Thinking Deep to Love Deep

November 30, 2006

Lar,

I definitely liked that comic. I didn’t know you were into the comics section of the newspaper. I am thinking you aren’t, but it’s all good. Although I did get a kick out of that short comic strip, a serious thought did cross my mind (serious dude that I am). The thought was simply that the comic strip represents many Christians–indeed, too many Christians.

The young man responds to the question by saying simply, “Too deep.” Now, that is funny for a comic strip, but in the real life it is by no means a good thing. We live in something of an anti-intellectual age today. And this anti-intellectualism has most surely invaded the church. People (sadly even leaders) try to say that we need more love rather than doctrine. The disturbing thing about such a comment is that it is misleading, for the reality is that you can’t separate the two. Love without accurate theological convictions regarding sin and the Savior (to name a central few) is mere surface benevolence. Without a desire to point people to Jesus, the true Jesus revealed in Scripture (which requires doctrine of course!), how can we do anyone any real good? Doctrinal convictions must serve to stir us to service–and not just any service, but service that points people to the Savior.

Anyhow, back to that question of free will and predestination. Some might ask: why does it matter? I could give many reasons, but I believe the central reason why such a huge question matters is because the tough answers to that huge question serve to reveal our Huge God. In particular the doctrine of election serves such an end. Indeed, it serves the end of love, but revealing more of the One we ought to love with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we begin to see and revere the God who holds every human destiny in His hand, our hearts should enlarge to the farthest reaches of the earth and break for all who do not know and love and enjoy Him through Jesus Christ. To miss out on the pleasure of admiring the free, sovereign, gracious, infinitely full God as revealed in the doctrine of election is to miss out on the power that comes from admiring such a One. Indeed, it is to miss out on the Source of all true love. For love to others apart from love to God is empty and shallow. True love does what is best for others. And if what is best for others is Jesus Christ, there must be an accurate knowledge and admiration for His Person. Such knowledge comes through sound doctrine.

I’m shooting from the hip here as you might be able to tell, but I am confident you know what I am trying to say (along with a few others who know me well). I hope the rest of our readers can understand me as well and most importantly, understand that my aim is not to lift up doctrine as an end, but an ordained means to the greatest end of loving and delighting in the Most High God. He is the One we live for brother. May we study with a view towards igniting the fires of our hearts. May the Spirit come and grant such mercies.

Thinking with a view towards overwhelming admiration of our great God,

Joe

Posted by Joe | Filed Under Random Musings