of these things, so that my emotions can be shaped by Truth.
And let me closing by stressing again that even if I disagree with Mahaney about this point, I love this book and would not hesitate to recommend it. Nevertheless, because I do love it so much, I strongly desire to understand what he means on every page.
Curious to hear back from you on all this,
Larry
Paul Tripp on Psalm 51
March 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
Rather than making a long post about now, I am going to read through some of Paul Tripp’s posts on Psalm 51. I saw that Justin Taylor recommended it on his blog a bit back and I’m thinking I need to read them. Of course, I could always use some meditations on the Lord’s mercy, but as of the late, the gospel is becoming increasingly precious to me. I hope I won’t be the only one reading!
Until later,
Joe
Tuesday Morning Prayer
March 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. (Psalm 118:6-7)
Oh Lord, grant us faith to believe this magnificent truth: that You are for us. How often we allow guilt and condemnation to hinder our fellowship with You, believing that You are angry with us and that we can never please You. In the flesh, we cannot please You; we are condemned. But Christ offered Himself as our substitute, so that Your wrath could be removed from us and we could approach You boldly, with confidence. If not for the shed blood of Christ, we could never say that You are on our side. But because of the atonement You have made at the Cross, we can live daily in the confidence that the Creator of the universe is on our side. You are our helper. Grant that we would marvel at the Cross this day, Lord, which has turned us from Your enemy to Your beloved.
Larry
Hearing God’s Voice
March 26, 2007 | 5 Comments
Joe,
Michelle and I are headed out for an early dinner, but I thought I would post a quick one before we take off.
This article appeared in the last issue of Christianity Today, and it has caused a bit of a buzz because John Piper wrote a response to it that was less than flattering of this anonymous article’s “angle” on hearing God’s voice. I don’t believe either of us has posted Piper’s response, so I thought it would be best to give this article a read first and then evaluate it and Piper’s response. For now, let’s check this one out and give me some thoughts on it tomorrow, especially if you haven’t read Piper’s article yet.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Larry
Beware of Nice Heretics
March 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Joe,
I have to say I got a chuckle out of your ‘Trinity Joke’ that you posted earlier this morning. But in seriousness, it made me remember that, while I am certainly passionate that God’s people press on to know Him in increasing clarity, there comes a time when His truth is meant to drop us to our faces in hushed worship rather than wax eloquently about unsearchable mysteries.
That said, let me stress again that I long for God’s people to press on to know Him more and more. I think in our day the bigger danger in the Church is not waxing eloquently about complex issues, but rather apathetic resignation that God’s truth cannot be discerned by ‘ordinary’ people. Such a mentality is I believe an insult to the Lord, and a violation of the greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind.
When we throw our hands up and act like we simply can’t understand God’s revelation of Himself, the inevitable result is the abandonment of orthodox Christian teaching. This is a subtle process which the average person will probably not notice, and serves to remind me how important it is to have shepherds who have a discerning eye and can distinguish truth from error (Acts 20:28ff). For those who dispense error appear often times to be great men of God. Writing about Arius, the 4th century heretic who denied the deity of Jesus Christ, Parker Williamson writes:
“Here was a bright, energetic, attractive fellow, the kind of citizen whom any Rotary Club would welcome. Singing sea chanties in dockside pubs and teaching Bible stories to the Wednesday night faithful, this was an immensely popular man. His story reminds us that heresy does not bludgeon us into belief. We are seduced.”
At the end of Romans, Paul wrote, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” We must beware of those who would lead us astray from the sound, apostolic teaching that has been preserved for us in Holy Scripture. For those who lead God’s people astray will not bludgeon us into heresy; they will seduce us. Be cautious not to evaluate a teacher by whether he is nice, or funny, or passionate. Be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), who examined everything they were taught in light of the whole counsel of God.
Longing for the kind of unity that arises out of doctrinal purity and love for the Truth,
Larry
Trinity Joke
March 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
I’m behind today with a few more appointments than usual (besides 2 practices). Now, the title of this post might seem to be a blasphemous contradiction, but let me know what you think about this one. I think there may be room to enjoy it. I’ll explain why at the end.
“Jesus said, Whom do men say that I am?
And his disciples answered and said, Some say you are John the Baptist returned from the dead; others say Elias, or other of the old prophets.
And Jesus answered and said, But whom do you say that I am?
Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Logos, existing in the Father as His rationality and then, by an act of His will, being generated, in consideration of the various functions by which God is related to his creation, but only on the fact that Scripture speaks of a Father, and a Son, and a Holy Spirit, each member of the Trinity being coequal with every other member, and each acting inseparably with and interpenetrating every other member, with only an economic subordination within God, but causing no division which would make the substance no longer simple.”
And Jesus answering, said, “What?”
The reason I thought the Lord might also laugh at this one is because while I was doing some reading on the Trinity over the weekend, I kept thinking to myself: “I wonder how we will explain things in Heaven. No matter how much we say, we are barely scratching the surface of such glory and grandeur!” Maybe the Lord hears our theological explanations and says, “Huh?”
Now, that is not to say that I don’t think we are faithful. It is just to emphasize the fact that no matter what we might say, the Lord is still up there saying, “Just wait until you get here!” I can’t wait!
Seeking Him in all His Trinitarian glory with you,
Joe
Monday Morning Prayer
March 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
1 “Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David. (Isaiah 55:1-3)
Forgive us, Father, for the times when we have contented ourselves on that which does not satisfy. As Augustine prayed, our hearts are restless until they rest in You. You are the Fountain of Living Waters, the satisfaction of our souls’ deepest desires. Forbid that we should labor for things which do not satisfy. Your invitation is that we come to You, and find in You the richest of fare, food and drink for our inner being. Fill us with that deep and unquenchable thirst that only You can satisfy, and make us run to You this day for all that our souls need.
Larry
Preaching and Application
March 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I say “Amen” to this 3-minute clip on the use of application in preaching. As one who preaches, I hear often about the need to be practical and the importance of giving application for my hearers. I certainly understand the sentiment, and there can be great value in such practical examples. But this clip presents another way to think about things, a way that has been foundational in my preaching and in my living. And it’s biblical; see 2 Corinthians 3:18!
Larry
Sunday Quote
March 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
From David Wells’ No Place for Truth:
“The loss of the traditional vision of God as holy is now manifested everywhere in the evangelical world. It is the key to understanding why sin and grace have become such empty terms. What depth or meaning, P.T. Forsyth asked, can these terms have except in relation to the holiness of God? Divorced from the holiness of God, sin is merely self-defeating behavior or a breach in etiquette. Divorced from the holiness of God, grace is merely empty rhetoric, pious window dressing for the modern technique by which sinners work out their own salvation. Divorced from the holiness of God, our gospel becomes indistinguishable from any of a host of alternative self-help doctrines. Divorced from the holiness of God, our public morality is reduced to little more than an accumulation of trade-offs between competing private interests. Divorced from the holiness of God, our worship becomes mere entertainment. The holiness of God is the very cornerstone of Christian faith, for it is the foundation of reality. Sin is defiance of God’s holiness, the Cross is the outworking and victory of God’s holiness, and faith is the recognition of God’s holiness. Knowing that God is holy is therefore the key to knowing life as it truly is, knowing Christ as he truly is, knowing why he came, and knowing how life will end.”
Lord, give us grace to press on to know You, the Holy One,
Larry
Sabbath Quote
March 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Erin,
This is a lengthy quote from Andreas Köstenberger, but it’s very good. It is probably the best thing that has been said here so far! Also, for more from him (and he is a good one to visit), visit his website, www.biblicalfoundations.org.
“A proper approach to parenting needs to leave adequate room for the relational component in parenting. Christian parenting should be undergirded by wisdom derived from meditation on Scripture, the filing of the Holy Spirit, advice from others (this is where quality literature on parenting can be very helpful if it is balanced and based on biblical principles), and relational experience with the child. Ultimately, we should be careful not to rely on any one human method that, no matter how biblical it may claim to be, is always one step removed from the Bible. Our supreme trust should be in God and in his Word, and we must humbly acknowledge that our understanding of Scripture is not to be equated with the teaching of Scripture itself.
In this relationship of parenting, there must be a balance of unconditional love, spiritual nurture, and discipline (Eph. 6:4) in a context of discipleship and Christian growth (2 Pet. 3:18). Biblical parenting requires that parents understand are not merely disobedient, they are also sinful, and they are disobedient because they are sinful. Hence, children ultimately need salvation, not merely parental discipline. Moreover, as mentioned, children are also “simple” in the scriptural meaning of that term (see Prov. 1:22), which requires parental instruction, training, and constant cultivation, much like a garden needs to be tended continually and consistently.
Parents, too, are sinners, and so must guard against putting their own interests above those of their children. Are they concerned that their children disobey in public simply because this causes them embarrassment? Do they want them to do well in school simply because this brings prestige and recognition for them as parents? Do they want them to choose a particular career or to choose a particular mate because this renders them socially more acceptable or desirable? Do they make decisions regarding their children’s education primarily on the basis of their own convenience daycare, babysitters, grandparents, etc.) rather than on the basis of what is best for their children?”
Great Ending
March 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
Here’s that 45 seconds of great basketball you mentioned. It is an amazing ending for sure! We can definitely think some kingdom thoughts after that one!
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=0WzmQmz9Kdc]
Sunday Morning Prayer
March 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
“22 You worship what you do not know…”(John 4:22)
It is frightening, Lord, to think that these words spoken to the Samaritan woman at the well could easily be spoken now to vast amounts of the professing Church. We have minimized and belittled proper thinking about You, so that the God who is lifted up in many circles bears hardly any resemblance of You. You are seeking worshipers who will worship You in spirit in truth. To have strong affections for You but to think low and unbiblical thoughts of You is not to worship You as You deserve to be worshiped. Silence the voice of those who say that doctrine is unimportant, and love is all that matters. We cannot love You nor others without a right knowledge of You. Make our knowledge of You increase, Father; not so that we would be intellectually proud of our great thinking, but so that we would love You and others all the more passionately.
Larry
Recommendations
March 24, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Lar,
Quick thoughts for today. First, thanks for the Mahaney quote. The Lord is doing a mighty work in my heart with the gospel. I feel like I am just starting to ‘get it’ –as if for the first time. I have continually said that the Lord uses the same message to save and to sanctify His people. I understood the first, but the last is increasingly becoming more real to me. It is freeing indeed!
I mentioned yesterday that I would make recommendations today for Biblical Theology and Heaven.
Regarding the first, God’s Big Picture by Vaughn Roberts is the simplest read and a must for every Christian in my opinion. If you read it, you will walk away with a much better understanding of the Bible and a greater vision of Jesus. And who doesn’t want that?! I know I have recommended this book before, but hearing it again definitely won’t hurt!
The second book on Heaven is Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I think you will agree with me that this book should probably be on every Christian’s top ten list! You will not see the world the same.
For a more extended list, here is the link to SHM’s suggested reading. Just look up the respective topics and you will end up with more than you can read in a year! I would say more, but today is Saturday and a good day for a short post.
Peace brother,
Joe
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Joe's Current Book
Larry's Current Book
