Pre-Trib Rapture Rebuttal to DeMar
I am not the final expert on any doctrinal discussion. And I do not claim to be even the best apologist for a doctrine, particularly the pre-tribulation rapture. But I have just read an article that made some obviously erroneous statements and I can answer them.
(Link to the actual article. Gary DeMar) A quick overview of his point is that in Daniel 9:24-27 there is no gap between the 69th and the 70th week. And here is his exact statement. I’m surprised that an entire chapter is not devoted to the key factor that makes any of the rapture positions work. If the 70th week (7 years) of Daniel follows the other 69 weeks (483) without a gap in time that has now stretched to nearly 2000 years, then there is no reason to believe their understanding of the ‘rapture’ is biblical.
They also must demonstrate from Scripture that “the antichrist enters into a seven-year treaty or covenant with Israel” and so much more. You don’t need to be a biblical scholar to see that there is no mention of a gap in the prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27) or an antichrist who makes a covenant with the Jews. Read the passage for yourself.
Before we look at his specific statement, consider his first statement. There was no “chapter” devoted to proving the gap between 69 and 70. I am surprised that he did not devote a chapter to his claim of no gap. He just assumed it. So let’s take his advice and look at the actual text.
Daniel 9:24-27
24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place. 25 So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. 26 Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. 27 And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”
For sake of brevity, we will jump to the 69th year. Verse 26 says the Messiah will be cut off. Notice the timing: “...after the 62 weeks.” (Explanation, there was a 7 year period added in v. 25). So Messiah is cut off BEFORE the 70th week starts. This will be evident in a minute.
Back to the narrative: Messiah is cut off. Then “the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” Question, who destroyed the city and the sanctuary? Titus the Roman did it in AD 70. This was what Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:2, Mark 13:2, Luke 19:44, and Luke 21:6. So the cutting off is followed by the destruction of the city–in AD 70. This seems to indicate a gap.
Then verse 27 begins the final seven year period. It has a seven year treaty being made with Israel, which is broken at the three and one half year mark. Notice first who breaks the treaty and that this occurs AFTER the Messiah is cut off. His time line shows Jesus being “cut off” and crucified at the 3.5 year mark.
I would suggest that he needs a chapter to explain that discrepancy. DeMar extends the time line by saying that it concluded with Peter taking the Gospel to the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house. (Acts 10) This is dated about AD 40 or 41, which is seven or eight years past the beginning of the church, and past the final 3.5 year extension of the 70th week according to his evaluation.
Now re-examine v. 27. This “cutting off” seems to be effected by the treaty maker.
... in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.
Granted, Jesus did “stop,” by satisfying the need for, the sacrifice and offering. But the literal sacrifices continued until AD 70 as noted above. And Jesus certainly did not usher in the “one who makes desolate.”
The chronology proposed by DeMar fails to match Daniel, does not portray events as they happened, and puts Jesus into the role of facilitating the coming of the anti-Christ, who, by the way has not yet appeared historically, as far as we can tell.* Finally, we skipped the first verse which outlined the purpose of the 490 year time line. There are six or seven (depending on how you count) specific results. The end of the 70 weeks does not fulfill any of those if we use DeMar’s evaluation.
(*Disclaimer: some do equate Nero with the anti-Christ. Easily disproved. Nero died in AD 68 and the destruction of the city was two years later. After the destruction, the events in v. 27 occur. Nero is dead, or “tot” in German. He was not AC.)
DeMar might need more than a chapter to reconcile all of the problems with his interpretation. (His final explanation is appended now.) His contention of "no gap" seems to have some pretty big gaps in it.
Jesus’ ministry begins at the beginning of the 70th week (7 years) that follows directly after the 69th week (483 years). Jesus is “cut off” in the middle of the week by crucifixion but not before He (not the Antichrist) “makes a covenant” with “the many” (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 26:26-28). The following 3.5 years of the 70th week when the gospel is embraced by Jews “from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5-11; also see 2:14, 22, 39, 47; 4:4; 5:11, 14). The 70th week ends when Peter receives instructions by God to take the gospel to the Gentiles (nations) who are grafted into an already growing body of Jewish believers. There is no mention of a gap in time or a need for one. (END QUOTE)
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Significant Saturday
We celebrate Resurrection Sunday and revere Crucifixion Friday. But most often we just ignore Saturday, the in between day. And why should we pay attention to it? Is there any significance to this day, or is it just a pause or dash between the days of action. The Final Four tournament plays the semifinal games on Saturday and the finals on Monday. The “in between day” is just a time for sports fans to rest up for the big event. Ironically, the “in between day” is Easter this year. But I digress.
Saturday was basically a time to wait. Luke 26:56 reports the activities of the women who followed Jesus:
Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
For Christ’s followers, the Sabbath, though a day for worship traditionally, seemed to just be a day of waiting. Notice that the “commandment” was to rest.
Charles Swindoll suggested some ideas about “Saturday activities.” I am copying some of his ideas.
The first thing that the Bible mentions as Saturday activities was the chief priests and the Pharisees gathering with Pilate. (Matthew 27:62) Have you ever thought of that? The CP and P were engaging in activity on the SABBATH! And look at the activity.
First, they met with the Roman ruler of Jerusalem. I am not sure if the “commandment” addressed that activity, but I would be pretty sure, based on the Sabbath regulations that had been promulgated over the years, that they somehow violated the the sacred day. And notice their appeal to Pilate. (Matthew 27:63)
“Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’”
Is it not significant that they recalled, and believed what Jesus said? The disciples and other followers seemed to be oblivious of this promise/prediction. Either they forgot or disregarded the promise. And here comes the Sabbath activity of the CP and P. (Matthew 27:64)
“Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
Well, had they merely limited their Sabbath activity to this request, it is possible that they would have been “in compliance.” But look at their subsequent activity. (V. 66)
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
Notice who is conducting the “work.”
Well, the observation of the Sabbath seems to be limited to when Jesus was doing things that they opposed–like healing sick people. But I digress. Dr. Swindoll added a perspective that I had not previously considered.
The guard that they set to insure that no one took the body out most assuredly became eye-witnesses of the resurrection. You know that they did not “sleep.” The penalty for such dereliction of duty was summary execution. They were wide awake, but they probably feared that they were dreaming or having a vision. They might even have thought it was a hallucination.
But as the Risen Christ walked through the stone walls, I would imagine that, being a courteous Jew, Jesus hailed them, “Hi, guys! Wonderful day for a resurrection, isn’t it?” They witnessed this astounding event. They also saw the angel roll the stone away. (28:2-4)
And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
Here is where they were “asleep.”
Later on, (v. 11-15) they reported to the chief priests and Pharisees what had happened. Now how could they have told the CP and P what happened if they had not seen it? There were four witnesses to the resurrection that are never appealed to by apologists.
Incidentally, they were given the excuse that they “fell asleep” and the disciples stole the body. First, how could they know it really was the disciples if they were asleep? As Swindoll said, “Sleeping witnesses do not produce believable testimony.”
But the CP and P did offer a significant benefit to the fledgling Church. There were at least four witnesses to this resurrection. Swindoll further speculates that perhaps one of the four were in the guard detail which accompanied Saul to Damascus for his fateful encounter with the same risen Lord. Proof could be in verse 7 of Acts 9.
The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
The Sunday events may have returned to his or their minds. This was just a few years later.
Why would Matthew include such seemingly mundane details? First, to explain how the CP and P were able to generate the fiction of body piracy. Without the soldiers in place, they would have had no evidence to support that. Ironically, the “evidence” most probably confirmed the resurrection and perhaps even contributed to Saul/Paul’s conversion.
Saturday is significant, even when it is just a day of waiting. HE is risen!
In case you do not get to hear this song this Easter, here is an extra bonus.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=he%27s+alive&view=detail&mid=8BDCDACA24298934F9668BDCDACA24298934F966&FORM=VIRE
He is risen, indeed! Amen! Hallelujah!
Saturday was basically a time to wait. Luke 26:56 reports the activities of the women who followed Jesus:
Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
For Christ’s followers, the Sabbath, though a day for worship traditionally, seemed to just be a day of waiting. Notice that the “commandment” was to rest.
Charles Swindoll suggested some ideas about “Saturday activities.” I am copying some of his ideas.
The first thing that the Bible mentions as Saturday activities was the chief priests and the Pharisees gathering with Pilate. (Matthew 27:62) Have you ever thought of that? The CP and P were engaging in activity on the SABBATH! And look at the activity.
First, they met with the Roman ruler of Jerusalem. I am not sure if the “commandment” addressed that activity, but I would be pretty sure, based on the Sabbath regulations that had been promulgated over the years, that they somehow violated the the sacred day. And notice their appeal to Pilate. (Matthew 27:63)
“Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’”
Is it not significant that they recalled, and believed what Jesus said? The disciples and other followers seemed to be oblivious of this promise/prediction. Either they forgot or disregarded the promise. And here comes the Sabbath activity of the CP and P. (Matthew 27:64)
“Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
Well, had they merely limited their Sabbath activity to this request, it is possible that they would have been “in compliance.” But look at their subsequent activity. (V. 66)
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
Notice who is conducting the “work.”
Well, the observation of the Sabbath seems to be limited to when Jesus was doing things that they opposed–like healing sick people. But I digress. Dr. Swindoll added a perspective that I had not previously considered.
The guard that they set to insure that no one took the body out most assuredly became eye-witnesses of the resurrection. You know that they did not “sleep.” The penalty for such dereliction of duty was summary execution. They were wide awake, but they probably feared that they were dreaming or having a vision. They might even have thought it was a hallucination.
But as the Risen Christ walked through the stone walls, I would imagine that, being a courteous Jew, Jesus hailed them, “Hi, guys! Wonderful day for a resurrection, isn’t it?” They witnessed this astounding event. They also saw the angel roll the stone away. (28:2-4)
And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
Here is where they were “asleep.”
Later on, (v. 11-15) they reported to the chief priests and Pharisees what had happened. Now how could they have told the CP and P what happened if they had not seen it? There were four witnesses to the resurrection that are never appealed to by apologists.
Incidentally, they were given the excuse that they “fell asleep” and the disciples stole the body. First, how could they know it really was the disciples if they were asleep? As Swindoll said, “Sleeping witnesses do not produce believable testimony.”
But the CP and P did offer a significant benefit to the fledgling Church. There were at least four witnesses to this resurrection. Swindoll further speculates that perhaps one of the four were in the guard detail which accompanied Saul to Damascus for his fateful encounter with the same risen Lord. Proof could be in verse 7 of Acts 9.
The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
The Sunday events may have returned to his or their minds. This was just a few years later.
Why would Matthew include such seemingly mundane details? First, to explain how the CP and P were able to generate the fiction of body piracy. Without the soldiers in place, they would have had no evidence to support that. Ironically, the “evidence” most probably confirmed the resurrection and perhaps even contributed to Saul/Paul’s conversion.
Saturday is significant, even when it is just a day of waiting. HE is risen!
In case you do not get to hear this song this Easter, here is an extra bonus.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=he%27s+alive&view=detail&mid=8BDCDACA24298934F9668BDCDACA24298934F966&FORM=VIRE
He is risen, indeed! Amen! Hallelujah!
Monday, March 5, 2018
Rapture Timing
The Thessalonians were worried about having missed the rapture. Check 2 Thessalonians 2:2. V. 1 “Now we request...
that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
Paul is writing to reassure them that they had not missed the rapture and that the Tribulation, the day of Christ had begun. Someone had written them a letter stating that the Tribulation had begun and signed it with Paul’s name. If we consider the assumptions involved here, we can see that they believed that the Rapture preceded the Tribulation. (Pre-Tribulation Rapture)
Paul explained: Verse 3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
The “falling away” or apostasy is also predicted, but we will pass over that right now. “That day” will not come until the man of sin is revealed.
Paul proceeded to explain that the Man of Sin (anti-Christ) is being restrained and he has to be released before the Tribulation begins. The Restrainer is the Holy Spirit, and He will not leave the Church. So When He stops restraining and leaves, the Church goes too. The language is that the restrainer will be taken out of the way. Thus we understand Paul’s reassurance that the Thessalonians are not, and will not be in the Tribulation. (Day of Christ)
Here is Paul’s arugment. V. 6-8
And you know what (Holy Spirit) restrains him (anti-Christ) now, so that in his time he (a-C) will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains (HS) will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one (a-C) will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth....
Read on through the chapter and it becomes even more clear. The Tribulation is a time of punishment for not believing on Christ. So does it make sense that the Church, the ones who do believe on Him, would be punished for not believing? No, it does not make sense.
As our friend, Adrian Rogers, who is now with the Lord, used to say, “We are not looking for the Tribulation, we are looking for Jesus. Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Keep watching, working, and waiting.
that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
Paul is writing to reassure them that they had not missed the rapture and that the Tribulation, the day of Christ had begun. Someone had written them a letter stating that the Tribulation had begun and signed it with Paul’s name. If we consider the assumptions involved here, we can see that they believed that the Rapture preceded the Tribulation. (Pre-Tribulation Rapture)
Paul explained: Verse 3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
The “falling away” or apostasy is also predicted, but we will pass over that right now. “That day” will not come until the man of sin is revealed.
Paul proceeded to explain that the Man of Sin (anti-Christ) is being restrained and he has to be released before the Tribulation begins. The Restrainer is the Holy Spirit, and He will not leave the Church. So When He stops restraining and leaves, the Church goes too. The language is that the restrainer will be taken out of the way. Thus we understand Paul’s reassurance that the Thessalonians are not, and will not be in the Tribulation. (Day of Christ)
Here is Paul’s arugment. V. 6-8
And you know what (Holy Spirit) restrains him (anti-Christ) now, so that in his time he (a-C) will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains (HS) will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one (a-C) will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth....
Read on through the chapter and it becomes even more clear. The Tribulation is a time of punishment for not believing on Christ. So does it make sense that the Church, the ones who do believe on Him, would be punished for not believing? No, it does not make sense.
As our friend, Adrian Rogers, who is now with the Lord, used to say, “We are not looking for the Tribulation, we are looking for Jesus. Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Keep watching, working, and waiting.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Compel
There is an interesting verse in the story of the lord who invited guests to his dinner. (Luke 14) After having the invited guests refuse to attend, he sent out his servants to “bring others in.” When the hall was not sufficiently filled, he commanded that they go out and “compel them to come in.” (Luke 14:23)
Does that phrase puzzle you? First, why would anyone want to compel guests to come to a celebration, and second, why would people not be there in the first place? As we put the story into its context, we will find both answers. And I think we will find an interesting meaning for “compel.”
The party to which Jesus is referring is the invitation of God to people to come to Him. And, specifically in this instance, Jesus was talking about the Jews, who had been invited to fellowship with God. They had and continued to refuse. Metaphorically, in this instance, they are invited to come to Christ who is offering, among other things the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. Ultimately, the invitation is to the wedding supper of the Lamb, and we see people ignoring that as if it were an unwanted parking ticket.
In those days, an ignored invitation was an insult, and the host did not want His attending guests to be embarrassed. So He “filled” up the hall. The Jews had refused to come and the offer was extended to the Gentiles, who accepted it.
The “odd” aspect is the “compel” addendum. Try this on for size. I woke up in the middle of the night and rolled over. I was not ready nor willing to leave the bed. But, before long, I was “compelled” to get up. You know what I mean. As we either get older or drink too much liquid, or both, we find that periodic treks to the closest bathroom become a common feature of our night time hours. So, even though I was not “forced” to go anywhere, I had an insistent urge to do so. I was under compulsion.
I can not see the sent servants grabbing people by the arm to drag them to the banquet, but instead offering a sample of the repast and describing how much more is available–at the father’s house. The Father does not force people to come to His banquet, but He does make it a very attractive destination, which has the effect of drawing us to attend. Not only is it for our good, it is good for us, both physically and spiritually. Time spent with God is never “wasted.” In fact, it becomes, over time, more joyful and rewarding.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism keeps coming to mind. “Man’s (our) chief end is to enjoy God and glorify Him forever.” The “joy” is self-perpetuating and even self-multiplying. The more time we spend with Him, the better it is and the more time we want to spend with Him. In a sense, He compels us to come because it is the most pleasant and rewarding option available. Another term we can use is, “drawn with cords of love.”
There is no nefarious motive of “forcing” people against their will to come. Instead, their wills are wooed and won by the attraction of this glorious God.
By the way, I’m going. I am compelled to go.
Does that phrase puzzle you? First, why would anyone want to compel guests to come to a celebration, and second, why would people not be there in the first place? As we put the story into its context, we will find both answers. And I think we will find an interesting meaning for “compel.”
The party to which Jesus is referring is the invitation of God to people to come to Him. And, specifically in this instance, Jesus was talking about the Jews, who had been invited to fellowship with God. They had and continued to refuse. Metaphorically, in this instance, they are invited to come to Christ who is offering, among other things the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. Ultimately, the invitation is to the wedding supper of the Lamb, and we see people ignoring that as if it were an unwanted parking ticket.
In those days, an ignored invitation was an insult, and the host did not want His attending guests to be embarrassed. So He “filled” up the hall. The Jews had refused to come and the offer was extended to the Gentiles, who accepted it.
The “odd” aspect is the “compel” addendum. Try this on for size. I woke up in the middle of the night and rolled over. I was not ready nor willing to leave the bed. But, before long, I was “compelled” to get up. You know what I mean. As we either get older or drink too much liquid, or both, we find that periodic treks to the closest bathroom become a common feature of our night time hours. So, even though I was not “forced” to go anywhere, I had an insistent urge to do so. I was under compulsion.
I can not see the sent servants grabbing people by the arm to drag them to the banquet, but instead offering a sample of the repast and describing how much more is available–at the father’s house. The Father does not force people to come to His banquet, but He does make it a very attractive destination, which has the effect of drawing us to attend. Not only is it for our good, it is good for us, both physically and spiritually. Time spent with God is never “wasted.” In fact, it becomes, over time, more joyful and rewarding.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism keeps coming to mind. “Man’s (our) chief end is to enjoy God and glorify Him forever.” The “joy” is self-perpetuating and even self-multiplying. The more time we spend with Him, the better it is and the more time we want to spend with Him. In a sense, He compels us to come because it is the most pleasant and rewarding option available. Another term we can use is, “drawn with cords of love.”
There is no nefarious motive of “forcing” people against their will to come. Instead, their wills are wooed and won by the attraction of this glorious God.
By the way, I’m going. I am compelled to go.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Psalm 19
My daily Bible reading includes a short section from Psalms each day. Just recently Psalm 19 was the reading. The first six verses were on one day, followed by the end of the Psalm the next. For some reason, I noticed their juxtaposition. This is not “astounding” but it is a curious conjunction. Let me preview it. Verse 1:
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
It goes on to tell how the creation praises God. It continues with an explanation that the entire earth is suffused in this knowledge (v. 1-4) and then uses the sun to picture the knowledge being as ubiquitous as the light. (V. 5-6) This is a wonderful explanation of how the knowledge of God permeates the world.
Then verse 7 leads into the next thought.
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Notice the parallel of creation declaring God’s glory and the law of the Lord declaring the beauty and perfection of God’s communications. Law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, and judgments are coupled to enhance the experience of God. Imagine the Supreme Creator who restores the soul, makes the simple wise, gives rejoicing to the heart, enlightening the eyes, and lasting forever. On top of all of that the laws are true and righteous.
(Insert: This almost appears to be a preview of Psalm 119 which has over 175 references to God’s laws and their perfection. “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (119:97) This is repeated three more times. (119:113, 163, 165) Psalm 19 fits right in here.)
Back to the topic. They, the laws, are more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. (V. 10) Then verses 11-13 outline how they intersect with our lives, with a final result of being kept from sins and being forgiven. Is it any wonder that the final phrase is a prayer in which we revere and worship such a great God.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Let the words just refresh your soul. Ps 19
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; (where) Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. 13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Amen.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
It goes on to tell how the creation praises God. It continues with an explanation that the entire earth is suffused in this knowledge (v. 1-4) and then uses the sun to picture the knowledge being as ubiquitous as the light. (V. 5-6) This is a wonderful explanation of how the knowledge of God permeates the world.
Then verse 7 leads into the next thought.
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Notice the parallel of creation declaring God’s glory and the law of the Lord declaring the beauty and perfection of God’s communications. Law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, and judgments are coupled to enhance the experience of God. Imagine the Supreme Creator who restores the soul, makes the simple wise, gives rejoicing to the heart, enlightening the eyes, and lasting forever. On top of all of that the laws are true and righteous.
(Insert: This almost appears to be a preview of Psalm 119 which has over 175 references to God’s laws and their perfection. “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (119:97) This is repeated three more times. (119:113, 163, 165) Psalm 19 fits right in here.)
Back to the topic. They, the laws, are more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. (V. 10) Then verses 11-13 outline how they intersect with our lives, with a final result of being kept from sins and being forgiven. Is it any wonder that the final phrase is a prayer in which we revere and worship such a great God.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Let the words just refresh your soul. Ps 19
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; (where) Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. 13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Amen.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Apologetics 301
Apologetics 101 consists of providing Bible answers to questions, especially ones that claim that there is no Scriptural proof or evidence on a topic. Apologetics 201 involves refuting claims that spuriously quote Scripture as a basis for a deviant theological position. This includes citations of Bible verses taken out of context and incorrectly applied to issues.
Apologetics 301 is involved when the proponents of error or heresy refuse to accept any Scripture or are so committed to incorrect interpretations that they are essentially denying or dismissing any controverting citations. In this situation, using Bible verses to counter their argument is akin to appealing to a dictionary to explain relativity. It certainly has the proper language to explain it, but not until the words are sequenced in proper order.
An example of the last situation can be illustrated by an examination of the blog that I posted on January 28. (Sunday, January 28, 2018 Elusive Truth http://reflectionsfromjim.blogspot.com/2018/01/elusive-truth.html) I do not normally link to articles that contain egregious error, but in this instance I will do so, in lieu of reproducing the entirety of the article here. (https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2018/01/23/christians-can-agree-disagree-key-issues/105536568/)
This editorial purports to explain and justify the adoption of a position of acceptance of homosexuality and same sex marriage by the PC(USA). This opinion was written by a clergyman of this denomination. As I explained in my response, I did not quote a single Scripture, though the temptation to do so was overwhelming. (101 and 201) But, although the arguments, explicitly raised and implied, were not new, nor compelling, it seemed that any appeal to correct doctrine would be futile. It would not carry any probative force, for the author anyway, because he is so completely committed to his aberrant position.
I am unaware of his personal experience, but that is irrelevant to the discussion. Scripture that is counter to “his” interpretation or translation would be dismissed or ignored. So the key to a refutation is to probe the basic, fundamental position. There is an unstated, but accepted presupposition to which an effective response must appeal. This will not always convince the party of their error, but that is the only way to undermine the structure of their reasoning.
In this instance, I appealed to his understanding of and appreciation for the attributes of God. God is immutable. He does not change.* In order for the obvious statements in the Old Testament which condemn homosexual activities to be condoned or even approved in the New Testament would involve a change of mind on the part of God. This change would be a fundamental violation of His nature which would immediately reveal Him as an impostor and not God at all.
An admitted atheist or a practical atheist would not be convinced by this tactic. If there is not really a God, then proving that He does not exist would not be counter to his belief system. But a theist would have to cope with a complete world view upheaval in order to accept this premise. Note that the acceptance or rejection of the existence of God does not affect the truth, but it does expose the fundamental presupposition from which a person argues. The pastor may not overtly accept the argument, but the germ of an idea has been planted.
There are three reasons for becoming involved in such controversies. First, an interested third party may see it and be moved toward belief in Christ. Second, as noted above, the “raw materials” for conversion or correction have been introduced into the thinking process of the protagonist. And third, even if no change occurs, I am a firm believer in the Holy Spirit. He is able to take the ideas, even ones which were rejected, and mold them into a persuasive pressure to move the erring one toward the light.
I do not save nor convince people. My purpose is to present the truth and let the Holy Spirit weave it into their souls. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6. One sows, another waters, but God gives the increase.
Don’t grow tired or give up in fighting the good fight.
* Other Verses
Psalm 55:19 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+55:19&version=NASB)
Malachi 3:6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+3:6&version=NASB)
Hebrews 7:21 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7:21&version=NASB)
Apologetics 301 is involved when the proponents of error or heresy refuse to accept any Scripture or are so committed to incorrect interpretations that they are essentially denying or dismissing any controverting citations. In this situation, using Bible verses to counter their argument is akin to appealing to a dictionary to explain relativity. It certainly has the proper language to explain it, but not until the words are sequenced in proper order.
An example of the last situation can be illustrated by an examination of the blog that I posted on January 28. (Sunday, January 28, 2018 Elusive Truth http://reflectionsfromjim.blogspot.com/2018/01/elusive-truth.html) I do not normally link to articles that contain egregious error, but in this instance I will do so, in lieu of reproducing the entirety of the article here. (https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2018/01/23/christians-can-agree-disagree-key-issues/105536568/)
This editorial purports to explain and justify the adoption of a position of acceptance of homosexuality and same sex marriage by the PC(USA). This opinion was written by a clergyman of this denomination. As I explained in my response, I did not quote a single Scripture, though the temptation to do so was overwhelming. (101 and 201) But, although the arguments, explicitly raised and implied, were not new, nor compelling, it seemed that any appeal to correct doctrine would be futile. It would not carry any probative force, for the author anyway, because he is so completely committed to his aberrant position.
I am unaware of his personal experience, but that is irrelevant to the discussion. Scripture that is counter to “his” interpretation or translation would be dismissed or ignored. So the key to a refutation is to probe the basic, fundamental position. There is an unstated, but accepted presupposition to which an effective response must appeal. This will not always convince the party of their error, but that is the only way to undermine the structure of their reasoning.
In this instance, I appealed to his understanding of and appreciation for the attributes of God. God is immutable. He does not change.* In order for the obvious statements in the Old Testament which condemn homosexual activities to be condoned or even approved in the New Testament would involve a change of mind on the part of God. This change would be a fundamental violation of His nature which would immediately reveal Him as an impostor and not God at all.
An admitted atheist or a practical atheist would not be convinced by this tactic. If there is not really a God, then proving that He does not exist would not be counter to his belief system. But a theist would have to cope with a complete world view upheaval in order to accept this premise. Note that the acceptance or rejection of the existence of God does not affect the truth, but it does expose the fundamental presupposition from which a person argues. The pastor may not overtly accept the argument, but the germ of an idea has been planted.
There are three reasons for becoming involved in such controversies. First, an interested third party may see it and be moved toward belief in Christ. Second, as noted above, the “raw materials” for conversion or correction have been introduced into the thinking process of the protagonist. And third, even if no change occurs, I am a firm believer in the Holy Spirit. He is able to take the ideas, even ones which were rejected, and mold them into a persuasive pressure to move the erring one toward the light.
I do not save nor convince people. My purpose is to present the truth and let the Holy Spirit weave it into their souls. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6. One sows, another waters, but God gives the increase.
Don’t grow tired or give up in fighting the good fight.
* Other Verses
Psalm 55:19 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+55:19&version=NASB)
Malachi 3:6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+3:6&version=NASB)
Hebrews 7:21 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7:21&version=NASB)
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
With No Apologies to the Cocoon
In Ruminations on a Funeral we explored 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. Now we want to take a little side trail (or rabbit trail) and think about this a little differently and in some different contexts.
1 Corinthians 15:53 describes what happens both now, at death, and in the future when Jesus will come back and get “those who remain.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15)
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
As we stand before an open coffin, we view the first step in this process. Here are more details.
In order for us to put on incorruption, we must put off corruption. And to put on immortality, we have to give up mortality. That is the picture in the coffin. I have noticed that some viewers reach out and touch the body, like a last caress. Others, myself included, do not. I know that it will not matter to Grandad, or whoever, and I do not need to be reminded that “he” is not there. He is gone. (I will use the generic personal, Grandad.)
And there is some sorrow involved. This “cutting” the ties of earth includes our personal attachments to Grandad. He has put off the mortal and corruptible. And he has a much better body waiting. Both the living and the dead, (those who sleep) will all be changed when the Lord comes back. (1 Corinthians 15:51) But those who have gone on before have severed ties with “those who remain.” There is nothing wrong with mourning this loss.
Jesus, in fact mourned Lazarus in John 11. I do not think that Jesus was mourning because Lazarus had died, because He would raise His friend from the dead in a couple of minutes. Jesus mourned that Lazarus, and all of mankind, had to suffer such a separation from the body and family. This was not how creation was to end. (We will not discuss the dichotomy of what could have been versus what was, or God’s how sovereignty is involved in all of this.) Man chose to sever the relationship with God by disobeying and this is the inevitable consequence. So all must die, because of sin. That is a “tear worthy” thought.
It hurts to lose a loved one. That is not debatable nor should it be denied or condemned. We recognize that in order for change to occur, some things have to change. Corruptible does not mix with incorruptible. Mortal does not coexist with immortality. We give up the lesser, in exchange for the greater.
An illustration occurred to me. A caterpillar spins a cocoon about its worm body and undergoes a metamorphosis. The cocoon is a snug, supporting structure, but in order to emerge as a butterfly the former worm has to “cut a few strings.” If the cocoon retains its integrity, the butterfly will die.
Our lives here are like that, both in death, and even in events of our lives. We have to cut some strings to leave, what Shakespear called, “this mortal coil,” and move on to our new home. Those who are left suffer bereavement from separation. Other events in our lives often require that we cut some ties or strings to existing people, places, and things.
And like our butterfly, and Grandad, what lies beyond far exceeds what is left behind. Does the butterfly mourn for its decimated cocoon? It fulfilled a crucial role in its development, but once it is airborne, I doubt that its erstwhile home is mourned or even remembered. We are a “little” higher order than our Lepidoptera friend, but the cutting of strings is just as critical in our development as it was to him. Our memories can retain the connections, but a physical retention would cripple us just as surely as some uncut strands of the cocoon would doom the butterfly.
Changing circumstances usually call for a “cutting” of former ties in order to progress to another, often higher plane. With the promise of God sustaining us, we revel in the opportunity to watch Him “weave” a new home for us in the execution of His perfect will.
I would posit the proposition that the butterfly does not regret his “loss.” Speaking anthropomorphically, he never gives it a second thought. He engaged the change, in fact participated in it, and enthusiastically flew into the future. Grandad did the same. So can we as we follow the Lord’s leading. With, and in, this confidence, we face the future.
Bid the cocoon, “Goodbye.”
1 Corinthians 15:53 describes what happens both now, at death, and in the future when Jesus will come back and get “those who remain.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15)
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
As we stand before an open coffin, we view the first step in this process. Here are more details.
In order for us to put on incorruption, we must put off corruption. And to put on immortality, we have to give up mortality. That is the picture in the coffin. I have noticed that some viewers reach out and touch the body, like a last caress. Others, myself included, do not. I know that it will not matter to Grandad, or whoever, and I do not need to be reminded that “he” is not there. He is gone. (I will use the generic personal, Grandad.)
And there is some sorrow involved. This “cutting” the ties of earth includes our personal attachments to Grandad. He has put off the mortal and corruptible. And he has a much better body waiting. Both the living and the dead, (those who sleep) will all be changed when the Lord comes back. (1 Corinthians 15:51) But those who have gone on before have severed ties with “those who remain.” There is nothing wrong with mourning this loss.
Jesus, in fact mourned Lazarus in John 11. I do not think that Jesus was mourning because Lazarus had died, because He would raise His friend from the dead in a couple of minutes. Jesus mourned that Lazarus, and all of mankind, had to suffer such a separation from the body and family. This was not how creation was to end. (We will not discuss the dichotomy of what could have been versus what was, or God’s how sovereignty is involved in all of this.) Man chose to sever the relationship with God by disobeying and this is the inevitable consequence. So all must die, because of sin. That is a “tear worthy” thought.
It hurts to lose a loved one. That is not debatable nor should it be denied or condemned. We recognize that in order for change to occur, some things have to change. Corruptible does not mix with incorruptible. Mortal does not coexist with immortality. We give up the lesser, in exchange for the greater.
An illustration occurred to me. A caterpillar spins a cocoon about its worm body and undergoes a metamorphosis. The cocoon is a snug, supporting structure, but in order to emerge as a butterfly the former worm has to “cut a few strings.” If the cocoon retains its integrity, the butterfly will die.
Our lives here are like that, both in death, and even in events of our lives. We have to cut some strings to leave, what Shakespear called, “this mortal coil,” and move on to our new home. Those who are left suffer bereavement from separation. Other events in our lives often require that we cut some ties or strings to existing people, places, and things.
And like our butterfly, and Grandad, what lies beyond far exceeds what is left behind. Does the butterfly mourn for its decimated cocoon? It fulfilled a crucial role in its development, but once it is airborne, I doubt that its erstwhile home is mourned or even remembered. We are a “little” higher order than our Lepidoptera friend, but the cutting of strings is just as critical in our development as it was to him. Our memories can retain the connections, but a physical retention would cripple us just as surely as some uncut strands of the cocoon would doom the butterfly.
Changing circumstances usually call for a “cutting” of former ties in order to progress to another, often higher plane. With the promise of God sustaining us, we revel in the opportunity to watch Him “weave” a new home for us in the execution of His perfect will.
I would posit the proposition that the butterfly does not regret his “loss.” Speaking anthropomorphically, he never gives it a second thought. He engaged the change, in fact participated in it, and enthusiastically flew into the future. Grandad did the same. So can we as we follow the Lord’s leading. With, and in, this confidence, we face the future.
Bid the cocoon, “Goodbye.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)